How much does camping cost at Alava Bay Cabin?

Camping fees at Alava Bay Cabin are $60/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Alava Bay Cabin first-come first-served or reservation?

Alava Bay 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 Alava Bay Cabin before I book?

Yes! Alava Bay Cabin has 6 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 Alava Bay Cabin?

Alava Bay 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 Alava Bay Cabin?

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

Can I have a campfire at Alava Bay Cabin?

Fire policies at Alava Bay 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 Alava Bay Cabin have?

Alava Bay 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 Alava Bay Cabin?

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

What amenities are available at Alava Bay Cabin?

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

What activities can I do at Alava Bay Cabin?

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

Alava Bay Cabin

4.55

9 reviews

Top 24% in AKSummer

Scenic Views

Featured in:Beach Camping Alaska

Quick Facts

43 ft

Price

$60/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Tongass National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

43 ft

Price

$60/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Tongass National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Alava Bay Cabin

$60.00 / night

Campsite Fees

CABIN NONELECTRIC: $60.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No campsite fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

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Provider

907-225-2148

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Campground Map

Alava Bay Cabin

55.2241, -131.1560

Nearby places

Ketchikan is approximately 20 air miles away.

Weather at Alava Bay Cabin

Current alerts(9)

Click here for more information about Tongass National Forest
High levels of Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning ( PSP ) have been reported in this area
Please pack out all trash and food
Recreating in Alaska can present both obvious and hidden dangers; please be aware of your surroundings and be prepared for extended stays due to occasionally poor weather

Best Time to Camp at Alava Bay Cabin

Best season: summer. Late summer offers the best combination of mild, stable weather (typically 51–57°F during the popular late-summer weeks), long daylight, and calm waters for boating and kayaking. Salmon fishing, guided and unguided wildlife viewing, and easy access to Misty Fjords' sea cliffs are at their peak, while trails and shorelines are most reliably passable. Expect modest crowds compared with Alaska’s road-access destinations, but note peak-season pricing and increased boat/floatplane traffic from May 1– Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

5.0 / 5

Top 24% in AK

Best season: mild temps (51–57°F), long daylight and calm waters ideal for boating/kayaking/fishing.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 01 to December 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.

About Alava Bay Cabin

Alava Bay Cabin sits on the shore of Misty Fjords National Monument, accessible only by floatplane or boat from Ketchikan. Operated by Tongass National Forest, this remote rental offers a wood stove, vault toilet, and front-row access to salmon fishing, wildlife viewing, and sea cliffs. Summer brings mild temperatures, long daylight, and calm waters ideal for kayaking.

Alava Bay Cabin provides unique lodging options focused on cabin camping in a remote wilderness area. Primitive camping or other types of accommodations are not described.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Late summer offers the best combination of mild, stable weather (typically 51–57°F during the popular late-summer weeks), long daylight, and calm waters for boating and kayaking. Salmon fishing, guided and unguided wildlife viewing, and easy access to Misty Fjords' sea cliffs are at their peak, while trails and shorelines are most reliably passable. Expect modest crowds compared with Alaska’s road-access destinations, but note peak-season pricing and increased boat/floatplane traffic from May 1– Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: November, December, January

Elevation43 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryAncient volcanic activity and glacial carving created the fjord system surrounding Alava Bay, where granite cliffs rise thousands of feet directly from the sea. Old-growth cedars and hemlocks tower over the cabin, their branches heavy with moss. Rocky beaches expose tide pools at low water. The marine environment supports orcas, humpback whales, and bald eagles, while brown bears and wolves move through the rainforest. The interplay between temperate forest and saltwater creates exceptional biodiversity, from tidal invertebrates to megafauna. Each inlet and cove reveals new angles on the vertical wilderness that defines Misty Fjords.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe lodging available at Alava Bay consists of a 12x14-ft pan-abode style cabin that sleeps six people. It includes two single bunks, two double bunks, a table, benches, a broom, a wood heater, and a front deck. An outhouse is provided, but there is no running water or electricity. Visitors must bring their own firewood and treat creek water before use.

Programs & ActivitiesCultural and educational programs are not mentioned in the source materials.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Up to 7 nights during a visit at this campground.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Cabin accommodates up to 6 individuals.

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityAccessibility features are not mentioned in the official content or user reviews.

Site SizeThe cabin measures 12x14 feet and is designed to accommodate up to six people with bunks and a table.

PrivacyGiven its remote location, the cabin offers a high degree of privacy, surrounded by old-growth rainforest and rocky beaches.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesPlan to arrive and depart during high tide to avoid challenges with loading and unloading gear. Visitors praise the wood stove for comfort but recommend bringing additional firewood.

Best CampsitesThe single cabin is the only option. Reviews recommend arriving and departing at high tide to ease the rocky beach approach from the mooring buoy. Packing gear across the rocks is challenging at lower tides.

Need help booking Alava Bay 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

Water and electricity are not provided. Bring your own firewood as it cannot be guaranteed. Water is available from a nearby creek, but must be treated before being used. It is recommended that visitors bring their own water supply.

Lodging and accommodations

Vault toilets

Cabin Lodging

I manage this campground

Things to do at Alava Bay Cabin

Alava Bay Cabin offers a variety of activities that cater to outdoor enthusiasts. Official sources highlight kayaking, saltwater fishing, hiking, beachcombing, hunting for Sitka black-tailed deer and black bears, and wildlife viewing. "The bay and surrounding area can be explored by kayak, but visitors must bring their own equipment." User reviews mirror these recreational options. Russell Bond noted, "Fantastic fishing and hunting in the area... the anchorage is great." Frederic D. emphasized the fishing opportunities but warned, "Plan to arrive and depart at high tide though otherwise it's very difficult to load and unload your boat."

Wildlife viewing4.5/5Top 22% in Alaska

Fishing4.0/5

Boating4.0/5

Access by floatplane/boat and a mooring float are noted; boating is an option to/from the cabin.

Water Sports4.0/5

Summer described as having calm waters ideal for kayaking; kayaking is an official highlighted activity.

Hiking3.0/5

Hiking opportunities exist in the old-growth rainforest but specific trails/details are not provided.

Winter Activities

Signature experiences

Stargazing4.0/5Remote, low-light location implies good night skies, though cloudiness in Misty Fjords may reduce opportunities.

Photography5.0/5Dramatic granite cliffs, tide pools, wildlife and old-growth forest make it outstanding for photography.

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; an outhouse serves as the restroom facility.

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 Alava Bay Cabin

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From Booking Sources

4.6

9 reviews

Top-Rated

Alava Bay Cabin is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews of Alava Bay Cabin are mixed, with most praising the area's remote beauty, fishing opportunities, and wildlife. Complaints center around the lack of guaranteed firewood, price increases, and logistical challenges like packing items over rocky beaches.

Review Summaries

Based on 9 reviews

What Campers Love

Visitors consistently highlight the breathtaking scenery, excellent fishing and hunting opportunities, and the cabin's rustic charm. Cody M. mentioned, "Awesome time at the cabin the wood stove will...

Based on 9 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include the lack of firewood (Frederic D.: "This is our second time going to a cabin where there was not one scrap of wood to be had."), challenging terrain (Darlene B.: "It's hard...

Based on 9 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Frederic D. and Darlene B. specifically reviewed campsite M01, highlighting logistical challenges and pricing concerns.

Based on 9 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Tips from users emphasize arriving and departing at high tide for easier navigation (Frederic D.), being prepared for challenging weather, tides, and terrain (Kevin J.: "Be prepared to travel a...

Based on 9 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews focus on fishing, hunting, and enjoying the area's sunny mornings. Winter experiences are less documented, but the cabin's year-round availability suggests it can be used for winter...

Based on 9 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. "Fantastic fishing and hunting in the area." - Russell Bond 2. "Use the tides to your advantage!" - Mark W. 3. "Plan to arrive and depart at high tide though otherwise it's very difficult to load...

Based on 9 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features were not discussed in user reviews, suggesting limited facilities for disabled visitors.

Based on 9 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No reviews explicitly mentioned pet-related experiences or policies.

Based on 9 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Alava Bay Cabin

$60.00 / night

Campsite Fees

CABIN NONELECTRIC: $60.00. 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

907-225-2148

Go if

You want a true wilderness experience with excellent fishing and are comfortable with floatplane logistics and rocky beach landings.

Skip if

You need road access, guaranteed firewood supply, or prefer developed campgrounds with multiple amenities.

Nearby Campgrounds

Fish Creek Cabin sits on Thorne Arm in Tongass National Forest, accessible only by floatplane or boat from Ketchikan. This US Forest Service rental offers a wood stove, vault toilet, and direct access to saltwater and freshwater fishing for salmon and trout. Visitors come for multi-day stays in true backcountry solitude, with wildlife viewing that includes humpback whales, seals, and bald eagles along the shoreline.

Alava Bay Cabin

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Ask Camp Sage about Alava Bay Cabin

Campground Map

Weather at Alava Bay Cabin

Current alerts(9)

Best Time to Camp at Alava Bay Cabin

Planning Tips

About Alava Bay Cabin

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Alava Bay Cabin?

Amenities available

Things to do at Alava Bay Cabin

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews

Get Notified When Available

Go if

Skip if

Explore related camping guides

Ask Camp Sage about Alava Bay Cabin

Current alerts(9)

Best Time to Camp at Alava Bay Cabin

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Alava Bay Cabin?

Amenities available

Things to do at Alava Bay Cabin

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews