How much does camping cost at Mcdonald Lake Cabin?

Camping fees at Mcdonald Lake Cabin are $60/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Mcdonald Lake Cabin first-come first-served or reservation?

Mcdonald 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 Mcdonald Lake Cabin before I book?

Yes! Mcdonald 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 Mcdonald Lake Cabin?

Mcdonald 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 Mcdonald Lake Cabin?

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

Can I have a campfire at Mcdonald Lake Cabin?

Fire policies at Mcdonald Lake 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 Mcdonald Lake Cabin have?

Mcdonald 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 Mcdonald Lake Cabin?

Pets are not allowed at Mcdonald 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 Mcdonald Lake Cabin?

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

What activities can I do at Mcdonald Lake Cabin?

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

Mcdonald Lake Cabin

2.90

11 reviews

,Cleveland Peninsula, north of Yes Bay.

Summer Destination

Featured in:Boating Camping Alaska

Quick Facts

154 ft

Price

$60/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Ketchikan-Misty Fjords Ranger District.Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

154 ft

Price

$60/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Ketchikan-Misty Fjords Ranger District.Official Website

Get Directions

Mcdonald Lake Cabin

$60.00 / night

Campsite Fees

CABIN NONELECTRIC: $60.00. 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

,Cleveland Peninsula, north of Yes Bay.

Mcdonald Lake Cabin

,Cleveland Peninsula, north of Yes Bay.

Nearby places

Ketchikan - 50 miles

Weather at Mcdonald Lake Cabin

Current alerts(9)

Drinking water is not available at this cabin
Learn more about the Tongass National Forest
Pack out all trash, gear and food
Recreating in Alaska can present both obvious and hidden dangers; please be aware of your surroundings and be prepared for extended stays due to occasionally poor weather

Best Time to Camp at Mcdonald Lake Cabin

Best season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable weather window for floatplane access, longer daylight, and peak backcountry activity—expect daytime highs around 50–65°F (10–18°C) with cool nights in the 40s°F (4–9°C). This is prime time for salmon and trout fishing, calm boating across McDonald Lake, extended hiking days, and outstanding wildlife viewing (bears, eagles, seabirds) when animals are most active. Despite being the busiest season regionally, McDonald Lake Cabin's remote floatplane-only access keeps Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Best season: floatplane access, long daylight, reliable weather and peak fishing noted.

Planning Tips

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

About Mcdonald Lake Cabin

McDonald Lake Cabin sits in the Tongass National Forest backcountry near Ketchikan, accessible only by floatplane. Managed by the Ketchikan-Misty Fjords Ranger District, this remote rental includes a skiff for exploring the lake and fishing its inlet and outlet for salmon and trout. Visitors hike the surrounding wilderness, watch for bears and eagles, and enjoy extended summer daylight in one of Southeast Alaska's most isolated settings.

The McDonald Lake Cabin represents a primitive camping experience with basic facilities and no modern amenities. It is isolated and only accessible by float plane or a 1.5-mile hike.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable weather window for floatplane access, longer daylight, and peak backcountry activity—expect daytime highs around 50–65°F (10–18°C) with cool nights in the 40s°F (4–9°C). This is prime time for salmon and trout fishing, calm boating across McDonald Lake, extended hiking days, and outstanding wildlife viewing (bears, eagles, seabirds) when animals are most active. Despite being the busiest season regionally, McDonald Lake Cabin's remote floatplane-only access keeps Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: December, January, February

Elevation154 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryOld-growth Sitka spruce, Western hemlock, and cedar surround the cabin. McDonald Lake provides the focal point. Calm water for the provided skiff, with productive fishing at the inlet and outlet. The forest here is part of the 17-million-acre Tongass, the largest temperate rainforest in the United States. Bears, eagles, seabirds, and Sitka black-tailed deer move through the area. Mist and low clouds are common, creating that classic Southeast Alaska atmosphere of mountains disappearing into gray.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe McDonald Lake Cabin is the sole accommodation option on site, offering a remote, off-grid experience. It is a 12x14-foot structure with sleeping capacity for six individuals.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Guests Allowed Per Site

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsRecreation.

Site SizeThe 12x14-foot cabin is designed to accommodate six people.

PrivacyThe cabin is situated in a remote, forested area offering excellent privacy.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesBring firewood and repair tools, should you encounter equipment problems

Best CampsitesThere's one cabin. The 12x14 footprint is cozy for six people. Reviews mention the interior is dark enough that you'll want a headlamp even during the day. The cabin has leaked in the past, so check current condition reports before booking.

Need help booking Mcdonald 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

The McDonald Lake Cabin offers a variety of amenities suited to primitive, remote camping. The 12x14-foot pan-abode style cabin accommodates up to six people with two double bunks and two single bunks. Amenities include a table with benches, a cooking counter, a woodstove (firewood is not guaranteed, so visitors are advised to bring their own), an outhouse, a splitting maul, and a canoe/skiff for lake exploration. Visitors must bring their own sleeping bags, pads, cooking gear, and firewood if necessary. Drinking water is not provided on-site but can be sourced from a nearby stream if treated first. Notable quotes from user reviews highlight the skiff's potential leak and the need for extra planning: 'The skiff might have a small leak' and 'there was very little firewood.'

Lodging and accommodations

Vault toilets

Cabin Lodging

I manage this campground

Things to do at Mcdonald Lake Cabin

The McDonald Lake Cabin offers a range of outdoor activities, including fishing, boating, hiking, and wildlife viewing. The area is rich in natural beauty and provides opportunities for adventure and exploration.

Fishing4.0/5

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

Hiking3.0/5

McDonald Lake Trail 1.5 mi connects Yes Bay; CCC shelter is a notable highlight.

Boating3.0/5

Water Sports3.0/5

Winter Activities1.0/5

Winter access is challenging; frozen lake surfaces and ranger check advised.

Signature experiences

Photography4.0/5Old-growth forest, lake, wildlife and floatplane arrival offer 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 Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available; an outhouse is provided for sanitation purposes.

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 Mcdonald Lake Cabin

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From Booking Sources

2.9

11 reviews

Mixed Reviews

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

User reviews of McDonald Lake Cabin highlight both the unique charm of the site and the logistical challenges it presents. Many users appreciated the cabin's remote location and scenic beauty, while others pointed out maintenance issues and the need for better planning. The lack of guaranteed firewood and minor equipment problems were recurring themes.

Review Summaries

Based on 11 reviews

What Campers Love

Visitors praised the cabin's beautiful location, the availability of a skiff for boating, and the abundant fishing opportunities. One review stated, 'Arriving by float plane with Carlin Air was...

Based on 11 reviews

Common Concerns

Frequent complaints included the unreliable supply of firewood, issues with the skiff's condition, and the cabin's darkness after skylights were removed. Users mentioned, 'There was very little...

Based on 11 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Most reviews focused on the cabin and its immediate surroundings. Specific site-related comments were about the skiff's condition, the need for better maintenance, and the beauty of the location.

Based on 11 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend bringing extra firewood, a headlamp, and all essential supplies due to the cabin's remote location. One visitor advised, 'Take headlamps even for daytime activities inside the cabin.'

Based on 11 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter accessibility can be challenging due to frozen lake surfaces, and visitors are advised to check with the ranger district before booking during this season. Summer reviews highlight fishing and...

Based on 11 reviews

Camper Quotes

- 'Arriving by float plane with Carlin Air was amazing.' - 'Caught pink, cutthroat, and Dolly Varden.' - 'There was very little firewood.'

Based on 11 reviews

Accessibility Features

There are no specific reviews addressing accessibility features for individuals with disabilities.

Based on 11 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No reviews mentioned experiences with pets.

Based on 11 reviews

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Mcdonald Lake Cabin

$60.00 / night

Campsite Fees

CABIN NONELECTRIC: $60.00. 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 floatplane access, your own boat, and exceptional fishing solitude.

Skip if

You need road access, indoor plumbing, or a guaranteed watertight roof in heavy rain.

Nearby Campgrounds

Tongass National Forest

Blind Pass Cabin sits in Tongass National Forest, accessible only by boat or floatplane from Ketchikan. Operated by the Forest Service, this remote rental cabin offers a mooring buoy, vault toilet, and oil heat in a secluded cove where visitors fish for salmon and halibut, watch for eagles and humpback whales, and explore the Inside Passage by kayak. The cabin sleeps up to six and requires bringing your own bedding, cookware, and supplies.

Mcdonald Lake Cabin

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Ask Camp Sage about Mcdonald Lake Cabin

Campground Map

Weather at Mcdonald Lake Cabin

Current alerts(9)

Best Time to Camp at Mcdonald Lake Cabin

Planning Tips

About Mcdonald Lake Cabin

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Mcdonald Lake Cabin?

Amenities available

Things to do at Mcdonald Lake Cabin

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews

Get Notified When Available

Go if

Skip if

Explore related camping guides

Ask Camp Sage about Mcdonald Lake Cabin

Current alerts(9)

Best Time to Camp at Mcdonald Lake Cabin

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Mcdonald Lake Cabin?

Amenities available

Things to do at Mcdonald Lake Cabin

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews