How much does camping cost at Barnes Lake Cabin?

Camping fees at Barnes Lake Cabin are $25/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Barnes Lake Cabin first-come first-served or reservation?

Barnes Lake 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 Barnes Lake Cabin before I book?

Yes! Barnes Lake Cabin has 5 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 Barnes Lake Cabin?

Barnes Lake 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 Barnes Lake Cabin?

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

How many campsites does Barnes Lake Cabin have?

Barnes Lake 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 Barnes Lake Cabin?

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

What amenities are available at Barnes Lake Cabin?

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

What activities can I do at Barnes Lake Cabin?

Popular activities at Barnes Lake Cabin include Fishing, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Barnes Lake Cabin

1 review

BARNES LAKE CABIN, PO BOX 19001, THORNE BAY, AK, 99919, USA

Summer Destination

Featured in:Family-Friendly Campgrounds Alaska

Quick Facts

Price

$25/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Thorne Bay Ranger District Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

Price

$25/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Thorne Bay Ranger District Official Website

Get Directions

Barnes Lake Cabin

$25.00 / night

Campsite Fees

CABIN NONELECTRIC: $25.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No campsite fee categories listed.

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Provider

(907) 828-3304null

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

BARNES LAKE CABIN, PO BOX 19001, THORNE BAY, AK, 99919, USA

Barnes Lake Cabin

BARNES LAKE CABIN, PO BOX 19001, THORNE BAY, AK, 99919, USA

Nearby places

Ketchikan (70 air miles), Craig (38 air miles)

Driving directionsBarnes Lake Cabin is only accessible by motorboat, plane, or kayak. The cabin is located on the west shore of Barnes Lake, 70 air miles from Ketchikan and 38 air miles from the city of Craig, on Prince of Wales Island. Float plane or boat access can only occur at certain stages of the tide. Extreme care is advised when navigating Indian Creek Rapids and Lake Bay Creek, which can be dangerous except at high slack tide (approximately 1.5 hours after high tide).

Weather at Barnes Lake Cabin

Best Time to Camp at Barnes Lake Cabin

Best season: summer. Summer offers the best combination of mild weather, extremely long daylight, and prime access for fishing and paddling — expect daytime highs generally in the 50s–60s°F (10–18°C) with long, bright days from June through August. Salmon and crab fisheries are at their peak, lagoons are calm for kayaking and skiff trips, and wildlife (bald eagles, seals, feeding salmon) is most active and visible. Crowd levels rise compared with other seasons but remain low compared with lower-48 parks; expect more Peak months: July, August, June, May Avoid: December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Best season: summer; long daylight and prime fishing and paddling noted.

Planning Tips

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

About Barnes Lake Cabin

Barnes Lake Cabin sits in the Tongass National Forest near Thorne Bay, operated by the Thorne Bay Ranger District. This remote, single-cabin rental offers vault toilets and access to fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing in a tranquil Southeast Alaska setting. Visitors come for the quiet escape and natural beauty, with salmon runs and calm lagoons drawing paddlers and anglers during the summer months.

Barnes Lake Cabin offers a remote and rustic camping experience, primarily suited for primitive and cabin-style lodging.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the best combination of mild weather, extremely long daylight, and prime access for fishing and paddling — expect daytime highs generally in the 50s–60s°F (10–18°C) with long, bright days from June through August. Salmon and crab fisheries are at their peak, lagoons are calm for kayaking and skiff trips, and wildlife (bald eagles, seals, feeding salmon) is most active and visible. Crowd levels rise compared with other seasons but remain low compared with lower-48 parks; expect more Peak months: July, August, June, May Avoid: December, January, February

ElevationNestled at the meeting point of forest and sea, Barnes Lake Cabin sits at an elevation that captures the essence of coastal Alaska's diverse ecosystems, though specific elevation details await your personal discovery.

Natural Features and SceneryOld-growth spruce and hemlock surround the cabin, with the western shore of Barnes Lake opening onto tidal flats that shift with the Pacific's rhythm. The lagoon connects to the ocean, creating habitat where bald eagles hunt, seals surface, and Sitka black-tailed deer move through the moss-draped forest. Ferns and native grasses fill the understory. During salmon runs, fish crowd the shallows.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe 12-by-12 pan-abode cedar log cabin offers sleeping space for four to six people, equipped with wooden bunks, a wood stove, and basic furnishings like tables and benches.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs were noted for the cabin.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay allowed is 7 consecutive nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Cabin accommodates 4-6 people.

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityThe cabin sits in a remote area accessible only by motorboat, float plane, or kayak, with difficult navigation during low tides. Accessibility for disabled individuals was not addressed.

Site SizeThe cabin measures 12 feet by 12 feet, accommodating four to six guests.

PrivacySituated on the western shore of Barnes Lake, the cabin offers solitude in a remote and quiet location, surrounded by old-growth forest.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesFishing and crabbing are recommended during summer runs for coho and pink salmon. Boating through Gold and Galligan Lagoon to Sweetwater Lake is advised only during high slack tide.

Need help booking Barnes Lake 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

Barnes Lake Cabin provides a rustic and remote camping experience. The cabin includes basic amenities like wooden bunks that sleep four to six people, a table, benches, a wood stove for heating, and an outdoor vault toilet. Other facilities include a cooking bench, shelves, cupboard space, a broom, and tools for firewood such as an axe, maul, and splitting wedges. The cabin lacks mattresses, cooking utensils, and running water, requiring guests to bring their own drinking, cooking, and cleaning water supplies.

Firewood available

Lodging and accommodations

Vault toilets

Cabin Lodging

I manage this campground

Things to do at Barnes Lake Cabin

Barnes Lake Cabin offers a variety of outdoor activities including fishing, hunting, boating, crabbing, and wildlife viewing. The nearby coastal waters and forest provide diverse opportunities for recreation.

Fishing4.0/5

Summer runs of coho and pink salmon; crabbing available in nearby coastal waters.

Boating4.0/5

Access to Gold and Galligan Lagoon; scenic trips and paddling to Sweetwater Lake noted.

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

Bald eagles, seals, migratory waterfowl and Sitka black-tailed deer in habitat descriptions.

Water Sports4.0/5

Paddlers and scenic lagoon/ocean connections cited for kayaking opportunities.

Winter Activities1.0/5

Winter access is challenging; frozen lake conditions limit winter activities.

Signature experiences

Photography4.0/5Wildlife, old-growth trees, tidal flats and lagoon scenes offer strong photo ops.

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 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

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From Booking Sources

0.0

1 reviews

Limited Reviews

Barnes Lake Cabin has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the cabin's remote and peaceful setting, making it suitable for those looking to disconnect and enjoy solitude. The surroundings are described as pristine and tranquil.

Review Summaries

Based on 1 reviews

What Campers Love

The cabin's remote location and tranquil atmosphere are often praised. Users appreciate the quiet escape and natural beauty of the area.

Based on 1 reviews

Common Concerns

No specific complaints appeared in the user reviews.

Based on 1 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Reviews did not provide information specific to particular campsites, as the campground consists of one cabin.

Based on 1 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend arriving at high tide for lake access and emphasize the importance of bringing all necessary supplies, including water and cooking gear.

Based on 1 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews suggest the warmer months are ideal for activities like fishing and crabbing. Accessibility may be challenging during winter due to frozen lake conditions.

Based on 1 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Requires a good high tide to get into the lake, but once in it's a pristine and tranquil location. Remote, quiet and a perfect place to 'get away from it all.'" - Josiah Huestis

Based on 1 reviews

Accessibility Features

No reviews addressed accessibility features or experiences for campers with disabilities.

Based on 1 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No pet-related reviews were available.

Based on 1 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Barnes Lake Cabin

$25.00 / night

Campsite Fees

CABIN NONELECTRIC: $25.00. 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) 828-3304null

Nearby Campgrounds

Less Visited

5.2

(7)

Sweet Water Lake Cabin

P.O. 19001, KETCHIKAN/THORNE BAY, AK 99919

Sweet Water Lake Cabin sits on a remote lake in the Tongass National Forest near Coffman Cove, managed by the Thorne Bay Ranger District. This primitive rental cabin offers access to trout and salmon fishing, calm-water boating, and wildlife viewing during summer months when eagles, otters, and bears frequent the shoreline. Guests reach the lake via an unmarked trail and enjoy quiet, off-grid solitude surrounded by Southeast Alaska rainforest.

Barnes Lake Cabin

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Ask Camp Sage about Barnes Lake Cabin

Campground Map

Weather at Barnes Lake Cabin

Best Time to Camp at Barnes Lake Cabin

Planning Tips

About Barnes Lake Cabin

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Barnes Lake Cabin?

Amenities available

Things to do at Barnes Lake Cabin

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews

Get Notified When Available

Explore related camping guides

Ask Camp Sage about Barnes Lake Cabin

Best Time to Camp at Barnes Lake Cabin

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Barnes Lake Cabin?

Amenities available

Things to do at Barnes Lake Cabin

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews