Phocena Bay Cabin

Star0
4 reviews

Quick Facts

0

Price

$60 - $75/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Tongass National Forest 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
Phocena Bay Cabin
$60.00 - $75.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The fee varies seasonally: $75 per night during peak season (May 1 - September 30) and $60 per night during non-peak season (October 1 - December...
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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
907-225-2148
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What Campers Say

N/A

Limited Reviews

Based on 4 reviews

Most mentioned

clean

"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."

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Campground Map

Phocena Bay Cabin

55.1761, -131.8054

Driving directionsApproximately 15 air miles and 25 water miles from Ketchikan on the south shore of Phocena Bay on the west side of Gravina Island. Accessible by floatplane or by boat. A mooring buoy is located in Phocena Bay. Refer to USGS Ketchikan A-6. Please consult local tide tables before departing for the cabin.
The cabin is remote and accessible only by float plane or boat. Visitors are responsible for planning their own transportation. It is important to check tide tables before departure as water conditions can significantly impact access.
Nearby places
Ketchikan (approximately 15 air miles and 25 water miles away)
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies are in Ketchikan, which is approximately 15 air miles and 25 water miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Phocena Bay Cabin

Summer transforms Phocena Bay into a temperate paradise, with temperatures hovering between a comfortable 56°F and 64°F—perfect for exploring without the bite of arctic cold. While Southeast Alaska's famous mists and gentle rains create an ever-changing canvas of clouds and sun, they also nurture the lush rainforest that surrounds your cabin retreat. The prime window for adventure runs from May through September, when endless daylight stretches your days and the forest comes alive with activity. Pack your rain gear and embrace the moody beauty of coastal Alaska, where dramatic skies and filtered sunlight create photography moments at every turn.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5

Peak season May–Sep; temps 56–64°F create ideal conditions for exploring and boating.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.0 / 5

Open in fall but conditions grow less calm; accessibility and weather may be more variable.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Spring visits possible but tidal/accessibility concerns persist; shoulder season conditions variable.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.0 / 5

Open year‑round but winter access and weather likely make visits more difficult and less comfortable.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 01, 2025 - September 30, 2025. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: The cabin is open year-round. Peak season is May 1 to September 30, and non-peak season is October 1 to December 31.
  • Current Alerts: Visitors should be aware of invasive European Green Crab sightings in southern Southeast Alaska and exercise caution.

About Phocena Bay Cabin

Escape to the edge of the world at Phocena Bay Cabin, where a weathered log sanctuary awaits on the wild south shore of Gravina Island. This authentic Alaskan hideaway has stood sentinel since 1973, when it was first carved from local timber, then carefully relocated to its current pristine location in 1985. Here, you'll trade modern conveniences for something far more valuable—complete immersion in untamed wilderness. With no electricity to dim the stars, no plumbing to mask the sound of lapping waves, and no cell service to interrupt your thoughts, this primitive retreat offers the rare gift of true disconnection in one of Alaska's most spectacular settings.
Phocena Bay Cabin offers primitive accommodations in a remote and wild setting. It is designed for visitors seeking a rustic outdoor experience.
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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit
Maximum stay of 7 consecutive nights.

Amenities available

Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
Cabin Lodging

Activities you can enjoy

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.
HikingHiking opportunities include easy trails through nearby tide pools and surrounding forest areas. Hikers are encouraged to explore the area's natural beauty.
FishingSaltwater fishing is available for ling cod, red snapper, halibut, and salmon outside the bay. Fishing permits and seasonal regulations must be checked through the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.
BoatingBoating opportunities include kayaking and exploring local waters. Visitors must consult tide tables, as water levels near the cabin drop significantly at low tide. The mooring buoy is deemed unsafe, requiring boats to anchor directly within the bay.
Wildlife viewingThe area is rich in wildlife, including sightings of humpback and killer whales, Sitka black-tailed deer, wolves, black bears, bald eagles, and Queen Charlotte goshawks.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include exposure to unsettled tides and weather, encounters with black bears, and the remoteness of the area requiring self-sufficiency for safety and supplies.
Active AlertsVisitors should be aware of invasive European Green Crab sightings in southern Southeast Alaska and exercise caution.
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.

Weather at Phocena Bay Cabin

Reviews

0.0
4 reviews
Limited 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...
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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...
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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

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features are not mentioned in the reviews or source materials.
Based on 4 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pet policies or experiences are not mentioned in the reviews or source materials.
Based on 4 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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