How much does camping cost at Josephine Lake Cabin?

Camping fees at Josephine Lake Cabin are $25/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Josephine Lake Cabin first-come first-served or reservation?

Josephine Lake Cabin accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Josephine Lake Cabin before I book?

Yes! Josephine Lake Cabin has 4 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Josephine Lake Cabin?

Josephine Lake Cabin is open January 01 to December 31. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Josephine Lake Cabin?

Josephine Lake Cabin does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Josephine Lake Cabin?

Fire policies at Josephine Lake Cabin: Don't Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by purchasing firewood near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Josephine Lake Cabin have?

Josephine Lake Cabin has 1 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Josephine Lake Cabin?

Pets are not allowed at Josephine Lake Cabin. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Josephine Lake Cabin?

Josephine Lake Cabin offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Josephine Lake Cabin?

Popular activities at Josephine Lake Cabin include Hiking, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Josephine Lake Cabin

2 reviews

P.O. BOX 500, CRAIG, AK, 99921, USA

Summer Destination

Featured in:Family-Friendly Campgrounds Alaska

Quick Facts

1,800 ft

Price

$25/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open May 1, 2025 thr...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Tongass National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

1,800 ft

Price

$25/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open May 1, 2025 thr...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Tongass National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Josephine Lake Cabin

$25.00 / night

Campsite Fees

CABIN NONELECTRIC: $25.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No campsite fee categories listed.

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Provider

907-826-3271

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

P.O. BOX 500, CRAIG, AK, 99921, USA

Josephine Lake Cabin

P.O. BOX 500, CRAIG, AK, 99921, USA

Nearby places

Craig (28 air miles), Ketchikan (38 air miles)

Driving directionsAccess to Josephine Lake Cabin is by float plane only. The trip is 28 air miles from Craig and 38 air miles from Ketchikan. Guests must walk 75 yards uphill from the lake, which sits at an elevation of 1,800 feet. Refer to USGS maps Craig A-2 and B-2 for more information. Visitors should be aware that in fall, winter, and early spring, the cabin may be inaccessible to float planes due to a frozen lake surface. Check with air charter companies on the status of the lake surface if reserving the cabin before June. Inclement weather conditions may cause extended stays during any time of the year and winter access can be difficult due to snow and ice conditions.

Weather at Josephine Lake Cabin

Current alerts(13)

All garbage and food must be packed out
Check in and check out are at 12 p.m.
Click here for a map of cabins on Prince of Wales Island
Guests must bring #1 diesel stove oil

Best Time to Camp at Josephine Lake Cabin

Best season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable access, the longest daylight, and the greatest variety of activities — expect mild, changeable weather (roughly 45–65°F daytime at 1,800 ft) with calm windows for boating and fishing. Trails and alpine bowls burst with wildflowers in mid-July and kayaking on Josephine Lake is at its best, while wildlife viewing (birds, deer, and marine life along shorelines) is excellent. Because the cabin is remote, crowds remain low to moderate even in peak months, so you’ll get Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: January, February, March, April

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Best season: summer; mid-summer brings wildflowers, best access and weather.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 01 to December 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open May 1, 2025 through December 31, 2025.

About Josephine Lake Cabin

Josephine Lake Cabin sits in the remote alpine foothills of Tongass National Forest, accessible only by floatplane or a challenging overland hike near Craig. Operated by the Forest Service, this primitive rental cabin offers a wilderness base for hiking, wildlife viewing, and exploring the surrounding lake and alpine terrain. The setting is striking, but maintenance has been inconsistent.

Josephine Lake Cabin provides a unique remote camping experience with limited facilities. It is best suited for visitors seeking solitude and a rugged environment.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable access, the longest daylight, and the greatest variety of activities — expect mild, changeable weather (roughly 45–65°F daytime at 1,800 ft) with calm windows for boating and fishing. Trails and alpine bowls burst with wildflowers in mid-July and kayaking on Josephine Lake is at its best, while wildlife viewing (birds, deer, and marine life along shorelines) is excellent. Because the cabin is remote, crowds remain low to moderate even in peak months, so you’ll get Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: January, February, March, April

Elevation1800 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe cabin rests on the shore of Josephine Lake, surrounded by peaks that climb to 4,000 feet. Stunted trees and alpine vegetation cling to the rocky terrain, which softens briefly in mid-July when wildflowers bloom across the meadows. The lake itself is cold and clear, mirroring the ridgelines above. One visitor called the view "gorgeous" despite the cabin's condition. The landscape is rugged and largely undeveloped, shaped by glacial valleys and exposed rock.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe only lodging available at Josephine Lake Cabin is the 12 x 12-foot primitive cabin, which includes basic furniture and an oil stove. It lacks running water, electricity, and mattresses. It is suitable for up to six people but requires visitors to bring all necessary supplies.

Programs & ActivitiesThere is no mention of cultural or educational programs available at this campground.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum consecutive stay is 7 nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

The cabin accommodates up to 6 people.

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov.

Site SizeThe cabin sleeps up to six people, and additional space around the cabin is rugged and undeveloped.

PrivacyThe cabin is located in a remote, isolated setting, offering a high degree of privacy.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesThe cabin accommodates up to six people. It is recommended to bring extra supplies for 2-5 days due to potential weather delays.

Need help booking Josephine Lake Cabin?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

The cabin does not have running water or electricity. Visitors must bring their own food, water, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, cook stove, stove fuel, #1 diesel stove oil, fire starter, cooking gear/utensils, light source (lantern), toilet paper, first aid kit and garbage bags. Water is available from the lake, but must be filtered, boiled or chemically treated before drinking.

Lodging and accommodations

Vault toilets

Cabin Lodging

I manage this campground

Things to do at Josephine Lake Cabin

Josephine Lake Cabin offers a variety of outdoor recreational activities. 'Hiking, hunting, and wildlife viewing are popular pastimes for visitors to the cabin.' Although there are no fish in Josephine Lake, boating or kayaking provides a peaceful setting for wildlife observation. Visitors are also encouraged to explore the alpine terrain, particularly in mid-summer when wildflowers are in bloom.

Hiking4.0/5

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

Water Sports4.0/5

Boating/kayaking encouraged and skiff available for lake use.

Winter Activities1.5/5

Winter access can be difficult; site is primitive and winter stays are challenging.

Signature experiences

Stargazing4.0/5Remote, isolated setting implies low light pollution and good night skies.

Photography4.5/5Alpine ridgelines, wildflower meadows and mirrored lake create strong photo opportunities.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

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

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available. Visitors must use the outside toilet provided.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

Rate Josephine Lake Cabin

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From Booking Sources

0.0

2 reviews

Limited Reviews

Josephine Lake Cabin has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews

The reviews are mixed, with one review specifically citing significant maintenance issues at the cabin. The overall sentiment leans negative due to these problems, despite the natural beauty of the setting.

Review Summaries

Based on 2 reviews

What Campers Love

The natural surroundings, including the 'gorgeous' view of Lake Josephine and the remote, alpine terrain, are praised by visitors.

Based on 2 reviews

Common Concerns

The cabin has significant maintenance issues, including a 'broken door,' 'leaking roof,' and a malfunctioning oil stove. One reviewer expressed concerns about the safety of using the stove.

Based on 2 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors are advised to prepare for a rugged experience, bring all the necessary supplies, and check weather conditions in advance.

Based on 2 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews indicate that summer is the most favorable time for visits, as mid-summer features wildflowers and better weather conditions. Winter access can be difficult, and extended stays due to...

Based on 2 reviews

Camper Quotes

'Lake Josephine was gorgeous, but this cabin is not something they should be charging for. What a joke.'

Based on 2 reviews

Accessibility Features

There are no reviews specifically addressing accessibility features.

Based on 2 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

There are no reviews available concerning pet policies or experiences.

Based on 2 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Josephine Lake Cabin

$25.00 / night

Campsite Fees

CABIN NONELECTRIC: $25.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No campsite fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

907-826-3271

Go if

You want a true wilderness experience in the Tongass backcountry and can handle rustic conditions or minor repairs.

Skip if

You expect reliable amenities or need a cabin you can drive to without arranging air transport.

Nearby Campgrounds

Polk Camp, P.O BOX 500, Craig, Alaska 99921, United States

Polk Camp is a US Forest Service campground on the coast of Prince of Wales Island near Craig, Alaska. This very small site offers tent camping and cabin rentals in a remote inlet setting surrounded by temperate rainforest. Visitors come for kayaking, fishing, and solitude in one of Southeast Alaska's less-traveled corners.

Josephine Lake Cabin

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Ask Camp Sage about Josephine Lake Cabin

Campground Map

Weather at Josephine Lake Cabin

Current alerts(13)

Best Time to Camp at Josephine Lake Cabin

Planning Tips

About Josephine Lake Cabin

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Josephine Lake Cabin?

Amenities available

Things to do at Josephine Lake Cabin

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Get Notified When Available

Go if

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Explore related camping guides

Ask Camp Sage about Josephine Lake Cabin

Current alerts(13)

Best Time to Camp at Josephine Lake Cabin

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Josephine Lake Cabin?

Amenities available

Things to do at Josephine Lake Cabin

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns