How much does camping cost at Phocena Bay Cabin?

Camping fees at Phocena Bay 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 Phocena Bay Cabin first-come first-served or reservation?

Phocena Bay 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 Phocena Bay Cabin before I book?

Yes! Phocena Bay 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 Phocena Bay Cabin?

Phocena Bay 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 Phocena Bay Cabin?

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

Can I have a campfire at Phocena Bay Cabin?

Fire policies at Phocena Bay Cabin: Please conserve firewood by collecting beach/driftwood for campfires. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Phocena Bay Cabin have?

Phocena Bay 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 Phocena Bay Cabin?

Pets are not allowed at Phocena Bay Cabin. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Phocena Bay Cabin?

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

What activities can I do at Phocena Bay Cabin?

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

Phocena Bay Cabin

4 reviews

Featured in:Primitive Camping Alaska

Quick Facts

Price

$60/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Tongass National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

Price

$60/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Tongass National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Phocena Bay 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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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

907-225-2148

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Phocena Bay Cabin

55.1761, -131.8054

Nearby places

Ketchikan (approximately 15 air miles and 25 water miles away)

Weather at Phocena Bay Cabin

Current alerts(12)

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.
Learn more about the Tongass National Forest
Many boats are anchored in Phocena Bay during commercial fishing season
No drinking water is available at this cabin

Best Time to Camp at Phocena Bay Cabin

Best season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable weather for accessing and enjoying Phocena Bay Cabin — expect daytime highs typically in the mid-50s to mid-60s F (about 56–64°F), long daylight hours, and the calmest sea conditions for boat or kayak travel. This is when intertidal exploration, saltwater fishing, wildlife viewing (eagles, seals, humpback whales, and abundant seabirds), and multi-hour shoreline hikes are at their peak. Expect more visitors and boat traffic from May through September, but the reman Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Best season is summer: more reliable weather, long daylight, easier access for boats/planes.

Planning Tips

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

About Phocena Bay Cabin

Phocena Bay Cabin sits on the edge of Tongass National Forest near Ketchikan, accessible only by boat or floatplane. Operated by the Forest Service, this remote rental cabin offers a wood stove, vault toilet, and stocked firewood for visitors seeking solitude in Southeast Alaska's coastal wilderness. Guests spend their days fishing saltwater, watching for whales and eagles, and exploring the intertidal zone during summer's long daylight hours.

Phocena Bay Cabin offers primitive accommodations in a remote and wild setting. It is designed for visitors seeking a rustic outdoor experience.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable weather for accessing and enjoying Phocena Bay Cabin — expect daytime highs typically in the mid-50s to mid-60s F (about 56–64°F), long daylight hours, and the calmest sea conditions for boat or kayak travel. This is when intertidal exploration, saltwater fishing, wildlife viewing (eagles, seals, humpback whales, and abundant seabirds), and multi-hour shoreline hikes are at their peak. Expect more visitors and boat traffic from May through September, but the reman Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: December, January, February

ElevationThe cabin rests on surprisingly gentle terrain, a welcoming flat expanse that makes exploration easy for adventurers of all abilities. This level ground provides a comfortable base camp for your wilderness experience, whether you're hauling gear from the shore or setting out for a morning walk through the surrounding forest.

Natural Features and SceneryThe cabin faces extensive tide flats that expose twice daily, revealing tide pools, sea stars, and the full breadth of the intertidal zone. Chapin Peak and the Puppet Mountains rise behind the cove, their slopes covered in old-growth Sitka spruce and western hemlock. The surrounding Tongass National Forest is a working temperate rainforest where thousand-year-old trees create dense groves and moss hangs thick from branches. Wildlife includes Sitka black-tailed deer, black bears, wolves, bald eagles, mink, seals, and humpback whales offshore. The anchorage can be exposed to unsettled water when conditions deteriorate.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe cabin provides rustic lodging accommodations suitable for up to 6 people, featuring 2 single and 2 double bunks. Visitors must bring their own sleeping bags and pads.

Programs & ActivitiesCultural and educational programs are not mentioned in the source materials.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay of 7 consecutive nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Accommodates up to 6 guests.

Groups

Group camping is not explicitly mentioned. The cabin accommodates up to 6 people, but group campsites are not available.

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.

Site SizeThe cabin measures 12x14 feet and accommodates up to 6 people.

PrivacyThe cabin is tucked into a sheltered cove backed by rainforest, offering privacy and seclusion.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesPrepare to anchor within Phocena Bay due to the unsafe mooring buoy. Bring rain gear and boots for exploring surrounding areas.

Need help booking Phocena Bay 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

Phocena Bay Cabin offers a rustic and remote camping experience with limited amenities. It features a 12x14-ft log cabin with accommodations for up to 6 people. The cabin includes 2 single and 2 double bunks, a table, benches, a cooking counter, food storage, broom, splitting maul, and an outhouse. A wood stove is provided for heating, but visitors are required to bring their own firewood. Drinking water is not available on-site, though a roof water collection system is available, and water must be treated before consumption. Visitors should bring all necessary supplies, including sleeping bags, pads, cooking gear, lanterns, food, toilet paper, garbage bags, a fire extinguisher, and fire starter. Rain gear and boots are highly recommended. Trash, gear, and food must be packed out, and visitors are expected to clean the cabin before departure.

Lodging and accommodations

Vault toilets

Cabin Lodging

I manage this campground

Things to do at Phocena Bay Cabin

Phocena Bay Cabin is ideal for outdoor recreation, with opportunities for hiking, fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing. The area offers easy hiking trails to explore surrounding tide pools and forest areas. Saltwater fishing is available for several species, including ling cod, red snapper, halibut, and salmon, though local tide tables must be consulted due to varying water levels. Wildlife sightings include humpback and killer whales, deer, wolves, black bears, and nesting bald eagles.

Fishing4.0/5

Saltwater fishing for lingcod, halibut and salmon is available; permits/regulations noted.

Boating4.0/5

Accessible only by boat/floatplane; kayaking/exploring local waters common though anchoring issues noted.

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

Frequent sightings reported: humpback & killer whales, eagles, Sitka black-tailed deer; rich intertidal life.

Water Sports4.0/5

Kayaking and exploring local waters explicitly mentioned; boat access required.

Hiking3.0/5

Easy trails through tide pools and nearby forest; surrounding slopes like Chapin Peak available to explore.

Winter Activities

Signature experiences

Photography4.0/5Tide pools, exposed intertidal, whale/eagle sightings and forested mountains provide strong photo ops.

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 ToiletsThere are no flush toilets at the cabin.

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

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

0.0

4 reviews

Limited Reviews

Phocena Bay Cabin has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews generally praise the cabin for its serene location and beautiful surroundings. The cleanliness of the cabin and stocked firewood were noted positively, while some visitors mentioned challenges related to anchoring boats and accessing the cabin due to tidal conditions.

Review Summaries

Based on 4 reviews

What Campers Love

Most users highlighted the cabin's cleanliness, stocked firewood, and scenic beauty. Direct quotes include 'Absolutely beautiful place. The cabin was clean and firewood was stocked.'

Based on 4 reviews

Common Concerns

Issues raised include the lack of a usable mooring buoy, tricky anchoring, and accessibility challenges during low tide. One user stated, 'No mooring buoy! Anchorage is tricky and access can be tough...

Based on 4 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific reviews mainly refer to the cabin's loop (AREA PHOCENA BAY CABIN) and highlight challenges related to the anchoring of boats.

Based on 4 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend bringing adequate supplies, including firewood and water, preparing for the lack of cell service, and consulting local tide tables for safe access.

Based on 4 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews suggest the cabin is best visited during calmer seasons when tidal conditions and accessibility are more manageable.

Based on 4 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Absolutely beautiful place. The cabin was clean and firewood was stocked.' 2. 'No mooring buoy! Anchorage is tricky and access can be tough thanks to its exposure to water that is often...

Based on 4 reviews