Appleton Cove Cabin

Star3.95
10 reviews
SITKA RANGER DISTRICT, 2108 HALIBUT POINT RD, SITKA, AK 99835, USA

Quick Facts

0

Price

$50/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens US Forest Service - 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
Appleton Cove Cabin
$50.00 - $50.00 / night
Campsite Fees
$50 per night for cabin usage during both peak (May 1 to October 31) and non-peak (November 1 to December 31) seasons. Displayed rates do not include...
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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
907-747-6671r10_sitka_rd@fs.fed.us
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What Campers Say

3.95

Mixed Reviews

Based on 10 reviews

Most mentioned

locationbeach

"User reviews of Appleton Cove Cabin vary widely, ranging from positive experiences highlighting the amenities and location to complaints about maintenance issues such as trash accumulation."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

SITKA RANGER DISTRICT, 2108 HALIBUT POINT RD, SITKA, AK 99835, USA

Appleton Cove Cabin

SITKA RANGER DISTRICT, 2108 HALIBUT POINT RD, SITKA, AK 99835, USA

Driving directionsAccessible from Sitka year round, weather permitting. 30 air miles or 50 boat miles north of Sitka on Baranof Island just south of Peril Strait on the southeast shore of Appleton Cove. Access from Sitka, 25 minutes by float plane or 2 hours by boat. Occasionally winter temperatures can freeze the cove, preventing access during those times.
Access requires float plane or boat travel, weather permitting. Winter temperatures can freeze the cove, blocking access during extreme conditions. Rugged conditions make accessibility dependent on weather and equipment.
Nearby places
Sitka (30 air miles, 50 boat miles, approximately 25 minutes by float plane or 2 hours by boat).
Nearby supplies
Sitka is the closest center for groceries, camping supplies, and fuel, approximately 30 air miles or 50 boat miles from the campground.

Best Time to Camp at Appleton Cove Cabin

The seasons paint dramatically different portraits at Appleton Cove. Winter transforms the landscape into a crystalline wonderland, with temperatures hovering between 28-40°F and snowfall that can blanket the forest floor with over 6 inches during peak weeks. The cove itself may freeze solid, creating an otherworldly ice sculpture that both challenges and rewards winter visitors. Summer brings gentler conditions, perfect for exploring the surrounding wilderness when the forest comes alive with vibrant greens and the cove sparkles under extended daylight hours.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Peak season May 1–Oct 31; prime time for fishing, hiking and access.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Salmon species present suggest good fall fishing; scenery remains strong in shoulder season.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Spring is variable with melting ice and changing access; activities available but unpredictable.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.0 / 5

Open year-round but reviewers note ice can block cove access; cold, challenging conditions.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 1 to October 31 (peak season).. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open year-round.
  • Current Alerts: Bear safety precautions are emphasized. Winter cove freezing and invasive European Green Crab are noted concerns.

About Appleton Cove Cabin

Nestled within the emerald depths of a hemlock-spruce forest, Appleton Cove Cabin beckons adventurers seeking an authentic Alaskan wilderness experience. This rustic retreat, constructed in 1992, serves as your gateway to a world where saltwater fishing meets pristine hiking trails, where mountain biking paths wind through ancient forests, and where wildlife roams freely in its natural habitat. While the cabin provides essential shelter and basic amenities, guests should come prepared with their own provisions to fully embrace the self-sufficient spirit of this remote paradise.
The campground consists of a single cabin with limited amenities, designed for primitive and rustic experiences.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in not explicitly stated.
Check-out
Check-out not explicitly stated.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay of 7 nights during any visit.

Amenities available

Potable water
Lodging and accommodations
Cabin Lodging

Activities you can enjoy

Appleton Cove Cabin offers a variety of outdoor activities including saltwater fishing, seasonal hunting, hiking, mountain biking, off-highway vehicle riding, and wildlife viewing. The area is rich in marine wildlife and has isolated logging roads for exploration.
HikingHiking opportunities are available along isolated logging roads near the cabin. However, these roads are rugged and require caution.
FishingVisitors can fish for Dolly Varden and pink, chum, and coho salmon. Saltwater fishing is a popular activity in the area.
BikingMountain biking on the rugged logging roads near the cabin is possible, but caution is advised due to the uneven terrain.
BoatingBoating is facilitated by a mooring buoy available for use by cabin visitors, though it does not guarantee exclusive use.
Wildlife viewingMarine wildlife viewing is a highlight, with opportunities to observe a variety of species in the cove and surrounding forests.
Beach activitiesWhile the beach near the cabin is not extensive, nearby beaches offer walking opportunities and scenic views.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBear activity is common, requiring safety precautions. Rugged terrain and isolated logging roads pose navigational challenges. Winter cove freezing can block access.
Active AlertsBear safety precautions are emphasized. Winter cove freezing and invasive European Green Crab are noted concerns.

Weather at Appleton Cove Cabin

Reviews

4.0
10 reviews
Mixed Reviews
Mixed Reviews
Appleton Cove Cabin has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews of Appleton Cove Cabin vary widely, ranging from positive experiences highlighting the amenities and location to complaints about maintenance issues such as trash accumulation.
Review Summaries
Based on 10 reviews

What Campers Love

Users appreciated the cabin's rustic charm, efficient oil stove, and excellent access to fishing and hunting opportunities. "Really neat location with nice volcanic rock and grass beaches to walk....
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Based on 10 reviews

Common Concerns

Some users mentioned maintenance concerns, such as trash around the cabin. "It was a nice cabin, however it was a little run down with quite a bit of trash around," one reviewer stated.
Based on 10 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Guests recommend bringing sufficient diesel fuel for the stove, treating water from the stream, and packing rain gear and rubber boots. "We used the mooring buoy and took our skiff to the beach. Will...
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Based on 10 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter accessibility can be challenging due to ice in the cove, as noted by one reviewer: "We were unable to stay at the cabin due to the cove being completely iced in."
Based on 10 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Great little cabin. Found some crab right out in the cove. We found some king salmon halibut and lingcod right out at the mouth of the bay. Barely used any oil," praised one camper. Another reviewer...
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Based on 10 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

All reviews refer to the Appleton Cove Cabin, identified as campsite S21. Positive experiences included efficient heating and proximity to fishing locations.
Based on 10 reviews

Accessibility Features

No reviews specifically address accessibility features.
Based on 10 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No reviews specifically address pet policies or experiences.
Based on 10 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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