How much does camping cost at Salmon Bay Lake Cabin?

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

Salmon Bay 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 Salmon Bay Lake Cabin before I book?

Yes! Salmon Bay Lake Cabin has 6 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 Salmon Bay Lake Cabin?

Salmon Bay 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 Salmon Bay Lake Cabin?

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

How many campsites does Salmon Bay Lake Cabin have?

Salmon Bay 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 Salmon Bay Lake Cabin?

Pets are not allowed at Salmon Bay 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 Salmon Bay Lake Cabin?

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

What activities can I do at Salmon Bay Lake Cabin?

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

Salmon Bay Lake Cabin

3.15

6 reviews

SALMON BAY LAKE CABIN, PO BOX 19001, THORNE BAY, AK 99919, USA

Summer Destination

Featured in:Fishing Camping Alaska

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

138 ft

Price

$25/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open season is May 1...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on USDA Forest Service Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

138 ft

Price

$25/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open season is May 1...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on USDA Forest Service Official Website

Get Directions

Salmon Bay Lake 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.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

907-828-3304

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

SALMON BAY LAKE CABIN, PO BOX 19001, THORNE BAY, AK 99919, USA

Salmon Bay Lake Cabin

SALMON BAY LAKE CABIN, PO BOX 19001, THORNE BAY, AK 99919, USA

Nearby places

Wrangell (35 air miles), Craig (55 air miles), Ketchikan (84 air miles)

Driving directionsSalmon Bay Lake Cabin is accessible by float plane on Salmon Lake, or by a boat/trail combination only at high tide. Refer to USGS maps Petersburg A-4 and B-4. From the Salmon Bay Lake trailhead: The 1.5 mile hike from a saltwater bay through muddy and slippery conditions includes fording a stream to a boat with oars provided by the Forest Service. The stream crossing is dangerous and not recommended during high water. Guests must then paddle an additional mile to the cabin.

Weather at Salmon Bay Lake Cabin

Best Time to Camp at Salmon Bay Lake Cabin

Best season: summer. Summer offers the best combination of mild weather, long daylight, and full access to Salmon Bay Lake’s water-based activities — expect daytime highs typically between about 50–65°F (10–18°C) with long, bright days in July and August. Boating, fishing, swimming from the sandy beach, and longer hikes through old-growth Sitka spruce are at their peak, and wildlife viewing (including seabirds, eagles, and black bears along shorelines) is excellent. Crowds remain low-to-moderate because the cabin is Peak months: July, August, June, May Avoid: January, February, March, April

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer (May–Sep) is peak: mild temps (50–65°F), best for boating, fishing, swimming and hiking.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 01 to December 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open season is May 1 to December 31 annually.

About Salmon Bay Lake Cabin

Salmon Bay Lake Cabin sits on a remote lake in Tongass National Forest, accessible only by floatplane or boat from Thorne Bay. Operated by the USDA Forest Service, this single rental cabin includes a skiff for exploring the lake and fishing, with trails winding through old-growth Sitka spruce. Visitors come for solitude, wildlife viewing, and water access in one of Southeast Alaska's quieter corners.

Salmon Bay Lake Cabin provides a rustic and remote camping option suited for adventurous travelers. Accommodations are limited to the singular cabin available at the site.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the best combination of mild weather, long daylight, and full access to Salmon Bay Lake’s water-based activities — expect daytime highs typically between about 50–65°F (10–18°C) with long, bright days in July and August. Boating, fishing, swimming from the sandy beach, and longer hikes through old-growth Sitka spruce are at their peak, and wildlife viewing (including seabirds, eagles, and black bears along shorelines) is excellent. Crowds remain low-to-moderate because the cabin is Peak months: July, August, June, May Avoid: January, February, March, April

Elevation138 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe cabin overlooks Salmon Bay Lake, bordered by centuries-old spruce, hemlock, and cedar rising from moss-covered ground at 138 feet elevation. A sandy beach fronts the water. Bald eagles, waterfowl, Sitka black-tailed deer, and black bears appear along the shoreline. The setting is quiet and densely forested, with limited visibility beyond the immediate lakeshore and tree canopy.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe accommodation is a 12x14 foot log cabin equipped with bunkbeds (but no mattresses), a table, benches, and a wood stove. The cabin offers a rustic experience amidst the Alaskan wilderness.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay is 7 consecutive nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

The cabin sleeps up to 6 people.

Groups

Group camping sites are not available. The cabin is designed for individual or small group use.

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 through Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are mentioned, and visitors must hike a challenging trail to access the cabin.

Site SizeThe cabin can accommodate up to six people and is suitable for small groups.

PrivacyThe cabin is situated in a secluded area surrounded by old-growth spruce, hemlock, and cedar trees.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesBring heavy packs for the hike, seasoning for cooking fish, and personal flotation devices for boating.

Best CampsitesThe cabin is the only option. It sleeps six, includes a skiff and basic tools, and sits directly on the lake with beach access. Reviewers recommend bringing seasoning for cooking fresh trout and checking tide levels before driving to the trailhead.

Need help booking Salmon Bay Lake Cabin?

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Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Salmon Bay Lake Cabin is a remote and rustic accommodation located on Prince of Wales Island, Alaska. The cabin features a 12x14 foot log structure with wooden bunkbeds for up to six people, along with a wood stove for heating. Other amenities include a table, benches, and an outdoor toilet. Visitors must bring their own water, as running water is not available, and lake water must be treated before drinking. Firewood may be available but isn't guaranteed. Recreational amenities include an aluminum skiff with oars, although guests can bring a long shaft motor and personal flotation devices for additional boating flexibility. There is no electricity or Wi-Fi at this site, emphasizing its remote nature.

Firewood available

Lodging and accommodations

Vault toilets

Cabin Lodging

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Salmon Bay Lake Cabin offers numerous outdoor recreational opportunities, including fishing, hiking, swimming, beachcombing, and boating. The area is rich in wildlife such as eagles, Sitka black-tailed deer, and black bears, providing a true Alaskan wilderness experience.

Hiking

Fishing

Boating

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 Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available; the cabin features an outdoor toilet.

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

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

3.2

6 reviews

Mixed Reviews

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

User reviews highlight a mix of experiences, from the stunning natural beauty and convenient amenities to challenges with trail conditions and reservation issues. The cabin is praised for its scenic location, rustic charm, and abundant recreational options.

Review Summaries

Based on 6 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include the cabin's beautiful setting by the lake, useful amenities (e.g., skiff, tools), and recreational opportunities such as fishing and hiking. Reviewers appreciated the...

Based on 6 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include issues with trail conditions, such as muddy areas and blowdowns. One user reported a reservation conflict where another group claimed the cabin was reserved for them.

Based on 6 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific reviews mention the cabin (T09) and highlight its scenic beauty, decent condition, and issues like reservation disputes and trail accessibility.

Based on 6 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Recommendations include bringing seasoning for cooking trout, being mindful of tide levels when accessing the trailhead, and preparing for a solid hike with heavy packs.

Based on 6 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews emphasize swimming, fishing, and the sunny exposure of the sandy beach. Winter accessibility is noted as challenging due to frozen lake surfaces and snow.

Based on 6 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The hike in was a solid walk with heavy packs, but under 2mi and little elevation change, and wonderous old-growth forest!' - Grace H. 2. 'Trail to be salt water not very good with many blowdowns...

Based on 6 reviews

Accessibility Features

No reviews specifically address accessibility features.

Based on 6 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want a fly-in or boat-in escape with your own skiff and don't mind muddy trails or basic amenities.

Skip if

You need road access, running water, or guaranteed dry hiking conditions.

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