Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge Cabins

4.21

46 reviews

1390 Buskin River Road, Kodiak, AK 99615, USA

Scenic ViewsFishingSummer Destination

Featured in:Primitive Camping Alaska Best Campgrounds Alaska Family-Friendly Campgrounds Alaska

Quick Facts

85 ft

Price

$45/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

10 campsites

Season

The campground is op...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

85 ft

Price

$45/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

10 campsites

Season

The campground is op...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge Cabins

$45.00 - $45.00 / night

Campsite Fees

The nightly rate for cabins is $45. Fees do not include taxes or incremental charges. Reservation fees are $8 online, $9 through the contact center,...

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

Get Notified When Available

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

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

1-888-408-3514

Help improve this page

See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.21

Satisfactory

Based on 46 reviews

27 Google reviews

Most mentioned

well-maintained

"User reviews for Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge Cabins are generally positive, highlighting the isolation, wildlife, and rustic experience. Common themes include excellent wildlife sightings, the necessity to monitor tides, and the importance of being self-sufficient."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

1390 Buskin River Road, Kodiak, AK 99615, USA

Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge Cabins

1390 Buskin River Road, Kodiak, AK 99615, USA

Driving directionsThere are no roads or maintained trails in Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge. All cabins are accessible by float plane. Blue Fox Bay, Uganik Island, and Viekoda Bay are also accessible by boat. Refuge employees cannot assist in making travel arrangements, but can provide a current list of charter operators permitted to transport customers into the refuge.

The campground is not accessible by major roads. Visitors are required to use float planes or boats to reach the facilities. No roads or maintained trails exist in the area.

Nearby places

Kodiak Island houses six permanent villages, including Karluk, Larsen Bay, Akhiok, and Old Harbor. Port Lions and Ouzinkie are several miles north of the refuge.

Nearby supplies

Supplies can be obtained in Kodiak town. Past visitors recommend renting gear locally from services such as Kodiak Kamps for specialized equipment like Zodiacs and other supplies.

Best Time to Camp at Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge Cabins

Kodiak's maritime climate delivers an ever-changing symphony of weather that keeps even summer days refreshingly cool. Mist rolls through the valleys while winds carry the salt spray of distant seas, creating conditions where waterproof gear becomes your best friend. The island's famously unpredictable weather can shift from sunshine to driving rain in moments, and temperatures remain cool enough year-round that hypothermia poses a real risk for the unprepared. Whether you visit during the endless daylight of summer or the moody darkness of winter, pack layers of warm, waterproof clothing—this wilderness doesn't compromise.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer reviews focus on wildlife and outdoor access; cool maritime summers are typical.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.5 / 5

Fall offers good scenery and wildlife viewing but weather is cool and variable.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.0 / 5

Spring is variable; frozen lakes reported and conditions can be unpredictable.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.0 / 5

Winter reviews warn icy conditions and the need for proper gear; activities limited.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 1, 2025 – December 31, 2025. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: The campground is open from January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2025. First-come, first-served availability is only from June 21, 2025, to June 22, 2025.

About Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge Cabins

Escape to the wild heart of Alaska at Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge Cabins, where rustic charm meets untamed wilderness. These remote retreats invite adventurous souls to disconnect from the modern world and immerse themselves in one of America's last great frontiers. Each cabin features sturdy bunk beds (bring your own mattress), a warming Nordic-brand stove to chase away the chill, and simple furnishings including tables and chairs. With exterior storage caches for your gear and traditional outhouse facilities, these shelters offer just enough comfort while keeping you connected to the raw beauty surrounding you. Self-sufficiency isn't just recommended here—it's part of the adventure.

Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge Cabins offer various types of rustic lodging options. Campers can enjoy primitive cabins equipped with basic amenities.

Historical SignificanceThe spirit of Kodiak Island pulses through its timeless villages—Karluk, Larsen Bay, Akhiok, and Old Harbor—where ancestral traditions blend seamlessly with the rhythms of the modern fishing industry. Here, tribal communities have thrived for thousands of years, their heritage woven into every salmon stream and coastal inlet. The island's story is one of resilience and adaptation, where indigenous knowledge meets commercial enterprise, creating a unique cultural tapestry that continues to define life in this remote corner of Alaska.

Weather and SeasonsKodiak's maritime climate delivers an ever-changing symphony of weather that keeps even summer days refreshingly cool. Mist rolls through the valleys while winds carry the salt spray of distant seas, creating conditions where waterproof gear becomes your best friend. The island's famously unpredictable weather can shift from sunshine to driving rain in moments, and temperatures remain cool enough year-round that hypothermia poses a real risk for the unprepared. Whether you visit during the endless daylight of summer or the moody darkness of winter, pack layers of warm, waterproof clothing—this wilderness doesn't compromise.

Natural Features and SceneryPrepare to have your breath stolen by a landscape that seems painted by the gods themselves. Misty fjords carve deep channels between towering peaks, while ancient glacial valleys reveal nature's patient artistry. From your cabin door, explore a mosaic of ecosystems: follow salmon-bearing streams where bears feast during spawning runs, wander through cathedral-like Sitka spruce forests draped in moss, or climb into alpine meadows where wildflowers carpet the tundra in summer. Crystal-clear lakes mirror the sky, riparian wetlands teem with life, and grasslands sway in the coastal breeze. Keep your camera ready—Kodiak brown bears lumber through the landscape, bald eagles soar overhead, mountain goats navigate impossible cliffs, and Roosevelt elk graze in peaceful meadows.

Geological RegionWelcome to the Kodiak Archipelago, a dramatic collision of land and sea in the Gulf of Alaska where nature operates on a grand scale. This rugged island realm rises from the Pacific in a spectacular display of geological force, its misty fjords cutting deep into the mountainous interior like ancient scars. Massive glaciers once carved these deep valleys, leaving behind a landscape of stunning contrasts—from sea-level riparian wetlands and emerald grasslands to dense Sitka spruce forests that give way to windswept tundra and flower-strewn alpine meadows. Here, where the Pacific Ring of Fire meets the Gulf of Alaska, the very earth beneath your feet tells a story millions of years in the making.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

11:00 AM

Check-out

11:00 AM

Stay Limit

Guests may stay up to 14 nights during a single visit.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Cabins are typically suited to accommodate small groups, with specific configurations depending on the cabin.

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutCabins are dispersed across the refuge, often near water features or secluded areas.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov, both online and via the contact center.

Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served availability is limited to June 21, 2025, through June 22, 2025.

Cancellation PolicyChanges or cancellations to reservations can be made in advance. A $10 change fee applies for date adjustments. Cancellations incur a $10 fee and forfeiture of the first night's use fee if done within 14 days of arrival.

AccessibilityThe cabins are accessible by float plane or boat. There are no specific features mentioned for campers with disabilities.

Site SizeCabins are built to accommodate groups; size details are not specified.

PrivacyCabins are isolated and offer a secluded experience.

Total Campsites10 campsites

Recommended SitesGuests often recommend renting a Zodiac to explore water features and bringing sufficient fuel for heaters. Site selection depends on proximity to tidal areas and wildlife.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Lodging and accommodations

Vault toilets

Cabin Lodging

Activities you can enjoy

Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge Cabins provide a wide range of recreational activities. Wildlife viewing is a prominent feature, with opportunities to see Kodiak brown bears, bald eagles, seals, and other marine life. Other popular activities include fishing for Pacific salmon, hiking, kayaking, and boating. The surrounding landscape, featuring glaciers, mountains, and diverse habitats, supports a variety of outdoor adventures.

HikingHiking is available, but trails are not maintained, requiring campers to navigate rugged terrain. Vegetation can be overgrown, making bushwhacking necessary.

FishingFishing opportunities are world-class, especially in rivers such as Uganik, Karluk, and Ayakulik. Common catches include salmon and Dolly Varden.

BoatingBoating is accessible, particularly for exploring bays and inlets. Renting a Zodiac or dinghy is recommended for mobility around the water.

Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is abundant, with sightings of Kodiak brown bears, bald eagles, seals, sea otters, and other animals commonly reported by visitors.

Beach activitiesBeachcombing and exploring nearby beaches are popular, especially at low tide. Visitors are advised to monitor tide changes closely.

Winter Activities

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBear encounters are possible year-round. Hypothermia is a risk due to wet and cold weather.

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

Fire PolicyCampfires are not mentioned, but guests should follow general safety guidelines and Leave No Trace principles.

Emergency ServicesEmergency services are located in Kodiak town, which is the nearest populated area.

Trash & RecyclingThere are no trash or recycling facilities provided. Campers are required to pack out all waste and items brought to the cabins.

Water FeaturesMany cabins are near water bodies such as fjords, streams, and bays. Viekoda Bay and Uganik Island cabins are especially praised for their waterfront location.

Weather at Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge Cabins

Reviews

4.2

46 reviews

Satisfactory

Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge Cabins is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge Cabins are generally positive, highlighting the isolation, wildlife, and rustic experience. Common themes include excellent wildlife sightings, the necessity to monitor tides, and the importance of being self-sufficient.

Review Summaries

Based on 46 reviews

What Campers Love

Highlights include well-maintained cabins, abundant wildlife, and a secluded environment perfect for fishing and exploring.

Based on 46 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints involve stove issues, overgrown vegetation, and challenges with tide management.

Based on 46 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend bringing ice cleats in winter, monitoring tide changes, and ensuring sufficient fuel and supplies are packed.

Based on 46 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter reviews often mention icy conditions and the necessity of proper gear, while summer reviews focus on wildlife and outdoor activities.

Based on 46 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The cabin was perfect...the views spectacular.' - Amber H, Viekoda Bay Cabin. 2. 'The views are stunning. The heater in this cabin is a life saver.' - Darrell D, South Frazer Lake Cabin. 3....

Based on 46 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Deadman Bay Cabin: Positive feedback on spaciousness and fuel efficiency, but vegetation difficulties noted. Viekoda Bay Cabin: Praised for wildlife and tide challenges. South Frazer Lake Cabin:...

Based on 46 reviews