How much does camping cost at Control Lake Cabin?

Camping fees at Control Lake Cabin range from $35/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Control Lake Cabin first-come first-served or reservation?

Control Lake 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 Control Lake Cabin before I book?

Yes! Control Lake Cabin has 5 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 Control Lake Cabin?

Control Lake 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 Control Lake Cabin?

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

How many campsites does Control Lake Cabin have?

Control Lake 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 Control Lake Cabin?

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

What amenities are available at Control Lake Cabin?

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

What activities can I do at Control Lake Cabin?

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

Control Lake Cabin

5 reviews

,,,

Summer Destination

Featured in:Forest Camping Alaska

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

417 ft

Price

$35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open May 1 - Decembe...

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

417 ft

Price

$35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open May 1 - Decembe...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on US Forest Service Official Website

Get Directions

Control Lake Cabin

$35.00 - $35.00 / night

Campsite Fees

CABIN NONELECTRIC: $35.00. 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

907-828-3304

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Control Lake Cabin

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Campground Map

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Control Lake Cabin

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Nearby places

Hollis: 41 miles

Craig: 20 miles

Thorne Bay: 15 miles.

Driving directionsFrom State Highway 929, Control Lake Cabin is located 41 road miles from Hollis, 20 road miles from Craig and 15 miles from Thorne Bay. From Highway 929, access to the cabin is about a 20-minute boat paddle away. An aluminum skiff with oars is provided by the Forest Service. The boat can use a long shaft motor, though it is not provided. Please pull the skiff up on the dock and pull the plug. The cabin is also accessible by float plane; although in fall, winter, and early spring, the cabin may be inaccessible as float planes cannot land on the frozen lake surface.

Weather at Control Lake Cabin

Best Time to Camp at Control Lake Cabin

Best season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable access, the mildest weather, and peak opportunities for fishing and boating — expect daytime highs around 50–65°F (10–18°C) with very long daylight hours and cooler nights. This is prime time for salmon and trout fishing, paddling the 20-minute crossing to the cabin, and easy floatplane service when weather cooperates. Crowds are still light compared with mainland Alaska lodges, but you should expect more visitors than other seasons and plan/reserve transport in Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: January, February, March, April

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer offers best access, floatplane service, long daylight and peak salmon/trout fishing.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 01 to December 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open May 1 - December 31.

About Control Lake Cabin

Control Lake Cabin is a remote US Forest Service rental on Tongass National Forest, accessible by floatplane or a 20-minute paddle across the lake from the nearest trailhead. This low-elevation Alaskan retreat serves hunters, anglers, and paddlers seeking solitude on a fishable lake with vault toilets and a skiff. Guests value the genuine backcountry experience and the community ethic of leaving the cabin clean, though maintenance of oars and the outhouse can be inconsistent.

Control Lake Cabin represents a singular camping accommodation that caters to cabin-based stays in a remote and rustic setting.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable access, the mildest weather, and peak opportunities for fishing and boating — expect daytime highs around 50–65°F (10–18°C) with very long daylight hours and cooler nights. This is prime time for salmon and trout fishing, paddling the 20-minute crossing to the cabin, and easy floatplane service when weather cooperates. Crowds are still light compared with mainland Alaska lodges, but you should expect more visitors than other seasons and plan/reserve transport in Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: January, February, March, April

Elevation417 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe cabin occupies a grassy clearing surrounded by sparse lodgepole pines and spongy muskeg bogs. Sitka black-tailed deer, black bears, bald eagles, river otters, marten, and mink move through the area. The landscape sits at 417 feet elevation, where ice age glaciers carved out Control Lake and the surrounding terrain thousands of years ago.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe cabin offers accommodation for up to six guests in a large multi-room structure. Rustic log furniture and wooden bunk beds are provided, but users need to bring their own bedding. The cabin is ideal for those seeking a remote and rugged experience.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay of 7 consecutive nights per visit.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Up to 6 guests.

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations available through Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityThe facility does not explicitly mention standard accessibility features. Access to the cabin includes a 20-minute boat paddle or float plane, making it challenging for guests with mobility issues.

Site SizeThe cabin accommodates up to six guests, but specific measurements of the cabin space are not provided.

PrivacySites offer significant privacy due to the remote location and single cabin setup.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesBring a kicker (motor) for the boat to improve transport efficiency. Guests must bring personal flotation devices and all necessary supplies for remote camping.

Need help booking Control Lake 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

Control Lake Cabin offers basic amenities with a rustic atmosphere. The cabin, originally built in 1969 as a Ranger District office, is equipped with wooden bunk beds (no mattresses), a table, benches, a wood stove, and an outside toilet. Additional provisions include cooking counters, an axe, splitting maul, and broom. Guests must bring their own necessities, including food, water, cook stoves, utensils, and sleeping gear. Water can be sourced from the lake but requires treatment. Firewood availability is uncertain and cannot be relied upon. There is no running water or electricity.

Firewood available

Lodging and accommodations

Vault toilets

Cabin Lodging

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Control Lake Cabin offers diverse recreational activities, including fishing, hunting, hiking, boating, and wildlife viewing. Guests can also explore nearby attractions such as Thorne River.

Hiking

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 cabin uses an outside pit toilet, which has received negative reviews for its cleanliness and condition.

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

0.0

5 reviews

Limited Reviews

Control Lake Cabin has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews offer a mixed perspective on Control Lake Cabin. Positive feedback mentions the spacious and authentic Alaskan experience, while criticisms focus on maintenance issues and the quality of amenities.

Review Summaries

Based on 5 reviews

What Campers Love

Guests appreciate the Alaskan setting and ample deer hunting opportunities. One user notes, 'Cabin was great. Very Alaskan and provided a genuine deer hunting experience.' Another highlights the...

Based on 5 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include the poor condition of the skiff's oars, unclean cabin, damaged stove pipe, and a malfunctioning outhouse. One user recounts, 'The row boat is awful...the outhouse was appalling.'...

Based on 5 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Campsite T02 in Loop AREA CONTROL LAKE CABIN received a 5-star rating from one user who appreciated the deer hunting opportunities and hiking access.

Based on 5 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Guests recommend bringing a kicker for the skiff to improve navigation, extra cleaning supplies due to the cabin's condition, and ample outdoor gear for unpredictable weather.

Based on 5 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews suggest that seasonal accessibility varies widely. Float planes cannot access the cabin during winter due to frozen lake surfaces, and snow/ice can complicate travel. Summer is the most...

Based on 5 reviews

Camper Quotes

'Fun trails & spacious cabin.' 'The front door doesn't close...the outhouse was appalling.' 'Cabin was great. Very Alaskan and provided a genuine deer hunting experience.'

Based on 5 reviews

Accessibility Features

No reviews specifically address accessibility for guests with disabilities, but the rugged terrain and remote access suggest limited accommodations.

Based on 5 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

User reviews do not address pet policies or experiences, suggesting pets may not be a focus at this site.

Based on 5 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want a genuine Alaskan cabin experience with lake access for fishing, hunting, or wildlife viewing and don't mind basic amenities.

Skip if

You need reliable gear maintenance, road access, or modern conveniences beyond vault toilets.

Nearby Campgrounds

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Eagles Nest Campground

TONGASS-KETCHIKAN

Eagles Nest Campground sits in the Tongass National Forest at low elevation, offering direct access to Balls Lake and a scenic trail with boardwalk sections. Managed by the Forest Service, this seasonal campground draws visitors for wildlife viewing—eagles, otters, and deer are common sightings—and for fishing and boating on the lake. Sites accommodate tents and RVs with vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables in a well-maintained, serene setting.