Barnes Lake Cabin

1 review

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

Summer Destination

Quick Facts

Price

$25 - $30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Thorne Bay Ranger District site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

Price

$25 - $30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Thorne Bay Ranger District site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Barnes Lake Cabin

$25.00 - $30.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Cabin rentals are $30.00 per night during peak season (May 01 - September 30) and $25.00 per night during non-peak season (October 01 - December 31)....

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) 828-3304null

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What Campers Say

N/A

Limited Reviews

Based on 1 reviews

Most mentioned

quietlocation

"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."

Read all reviews

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

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).

Only accessible by float plane, motorboat, or kayak. Seasonal challenges include frozen lake surfaces in fall, winter, and early spring that prevent floatplane access. Navigation is tide-dependent, with high slack tide required for safe travel.

Nearby places

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

Nearby supplies

Supplies likely available in Ketchikan (major city) or Craig, 38 air miles away. Visitors must bring all essential items including fresh water, food, and firewood.

Best Time to Camp at Barnes Lake Cabin

Each season paints Barnes Lake in dramatically different strokes. Summer arrives with gentle warmth and endless daylight, creating perfect conditions for fishing expeditions and leisurely paddles across the lagoon. As autumn approaches, the landscape transforms into a hunter's paradise while crisp air signals the migration season. Winter brings a magical transformation as the lake surface may freeze solid, creating a crystalline wonderland that challenges access but rewards the determined with solitude and stark beauty. Spring's awakening sees the ice retreat and wildlife return, though early season visitors should prepare for variable conditions.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Peak season May–Sep; ideal for fishing, paddling and long daylight hours.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.0 / 5

Non-peak season with changing weather; still scenic but fewer services.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.0 / 5

Seasonal runs and migration present, but weather and access can be variable.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.0 / 5

Open year-round but winter access can be challenging; frozen conditions noted.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 01 - September 30 (Peak Season); October 01 - December 31 (Non-Peak Season). Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round, with seasonal variations in accessibility due to weather conditions. Peak season runs from May 01 to September 30.
Current Alerts: No specific active alerts were mentioned, but visitors should contact Thorne Bay Ranger District for updates.

About Barnes Lake Cabin

Escape to Barnes Lake Cabin, where the untamed wilderness of Prince of Wales Island awaits your discovery. Perched on the western shore of a pristine tidal saltwater lagoon in southeastern Alaska, this primitive retreat invites adventurers to disconnect from the modern world and immerse themselves in nature's raw beauty. Whether you're paddling through mirror-like waters at dawn, pulling up crab pots filled with the day's catch, casting lines for salmon, or simply watching eagles soar overhead, Barnes Lake delivers the authentic Alaskan experience that outdoor enthusiasts dream about.

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

Historical SignificanceWhile Barnes Lake Cabin stands as a modern gateway to wilderness adventure, the surrounding lands whisper ancient stories yet to be fully documented. This corner of Prince of Wales Island remains largely untouched, offering visitors a chance to experience Alaska as it has existed for millennia.

Weather and SeasonsEach season paints Barnes Lake in dramatically different strokes. Summer arrives with gentle warmth and endless daylight, creating perfect conditions for fishing expeditions and leisurely paddles across the lagoon. As autumn approaches, the landscape transforms into a hunter's paradise while crisp air signals the migration season. Winter brings a magical transformation as the lake surface may freeze solid, creating a crystalline wonderland that challenges access but rewards the determined with solitude and stark beauty. Spring's awakening sees the ice retreat and wildlife return, though early season visitors should prepare for variable conditions.

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 SceneryStep into a living postcard where towering old-growth spruce and hemlock create nature's own cathedral, their ancient branches draped in emerald moss and filtering dappled sunlight to the forest floor below. Lush ferns carpet the understory while native grasses sway in the salt-tinged breeze rolling in from the tidal lagoon. This temperate rainforest sanctuary hosts an impressive cast of wildlife characters - from graceful migratory waterfowl that transform the skies during seasonal journeys to the elusive Sitka black-tailed deer that ghost through morning mists. Black bears patrol their ancestral territories, reminding visitors that this is truly wild Alaska.

Geological RegionBarnes Lake occupies a fascinating geological niche within Prince of Wales Island's temperate rainforest ecosystem, where the rhythms of the ocean meet the permanence of ancient forests. This dynamic landscape showcases southeastern Alaska's signature features: tidal saltwater lagoons that breathe with the Pacific's pulse, vast stands of old-growth spruce and hemlock that have weathered centuries of storms, and expansive tidal flats that reveal their secrets twice daily. The interplay between marine and terrestrial environments creates a constantly changing tableau that reflects the powerful geological forces that shaped this remote corner of the Alexander Archipelago.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

No specific check-in time mentioned.

Check-out

No specific check-out time mentioned.

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

Site layoutOne singular cabin site. No additional campsite layout details provided.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on Recreation.gov.

Walk-in AvailabilityNo walk-up availability; all reservations must be made in advance.

Cancellation PolicyReservations may be canceled before the scheduled arrival. A $10 cancellation fee applies, along with forfeiture of the first night's recreation use fee for cancellations within 14 calendar days of the arrival date. No refunds are available for same-day cancellations or late modifications.

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.

Amenities available

Firewood available

Lodging and accommodations

Vault toilets

Cabin Lodging

Activities you can enjoy

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.

FishingFishing opportunities include summer runs of coho (silver) and pink (humpy) salmon in coastal waters. Crabbing is also available in the nearby ocean during the warmer months.

BoatingBoating activities include scenic trips through Gold and Galligan Lagoon to Sweetwater Lake. A 14-foot aluminum skiff with oars is provided at the cabin, but flotation devices and long shaft motors are not included. Navigation should only occur during high slack tide.

Wildlife viewingThe area is home to abundant wildlife, including migratory waterfowl, Sitka black-tailed deer, and black bears. Visitors are encouraged to practice bear safety.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsHigh levels of Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP) have been found in the area. Bear safety precautions are strongly advised.

Active AlertsNo specific active alerts were mentioned, but visitors should contact Thorne Bay Ranger District for updates.

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

Fire PolicyWood stove available for heating. Guests must bring their own wood for cooking and are advised to conserve wood. Campfires are not mentioned.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are Not specified.

Emergency ServicesClosest emergency services are accessible through Thorne Bay Ranger District at (907) 828-3304, with additional services likely available in the nearby cities of Ketchikan and Craig.

Trash & RecyclingGuests must pack out all garbage and food waste as there are no trash or recycling facilities available.

Water FeaturesLocated directly on Barnes Lake, a tidal saltwater lagoon. The area features tidal flats during low tide.

Camp HostNo specific host information provided.

Weather at Barnes Lake Cabin

Reviews

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

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