How much does camping cost at Hugh Smith Lake Cabin?

Camping fees at Hugh Smith Lake Cabin range from $45/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Hugh Smith Lake Cabin first-come first-served or reservation?

Hugh Smith 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 Hugh Smith Lake Cabin before I book?

Yes! Hugh Smith 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 Hugh Smith Lake Cabin?

Hugh Smith 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 Hugh Smith Lake Cabin?

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

Can I have a campfire at Hugh Smith Lake Cabin?

Fire policies at Hugh Smith Lake Cabin: Please conserve firewood; supplied firewood is for wood stove use only. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Hugh Smith Lake Cabin have?

Hugh Smith 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 Hugh Smith Lake Cabin?

Pets are not allowed at Hugh Smith 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 Hugh Smith Lake Cabin?

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

What activities can I do at Hugh Smith Lake Cabin?

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

Hugh Smith Lake Cabin

0 review

Summer Destination

Featured in:Family-Friendly Campgrounds Alaska

Real-Time Availability

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Quick Facts

20 ft

Price

$45/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Ketchikan-Misty Fjords Ranger District Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

20 ft

Price

$45/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Ketchikan-Misty Fjords Ranger District Official Website

Get Directions

Hugh Smith Lake Cabin

$45.00 - $45.00 / night

Campsite Fees

CABIN NONELECTRIC: $45.00. 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

907-225-2148

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Hugh Smith Lake Cabin

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Campground Map

Hugh Smith Lake Cabin

55.0948, -130.6458

Nearby places

Ketchikan - 55 air miles southeast

Driving directionsThe cabin is located approximately 55 air miles southeast of Ketchikan on the mainland south of Marten Arm. Accessible by floatplane. No moorage available. This cabin is in a designated Wilderness area, and access by helicopter is illegal. Refer to USGS Ketchikan A-3. In fall, winter and early spring, the cabin may be inaccessible due to frozen lake surface (floatplanes cannot land). Please contact the Ketchikan-Misty Fjords Ranger District for information prior to making reservations during these periods.

Weather at Hugh Smith Lake Cabin

Current alerts(9)

Click here for more information about Tongass National Forest
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.
High levels of Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning ( PSP ) have been reported in this area
Please pack out all trash and food

Best Time to Camp at Hugh Smith Lake Cabin

Best season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable weather, long daylight (up to 18+ hours in June/July), and the calmest floatplane and boating conditions, with typical daytime temperatures around 50–65°F (10–18°C). This is when kayaking, fishing (salmon and trout), hiking the shoreline, and wildlife viewing (sea birds, whales offshore, and bears along salmon streams) are at their peak. Floatplane access is most dependable May–September and visitor numbers remain low compared with road-access parks, though you’ll Peak months: July, August, June, May Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Summer most dependable: 50–65°F, up to 18 hrs daylight and calm floatplane access.

Planning Tips

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

About Hugh Smith Lake Cabin

Hugh Smith Lake Cabin sits in the Tongass National Forest near Ketchikan, accessible only by floatplane. Managed by the Ketchikan-Misty Fjords Ranger District, this remote rental cabin offers a true backcountry experience where guests bring all their own gear and supplies. The lake setting provides opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and wildlife viewing during the summer months when floatplane access is most reliable.

The campground exclusively offers cabin lodging in a remote wilderness setting.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable weather, long daylight (up to 18+ hours in June/July), and the calmest floatplane and boating conditions, with typical daytime temperatures around 50–65°F (10–18°C). This is when kayaking, fishing (salmon and trout), hiking the shoreline, and wildlife viewing (sea birds, whales offshore, and bears along salmon streams) are at their peak. Floatplane access is most dependable May–September and visitor numbers remain low compared with road-access parks, though you’ll Peak months: July, August, June, May Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation20 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe cabin occupies a peninsula jutting into Hugh Smith Lake at 20 feet elevation, surrounded by old-growth Sitka spruce, western hemlock, and cedar. Dramatic fjords carved by ancient glaciers define the horizon, while the coastal mountains rise steeply from the water. The Inside Passage location puts you in prime territory for brown bears, black-tailed deer, wolves, moose, and waterfowl. The lake itself sits in a landscape shaped by millions of years of tectonic forces and ice ages.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe cabin is a 12x14-ft. pan-abode style structure that sleeps six guests. It includes two single bunks, two double bunks, a wood stove, table and benches, and basic tools like a splitting maul and broom. Guests are required to bring their own firewood, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, lanterns or flashlights, cookware, plates, utensils, food, toilet paper, garbage bags, a fire extinguisher, and fire starter.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 7 nights during a visit at this campground.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Cabin sleeps six.

Groups

No group camping details are mentioned.

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov online or via the app.

Site SizeThe cabin measures 12x14 feet and is designed to accommodate six people. It is equipped with two single bunks and two double bunks.

PrivacyThe cabin is situated on a peninsula within an old-growth forest, offering a high level of privacy and natural seclusion.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesReserve during late spring or early summer for better weather conditions and easier accessibility.

Need help booking Hugh Smith 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

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Water and electricity are not provided. Water is available from the lake, but guests should be sure to treat water before drinking or cooking with it. It is recommended that guests bring their own water supply.

Lodging and accommodations

Vault toilets

Cabin Lodging

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

The Hugh Smith Lake Cabin offers a variety of wilderness recreation opportunities including hiking, fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing. An abandoned cannery site and trails leading to saltwater add options for exploration.

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. An outhouse is provided as the toilet facility.

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.