Josephine Lake Cabin

Star0
2 reviews
P.O. BOX 500, CRAIG, AK, 99921, USA
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

1,800 ft

Price

$25 - $30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open May 1, 2025 thr...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Tongass National Forest site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Josephine Lake Cabin
$25.00 - $30.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Facility rates vary by season: $30 per night during peak season (May 1 - Sept 30), and $25 per night during non-peak season (Oct 1 - Dec 31)....
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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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Provider
907-826-3271
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What Campers Say

N/A

Limited Reviews

Based on 2 reviews

Most mentioned

lake

"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."

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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

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.
The site is remote and accessible only by float plane. Seasonal challenges such as frozen lake surfaces (fall through early spring) and snow and ice conditions in winter may make access difficult. Guests must arrange their own transportation and safety.
Nearby places
Craig (28 air miles), Ketchikan (38 air miles)
Nearby supplies
Supplies can be obtained in Craig, AK, approximately 28 air miles from the cabin.

Best Time to Camp at Josephine Lake Cabin

Mother Nature rules supreme at Josephine Lake, where seasonal transformations create dramatically different experiences throughout the year. Winter blankets the landscape in snow and ice, creating a pristine wonderland that challenges even seasoned adventurers with difficult access conditions. As temperatures drop, the lake surface freezes solid through fall, winter, and early spring, preventing float plane landings. Mid-summer emerges as the golden window for visitors, when wildflowers paint the meadows and perfect conditions invite outdoor exploration.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Peak season May–Sep; mid-summer wildflowers and better weather make summer most favorable.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Accessible through Dec; fall offers solitude and scenery though weather can turn rapidly.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Site opens May 1; late spring can be transitional with variable conditions and fewer amenities.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.0 / 5

Winter access is difficult; facility described as open only through Dec 31 and winter is challenging.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 01, 2025 - September 30, 2025. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open May 1, 2025 through December 31, 2025.

About Josephine Lake Cabin

Perched at 1,800 feet above sea level on Prince of Wales Island, Josephine Lake Cabin beckons adventurers seeking an authentic Alaskan wilderness experience. This remote sanctuary in southeastern Alaska transforms visitors into explorers, offering pristine fishing waters, rugged hiking trails, and prime wildlife viewing opportunities. When mid-summer arrives, the alpine landscape bursts into a spectacular wildflower display, while kayakers glide across crystal-clear waters surrounded by towering peaks.
Josephine Lake Cabin provides a unique remote camping experience with limited facilities. It is best suited for visitors seeking solitude and a rugged environment.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in is at 12 p.m.
Check-out
Check-out is at 12 p.m.
Stay Limit
Maximum consecutive stay is 7 nights.

Amenities available

Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
Cabin Lodging

Activities you can enjoy

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.
HikingHiking is a popular activity in the area, with alpine terrain and mid-summer displays of wildflowers. There is no mention of marked trails or their difficulty levels.
BoatingBoating or kayaking is encouraged on Josephine Lake. 'An aluminum skiff with oars is available for use,' but visitors must bring their own personal flotation devices.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is highlighted as a key attraction, with abundant species such as Sitka black-tailed deer and black bears. Visitors are cautioned to follow bear safety protocols.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsThe area has abundant wildlife, including black bears. Guests should be familiar with bear safety protocols. Rugged terrain and inclement weather conditions pose additional risks.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Josephine Lake Cabin

Reviews

0.0
2 reviews
Limited 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...
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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

Site-Specific Reviews

No specific reviews are available regarding particular sites or areas within the campground.
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

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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