Baranof Lake Cabin

4.82

7 reviews

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

Scenic ViewsSummer Destination

Featured in:Boating Camping Alaska Mountain Camping Alaska Fishing Camping Alaska

Quick Facts

145 ft

Price

$45/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open June 1 - Decemb...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Sitka Ranger District site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

145 ft

Price

$45/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open June 1 - Decemb...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Sitka Ranger District site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Baranof Lake Cabin

$45.00 - $45.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Cabin fee is $45 per night for the entire year (peak and non-peak). Fees do not include taxes or other incremental charges.

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

4.82

Top-Rated

Based on 7 reviews

Most mentioned

scenery

"User reviews highlight the cabin's unmatched scenic beauty and solitude but note issues with the provided skiff's condition and difficulties with oars. Visitors recommend preparing thoroughly for the remote location."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

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

Baranof Lake Cabin

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

Driving directionsAccessible June through October. Located 20 air miles from Sitka on the east side of Baranof Island, west of Warm Springs Bay. Access by floatplane from Sitka, 25 minutes in clear weather. Flights may take the northern route around Baranof Island during overcast conditions, doubling flight time.

Accessible only by floatplane, with seasonal limitations due to weather and frozen lake surfaces. Flight path may vary. Floatplane costs approximately $950 each way (user review).

Nearby places

Sitka (20 air miles)

Nearby supplies

Supplies available in Sitka Ranger District

visitors should bring provisions like food, water treatment kits, clothing, and camping gear as per the facility need-to-know section.

Best Time to Camp at Baranof Lake Cabin

Mother Nature reigns supreme at Baranof Lake, where crystalline days are precious gifts to be savored. The ever-changing Alaskan weather creates a dynamic canvas that shifts from misty mornings to dramatic afternoon cloudscapes. Prime visiting season runs from June through October, when the landscape bursts with life and accessibility is most reliable. Come prepared with quality rain gear and warm layers—the mountains create their own weather patterns here. From November through May, winter's grip transforms the lake into a frozen wonderland, making floatplane access impossible but creating an entirely different realm of beauty for those who witness it.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Summer is peak: floatplane access, best fishing and favorable weather windows.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.0 / 5

Open through Dec 31 but weather becomes more variable; fewer services and access challenges.

Spring(Mar-May)

2.0 / 5

Season opens June 1; spring access and services limited before opening.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Winter access severely limited; lake freezes and conditions restrict visits.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: June 1, 2025 - September 30, 2025 (Peak Season). Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open June 1 - December 31 annually. Reservations available starting June 20 for the season.
Current Alerts: No alerts mentioned; seasonal access limitations due to frozen lake surfaces.

About Baranof Lake Cabin

Escape to the untamed wilderness of Baranof Lake Cabin, where Alaska's raw beauty unfolds in perfect solitude. This remote sanctuary, nestled along the shores of a pristine glacier-fed lake, promises an authentic backcountry adventure that begins the moment your floatplane touches down on crystal waters. Built to accommodate six adventurous souls, this rustic retreat strips away modern distractions while providing essential comforts for your wilderness sojourn. Here, days are measured by the rhythm of jumping salmon, the cascade of nearby waterfalls, and the ever-changing light dancing across mountain peaks—a true haven for those seeking communion with Alaska's magnificent wilderness.

Baranof Lake Cabin offers a rustic and remote cabin experience in Alaska's wilderness.

Weather and SeasonsMother Nature reigns supreme at Baranof Lake, where crystalline days are precious gifts to be savored. The ever-changing Alaskan weather creates a dynamic canvas that shifts from misty mornings to dramatic afternoon cloudscapes. Prime visiting season runs from June through October, when the landscape bursts with life and accessibility is most reliable. Come prepared with quality rain gear and warm layers—the mountains create their own weather patterns here. From November through May, winter's grip transforms the lake into a frozen wonderland, making floatplane access impossible but creating an entirely different realm of beauty for those who witness it.

ElevationPerched at a modest 145 feet above sea level, the cabin serves as your basecamp in a natural amphitheater of towering peaks. From this vantage point, dramatic mountain ridges soar skyward to heights of 3,000 feet, creating a breathtaking vertical landscape that humbles and inspires. This unique positioning offers both the tranquility of lakeside living and front-row seats to Alaska's geological grandeur.

Natural Features and SceneryBaranof Lake reveals itself as nature's masterpiece, its turquoise waters fed by ancient glaciers and framed by emerald forests of towering spruce and hemlock. A spectacular waterfall tumbles down the mountainside opposite the cabin, creating a mesmerizing focal point that changes character with each season's flow. The surrounding wilderness pulses with life—from the splash of feeding fish to the occasional glimpse of brown bears foraging along distant shores. Dense understory vegetation creates a verdant tapestry that shifts from spring's tender greens to autumn's golden hues, while morning mists often veil the lake in ethereal beauty before revealing the day's adventures.

Geological RegionSet within a dramatic glacial valley, Baranof Lake showcases Alaska's powerful geological forces at work. Ancient glaciers carved this spectacular basin, leaving behind the deep, cold waters that now reflect towering mountain ridges reaching 3,000 feet into the sky. The surrounding old-growth forests of Sitka spruce and western hemlock have taken root in this nutrient-rich environment, creating a thriving ecosystem that represents thousands of years of natural succession in Southeast Alaska's temperate rainforest region.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

11:00 AM

Check-out

12:00 PM

Stay Limit

Maximum stay limit: 7 nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Cabin accommodates up to 6 guests.

Groups

Null

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutSingle cabin with basic amenities located near a sandy beach and dense forest.

Reservation PlatformsReservations available on Recreation.gov.

Walk-in AvailabilityNo walk-up availability; reservations required.

Cancellation PolicyLate cancellations incur a $10 fee and forfeit the first night's fee for cabins if canceled less than 14 days before arrival. Additional fees apply for no-shows and mid-stay changes. Full refund minus fees for cancellations made before the late window begins.

AccessibilityThe cabin is remote and accessible only via floatplane, requiring visitors to hike short distances for water and outhouse access. Accessibility is limited due to rugged terrain and seasonal conditions.

Site SizeThe cabin measures 12'x14', sufficient for six individuals.

PrivacyThe area allows for complete solitude and scenic isolation.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesBooking during June to October provides better weather access. Bring a long-shaft outboard motor for enhanced use of the skiff as per user reviews.

Amenities available

Lodging and accommodations

Vault toilets

Cabin Lodging

Activities you can enjoy

Activities at Baranof Lake Cabin focus on solitude and exploring natural beauty, including fishing, photography, and rowing in the skiff provided. Hiking around the lake is limited due to dense vegetation along the shore.

HikingHiking is limited due to dense vegetation along the shoreline. Visitors can explore nearby trails such as the one leading to Warm Springs Bay.

FishingFishing is highly rated by visitors, especially for Cutthroat trout, Dolly Varden, and Rainbow trout. Late July to late August is peak season near inlet streams.

BoatingA heavy square-bowed skiff is provided, which can be used for rowing across the lake. Visitors must bring a long-shaft motor for optimal use.

Wildlife viewingBrown bears frequent the area, and visitors recommend being prepared for wildlife encounters. Scenic views include waterfalls and towering mountain ridges.

Beach activitiesThe cabin has a small sandy beach where visitors can dock floatplanes and sunbathe.

Winter Activities

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsDense vegetation making shore access difficult; brown bears frequent the area; unpredictable weather impacting floatplane travel.

Active AlertsNo alerts mentioned; seasonal access limitations due to frozen lake surfaces.

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

Fire PolicyFirewood may be scarce; pack firestarter sticks.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours not explicitly stated.

Emergency ServicesClosest emergency services not explicitly detailed, but Sitka Ranger District (907-747-6671) is likely the primary point of contact.

Trash & RecyclingGarbage and food must be packed out by visitors.

Water FeaturesCabin is located at the southwestern corner of Baranof Lake, near the Baranof River mouth; a waterfall is visible across the lake.

Camp HostWarm Springs Bay outfitter keeps tabs on the cabin and can provide updates.

Weather at Baranof Lake Cabin

Reviews

4.8

7 reviews

Top-Rated

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

User reviews highlight the cabin's unmatched scenic beauty and solitude but note issues with the provided skiff's condition and difficulties with oars. Visitors recommend preparing thoroughly for the remote location.

Review Summaries

Based on 7 reviews

What Campers Love

Spectacular scenery, solitude, excellent fishing opportunities, well-kept cabin with stocked firewood.

Based on 7 reviews

Common Concerns

Poor condition of rowboat and oars, rugged terrain limiting shoreline hiking, challenging accessibility during poor weather conditions.

Based on 7 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend bringing proper gear for fishing and boating, including long-shaft motors for the skiff, UV disinfection for water treatment, and warm clothing. Contact outfitters in Warm Springs...

Based on 7 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer months are most favorable for visiting due to accessible floatplane routes and prime fishing season. Winter access is severely limited due to frozen lake conditions.

Based on 7 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The location of this cabin is unbeatable for scenic solitude." "Baranof Lake is pure heaven on earth—it's probably the most beautiful natural place I have ever visited." "Despite the challenges,...

Based on 7 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

The cabin itself receives consistent praise for its upkeep and firewood stock. Site-specific challenges include broken oarlocks on the skiff and the need for specialized equipment for rowing and...

Based on 7 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility is challenging due to the remote location and rugged terrain. Visitors with mobility issues may struggle to access certain amenities like the outhouse and water sources.

Based on 7 reviews

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