Black Bear Lake Cabin (Tongass National Forest, Ak)

Star0
3 reviews
P.O. BOX 500, CRAIG, AK 99921, USA
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

1,700 ft

Price

$25 - $30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

The cabin is open fo...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens U.S. Forest Service site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Black Bear Lake Cabin (Tongass National Forest, Ak)
$25.00 - $30.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Cabins are priced at $30 per night during peak season (May 1 - September 30, 2025) and $25 per night during non-peak season (October 1 - December 31,...
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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) 826-3271
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What Campers Say

N/A

Limited Reviews

Based on 3 reviews

Most mentioned

location

"The cabin is appreciated for its serene and remote setting, but its steep terrain can be challenging."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

P.O. BOX 500, CRAIG, AK 99921, USA

Black Bear Lake Cabin (Tongass National Forest, Ak)

P.O. BOX 500, CRAIG, AK 99921, USA

Driving directionsAccess to Bear Lake Cabin is by floatplane only, 50 air miles from Ketchikan. Visitors must walk 20 yards from the lake to the cabin. Refer to USGS map Craig C-3.
Travel is only possible via floatplane. The lake may freeze from October to mid-June, potentially limiting access during this period. Visitors must arrange their own transportation and safety.
Nearby places
Ketchikan (50 air miles, approximately 1-hour floatplane travel time)
Nearby supplies
Craig, AK is the nearest town for supplies, but visitors should bring essential items including food, water, Bio brick compressed logs, and personal flotation devices.

Best Time to Camp at Black Bear Lake Cabin (Tongass National Forest, Ak)

Mother Nature rules supreme at Black Bear Lake, where winter's icy grip holds the lake frozen solid from October through mid-June. Summer arrives like a revelation, transforming the landscape into a vibrant playground perfect for outdoor pursuits. While winter months bring dramatic snowfalls and relentless precipitation, summer rewards patient visitors with crystal-clear days ideal for exploration. Pack layers and rain gear—Alaska's weather writes its own rules here.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5

Mid‑June to September is ice‑free peak season; ideal for boating, fishing and hiking.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.0 / 5

Cabin open into fall but lake may begin freezing in October; scenery remains strong but access shortens.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Cabin reopens May 1; spring thaw transitions to usable season but conditions can be wet and variable.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Lake frozen Oct–mid‑June and cabin availability limited; winter recreation and access are constrained.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 1 - September 30, 2025. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: The cabin is open for reservations from May 1 to December 31, 2025. Access may be limited when the lake is frozen (October to mid-June).
  • Current Alerts: None currently noted, but visitors are warned about seasonal access limitations due to lake freezing.

About Black Bear Lake Cabin (Tongass National Forest, Ak)

Perched high in the wilderness of Prince of Wales Island, Black Bear Lake Cabin beckons adventurers seeking an authentic Alaskan escape. This rustic outpost serves as your gateway to pristine fishing waters, exceptional wildlife encounters, and backcountry hunting opportunities. Here, where cell signals fade and nature's rhythms take over, you'll discover the raw beauty that defines southeastern Alaska's most remote corners.
Black Bear Lake Cabin is a primitive camping facility that offers a remote and minimalistic experience. It supports individual and small group stays.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in is available from 12:00 PM.
Check-out
Check-out must be completed by 12:00 PM.
Stay Limit
Visitors may stay up to 7 nights during a visit.

Amenities available

Lodging and accommodations
Cabin Lodging

Activities you can enjoy

Black Bear Lake Cabin provides unique recreational opportunities like fishing, hiking, wildlife viewing, boating, and hunting in the Tongass National Forest.
HikingHiking is encouraged in the surrounding rugged terrain, which includes old-growth forests, alpine vegetation, and scenic mountain views.
FishingFishing opportunities are available at Black Bear Lake, which is home to a resident population of rainbow trout.
BoatingAn aluminum skiff with oars is available for use, but visitors must bring their own personal flotation devices.
Wildlife viewingThe area is rich in wildlife, including Sitka black-tailed deer and black bears, making it ideal for wildlife observation.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsWildlife hazards include black bears. The terrain is rugged, and poor weather conditions may require extended stays due to safety concerns.
Active AlertsNone currently noted, but visitors are warned about seasonal access limitations due to lake freezing.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Black Bear Lake Cabin (Tongass National Forest, Ak)

Reviews

0.0
3 reviews
Limited Reviews
Limited Reviews
Black Bear Lake Cabin (Tongass National Forest, Ak) has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
The cabin is appreciated for its serene and remote setting, but its steep terrain can be challenging.
Review Summaries
Based on 3 reviews

What Campers Love

"Very steep terrain but enjoyed our stay. Would go again." The remote location and scenic surroundings are highly praised.
Based on 3 reviews

Common Concerns

The lack of amenities such as running water and electricity may deter some visitors.
Based on 3 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors should prepare for the steep terrain and bring all necessary supplies, including treated water and personal floatation devices.
Based on 3 reviews

Seasonal Insights

From mid-June to September, the lake is ice-free, making it accessible to floatplanes and ideal for summer activities.
Based on 3 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Very steep terrain but enjoyed our stay. Would go again."
Based on 3 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Reviews tend to focus on the overall cabin experience rather than specific sites.
Based on 3 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific reviews addressing accessibility are available.
Based on 3 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No pet-related reviews are available.
Based on 3 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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