How much does camping cost at Castle River Cabin?

Camping fees at Castle River 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 Castle River Cabin first-come first-served or reservation?

Castle River 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 Castle River Cabin before I book?

Yes! Castle River Cabin has 8 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 Castle River Cabin?

Castle River 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 Castle River Cabin?

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

How many campsites does Castle River Cabin have?

Castle River 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 Castle River Cabin?

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

What amenities are available at Castle River Cabin?

Castle River Cabin offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Castle River Cabin?

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

Castle River Cabin

Q: Can I have a campfire at Castle River Cabin?

Fire policies at Castle River Cabin: An oil stove previously at the cabin has been replaced with a wood-burning stove; firewood may be available, but is not guaranteed. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

5 reviews

PO BOX 1328, PETERSBURG, AK 99833, USA

Top 5% in AKSpring

Featured in:Mountain Camping Alaska

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

85 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

85 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

Castle River 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, PETERSBURG, AK 99833, USA

Castle River Cabin

PO BOX 1328, PETERSBURG, AK 99833, USA

Nearby places

Petersburg (16 miles by float plane or 30 miles by boat), Wrangell (distance unspecified but accessible by boat or float plane).

Driving directionsFrom Petersburg, it is 16 miles by float plane or 30 miles by boat. A 16-foot tide is required for direct boat or float plane access to the cabin. At lower tides, there is up to a 2-mile hike across the sometimes muddy tide flat to get to the cabin. Another option for access is to boat or fly to the Castle Flats Cabin (a 15-foot tide is required for float plane, or a 13-foot tide for boat access there) and hike the easy 0.5-mile trek to the cabin.

Weather at Castle River Cabin

Current alerts(13)

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.
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

Best Time to Camp at Castle River Cabin

Best season: spring. Spring offers longening daylight, cool comfortable temperatures (typically 35–55°F / 2–13°C from late April through May) and the best mix of solitude and active wildlife—migratory birds, marine mammals, and early salmon runs make the tidal flats and waterways especially productive. Boat and floatplane access is generally reliable as storms are less frequent than in mid-winter, and trails thaw for easy hiking through muskeg and old-growth Sitka spruce. Crowds remain light compared with peak mids‑ Peak months: May, June, July, August Avoid: December, January, February

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Top 5% in AK

Spring (late Apr–May) cited as best: milder temps, lengthening daylight, migratory birds and early runs.

Planning Tips

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

About Castle River Cabin

Castle River Cabin sits in the Tongass National Forest near Petersburg, accessible only by boat or floatplane. Managed by the Petersburg Ranger District, this remote single-cabin rental offers vault toilets and a springtime window into Southeast Alaska's tidal ecosystems. Visitors come for wildlife viewing along productive waterways, fishing the Castle River drainage, and hiking the surrounding forest.

Castle River Cabin offers a single cabin accommodation in a remote and rugged location. Primitive camping amenities emphasize self-reliance and preparation.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: spring. Spring offers longening daylight, cool comfortable temperatures (typically 35–55°F / 2–13°C from late April through May) and the best mix of solitude and active wildlife—migratory birds, marine mammals, and early salmon runs make the tidal flats and waterways especially productive. Boat and floatplane access is generally reliable as storms are less frequent than in mid-winter, and trails thaw for easy hiking through muskeg and old-growth Sitka spruce. Crowds remain light compared with peak mids‑ Peak months: May, June, July, August Avoid: December, January, February

Elevation85 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe cabin occupies a tidal transition zone where expansive mudflats advance and retreat daily, revealing marine life and feeding grounds for waterfowl. Ancient Sitka spruce and hemlock rise from spongy muskeg bogs formed over centuries of accumulated vegetation. The surrounding landscape supports diverse wildlife including moose, Sitka black-tailed deer, black bears, and migratory birds. This positioning lets visitors observe both marine ecosystems and Southeast Alaska's temperate rainforest in one location.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe facility offers a modified A-frame cabin as lodging. It includes sleeping arrangements for up to seven people, a table, benches, and a wood stove. Guests must bring their own linens, food, and cooking gear.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are offered.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

7consecutive nights during peak season (May 1 - September 30)
10 consecutive nights during off-season (October 1 - April 30).

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum capacity of 7 people per cabin.

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 through Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityThe facility does not provide explicit accessibility features. The 2-mile hike during low tide and remote location make it challenging for individuals with mobility limitations.

Site SizeThe cabin can accommodate up to seven people with its sleeping arrangements, including two double bunks and a loft.

PrivacyThe site is moderately private but not entirely secluded. User reviews noted the proximity of a trail used by fishermen, which can lead to occasional disturbances.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesPlan arrival during high tide for easier access. Bring firewood, life jackets, and treat water before use. Use the food storage box outside the cabin to protect against wildlife.

Need help booking Castle River 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

An oil stove previously at the cabin has been replaced with a wood-burning stove; firewood may be available, but is not guaranteed

Firewood available

Lodging and accommodations

Vault toilets

Cabin Lodging

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Castle River Cabin offers various recreational activities suited to the remote and wild location on Kupreanof Island. Popular activities include fishing, hunting, wildlife viewing, hiking, and boating. Visitors can fish for steelhead trout, trout, and coho salmon during specific seasons. Hunting for moose, deer, bear, and grouse is permitted in designated areas following state or federal regulations. Wildlife viewing opportunities include sightings of waterfowl, black bears, grouse, and other species. Hiking trails connect to nearby cabins and a boat tie-off area. Boating is possible, but access requires a minimum 16-foot tide, and visitors must bring their own life jackets.

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 site 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).

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

0.0

5 reviews

Limited Reviews

Castle River Cabin has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews reflect moderate satisfaction with Castle River Cabin, emphasizing its scenic beauty, wildlife, hiking opportunities, and remote location. However, minor complaints such as mice in the cabin and occasional disturbances by fishermen were noted.

Review Summaries

Based on 5 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive mentions include the scenic surroundings, the clean and well-maintained cabin, availability of useful items left by prior guests (e.g., coffee filters, toilet paper), and wildlife viewing...

Based on 5 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include mice inside the cabin, occasional foul odors, quality of fishing not being as good as in prior years, and disturbances caused by nearby fishermen.

Based on 5 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

All reviews appear to pertain to the single cabin available at Castle River Cabin, named P11 in the AREA CASTLE RIVER CABIN Loop.

Based on 5 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend arriving at high tide to avoid a long hike, using the outdoor food storage box to protect food from wildlife, and bringing life jackets and firewood. Guests also advise leaving...

Based on 5 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer months are popular for fishing, boating, and hiking. User reports indicate that wildlife viewing and clean cabin conditions are consistent throughout the year, with less fishing activity noted...

Based on 5 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. "The cabin was nice with new table and interior paint...although there was a foul smell coming from underneath the cabin." (Michael D, 2022) 2. "Love this cabin...there was however a friendly...

Based on 5 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific accessibility reviews were provided, but the remote location and tide-dependent access may pose challenges for individuals with disabilities.

Based on 5 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No reviews specifically mention pets or pet-related experiences.

Based on 5 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want remote access to Southeast Alaska's tidal flats and wildlife corridors during the spring migratory window.

Skip if

You need road access, guaranteed fishing success, or a cabin free of occasional mice.

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