Shipley Bay Cabin

Star0
2 reviews
SHIPLEY BAY CABIN, PO BOX 19001

Quick Facts

2,592 ft

Price

$25 - $30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open May 01 - Decemb...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Thorne Bay Ranger District 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
Shipley Bay Cabin
$25.00 - $30.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Facility rates by season: Peak Season (May 01 - September 30) $30.00 per night; Non-Peak Season (October 01 - December 31) $25.00 per night....
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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
907-828-3304
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What Campers Say

N/A

Limited Reviews

Based on 2 reviews

Most mentioned

location

"User reviews highlight the breathtaking natural beauty of the area, abundant wildlife, and opportunities for fishing and hiking. However, complaints have been raised about the lack of trail maintenance and the difficulty of accessing certain areas."

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Campground Map

SHIPLEY BAY CABIN, PO BOX 19001

Shipley Bay Cabin

SHIPLEY BAY CABIN, PO BOX 19001

Driving directionsShipley Bay Cabin is accessible by float plane or one-hour boat ride from El Capitan dock. Fog, high winds, and low tides can make landing at the cabin difficult. A mooring buoy in the bay is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Mooring of more than one vessel is allowed if the first party there agrees. Guests are advised to check Sitka tide table information and refer to USGS map Petersburg A-5.
Access is challenging due to fog, high winds, and low tides, which can make landing difficult. Winter access is particularly challenging due to snow and ice conditions.
Nearby places
Thorne Bay (null miles, null travel time)
Nearby supplies
Guests must bring all essential supplies, including food, water, and fire-starting materials.

Best Time to Camp at Shipley Bay Cabin

Mother Nature reigns supreme at Shipley Bay, where morning fog rolls in like a soft blanket and afternoon winds carry the salt-sweet scent of the sea. Visitors should embrace the elements and come prepared for Alaska's mercurial moods. Winter transforms this coastal paradise into a crystalline wonderland, though snow and ice demand respect and proper gear from those brave enough to experience the cabin's quietest, most magical season.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Peak season May–Sep: best for fishing and milder weather; trails may be overgrown mid-summer.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.0 / 5

Open into fall; good for solitude and wildlife though weather worsens and access may be tougher.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Opens May 1; spring offers fishing beginnings but weather and tides can be challenging.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Closed Jan–Apr; reviewers note winter is very cold and not suited to recreation here.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 01 - September 30. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open May 01 - December 31.
  • Current Alerts: Bear safety guidelines should be followed. Winter access is difficult due to snow and ice.

About Shipley Bay Cabin

Escape to the untamed wilderness of southeastern Alaska at Shipley Bay Cabin, where the rhythms of the tide and the call of eagles define your days. Perched on Kosciusko Island, this remote sanctuary rewards adventurous souls who arrive by float plane or navigate the high tides by boat. Here, amid the raw beauty of America's Last Frontier, modern life fades away, replaced by the timeless dance of nature and solitude.
The Shipley Bay Cabin provides a unique and primitive camping experience. It’s suitable for small groups looking for remote, rugged accommodations.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
12 PM
Check-out
12 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum stay limit is 7 nights during a visit.

Amenities available

Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
Cabin Lodging

Activities you can enjoy

Shipley Bay Cabin offers a wide range of recreational activities, including fishing, hiking, boating, and wildlife viewing. The area provides opportunities for anglers to catch various fish species, while hikers and wildlife enthusiasts can explore the natural terrain.
HikingA rugged 0.8-mile trail connects Shipley Creek to Shipley Lake, though user reviews mention that the trail has not been brushed out in years, making it challenging to navigate. Hikers must also bring good maps and orienteering skills for extended exploration.
FishingThe area supports cutthroat trout, rainbow trout, dolly varden, steelhead, and three species of salmon. Seasonal fishing opportunities are available in Shipley Creek and nearby waters.
BoatingAccessible by boat, the cabin offers a mooring buoy in the bay available on a first-come, first-served basis. Visitors can enjoy scenic boating opportunities.
Wildlife viewingWildlife in the area includes waterfowl, shorebirds, bald eagles, Sitka black-tailed deer, and black bears. Visitors should be aware of bear safety guidelines.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include black bears, challenging weather conditions (fog, high winds, snow, ice), and the rugged 0.8-mile trail to Shipley Lake which requires good maps and orienteering skills.
Active AlertsBear safety guidelines should be followed. Winter access is difficult due to snow and ice.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Shipley Bay Cabin

Reviews

0.0
2 reviews
Limited Reviews
Limited Reviews
Shipley Bay Cabin has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the breathtaking natural beauty of the area, abundant wildlife, and opportunities for fishing and hiking. However, complaints have been raised about the lack of trail maintenance and the difficulty of accessing certain areas.
Review Summaries
Based on 2 reviews

What Campers Love

Guests appreciate the serene and scenic location, noting, 'The cabin is in a beautiful area, lots of wildlife and has been fixed up since last year.' Another reviewer mentioned, 'The area is...
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Based on 2 reviews

Common Concerns

Several users expressed frustration over the poorly maintained trail to Shipley Lake. One reviewer noted, 'The "trail" to Shipley Lake from the cabin has not been brushed out in years. We spent 3...
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Based on 2 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Guests recommend bringing ample supplies, including bio-bricks for the stove and extra equipment for navigating unmaintained trails. They also stress the importance of being prepared for potential...
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Based on 2 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The best time to visit appears to be during the warmer months when fishing is ideal, and snow and ice are less likely to impede access. However, mid-summer may see challenges with overgrown trails.
Based on 2 reviews

Camper Quotes

- 'The cabin is in a beautiful area, lots of wildlife and has been fixed up since last year.' - 'The "trail" to Shipley Lake from the cabin has not been brushed out in years. We spent 3 days brushing...
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Based on 2 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Specific complaints about the trail maintenance to Shipley Lake suggest that hiking from the cabin to the lake is particularly challenging. The mooring buoy in the bay receives positive mentions for...
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Based on 2 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific user reviews about accessibility are available. However, the remote location and rugged terrain suggest limited access for individuals with disabilities.
Based on 2 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No information regarding pet policies or experiences was mentioned.
Based on 2 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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