How much does camping cost at Karta Lake Cabin?

Camping fees at Karta 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 Karta Lake Cabin first-come first-served or reservation?

Karta 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 Karta Lake Cabin before I book?

Yes! Karta 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 Karta Lake Cabin?

Karta 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 Karta Lake Cabin?

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

How many campsites does Karta Lake Cabin have?

Karta 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 Karta Lake Cabin?

Pets are not allowed at Karta 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 Karta Lake Cabin?

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

What activities can I do at Karta Lake Cabin?

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

Karta Lake Cabin

3.69

16 reviews

KARTA LAKE CABIN, PO BOX 19001, THORNE BAY, AK 99919, USA

Summer Destination

Featured in:Primitive Camping Alaska

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

194 ft

Price

$35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open May 01, 2025. C...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Tongass National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

194 ft

Price

$35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open May 01, 2025. C...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Tongass National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Karta 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

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Campground Map

KARTA LAKE CABIN, PO BOX 19001, THORNE BAY, AK 99919, USA

Karta Lake Cabin

KARTA LAKE CABIN, PO BOX 19001, THORNE BAY, AK 99919, USA

Nearby places

Hollis (10 miles by boat), Ketchikan (34 air miles)

Driving directionsKarta Lake Cabin is accessible by float plane or boat and trail from Karta Bay. By boat, the cabin is approximately 10 miles from Hollis, and an additional 1.5 miles by trail from Karta Bay. The cabin is located approximately 34 air miles from Ketchikan. Be aware that in fall, winter, and early spring, the cabin may be inaccessible to float planes due to a frozen lake surface. Access by helicopter is illegal. Inclement weather conditions may cause extensions of trips during any time of the year, so guests should bring extra supplies to last 2-5 days.

Weather at Karta Lake Cabin

Best Time to Camp at Karta Lake Cabin

Best season: summer. Summer offers the warmest, driest, and most reliable weather for getting the most out of Karta Lake — expect daytime highs around 55–67°F with long daylight and frequent morning mists. This is peak salmon-run and boating season (especially July–August), so fishing, wildlife viewing (bears, eagles, trumpeter swans) and lake-based exploration are at their best. Trails, boat launches, and floatplane access are most dependable, and while the cabin attracts anglers and small groups, crowds remain low Peak months: July, August, June, May Avoid: January, February, March, April

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Summer best: May–Sept peak season, July–Aug peak salmon runs and reliable boating/weather.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 01 to December 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open May 01, 2025. Closed December 31, 2025.

About Karta Lake Cabin

Karta Lake Cabin sits in a remote corner of Tongass National Forest near Thorne Bay, accessible only by floatplane or boat. This Forest Service rental offers a wood stove, vault toilet, and direct lake access for fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing in one of Southeast Alaska's most pristine settings. Summer brings salmon runs, bear and eagle activity, and long daylight hours ideal for exploring the surrounding trails and waterways.

Karta Lake Cabin offers primitive camping in a pre-cut cedar log cabin, emphasizing self-sufficiency and wilderness immersion.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the warmest, driest, and most reliable weather for getting the most out of Karta Lake — expect daytime highs around 55–67°F with long daylight and frequent morning mists. This is peak salmon-run and boating season (especially July–August), so fishing, wildlife viewing (bears, eagles, trumpeter swans) and lake-based exploration are at their best. Trails, boat launches, and floatplane access are most dependable, and while the cabin attracts anglers and small groups, crowds remain low Peak months: July, August, June, May Avoid: January, February, March, April

Elevation194 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe cabin overlooks Karta Lake from its eastern shore, surrounded by second-growth spruce, hemlock, and cedar forest. Black bears fish the shoreline during salmon runs. Trumpeter swans, river otters, wolves, and Sitka black-tailed deer inhabit the area. Morning mists often blanket the lake. The Karta River system drains through steep, forested terrain at 194 feet elevation. Salmon runs peak July through August, drawing bears and eagles. The lake sits in a remote wilderness with no road access.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe site offers accommodations in a 12 x 12 foot primitive cedar log cabin, with furnishings for up to six people. The cabin includes a small wood stove for heating.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are noted for the site.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay is 7 nights during a visit at this campground.

Guests Allowed Per Site

The cabin accommodates up to six people.

Groups

This site does not include designated group camping areas.

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 information does not specify accessibility options, and given the remote location and primitive nature of the cabin, accessibility for individuals with disabilities may be challenging.

Site SizeThe cabin accommodates up to six people, suggesting sufficient internal space for small groups.

PrivacyThe cabin offers a secluded and private setting on the eastern shore of Karta Lake, surrounded by wilderness.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesBring extra supplies to last 2-5 days due to potential weather delays. Early or late seasons may affect salmon runs for fishing enthusiasts.

Best CampsitesThere's one cabin. Reviews call the setting beautiful, and several users mention it as a favorite remote spot. The new wood stove works well for heat, though you'll need to bring your own firewood.

Need help booking Karta Lake Cabin?

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Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

The Karta Lake Cabin provides a rustic camping experience in southeastern Alaska, offering limited amenities to encourage self-sufficiency. The cabin features wooden bunkbeds without mattresses, a table and benches, a small wood stove for heating, and an outdoor toilet. Additional amenities include a cooking counter, shelves, cupboard space, and a broom. There is no running water, electricity, or provision of firewood, and visitors must bring their own supplies, including potable water, as untreated lake water is available but requires filtering, boiling, or chemical treatment.

Lodging and accommodations

Vault toilets

Cabin Lodging

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Karta Lake Cabin offers opportunities for hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing, and boating in a remote and scenic wilderness setting. Activities are suited for individuals seeking solitude and engagement with nature.

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 includes an outdoor 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).

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

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

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From Booking Sources

3.7

16 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Karta Lake Cabin has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews suggest mixed experiences, with positive feedback on the scenic setting, wildlife, and improved amenities like the wood stove, offset by concerns about trail maintenance and availability of supplies.

Review Summaries

Based on 16 reviews

What Campers Love

The cabin setting is described as 'beautiful' and 'one of my favorite places in the world.' Several users praised the new wood stove for heating.

Based on 16 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include the lack of provided firewood and the need for trail maintenance. One reviewer described the trail as 'in need of serious work.'

Based on 16 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Campsite T05, Loop AREA KARTA LAKE CABIN, received feedback suggesting mixed experiences, with positive notes on its scenic appeal and improved heating facilities.

Based on 16 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend bringing all necessary supplies, as the cabin lacks amenities like firewood, potable water, and lighting. Preparation for potential weather delays and extra supplies is advised.

Based on 16 reviews

Seasonal Insights

In warmer months, visitors enjoy fishing and hiking, although some complained about the trail conditions. Winter visitors should be prepared for snow and ice, which may limit accessibility. Sockeye...

Based on 16 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Beautiful area! One of my favorite places in the world. Trail needs some serious work though.' - Paul B 2. 'Although we were a little late for sockeye or early run silvers, we did have beautiful...

Based on 16 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features are not specifically mentioned in reviews, and the primitive nature of the cabin and trail conditions may pose challenges for individuals with disabilities.

Based on 16 reviews