How much does camping cost at Peterson Lake Cabin?

Camping fees at Peterson Lake Cabin range from $75/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

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

Peterson 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 Peterson Lake Cabin before I book?

Yes! Peterson Lake Cabin has 8 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 Peterson Lake Cabin?

Peterson 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 Peterson Lake Cabin?

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

Can I have a campfire at Peterson Lake Cabin?

Fire policies at Peterson Lake Cabin: Please collect down/dead wood for use in fire ring or wood stove. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Peterson Lake Cabin have?

Peterson 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 Peterson Lake Cabin?

Pets are not allowed at Peterson 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 Peterson Lake Cabin?

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

What activities can I do at Peterson Lake Cabin?

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

Peterson Lake Cabin

3.91

28 reviews

Juneau Ranger District, 8510 Mendenhall Loop Road, JUNEAU, AK 99801, USA

Top 5% in AKFall

Summer Destination

Featured in:Fishing Camping Alaska

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

800 ft

Price

$75/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Book on US Forest Service, Tongass National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

800 ft

Price

$75/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Book on US Forest Service, Tongass National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Peterson Lake Cabin

$75.00 - $75.00 / night

Campsite Fees

CABIN NONELECTRIC: $75.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No paid fee categories listed.

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I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Juneau Ranger District, 8510 Mendenhall Loop Road, JUNEAU, AK 99801, USA

Peterson Lake Cabin

Juneau Ranger District, 8510 Mendenhall Loop Road, JUNEAU, AK 99801, USA

Nearby places

Juneau (15 miles northwest)

Weather at Peterson Lake Cabin

Current alerts(8)

Cabin is open to the public as a warming shelter from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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.
Please pack out all trash and food

Best Time to Camp at Peterson Lake Cabin

Best season: fall. Fall offers the best mix of solitude, vivid temperate-rainforest color, and active wildlife — especially late-summer/fall salmon runs that draw bears and make fishing excellent. Expect daytime highs roughly 35–50°F (2–10°C) with crisp nights that often dip near freezing; rain is common so pack a waterproof layer. Trails are quieter than summer (fewer day-trippers or floatplane drops), insects are diminished, and the cabin's propane furnace makes cool evenings comfortable, so wildlife viewing, fj Peak months: September, October, August, July

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 5% in AK

Fall offers best mix of solitude, wildlife activity and productive salmon runs; autumn colors noted.

Planning Tips

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

About Peterson Lake Cabin

Peterson Lake Cabin sits in the Tongass National Forest near Juneau, accessible by trail through Southeast Alaska's temperate rainforest. The US Forest Service operates this remote rental cabin with a skiff for lake access, vault toilet, and propane heat. Visitors hike in to fish, watch wildlife during salmon runs, and explore historical remnants around the lake.

Peterson Lake Cabin offers a backcountry lodging experience, catering to visitors seeking seclusion and access to the natural features of the Tongass National Forest.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the best mix of solitude, vivid temperate-rainforest color, and active wildlife — especially late-summer/fall salmon runs that draw bears and make fishing excellent. Expect daytime highs roughly 35–50°F (2–10°C) with crisp nights that often dip near freezing; rain is common so pack a waterproof layer. Trails are quieter than summer (fewer day-trippers or floatplane drops), insects are diminished, and the cabin's propane furnace makes cool evenings comfortable, so wildlife viewing, fj Peak months: September, October, August, July

Elevation800 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe cabin sits at 800 feet elevation on the shore of Peterson Lake, a narrow glacial lake stretching nearly a mile and ringed by lily pads. Old-growth hemlock and spruce climb slopes toward ice-capped peaks visible across the water. Muskeg bogs and marshes surround the forested shore, creating habitat for black bears, deer, and waterfowl. The lake occupies a depression carved by glaciers, part of the larger network of wetlands and temperate rainforest that defines this corner of the Tongass.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe campground offers a 12 ft. by 14 ft. pan-abode style cabin capable of sleeping six. The cabin includes propane heating, a wood stove, and basic furniture such as benches and a table.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are provided at Peterson Lake Cabin.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum consecutive stay: 2 nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Cabin sleeps up to 6 guests.

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 at Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityAccessibility features include a ramp to the cabin and a wider hardened path leading to the vault toilet and dock. These enhancements make it easier for individuals with mobility challenges to access essential facilities.

Site SizeThe cabin measures 12 ft. by 14 ft., providing space for two single and two double bunks.

PrivacyThe cabin is secluded, offering a peaceful and private retreat in the middle of a forested and marshy area.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesGuests recommend bringing snowshoes in winter and flotation devices for summer lake use. Avoid leaving valuables in vehicles at trailheads due to theft concerns.

Need help booking Peterson 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

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Amenities available

The Peterson Lake Cabin offers a variety of basic amenities to support a comfortable stay, although visitors must bring their own provisions. The cabin is equipped with a propane furnace, wood stove, table and benches, and bunks for up to six people (two single and two double). Additional features include a picnic table on the front deck, a cooler box for food storage, a fire ring outside, and a dock for float planes or boats. Notably, the cabin's accessibility features include a ramp and a hardened trail to the newly built vault toilet.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Lodging and accommodations

Vault toilets

Cabin Lodging

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Peterson Lake Cabin provides diverse recreational opportunities, including hiking, fishing, skiing, and wildlife viewing. The surrounding area features a partially planked trail, waterfalls, and old-growth forests, with seasonal activities such as cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in winter.

Hiking

Fishing

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 Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

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).

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

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

3.9

28 reviews

Mixed Reviews

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

User reviews highlight the seclusion, scenic beauty, and well-maintained cabin as strengths of Peterson Lake Cabin. However, complaints frequently focus on trail conditions and the lack of certain amenities.

Review Summaries

Based on 28 reviews

What Campers Love

The cabin’s cleanliness, scenic location, and functional amenities like the propane heater and skiff received high praise. Visitors also appreciated the opportunity to explore historical remnants and...

Based on 28 reviews

Common Concerns

Negative feedback centered on poor trail maintenance, muddy and icy conditions, and user negligence leaving trash and perishable food behind.

Based on 28 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

The cabin (J03) is consistently mentioned as being cozy and equipped with essential amenities. However, some complaints involve the trail leading to the cabin.

Based on 28 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend bringing snowshoes in winter and planning for self-sufficiency, including packing out all trash and personal items. Hikers noted the importance of using a map or GPS due to poorly...

Based on 28 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter reviews often mention challenges with snowy and icy trail conditions but praise the cabin’s warmth and amenities. Summer visitors highlight the muddy trails and the lake’s beauty.

Based on 28 reviews

Camper Quotes

- "The cabin was in good shape and clean, and the heat worked well!" - STEPHANIE H - "The trail is not marked. Could not find the path through fresh snow." - DIEGO D - "Peterson Lake is a beautiful...

Based on 28 reviews

Accessibility Features

The accessible ramp and hardened trail to the vault toilet were appreciated, though no reviews explicitly discuss accessibility for individuals with disabilities.

Based on 28 reviews

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Nearby Campgrounds

Juneau Ranger District, 8510 Mendenhall Loop Road

John Muir Cabin sits at 1,550 feet in the Tongass National Forest foothills above Juneau, accessible only by trail. Operated by the Juneau Ranger District, this remote rental cabin offers propane heat, vault toilets, and sweeping views of Auke Bay and surrounding peaks. Visitors hike in for wildlife viewing and subalpine solitude during the summer season.