How much does camping cost at Big John Bay Cabin?

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

Is Big John Bay Cabin first-come first-served or reservation?

Big John 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 Big John Bay Cabin before I book?

Yes! Big John Bay Cabin has 9 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 Big John Bay Cabin?

Big John 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 Big John Bay Cabin?

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

How many campsites does Big John Bay Cabin have?

Big John 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 Big John Bay Cabin?

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

What amenities are available at Big John Bay Cabin?

Big John Bay Cabin offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Big John Bay Cabin?

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

Big John Bay Cabin

Q: Can I have a campfire at Big John Bay Cabin?

Fire policies at Big John Bay Cabin: Firewood at the cabin is supplied only for heating the cabin, it is not for outdoor campfires; collect dead and down wood from the forest for your outdoor campfire. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

0 review

PO BOX 1328

Featured in:Mountain Camping Alaska

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

20 ft

Price

$25/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Petersburg Ranger District Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

20 ft

Price

$25/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Petersburg Ranger District Official Website

Get Directions

Big John Bay Cabin

$25.00 - $25.00 / night

Campsite Fees

CABIN NONELECTRIC: $25.00. 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

907-772-3871

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

PO BOX 1328

Big John Bay Cabin

PO BOX 1328

Nearby places

Petersburg (28 miles by float plane)

Kake (18 miles by boat or 1.75 miles by trail).

Driving directionsFrom Petersburg, it is 28 miles by float plane. From Kake, it is 18 miles by boat or 1.75 miles from the roadside near Kake. A 15-foot tide is required for boats or float planes to directly access the cabin. A 1-mile hike across mudflats is warranted at lower tides. Part of the trail crosses a tide flat, so there is no trail access during high tide. Please check tide charts in advance.

Weather at Big John Bay Cabin

Current alerts(11)

All drinking water taken from the nearby stream should be treated or boiled
All garbage and food must be packed out
Be advised this facility will receive minimal maintenance this year. If this facility has an oil stove please use clean #1 heating oil or kerosene to limit problems with operation. If this facility has a wood stove it is not guaranteed wood will be available.
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 Big John Bay Cabin

Best season: summer. Summer brings the best combination of long daylight, calmer seas and the peak of Alaska’s salmon and halibut runs, making Big John Bay Cabin ideal for fishing and boating; expect daytime highs typically in the 50s–60s °F (10–18 °C) with the most reliable windows of dry weather. Marine access is easiest, trails and tidal flats are more navigable, and wildlife viewing (whales, seals, sea otters, bald eagles, and bears along shorelines) is at its peak. Crowds remain low-to-moderate—you’ll see more/ Peak months: July, August, June, May Avoid: December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Best combination of long daylight, calmer seas and peak salmon/halibut runs (Apr 27–Sep 28).

Planning Tips

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

About Big John Bay Cabin

Big John Bay Cabin sits in Tongass National Forest near Petersburg, accessible only by boat or floatplane. Managed by the Petersburg Ranger District, this remote rental cabin offers a base for fishing, wildlife viewing, and exploring tidal flats during Alaska's summer season. The setting is low-elevation coastal forest with vault toilets and a seven-day stay limit.

Big John Bay Cabin is a primitive cabin designed for rustic camping and provides no modern amenities. It is accessible by boat, trail, or float plane, with challenging terrain and tidal impacts.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer brings the best combination of long daylight, calmer seas and the peak of Alaska’s salmon and halibut runs, making Big John Bay Cabin ideal for fishing and boating; expect daytime highs typically in the 50s–60s °F (10–18 °C) with the most reliable windows of dry weather. Marine access is easiest, trails and tidal flats are more navigable, and wildlife viewing (whales, seals, sea otters, bald eagles, and bears along shorelines) is at its peak. Crowds remain low-to-moderate—you’ll see more/ Peak months: July, August, June, May Avoid: December, January, February

Elevation20 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe cabin occupies a tidal flat on Kupreanof Island, part of southeastern Alaska's Inside Passage. At low tide, saltwater grasslands and tidal channels spread across the flats. At high tide, water surrounds the wooded point where the cabin stands, creating a temporary island. Big John and Hamilton Creeks flow nearby, and a freshwater stream runs about a quarter-mile north. The setting sits at just 20 feet elevation, where forest meets tidewater in a landscape that shifts between land and sea twice daily.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe cabin is a rustic structure with bunks for up to four people and an oil stove for heat. It does not provide hotel-style accommodations.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are available.

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Seven consecutive nights during May to September
ten consecutive nights from October to April.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Up to four guests can occupy the cabin.

Groups

The cabin is not equipped for group camping.

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, through their app, or via their contact center.

AccessibilityAccessibility features are not mentioned for this cabin, and the challenging terrain suggests limited accommodation for disabilities.

Site SizeThe cabin is designed to accommodate up to four people, with minimal space for additional activities.

PrivacyThe cabin is located on a small wooded point, providing some privacy with a view of tidal flats and saltwater grasslands.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesVisitors should consult tide charts ahead of their stay and ensure they bring sufficient supplies, including treated or boiled water, kerosene, or No. 1 heating oil.

Need help booking Big John Bay Cabin?

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Recreation.gov Guide

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Amenities available

Big John Bay Cabin offers minimal amenities designed for a rustic camping experience. "The hunter-style cabin has bunks to sleep up to four people, equipped with a table, benches, and an oil stove for heat." An outhouse with a pit toilet is provided. However, potable water is not available, and visitors must treat or boil water from a nearby stream or bring their own drinking water. Heating oil is also not supplied, and campers must bring kerosene or No. 1 heating oil for the oil stove ("One gallon lasts about one day."). Visitors are expected to clean the cabin and pack out all trash and food.

Firewood available

Vault toilets

Cabin Lodging

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Big John Bay Cabin provides access to outdoor activities such as waterfowl hunting, fishing, wildlife viewing, and hiking. Visitors can explore nearby trails like Hamilton Bay, Goose Lake, and Cathedral Falls Trails. Tides affect accessibility for some activities, and local tide tables must be consulted.

Hiking

Fishing

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 facility has an outhouse with a pit toilet.

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.

Fire PolicyFirewood at the cabin is supplied only for heating the cabin, it is not for outdoor campfires; collect dead and down wood from the forest for your outdoor campfire

Trash & RecyclingVisitors must pack out all trash and food, as no trash or recycling facilities are available.

Cell CoverageCell phone service availability is not mentioned. The cabin is located in a remote area, so connectivity is likely minimal to non-existent.

Trip Planning Tools

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Go if

You want a true wilderness cabin experience and have the means to reach it by water or air.

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You need road access or prefer developed campgrounds with multiple site options.

Nearby Campgrounds

PO BOX 1328, PETERSBURG, AK 99833, USA

Towers Arm Cabin sits on the remote eastern shore of Duncan Canal in Tongass National Forest, accessible only by floatplane or boat and requiring careful attention to tidal conditions. Operated by the Petersburg Ranger District, this single-cabin retreat offers vault toilets and serves visitors seeking solitude in Southeast Alaska's coastal wilderness. Guests fish Towers Creek for salmon, watch bears and bald eagles during fall runs, and explore the surrounding tidal flats and old-growth forest.