How much does camping cost at Helm Bay Cabin?

Camping fees at Helm Bay Cabin are $65/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Helm Bay Cabin first-come first-served or reservation?

Helm 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 Helm Bay Cabin before I book?

Yes! Helm Bay Cabin has 6 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 Helm Bay Cabin?

Helm 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 Helm Bay Cabin?

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

Can I have a campfire at Helm Bay Cabin?

Fire policies at Helm Bay Cabin: 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.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Helm Bay Cabin have?

Helm 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 Helm Bay Cabin?

Pets are not allowed at Helm 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 Helm Bay Cabin?

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

What activities can I do at Helm Bay Cabin?

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

Helm Bay Cabin

4.65

9 reviews

Top 24% in AKSummer

Fishing

Featured in:Beach Camping Alaska

Quick Facts

56 ft

Price

$65/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Tongass National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

56 ft

Price

$65/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Tongass National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Helm Bay Cabin

$65.00 / night

Campsite Fees

CABIN NONELECTRIC: $65.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No campsite fee categories listed.

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Provider

907-225-2148

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Helm Bay Cabin

55.6283, -131.9772

Nearby places

Ketchikan - 24 miles, Clover Pass area - 12 miles

Weather at Helm Bay Cabin

Current alerts(10)

Click here for more information about Tongass National Forest
High levels of Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning ( PSP ) have been reported in this area
Please do not confuse this cabin with Helm Creek Cabin,located on the other side of the bay
Please pack out all trash and food

Best Time to Camp at Helm Bay Cabin

Best season: summer. Summer offers the best combination of mild weather (typically 50–65°F / 10–18°C), long daylight hours, and the most reliable marine and floatplane access, making boating, kayaking, and fishing easiest and safest. Wildlife viewing is at its peak—salmon runs, bald eagles, seals, and sea otters are abundant—and the cabin’s protected position behind Forss Island often means calmer water for landing and exploring tide flats. Expect more visitors than in shoulder seasons (daytime boat traffic can rise Peak months: July, August, June, May Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

5.0 / 5

Top 24% in AK

Summer cited as best season: mild temps, long daylight, reliable marine/floatplane access and peak activity.

Planning Tips

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

About Helm Bay Cabin

Helm Bay Cabin sits on the shore of a protected bay near Ketchikan, accessible only by floatplane or boat. Operated by Tongass National Forest, this remote rental cabin offers fishing, crabbing, and wildlife viewing in a scenic Southeast Alaska setting. Guests appreciate the functional setup and excellent marine access, though you'll need to bring your own firewood and cookware.

Helm Bay Cabin offers a rustic lodging experience, tailored for those seeking a remote getaway in Alaska.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the best combination of mild weather (typically 50–65°F / 10–18°C), long daylight hours, and the most reliable marine and floatplane access, making boating, kayaking, and fishing easiest and safest. Wildlife viewing is at its peak—salmon runs, bald eagles, seals, and sea otters are abundant—and the cabin’s protected position behind Forss Island often means calmer water for landing and exploring tide flats. Expect more visitors than in shoulder seasons (daytime boat traffic can rise Peak months: July, August, June, May Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation56 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryAncient Sitka spruce and western hemlock surround the cabin at 56 feet elevation. Forss Island protects the bay from open ocean swells, creating calmer water for landing and launching. The tide flats shift throughout the day, exposing new terrain at low tide and drawing black bears, Sitka black-tailed deer, seals, and sea otters. Bald eagles nest in the canopy overhead. The interplay between saltwater and temperate rainforest creates habitat diversity rare even by Southeast Alaska standards.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe cabin accommodates up to eight people with its two double bunks and four single bunks. Guests must bring their own sleeping bags and pads.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned for this location.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum consecutive stay is 7 nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum occupancy is 8 people.

Groups

No group camping options are mentioned for this site.

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.

Site SizeThe cabin measures 16-by-20 feet and includes three rooms in a pan-abode style.

PrivacyThe cabin is surrounded by old-growth rainforest, offering significant privacy and separation from other areas.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesBring your own firewood, cookware, and water supply. Consult tide tables for boating activities.

Best CampsitesThere's only one site: the cabin itself. Reviews praise the functional three-room layout and covered deck, though some guests note the lack of provided firewood and cookware. The floating dock is first-come-first-served.

Need help booking Helm Bay Cabin?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Helm Bay Cabin offers basic but essential facilities suitable for a remote and rustic camping experience. The cabin is equipped with four single bunks and two double bunks, a table and benches, a wood stove, a splitting maul, and a broom. There is an outhouse for sanitation. A covered deck extends from the front of the cabin, and a floating dock is located nearby, maintained by the state and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Lodging and accommodations

Vault toilets

Cabin Lodging

I manage this campground

Things to do at Helm Bay Cabin

Helm Bay Cabin is an excellent destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering opportunities for fishing, crabbing, kayaking, and wildlife viewing.

Fishing5.0/5Top 5% in Alaska

Boating4.0/5

Marine access by floatplane/boat and a floating dock (first-come) make boating a key activity.

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

Area hosts black/brown bears, Sitka black-tail deer, mountain goats and seals; wildlife viewing highlighted.

Water Sports4.0/5

Kayaking called out among activities; protected bay and calm water from Forss Island aid paddling.

Winter Activities

Signature experiences

Photography4.0/5Scenic bay, tide flats, old-growth forest and wildlife provide strong photo opportunities.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete 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 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

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

Rate Helm Bay Cabin

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From Booking Sources

4.7

9 reviews

Top-Rated

Helm Bay Cabin is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

Helm Bay Cabin has received overwhelmingly positive reviews for its scenic setting, excellent fishing and crabbing opportunities, and the rustic but functional facilities. Some criticisms focus on the lack of provided firewood.

Review Summaries

Based on 9 reviews

What Campers Love

Guests highlight the excellent fishing and crabbing opportunities in Helm Bay. The cabin's scenic location and functional setup also receive praise.

Based on 9 reviews

Common Concerns

A recurring complaint is the lack of firewood at the site, despite the presence of a wood stove.

Based on 9 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

The site-specific reviews for Helm Bay Cabin (notably campsite K06) highlight the cabin's spacious setup and proximity to a freshwater stream. Complaints about missing firewood are consistent.

Based on 9 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Guests recommend bringing firewood, cookware, and sleeping pads. One user suggested that providing shared cookware and vinyl-covered mattresses would enhance the experience.

Based on 9 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer appears to be the most popular season for visits, with guests engaging in fishing, crabbing, and exploring the bay. There is no mention of winter-specific feedback.

Based on 9 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Stayed here in 1999. Great cabin, awesome fishing and crabbing.' - Mark Watt 2. 'This particular cabin is one of the largest in this region.' - Mark Christensen 3. 'Thank goodness we brought our...

Based on 9 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility is not specifically reviewed, though the remote location and need for self-sufficiency likely limit accessibility options.

Based on 9 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No pet-related reviews or policies are explicitly mentioned.

Based on 9 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Helm Bay Cabin

$65.00 / night

Campsite Fees

CABIN NONELECTRIC: $65.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No campsite fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

907-225-2148

Go if

You want a true backcountry experience with prime fishing and wildlife viewing in a protected Southeast Alaska bay.

Skip if

You need road access, provided firewood, or on-site cookware and supplies.

Nearby Campgrounds

Tongass National Forest

Helm Creek Cabin sits on a remote coastal site in Tongass National Forest, accessible only by boat or floatplane from Ketchikan. Managed by the Forest Service, this single-cabin retreat offers wildlife viewing, fishing, and tidal flat exploration during summer salmon runs. The wood stove and beachfront setting draw visitors seeking solitude in Southeast Alaska's wilderness.

Helm Bay Cabin

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Ask Camp Sage about Helm Bay Cabin

Campground Map

Weather at Helm Bay Cabin

Current alerts(10)

Best Time to Camp at Helm Bay Cabin

Planning Tips

About Helm Bay Cabin

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Helm Bay Cabin?

Amenities available

Things to do at Helm Bay Cabin

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews

Get Notified When Available

Go if

Skip if

Featured in these camping guides

Ask Camp Sage about Helm Bay Cabin

Current alerts(10)

Best Time to Camp at Helm Bay Cabin

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Helm Bay Cabin?

Amenities available

Things to do at Helm Bay Cabin

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews