Karta River Cabin

Star4.13
13 reviews
PO BOX 19001, THORNE BAY, AK 99919, USA

Quick Facts

0

Price

$35 - $55/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open May 1 to Decemb...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens U.S. Forest Service site

Official Website
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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
Karta River Cabin
$35.00 - $55.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Cabin rental fees range from $35 per night during non-peak season (October 1 - December 31) to $55 per night during peak season (May 1 - September...
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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

4.13

Satisfactory

Based on 13 reviews

3 Google reviews

Most mentioned

scenery

"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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

PO BOX 19001, THORNE BAY, AK 99919, USA

Karta River Cabin

PO BOX 19001, THORNE BAY, AK 99919, USA

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.
The site is remote and accessible only by float plane or boat. Access by helicopter is illegal due to its designation as a Wilderness Area. Winter access can be difficult due to snow and ice.
Nearby places
Hollis (10 miles by boat), Thorne Bay (15 miles by plane), Ketchikan (40 air miles by plane)
Nearby supplies
Supplies must be carried by visitors as the site is remote. Hollis and Thorne Bay may offer limited options. Visitors should bring adequate provisions to last several days.

Best Time to Camp at Karta River Cabin

Mother Nature rules supreme in this corner of Alaska, painting each season with dramatic brushstrokes. Summer brings long days perfect for exploration, though rain gear is essential as Pacific storms can sweep through without warning. Winter transforms the landscape into a crystalline wonderland, though reaching the cabin becomes an adventure in itself as snow and ice challenge even experienced travelers. Spring and fall offer their own rewards—fewer visitors and spectacular wildlife activity—but come prepared for rapidly changing conditions that can ground flights and alter plans at a moment's notice.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Long days, peak season May–Sept, and good fishing but expect rain and bugs.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Salmon runs continue into fall; weather worsens but wildlife viewing remains strong.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Spring offers moderate fishing and melting conditions; may need lots of firewood for heat.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Open through Dec 31 but winter access is difficult and reviewers note challenging conditions.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 1 - September 30 (Peak Season), October 1 - December 31 (Non-Peak Season). Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open May 1 to December 31, reservable starting June 20, 2025.
  • Current Alerts: Inclement weather may cause delays. Winter access is especially difficult due to snow and ice.

About Karta River Cabin

Deep in the pristine wilderness of Prince of Wales Island, the Karta River Cabin beckons adventurers seeking an authentic Alaskan escape. This remote outpost sits where ancient forests of towering spruce and hemlock meet rushing waters, offering visitors a chance to disconnect from the modern world and immerse themselves in nature's rhythm. Whether you're casting a line for salmon, exploring forest trails, or simply watching wildlife from your cabin door, this sanctuary delivers the quintessential Alaskan wilderness experience.
This campground is primarily composed of cabin lodging in a remote wilderness area.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
No specific check-in time mentioned.
Check-out
No specific check-out time mentioned.
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 7 nights during a visit.

Amenities available

Potable water
Firewood available
Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
Cabin Lodging

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.
HikingThe area includes the 5-mile Karta River Trail, which follows the river from Karta Bay to Salmon Lake and provides access to other cabins.
FishingFishing is a major draw, with catches including rainbow and cutthroat trout, Dolly Varden, and four species of salmon. "During sockeye salmon season, people gather at [the] mouth of [the] river to subsistence fish," according to the official source.
BoatingBoating access is available via Karta Bay. "A mooring buoy in the bay is available on a first-come, first-served basis."
Wildlife viewingThe cabin is located in the Karta River Wilderness area, which is home to diverse wildlife including wolves, black bears, Sitka black-tailed deer, beavers, and more. Trumpeter swans and various waterfowl are commonly seen.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsNotable hazards include wildlife such as black bears, challenging weather conditions, and remote access limitations.
Active AlertsInclement weather may cause delays. Winter access is especially difficult due to snow and ice.

Weather at Karta River Cabin

Reviews

4.1
13 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Karta River Cabin is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% 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...
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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...
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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...
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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

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

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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