How much does camping cost at Portage Bay Cabin?

Camping fees at Portage Bay Cabin range from $25/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Portage Bay Cabin first-come first-served or reservation?

Portage 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 Portage Bay Cabin before I book?

Yes! Portage Bay 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 Portage Bay Cabin?

Portage 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 Portage Bay Cabin?

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

Can I have a campfire at Portage Bay Cabin?

Fire policies at Portage Bay Cabin: Firewood at the cabin is supplied only for heating the cabin, it is not for outdoor campfires; collect dead and down wood from the forest for your outdoor campfire. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Portage Bay Cabin have?

Portage 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 Portage Bay Cabin?

Pets are not allowed at Portage 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 Portage Bay Cabin?

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

What activities can I do at Portage Bay Cabin?

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

Portage Bay Cabin

3 reviews

PO BOX 1328, PETERSBURG, AK 99833, USA

Top 21% in AKSpring

Featured in:Forest Camping Alaska

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

118 ft

Price

$25/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Petersburg Ranger District, Tongass National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

118 ft

Price

$25/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Petersburg Ranger District, Tongass National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Portage Bay Cabin

$25.00 - $25.00 / night

Campsite Fees

CABIN NONELECTRIC: $25.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No paid 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

256,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

907-772-3871

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Portage Bay Cabin

Compare with similar sites, watch availability, and build a packing list — Camp Sage handles all of it.

Campground Map

PO BOX 1328, PETERSBURG, AK 99833, USA

Portage Bay Cabin

PO BOX 1328, PETERSBURG, AK 99833, USA

Nearby places

Petersburg (Approximately 15 miles by float plane or 25 miles by boat)

Weather at Portage Bay Cabin

Current alerts(11)

All garbage and food must be packed out
Be advised this facility will receive minimal maintenance this year. If this facility has an oil stove please use clean #1 heating oil or kerosene to limit problems with operation. If this facility has a wood stove it is not guaranteed wood will be available.
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.
High levels of Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP) have been recorded in this area

Best Time to Camp at Portage Bay Cabin

Best season: summer. Summer offers the best combination of mild weather, very long daylight, and easy boat/floatplane access — expect daytime highs around 50–65°F (10–18°C) and long, late-evening light for exploring. Salmon runs, peak fishing and boating conditions, and the most reliable days for hiking and wildlife viewing (sea lions, otters, whales, and shorebirds) all occur in summer. Crowds increase compared with shoulder seasons but the site still feels remote; book early for weekends and prime fishing dates. Peak months: July, August, June, May Avoid: November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Summer is prime: 50–65°F, long daylight, salmon runs and best boating/floatplane access.

Planning Tips

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

About Portage Bay Cabin

Portage Bay Cabin sits in a remote corner of Tongass National Forest, accessible only by boat or floatplane from Petersburg. Managed by the Petersburg Ranger District, this single-cabin retreat offers vault toilets and a 7-day stay limit, drawing visitors who fish, watch wildlife, and explore the surrounding waters and trails. Summer brings mild temperatures, extended daylight, and prime salmon runs.

Portage Bay Cabin provides a primitive and rustic setting for campers seeking solitude and a self-sufficient experience.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the best combination of mild weather, very long daylight, and easy boat/floatplane access — expect daytime highs around 50–65°F (10–18°C) and long, late-evening light for exploring. Salmon runs, peak fishing and boating conditions, and the most reliable days for hiking and wildlife viewing (sea lions, otters, whales, and shorebirds) all occur in summer. Crowds increase compared with shoulder seasons but the site still feels remote; book early for weekends and prime fishing dates. Peak months: July, August, June, May Avoid: November, December, January

Elevation118 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe cabin overlooks Portage Bay from a rocky shoreline shaped by glacial activity. Hills rise to the east, while gentler terrain spreads south and west. Portage Mountain looms behind the cabin at 3,577 feet. Wildlife sightings include sea lions, otters, whales, shorebirds, black bears, and grouse. The surrounding forests and bay create varied habitat for fishing and wildlife viewing.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe cabin is a single-level, hunter-style structure equipped with four single wooden bunks and an oil heater. It accommodates up to six people and does not offer linens or bedding.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay is 7 consecutive nights between May 1 and September 30, and 10 consecutive days from October 1 through April 30.

Guests Allowed Per Site

The cabin can accommodate up to six people.

Groups

The cabin accommodates a maximum of six guests and is not designed as a group camping site.

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov website or contact center.

Site SizeThe cabin can accommodate up to six people.

PrivacyAs the cabin is located in a remote area on Kupreanof Island, privacy is expected to be high.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesBring sufficient heating oil, drinking water, and plan for tide and weather constraints when accessing the cabin.

Need help booking Portage 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

There is no source of fresh water near the cabin; guests must bring their own

Lodging and accommodations

Vault toilets

Cabin Lodging

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Portage Bay Cabin offers a range of activities tailored to outdoor enthusiasts, including fishing, hiking, hunting, wildlife viewing, and boating.

Hiking

Fishing

Boating

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.

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 Portage Bay Cabin

Been here? Tap a star to start. Takes about a minute.

Sign-in required only if you want your name on it.

From Booking Sources

0.0

3 reviews

Limited Reviews

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

Overall, Portage Bay Cabin is described as being beautiful and offering a serene, remote experience. However, it is crucial for visitors to come well-prepared as amenities are limited.

Review Summaries

Based on 3 reviews

What Campers Love

Guests appreciate the cabin's remote location, scenic surroundings, and proximity to excellent fishing spots. Wildlife viewing opportunities add to the appeal.

Based on 3 reviews

Common Concerns

Some users noted that the trail connecting the cabin to other areas is challenging and flooded in places. The lack of drinking water and the necessity of bringing heating oil are considerations.

Based on 3 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

There were no specific site reviews apart from general sentiments about the cabin.

Based on 3 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Guests should bring sufficient kerosene or No. 1 heating oil for the oil heater, food supplies, and garbage bags. Water from the creek must be boiled or treated. Float plane or boat access requires...

Based on 3 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews highlight that summer months offer better access for boating and float planes. Winter months may be less accessible due to inclement weather conditions.

Based on 3 reviews