West Swan Lake Cabin

2.90

11 reviews

Seward Ranger District, 33599 Ranger Station Spur, SEWARD, AK 99664, USA

Summer Destination

Quick Facts

1,414 ft

Price

$50 - $60/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open from May 1st to...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Seward Ranger District site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

1,414 ft

Price

$50 - $60/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open from May 1st to...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Seward Ranger District site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

West Swan Lake Cabin

$50.00 - $60.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Cabin rates are $60 per night during peak season (May 1 - September 30) and $50 per night during the non-peak season (October 1 - December 31)....

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

2.90

Mixed Reviews

Based on 11 reviews

Most mentioned

quiet

Some mention

reservation

"Reviews for West Swan Lake Cabin highlight its remote and challenging accessibility, with mixed experiences on cabin amenities and overall satisfaction."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Seward Ranger District, 33599 Ranger Station Spur, SEWARD, AK 99664, USA

West Swan Lake Cabin

Seward Ranger District, 33599 Ranger Station Spur, SEWARD, AK 99664, USA

Driving directionsAccess is via floatplane (30 minutes from Moose Pass, 15 minutes from Cooper Landing). For winter travel, the cabin is 2 miles northwest of the Resurrection Pass Trail alongside Swan Lake. In fall, winter and early spring, the cabin may be inaccessible due to frozen lake surfaces preventing floatplane landings. Winter travelers should evaluate avalanche and over-ice travel conditions. Contact the Seward Ranger District office for updated information.

The cabin is only accessible by floatplane during ice-free seasons or by snowmobile, skiing or hiking when the lake is frozen and safe to traverse. Cross-country travel in this area is reported as very difficult.

Nearby places

- Moose Pass: 30 minutes by floatplane. - Cooper Landing: 15 minutes by floatplane.

Nearby supplies

There are no details provided about grocery or camping supplies nearby

visitors must bring all essentials including food, water, and camping gear.

Best Time to Camp at West Swan Lake Cabin

Winter transforms this wilderness retreat into a crystalline wonderland where temperatures dance between 14°F and 21°F, and fresh powder blankets the landscape. During the heart of winter, daylight becomes precious, creating an intimate atmosphere perfect for aurora watching and cozy cabin evenings. Prepare for the embrace of true Alaskan winter—pack extra layers, winter gear, and emergency supplies for this frozen adventure. As seasons shift, summer opens new possibilities with warmer temperatures ideal for floatplane arrivals, extended daylight for fishing marathons, and comfortable conditions for exploring the surrounding wilderness.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.5 / 5

Summer (May–Sep) is peak season; reviews generally positive and recreational options accessible.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.0 / 5

Limited specific info; likely quieter than summer with decent scenery and wildlife opportunities.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.0 / 5

Opens May 1; spring conditions variable and thawing may affect access and activities.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.0 / 5

Winter offers skiing/snowmobiling but frozen lake and access issues make visits challenging.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 1 to September 30.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from May 1st to December 31st annually.
Current Alerts: No specific active alerts mentioned.

About West Swan Lake Cabin

Escape to the edge of the world at West Swan Lake Cabin, where a rustic log sanctuary awaits in Alaska's untamed Kenai Peninsula wilderness. Tucked into the northwest shore of pristine Swan Lake, this remote haven offers adventurers a true disconnect from civilization. Here, the morning mist rises off the water as you cast your fishing line, and the only sounds are the gentle lapping of waves and distant calls of wildlife. This off-grid cabin invites you to embrace simplicity—pack your water, provisions, and sleeping gear for an authentic Alaskan experience where modern conveniences fade away and raw nature takes center stage. Whether you arrive by floatplane in summer or snowmobile in winter, prepare for solitude, self-reliance, and memories that will last a lifetime.

West Swan Lake Cabin is configured as a remote log cabin accommodation. It does not support tent or RV setups due to its isolated location and lack of access.

Historical SignificanceWhile the cabin's walls may not whisper ancient stories, visitors become part of Alaska's ongoing narrative of wilderness preservation and backcountry tradition. This humble log structure represents the enduring spirit of Alaskan hospitality, offering shelter to modern adventurers seeking the same solitude and connection with nature that has drawn people to these remote corners for generations.

Weather and SeasonsWinter transforms this wilderness retreat into a crystalline wonderland where temperatures dance between 14°F and 21°F, and fresh powder blankets the landscape. During the heart of winter, daylight becomes precious, creating an intimate atmosphere perfect for aurora watching and cozy cabin evenings. Prepare for the embrace of true Alaskan winter—pack extra layers, winter gear, and emergency supplies for this frozen adventure. As seasons shift, summer opens new possibilities with warmer temperatures ideal for floatplane arrivals, extended daylight for fishing marathons, and comfortable conditions for exploring the surrounding wilderness.

ElevationNestled at lake level in the Kenai Mountains, the cabin sits at an elevation that perfectly balances accessibility with that coveted away-from-it-all feeling. The surrounding peaks create a natural amphitheater, sheltering the lake while offering dramatic vistas that change with every shift of light and weather.

Natural Features and SceneryStep outside your cabin door into a living postcard where towering cottonwood trees frame mountain vistas that seem painted against the sky. Swan Lake stretches before you like a mirror, reflecting the surrounding peaks and endless Alaska sky. This pristine ecosystem pulses with life—majestic moose wade through shallow waters at dawn, black and brown bears forage along the shoreline, and caribou traverse ancient paths through the forest. Eagles soar overhead while loons call across the water, creating nature's symphony. Each season transforms this landscape: spring brings vibrant greens and wildlife babies, summer offers wildflower meadows, autumn sets the cottonwoods ablaze with gold, and winter creates a monochrome masterpiece of ice and snow.

Geological RegionDeep in the heart of the Kenai Mountains, this remarkable landscape tells the story of Alaska's geological drama. Ancient glaciers carved these peaks and valleys, leaving behind Swan Lake as a stunning reminder of nature's artistic power. The open grove of cottonwood trees where the cabin stands provides a gentle contrast to the rugged mountain terrain, creating a unique microclimate where diverse wildlife thrives. This remote corner of the Kenai Peninsula showcases Alaska's raw beauty—where tectonic forces, glacial sculpting, and time have conspired to create one of North America's last true wilderness frontiers.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in times are not explicitly mentioned.

Check-out

Checkout times are not explicitly mentioned.

Stay Limit

Maximum stay is 7 nights per year with a limit of 14 consecutive nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum occupancy of 8 people per cabin.

Groups

No group camping sites are available.

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutSingle log cabin with bunk space and limited amenities. Layout includes counter space, table, benches, wood stove, and outhouse.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.

Walk-in AvailabilityNot applicable; reservations are required for cabin use.

Cancellation PolicyCancellations within 14 days of arrival incur a $10 service fee and forfeiture of the first night's recreation fee. No refunds are issued for no-shows or early departures.

AccessibilityNo specific details about accessibility features for individuals with disabilities are mentioned.

Site SizeBunk space is designed for six guests, with an overall occupancy limit of eight.

PrivacyThe remote location offers significant privacy as the cabin is isolated and surrounded by wildlife.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesThe cabin is recommended for those prepared for an isolated wilderness experience and able to manage risks such as weather challenges and wildlife safety.

Amenities available

Lodging and accommodations

Vault toilets

Cabin Lodging

Activities you can enjoy

West Swan Lake Cabin provides opportunities for fishing, boating, hunting, and wildlife viewing. Visitors can also engage in winter sports such as snowmobiling and skiing during frozen lake conditions. Hiking is feasible during certain seasons, although cross-country travel is described as challenging.

HikingHiking is available during frozen lake conditions, primarily in winter seasons. However, cross-country travel is difficult and requires advanced skills.

FishingFishing is popular at Swan Lake, where visitors can target rainbow trout, lake trout, Dolly Varden, and sockeye salmon. A rowboat with oars is provided, but guests must bring their own fishing equipment and obtain permits.

BoatingBoating is facilitated by the provision of a rowboat with oars at the cabin. Floatplane access suggests water-based travel is a major feature.

Wildlife viewingThe area supports diverse wildlife, including moose, black and brown bears, Dall sheep, mountain goats, caribou, and wolves. Wildlife viewing is a prominent activity due to the natural surroundings.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include challenging cross-country travel, bear encounters, cold weather, and frozen lake surfaces hindering floatplane landings.

Active AlertsNo specific active alerts mentioned.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Fire PolicyNo information provided about fire policies.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are No information provided about quiet hours.

Emergency ServicesClosest emergency services are available at Seward Ranger District, located at the mailing address.

Trash & RecyclingVisitors are required to pack out all garbage and food since no trash or recycling facilities are provided.

Water FeaturesCabin is situated near Swan Lake, allowing activities like fishing and boating. A rowboat with oars is provided.

Camp HostNo details provided about campground hosts.

Weather at West Swan Lake Cabin

Reviews

2.9

11 reviews

Mixed Reviews

West Swan Lake Cabin has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviews for West Swan Lake Cabin highlight its remote and challenging accessibility, with mixed experiences on cabin amenities and overall satisfaction.

Review Summaries

Based on 11 reviews

What Campers Love

Users appreciated the cabin's rustic charm. One reviewer stated, "Cabin was nicer than we even expected." Another praised its suitability for a quiet getaway, describing it as a "Nice getaway."

Based on 11 reviews

Common Concerns

Access difficulties are a common issue, as noted by a reviewer: "Swan Lake was partially frozen over. Was unable to land floatplane on lake or access the cabin."

Based on 11 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommended bringing all essential supplies, including water treatment equipment, as potable water is unavailable. For fishing enthusiasts, acquiring the appropriate permits and bringing...

Based on 11 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews are generally positive, emphasizing the cabin's amenities and recreational options. Winter reviews often highlight the accessibility challenges caused by frozen lake conditions.

Based on 11 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Swan Lake was partially frozen over. Was unable to land floatplane on lake or access the cabin." - MONTE M "Such a great experience. Cabin was nicer than we even expected." - HANNAH R "Nice...

Based on 11 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Reviews specifically mention S10 as a campsite, with mixed sentiments ranging from praise for amenities to frustration over access issues. Positive reviews noted the presence of two canoes and the...

Based on 11 reviews