Control Lake Cabin

Star0
5 reviews
,,,
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

417 ft

Price

$35 - $55/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open May 1 - Decembe...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens US Forest Service site

Official Website
Get Directions

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
Control Lake Cabin
$35.00 - $55.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Cabin rates vary by season: $55 per night during peak season (May 1 - September 30) and $35 per night during non-peak season (October 1 - December...
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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
907-828-3304
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What Campers Say

N/A

Limited Reviews

Based on 5 reviews

10 Google reviews

Most mentioned

clean

"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."

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Campground Map

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Control Lake Cabin

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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.
The site is remote and requires either paddling by boat or arriving by float plane. Access is contingent on weather conditions, and float planes cannot land if the lake surface is frozen in fall, winter, or early spring.
Nearby places
Hollis: 41 miles
Craig: 20 miles
Thorne Bay: 15 miles.
Nearby supplies
No explicit details on grocery or camping supply locations provided
visitors are advised to bring adequate supplies.

Best Time to Camp at Control Lake Cabin

Mother Nature rules supreme at Control Lake, where weather writes its own schedule and transforms the landscape with each passing season. Winter's icy grip freezes the lake solid, grounding float planes and creating a crystalline wonderland accessible only to the most intrepid adventurers. Storm systems sweep through without warning, turning calm waters choppy and clear skies gray—wise visitors pack extra provisions, knowing that Alaska's moods can extend their wilderness sojourn from days into an unforgettable week. Each season paints the landscape anew, from spring's explosive greenery to autumn's golden tapestry.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5

Peak season May–Sept; best access by floatplane or paddle and most favorable conditions.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Accessible into fall; variable weather but good wildlife/hunting opportunities.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Open May 1; early spring access limited until May and weather can be variable.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Lake freezes and floatplanes can't access; snow/ice complicate travel; site largely off-season.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 1 - September 30.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open May 1 - December 31.
  • Current Alerts: No current alerts provided; guests should contact Thorne Bay Ranger District for updates.

About Control Lake Cabin

Escape to the untamed wilderness of Prince of Wales Island at Control Lake Cabin, where adventure begins with your journey. This 1969-built sanctuary requires a scenic 20-minute paddle across pristine waters or a thrilling float plane arrival, making every visit an expedition in itself. Here, the symphony of nature plays constantly—from the haunting calls of eagles soaring overhead to the splash of otters at play. Days unfold with world-class fishing, backcountry hunting, wilderness hiking, and peaceful boating, while evenings bring the crackle of your wood stove and stories shared under star-filled skies. With cozy bunkbeds, a warming wood stove, and an authentic outhouse, this rustic retreat strips away modern distractions, leaving only you and Alaska's raw beauty.
Control Lake Cabin represents a singular camping accommodation that caters to cabin-based stays in a remote and rustic setting.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
12:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum stay of 7 consecutive nights per visit.

Amenities available

Firewood available
Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
Cabin Lodging

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.
HikingHiking trails are available both around Control Lake and at nearby attractions like Thorne River, which is 18 miles away. Specific trail difficulty and length are not detailed.
FishingThe lake supports healthy populations of cutthroat trout, dolly varden, and sockeye salmon. Fishing is a popular activity here, with user reviews specifically praising the scenic setting.
BoatingAn aluminum skiff with oars is provided at the cabin. Guests must bring their own life jackets and can use a long shaft motor (not provided). User reviews note issues with the skiff's oars, describing it as 'slow and torturous.'
Wildlife viewingRich wildlife includes waterfowl, eagles, marten, mink, otter, Sitka black-tailed deer, and black bears. User reviews highlight the abundance of wildlife and the remote setting.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBlack bears and other wildlife frequent the area; bear safety practices are advised. Remote location requires preparation for weather-related delays and extended stays.
Active AlertsNo current alerts provided; guests should contact Thorne Bay Ranger District for updates.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Control Lake Cabin

Reviews

0.0
5 reviews
Limited 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...
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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.'...
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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...
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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

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

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

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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