How much does camping cost at Berners Bay Cabin?

Camping fees at Berners Bay Cabin range from $45/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Berners Bay Cabin first-come first-served or reservation?

Berners Bay 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 Berners Bay Cabin before I book?

Yes! Berners Bay Cabin has 13 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 Berners Bay Cabin?

Berners Bay 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 Berners Bay Cabin?

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

Can I have a campfire at Berners Bay Cabin?

Fire policies at Berners Bay Cabin: Please collect dead/down wood only for campfires. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Berners Bay Cabin have?

Berners Bay 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 Berners Bay Cabin?

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

What activities can I do at Berners Bay Cabin?

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

Berners Bay Cabin

3.15

6 reviews

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

Top 13% in AKSummer

Featured in:Beach Camping Alaska

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

131 ft

Price

$45/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on US Forest Service Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

131 ft

Price

$45/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on US Forest Service Official Website

Get Directions

Berners Bay Cabin

$45.00 - $45.00 / night

Campsite Fees

CABIN NONELECTRIC: $45.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

907 586-8800

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Berners Bay Cabin

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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

Nearby places

Juneau (37 miles

approximately 1-hour drive to Echo Cove boat launch)

Weather at Berners Bay Cabin

Current alerts(11)

Be sure to secure small watercraft above high tide line; dinghy or 450-foot shore tie rope advised for anchoring to buoy
Buoy anchor awash at 0 foot low tides; tilt up sterndrive or outboard
Click here for more information about Tongass National Forest
Don't Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by purchasing firewood near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.

Best Time to Camp at Berners Bay Cabin

Best season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable mild weather and the best access to the bay for boating, fishing, and wildlife viewing — expect daytime highs around 50–65°F (10–18°C) and long daylight (up to ~18–20 hours in mid-summer). This is when salmon runs, humpback whale feeding, and active shorebird estuaries are at their peak, and trails are generally snow-free for exploring old-growth forest and river deltas. Because Berners Bay Cabin is remote, crowds remain low-to-moderate even in July, but be ready: Peak months: July, June, August, September Avoid: December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

5.0 / 5

Top 13% in AK

Summer offers mild temps, long daylight, salmon runs, whale viewing and best access—peak season.

Planning Tips

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

About Berners Bay Cabin

Berners Bay Cabin sits on the shore of a scenic estuary north of Juneau, accessible only by boat or floatplane. Operated by the US Forest Service, this remote waterfront cabin offers a mooring buoy, fire rings, and front-row access to salmon runs, humpback whale feeding, and shorebird habitat during summer months. Visitors come for fishing, wildlife viewing, and the solitude of old-growth coastal forest.

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.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable mild weather and the best access to the bay for boating, fishing, and wildlife viewing — expect daytime highs around 50–65°F (10–18°C) and long daylight (up to ~18–20 hours in mid-summer). This is when salmon runs, humpback whale feeding, and active shorebird estuaries are at their peak, and trails are generally snow-free for exploring old-growth forest and river deltas. Because Berners Bay Cabin is remote, crowds remain low-to-moderate even in July, but be ready: Peak months: July, June, August, September Avoid: December, January, February

Elevation131 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe cabin overlooks the braided deltas of the Antler and Berners Rivers, where freshwater wetlands meet tidal estuaries. Old-growth hemlock and Sitka spruce forests back the site, while Lions Head Mountain rises above the bay. Cottonwood floodplains spread across the river deltas. The Chilkat Mountains form the distant skyline, their glacially carved peaks visible across the water. The shoreline reshapes twice daily with the tides. Harbor seals patrol the shallows. Bald eagles and both black and brown bears are common. Humpback whales feed offshore during summer.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe cabin itself serves as the primary lodging, measuring 13 ft. by 14 ft. and accommodating up to five people with three single bunks and one double bunk. Tent camping around the cabin is also permitted for visitors with reservations.

Programs & ActivitiesNo specific cultural or educational programs are described for this location.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

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

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

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.

Best CampsitesThe single cabin has a mooring buoy and beach access. Reviews praise the beach area and the bay views. The location offers strong wildlife viewing opportunities and good tranquility despite some maintenance issues.

Need help booking Berners Bay Cabin?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

The Berners Bay Cabin offers rustic amenities that cater to adventurous campers. The cabin includes basic facilities such as a table with benches, an oil stove for heating (visitors must supply #1 stove oil), a bucket and shovel, broom and dustpan, splitting maul, and a cold storage box. Additionally, there is an outhouse for sanitation needs. A mooring float is available but goes dry at a 0' tide. Visitors can access a campfire ring outside. However, there are no water or electrical hookups provided. Campers need to bring their own drinking water or treat water from a nearby stream before use. Heating oil and other essential supplies must also be brought by visitors. The cabin features a sandy beach, especially convenient for kayak launching and float plane drop-off.

Fire rings

Lodging and accommodations

Cabin Lodging

I manage this campground

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.

Fishing

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our 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 Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available; the site provides an outhouse for sanitation purposes.

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

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

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

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

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