How much does camping cost at Karta River Cabin?

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

Karta River 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 River Cabin before I book?

Yes! Karta River 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 River Cabin?

Karta River 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 River Cabin?

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

How many campsites does Karta River Cabin have?

Karta River 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 River Cabin?

Pets are not allowed at Karta River 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 River Cabin?

Karta River Cabin offers: Restrooms, Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Karta River Cabin?

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

Karta River Cabin

3.38

13 reviews

PO BOX 19001, THORNE BAY, AK 99919, USA

Top 13% in AKSummer

Fishing

Featured in:Fishing Camping Alaska

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

Price

$35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open May 1 to Decemb...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on U.S. Forest Service Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

Price

$35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open May 1 to Decemb...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on U.S. Forest Service Official Website

Get Directions

Karta River 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

PO BOX 19001, THORNE BAY, AK 99919, USA

Karta River Cabin

PO BOX 19001, THORNE BAY, AK 99919, USA

Nearby places

Hollis (10 miles by boat), Thorne Bay (15 miles by plane), Ketchikan (40 air miles by plane)

Driving directionsKarta River Cabin can be accessed by float plane or boat from open ocean at high tide. By boat, the cabin is approximately 10 miles from Hollis, and a mooring buoy in the bay is available on a first-come-first-served basis. By plane, the cabin is approximately 40 air miles from Ketchikan and 15 miles from Thorne Bay. Visitors should bring extra supplies to last 2-5 days due to potential weather delays.

Weather at Karta River Cabin

Best Time to Camp at Karta River Cabin

Best season: summer. Summer offers the longest daylight, the mildest weather, and peak access to the Karta River's famous salmon runs — ideal for fishing, boating, hiking, and wildlife viewing. Expect daytime highs typically in the 50s–60s°F (10–18°C), long daylight (up to ~18 hours in June) and generally calmer seas between storm fronts, though rain is still common. Trails, access points, and river fishing are at their most reliable, and crowds remain moderate due to the site's remoteness — plan and book early once Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: January, February, March, April

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

5.0 / 5

Top 13% in AK

Summer brings best weather, long daylight and peak salmon runs; site books up quickly in summer.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 01 to December 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open May 1 to December 31, reservable starting June 20, 2025.

About Karta River Cabin

Karta River Cabin sits in Tongass National Forest near Thorne Bay, operated by the U.S. Forest Service. This remote rental offers access to the Karta River's renowned salmon runs, drawing anglers and wildlife watchers during the summer season. The cabin includes a wood stove and firewood, with vault toilets and potable water on-site.

This campground is primarily composed of cabin lodging in a remote wilderness area.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the longest daylight, the mildest weather, and peak access to the Karta River's famous salmon runs — ideal for fishing, boating, hiking, and wildlife viewing. Expect daytime highs typically in the 50s–60s°F (10–18°C), long daylight (up to ~18 hours in June) and generally calmer seas between storm fronts, though rain is still common. Trails, access points, and river fishing are at their most reliable, and crowds remain moderate due to the site's remoteness — plan and book early once Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: January, February, March, April

ElevationWhile specific elevation data isn't available, the cabin sits at river level, offering easy access to both waterways and the surrounding forest terrain.

Natural Features and SceneryThe Karta River drains from interior mountains through old-growth and second-growth forests of Sitka spruce and western hemlock before reaching tidal flats. Salmon runs draw black bears and support a productive watershed. Sitka black-tailed deer browse nearby. The scenery is dramatic. River, forest, and distant peaks. But the cabin itself faces privacy challenges. One reviewer noted "ZERO privacy literally every day at all hours," likely due to boat or floatplane traffic during peak season.

Lodging & AccommodationsCabin accommodations are available as the primary lodging at Karta River Cabin. The cabin itself is 12 x 14 feet in size and composed of pre-cut cedar logs (pan-abode style).

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.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Up to 5 people can sleep in the cabin using wooden bunk beds without mattresses.

Groups

Group accommodations are not specified.

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.

AccessibilityAccessibility features specific to Karta River Cabin are not provided; challenging terrain may limit accessibility for individuals with disabilities.

Site SizeThe cabin measures 12 x 14 feet, designed for up to five occupants.

PrivacyPrivacy levels at the site have been criticized by some users, stating: "ZERO privacy literally every day at all hours," while others appreciated the secluded wilderness atmosphere.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesVisitors should bring extra supplies for extended stays due to weather risks and prepare for privacy concerns from nearby hikers.

Best CampsitesThere's only one site. The cabin itself. Reviewers appreciated the wood stove and available firewood but suggested bringing curtains for privacy and extra supplies for extended stays. One visitor requested a roof over the deck.

Need help booking Karta River Cabin?

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Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

The cabin does not have running water or electricity. Guests must bring their own food, water, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, cook stove, stove fuel , fire starter, cooking gear/utensils, light source (lantern), toilet paper, first aid kit and garbage bags. The cabin is a 12 x 14 foot primitive, pre-cut cedar log cabin ( pan-abode style ) furnished with wooden bunkbeds (without mattresses) that sleep up to five people. The cabin is equipped with a table, benches, a wood stove for heat, and an outside toilet.

Potable water

Firewood available

Lodging and accommodations

Vault toilets

Cabin Lodging

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Visitors to Karta River Cabin can enjoy a variety of recreational activities, including fishing, hiking, wildlife viewing, and boating. "The surrounding snow-capped peaks and forested shoreline [are] quite scenic," particularly for anglers targeting rainbow and cutthroat trout, Dolly Varden, and four salmon species.

Hiking

Fishing

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available; the facility provides 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

3.4

13 reviews

Mixed Reviews

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

User reviews highlight both the scenic beauty of the area and maintenance issues with the cabin. Complaints include damaged doors and windows, lack of privacy, and trail conditions. Positive reviews focus on the unique wilderness experience, abundant wildlife, and peaceful atmosphere.

Review Summaries

Based on 13 reviews

What Campers Love

"You can't beat the solitude, the wildlife, and the atmosphere," wrote one user. "The cabin itself is beautiful and the scenery is spectacular." Visitors appreciated the availability of firewood, the...

Based on 13 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include maintenance issues such as: "Door is falling off the cabin, windows don't work, wood stove door stuck in place, and the trail up [the river] is a death trap." Another user lamented...

Based on 13 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site T06 has been explicitly reviewed, with users mentioning maintenance issues and privacy concerns.

Based on 13 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend bringing extra firewood, curtains for privacy, and supplies for extended stays. "A roof over the deck would be fantastic," one reviewer suggested.

Based on 13 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Users note that winter weather conditions can be challenging, with snow and ice complicating access. Spring brings moderate fishing success but may require substantial firewood for heating.

Based on 13 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. "Some maintenance work around the door and the window [is needed]." 2. "More cut firewood would be nice." 3. "Trail was the major drawback with some blowdown but some effort had been made to...

Based on 13 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility issues are not directly reviewed, but challenging terrain may pose difficulties.

Based on 13 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No specific reviews related to pets.

Based on 13 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want solitude on a productive salmon river and don't mind rustic conditions or seasonal maintenance gaps.

Skip if

You need guaranteed privacy, immediate repair response, or well-maintained trail systems.

Nearby Campgrounds

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

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.