Berners Bay Cabin

3.15

6 reviews

Juneau Ranger District, 8510 Mendenhall Loop Road, Juneau, AK, USA, 99801

Quick Facts

131 ft

Price

$45/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens US Forest Service site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

131 ft

Price

$45/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens US Forest Service site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Berners Bay Cabin

$45.00 - $45.00 / night

Campsite Fees

The nightly rate for cabin reservations is $45. This fee does not include additional taxes or reservation service fees. Interagency pass holders may...

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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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

907 586-8800

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What Campers Say

3.15

Mixed Reviews

Based on 6 reviews

Most mentioned

viewslocationbeach

"User reviews highlight Berners Bay Cabin as a remote and magical destination with stunning natural features. While many campers appreciate the unique and secluded experience, some raised concerns about maintenance issues such as a strong smell of cleaning products and heating system inefficiencies."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Juneau Ranger District, 8510 Mendenhall Loop Road, Juneau, AK, USA, 99801

Berners Bay Cabin

Juneau Ranger District, 8510 Mendenhall Loop Road, Juneau, AK, USA, 99801

Driving directionsLocated 37 miles northwest of Juneau, the cabin is on shore of Berners Bay, 8 miles north from the boat launch at Echo Cove at mile 40 Glacier Highway. Access is by boat, kayak, and float plane only. Consult tide charts, as some parts of the bay become extremely shallow at low tide. A sand beach is available at low-medium tides for float plane drop-off.

Access is by boat, kayak, and float plane only. Roads do not directly service the site making accessibility dependent on water and air navigation. Low tide conditions may render some bay areas inaccessible. Visitors should consult tide charts before arrival.

Nearby places

Juneau (37 miles

approximately 1-hour drive to Echo Cove boat launch)

Nearby supplies

Supplies, including groceries, camping gear, and fuel, are available in Juneau, which is 37 miles from the campground.

Best Time to Camp at Berners Bay Cabin

Alaska's dramatic seasons paint Berners Bay in ever-changing hues. Winter transforms the landscape into a crystalline wonderland of snow and ice, where hardy souls can experience the raw beauty of the northern wilderness. As spring awakens the forest, summer arrives with gentle warmth and endless daylight, creating perfect conditions for exploration under clear Alaskan skies. Yet nature here remains wonderfully unpredictable—sudden storms can roll in from the Pacific even during the warmest months, reminding visitors that this is still the Last Frontier. Pack layers and rain gear regardless of the season, and you'll be ready for whatever Mother Nature delivers.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Peak season late Apr–Sep; summer highlights vibrant wildlife and accessible conditions.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.5 / 5

Fall offers scenery and fewer visitors but less wildlife spectacle than spring/summer.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.5 / 5

Spring herring spawn attracts wildlife; early spring can be snowy and cold—prepare accordingly.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.0 / 5

Visitors report cold, snow challenges and heating oil needs; winter is harsh for casual visitors.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Late April through late September. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: The cabin is open year-round for reservations. Peak season is from late April through late September.
Current Alerts: High levels of PSP have been reported. Visitors should also be cautious of invasive European Green Crabs in the region.

About Berners Bay Cabin

Nestled where the Antler River meets the sea, Berners Bay Cabin stands as a solitary outpost in the vast Tongass National Forest. This remote wilderness retreat beckons adventurers seeking an authentic Alaskan experience far from the crowds. Here, you'll wake to the calls of eagles and fall asleep to the rhythm of tidal waters, all while surrounded by some of Southeast Alaska's most spectacular scenery. Whether you're casting for salmon, paddling through pristine waters, or simply breathing in the pure forest air, this rustic cabin serves as your gateway to untamed beauty and unforgettable wildlife encounters.

Berners Bay Cabin offers a unique remote camping experience with a blend of cabin lodging and tent camping. The site is tailored for visitors seeking adventure and seclusion.

Historical SignificanceFor countless generations, Berners Bay has served as nature's grand amphitheater for one of Alaska's most spectacular wildlife gatherings. Each spring, millions of herring and eulachon (the treasured hooligan fish) return to spawn in these waters, triggering an ancient feast that draws creatures from across the region. Majestic bald eagles arrive by the hundreds, while black and brown bears emerge from the forest to join the banquet. Harbor seals patrol the shallows as humpback whales breach offshore, and the endangered Steller sea lions add their boisterous presence to this timeless celebration of abundance. This natural phenomenon has sustained both wildlife and indigenous peoples for millennia, making Berners Bay a living testament to the enduring rhythms of the Pacific Northwest.

Weather and SeasonsAlaska's dramatic seasons paint Berners Bay in ever-changing hues. Winter transforms the landscape into a crystalline wonderland of snow and ice, where hardy souls can experience the raw beauty of the northern wilderness. As spring awakens the forest, summer arrives with gentle warmth and endless daylight, creating perfect conditions for exploration under clear Alaskan skies. Yet nature here remains wonderfully unpredictable—sudden storms can roll in from the Pacific even during the warmest months, reminding visitors that this is still the Last Frontier. Pack layers and rain gear regardless of the season, and you'll be ready for whatever Mother Nature delivers.

ElevationSet at sea level where mountain meets ocean, the cabin offers intimate access to both marine and alpine environments, with towering peaks rising dramatically from the water's edge.

Natural Features and SceneryStep into a landscape that defines the essence of Southeast Alaska's temperate rainforest. Ancient hemlock and Sitka spruce giants, some standing for centuries, create a emerald cathedral overhead while moss-draped branches filter the northern light into an ethereal glow. The cabin sits at the confluence of diverse ecosystems—where saltwater estuaries merge with freshwater marshes, creating a rich tapestry of life. Wildflower meadows burst with color in summer, while cottonwood groves along the floodplains turn golden in fall. Your view encompasses the dramatic Lions Head Mountain presiding over the bay, the braided channels of the Antler and Berners River deltas, and the snow-crowned peaks of the Chilkat Mountains stretching to the horizon. Hidden waterfalls cascade down moss-covered cliffs, their music joining the symphony of wind, water, and wildlife.

Geological RegionBerners Bay occupies a spectacular corner of the Tongass National Forest, where powerful geological forces have sculpted a masterpiece of land and sea. This dynamic landscape showcases the meeting of ancient temperate rainforest with the Pacific Ocean, creating a mosaic of old-growth hemlock and Sitka spruce forests, tidal estuaries, and freshwater wetlands. The bay itself is cradled between the mainland's verdant slopes and the imposing Chilkat Mountains, whose glacially carved peaks stand as sentinels over the wilderness. The Antler and Berners Rivers have built expansive deltas over millennia, their sediment-rich waters creating productive meadows and cottonwood floodplains that support an incredible diversity of life. This is a place where the earth's creative forces remain visible and active, from the tides that reshape the shoreline twice daily to the glaciers that continue to carve the distant peaks.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in starts at 11:00 AM.

Check-out

Check-out is at 12:00 PM.

Stay Limit

7consecutive nights

Guests Allowed Per Site

The cabin sleeps up to five people.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe campground features one cabin surrounded by tent camping spots which are available only to cabin users.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through the Recreation.gov website and contact center.

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

Cancellation PolicyGuests can cancel their reservation any time before the date of scheduled arrival. Late cancellations (less than 14 days before check-in) incur a $10 fee and the forfeiture of the first night's use fee.

AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are mentioned. The remote access methods and rustic facilities may pose challenges for individuals with mobility limitations.

Site SizeThe cabin itself is 13 ft. by 14 ft., suitable for up to five occupants. Additional tent camping around the cabin is permitted.

PrivacyThe cabin is located in a remote and scenic area, offering a high level of seclusion and privacy.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesVisitors are advised to bring a snow shovel in early spring and secure watercraft above high tide lines.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Lodging and accommodations

Cabin Lodging

Activities you can enjoy

Berners Bay Cabin offers a variety of activities that immerse visitors in the natural beauty of the surrounding wilderness. Opportunities for saltwater fishing, crabbing, wildlife watching, and sea kayaking abound. Berry picking is popular in the summer months, while designated hunting seasons allow for moose, mountain goat, and bear hunting with the proper permits. The area includes a primitive one-mile trail starting at the woodshed, leading to an ocean overlook near a waterfall.

HikingA one-mile primitive trail begins at the woodshed and leads to an ocean overlook under a large waterfall. The trail offers a natural and lightly developed hiking experience.

FishingSaltwater fishing and crabbing are popular activities in Berners Bay. Visitors are advised to check tide charts before venturing out.

BoatingThe presence of a sandy beach at low to medium tides makes the area suitable for kayak launching and float plane drop-offs. Visitors are encouraged to consult tide charts as parts of the bay may become too shallow during low tide.

Wildlife viewingThe spawning of herring and euchalon in spring attracts a diverse range of wildlife including bald eagles, brown and black bears, harbor seals, humpback whales, and Steller sea lions. Moose, wolves, mountain goats, and various waterfowl can also be observed.

Beach activitiesThe sandy beach in front of the cabin at low and medium tides is suitable for kayak launching, beachcombing, and other beach-related activities.

Winter Activities

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include bear encounters, high levels of paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP), sudden weather changes, and shallow tides.

Active AlertsHigh levels of PSP have been reported. Visitors should also be cautious of invasive European Green Crabs in the region.

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

Fire PolicyCampfires are restricted to using dead/down wood only.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are not explicitly mentioned.

Emergency ServicesClosest emergency services are located in Juneau, 37 miles away, including hospitals, police stations, and ranger stations.

Trash & RecyclingVisitors are expected to pack out all trash and leave the cabin clean. There are no dedicated trash or recycling facilities on-site.

Water FeaturesThe cabin is located near the Antler and Berners River deltas and a sandy beach accessible at low to medium tides.

Camp HostNo information on campground hosts has been provided.

Weather at Berners Bay Cabin

Reviews

3.2

6 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Berners Bay Cabin has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight Berners Bay Cabin as a remote and magical destination with stunning natural features. While many campers appreciate the unique and secluded experience, some raised concerns about maintenance issues such as a strong smell of cleaning products and heating system inefficiencies.

Review Summaries

Based on 6 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive themes in user reviews include the scenic beauty of Berners Bay, the convenience of the mooring buoy, and the abundance of natural wildlife. Many reviewers expressed delight in the beach...

Based on 6 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints included the poor performance of the oil stove, a strong chemical smell during one visit, and inadequate weatherproofing on the cabin door.

Based on 6 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors suggest bringing a snow shovel in early spring, confirming the functionality of the oil stove, and ensuring personal supplies like fuel, cookware, and treated water are adequately packed.

Based on 6 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Visitors in early spring noted challenges with snow and colder weather, recommending preparation with extra heating oil and snow shovels. Summer visitors highlighted the area's vibrant wildlife and...

Based on 6 reviews

Camper Quotes

- "One of the most magical places I know. Would highly recommend a stay @ the cabin." - Philip Terrell - "Favorite cabin. Takes a boat ride from Echo to get to it and rented through the USFS...

Based on 6 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Reviews specific to campsite J14 (Berners Bay Cabin) mention issues such as a strong smell in the cabin during one visit and heating inefficiencies. Despite these drawbacks, the overall sentiment...

Based on 6 reviews