How much does camping cost at Salmon Lake Cabin Thorne Bay?

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

Is Salmon Lake Cabin Thorne Bay first-come first-served or reservation?

Salmon Lake Cabin Thorne Bay 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 Lake Cabin Thorne Bay before I book?

Yes! Salmon Lake Cabin Thorne Bay 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 Salmon Lake Cabin Thorne Bay?

Salmon Lake Cabin Thorne Bay 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 Lake Cabin Thorne Bay?

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

How many campsites does Salmon Lake Cabin Thorne Bay have?

Salmon Lake Cabin Thorne Bay 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 Lake Cabin Thorne Bay?

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

What amenities are available at Salmon Lake Cabin Thorne Bay?

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

What activities can I do at Salmon Lake Cabin Thorne Bay?

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

Salmon Lake Cabin Thorne Bay

4 reviews

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

SwimmingSummer Destination

Featured in:Fishing Camping Alaska

Quick Facts

243 ft

Price

$25/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open season: May 1 -...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Thorne Bay Ranger District Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

243 ft

Price

$25/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open season: May 1 -...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Thorne Bay Ranger District Official Website

Get Directions

Salmon Lake Cabin Thorne Bay

$25.00 / night

Campsite Fees

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

No campsite fee categories listed.

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Provider

907-828-3304

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Campground Map

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

Salmon Lake Cabin Thorne Bay

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

Nearby places

Nearby cities: Ketchikan (42 air miles), Thorne Bay (14 air miles), Hollis (10 miles by boat to Karta Bay).

Driving directionsSalmon Lake Cabin is accessible by float plane or by boating 10 miles from Hollis to Karta Bay and hiking 5 miles on difficult terrain to reach the cabin. By plane, it is approximately 42 air miles from Ketchikan and 14 air miles from Thorne Bay. However, access may be limited in fall, winter, and early spring due to frozen lake surfaces. Helicopter access is illegal. Inclement weather conditions may extend trips, and winter access may be difficult due to snow and ice conditions; extra supplies for 2-5 days are recommended.

Weather at Salmon Lake Cabin Thorne Bay

Best Time to Camp at Salmon Lake Cabin Thorne Bay

Best season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable weather, longest daylight, and peak access for fishing and boating — expect daytime highs commonly in the mid-40s to low-60s °F (about 45–60°F) with cool nights. Salmon runs, calm lake conditions for boating, and abundant wildlife viewing (bears, deer, trumpeter swans) are at their best from late June through August, while the island’s remoteness keeps crowds far lower than mainland Alaska hot spots. Note the cabin’s reservable season begins June 20, so plan trips Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: January, February, March, April

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Best season: longest daylight, best weather, prime fishing, swimming and boating.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 01 to December 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open season: May 1 - December 31. Reservable start dates: June 20 of each year.

About Salmon Lake Cabin Thorne Bay

Salmon Lake Cabin sits in the Tongass National Forest near Thorne Bay, managed by the Thorne Bay Ranger District. This rustic rental offers a wilderness retreat at low elevation, with vault toilets and access to a lake for fishing and boating. Guests hike, watch wildlife, and swim in a remote setting that demands self-sufficiency and careful planning around seasonal weather and challenging terrain.

Salmon Lake Cabin offers a unique wilderness lodging experience in a remote area of southeastern Alaska.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable weather, longest daylight, and peak access for fishing and boating — expect daytime highs commonly in the mid-40s to low-60s °F (about 45–60°F) with cool nights. Salmon runs, calm lake conditions for boating, and abundant wildlife viewing (bears, deer, trumpeter swans) are at their best from late June through August, while the island’s remoteness keeps crowds far lower than mainland Alaska hot spots. Note the cabin’s reservable season begins June 20, so plan trips Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: January, February, March, April

Elevation243 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe cabin looks out over Salmon Lake at 243 feet elevation, surrounded by old-growth forest within the Karta River Wilderness. Glaciers carved the valleys and lakes here long ago. The Karta River system channels salmon runs that draw coastal brown bears, black bears, wolves, Sitka black-tailed deer, and trumpeter swans. Bald eagles hunt from the treetops. The lake reflects the forest on calm days. This is part of the Alexander Archipelago, where marine and terrestrial ecosystems overlap.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe cabin provides rustic lodging accommodations suitable for up to four people. It features bunk beds (without mattresses), a wood stove, and basic furniture for convenience.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are explicitly mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay of 7 nights during a visit.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Sleeps up to 4 people.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations available through Recreation.gov website, mobile app, and contact center.

AccessibilityThe cabin is located in a remote wilderness area and may not be accessible for individuals with mobility challenges due to its location and lack of developed trails.

Site SizeThe cabin is 15 x 20 feet in size, providing adequate space for up to four people.

PrivacyThe cabin is secluded, located on the northern shore of Salmon Lake in the Karta River Wilderness area, ensuring privacy and a scenic wilderness setting.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesIdeal for small groups of up to 4 people. Visitors should prioritize preparation and self-sufficiency.

Need help booking Salmon Lake Cabin Thorne Bay?

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

The Salmon Lake Cabin Thorne Bay offers basic amenities suitable for wilderness camping. The cabin is a 15 x 20-foot single-story structure built entirely of cedar, with hand-hewn beams, wooden door hinges, and a shake floor, providing a rustic wilderness experience. It includes wooden bunk beds (without mattresses) for up to four people, a table, benches, a wood stove for heating, and a cooking counter with shelves and cupboard space. An axe, splitting maul, fire extinguisher, and broom are also provided. There is an outside toilet but no running water or electricity. Guests must bring their own food, water, sleeping bags, cook stove, stove fuel, fire starter, cooking utensils, light source, toilet paper, first aid kit, and garbage bags. Water is available from the lake but requires filtering, boiling, or chemical treatment. Firewood may be available but is not guaranteed.

Firewood available

Lodging and accommodations

Vault toilets

Cabin Lodging

I manage this campground

Things to do at Salmon Lake Cabin Thorne Bay

Salmon Lake Cabin offers excellent opportunities for outdoor recreation in a remote and scenic wilderness setting. Activities include hiking, fishing, swimming, beachcombing, wildlife viewing, and boating.

Hiking4.0/5

5-mile Karta River Trail and other hikes from the cabin cited as common activities.

Fishing4.0/5

Salmon Lake & Karta River host salmon runs and trout/Dolly Varden; fishing is a highlighted activity.

Swimming4.0/5Top 1% in Alaska

Swimming popular in summer at the large sandy beach outside the cabin.

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

Area attracts bears, wolves, Sitka black-tailed deer, otters, beavers tied to salmon runs.

Beach activities4.0/5Top 23% in Alaska

Large sandy beach noted for beachcombing and sunbathing during warmer months.

Boating3.0/5

An aluminum skiff with oars is provided for lake boating; small craft only.

Signature experiences

Photography4.0/5Wildlife, lake, sandy beach and forest backdrops offer strong photo opportunities.

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 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

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

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From Booking Sources

0.0

4 reviews

Limited Reviews

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

The Salmon Lake Cabin has limited user reviews available, with one review mentioning enjoying the cabin during rainy weather.

Review Summaries

Based on 4 reviews

What Campers Love

Guests appreciate the scenic wilderness setting, the rustic cabin design, and recreational opportunities such as fishing and hiking.

Based on 4 reviews

Common Concerns

Limited accessibility, lack of running water and electricity, and the necessity to bring many basic amenities are potential concerns for visitors.

Based on 4 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

No specific site reviews beyond the general mention of enjoying the cabin during rainy weather.

Based on 4 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Guests should ensure they are well-prepared with maps, orienteering skills, and extra supplies for 2-5 days due to the remote location. Bringing personal flotation devices for boating is mandatory.

Based on 4 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The summer months are ideal for swimming and beachcombing, while winter may present challenges due to snow and ice.

Based on 4 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Our outboard motor would not start so we enjoyed sitting in the cabin while it rained" - Judy S.

Based on 4 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility may be a challenge due to the remote location and lack of developed trails.

Based on 4 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No explicit mention of pet policies or reviews related to pets.

Based on 4 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Salmon Lake Cabin Thorne Bay

$25.00 / night

Campsite Fees

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

No campsite 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

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

907-828-3304

Go if

You want a wilderness cabin experience with fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing in a scenic, low-traffic setting.

Skip if

You need easy access, modern amenities, or aren't prepared for rugged terrain and unpredictable weather.

Nearby Campgrounds

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

Karta Lake Cabin sits in a remote corner of Tongass National Forest near Thorne Bay, accessible only by floatplane or boat. This Forest Service rental offers a wood stove, vault toilet, and direct lake access for fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing in one of Southeast Alaska's most pristine settings. Summer brings salmon runs, bear and eagle activity, and long daylight hours ideal for exploring the surrounding trails and waterways.

Salmon Lake Cabin Thorne Bay

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Ask Camp Sage about Salmon Lake Cabin Thorne Bay

Campground Map

Weather at Salmon Lake Cabin Thorne Bay

Best Time to Camp at Salmon Lake Cabin Thorne Bay

Planning Tips

About Salmon Lake Cabin Thorne Bay

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Salmon Lake Cabin Thorne Bay?

Amenities available

Things to do at Salmon Lake Cabin Thorne Bay

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews

Get Notified When Available

Go if

Skip if

Explore related camping guides

Ask Camp Sage about Salmon Lake Cabin Thorne Bay

Best Time to Camp at Salmon Lake Cabin Thorne Bay

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Salmon Lake Cabin Thorne Bay?

Amenities available

Things to do at Salmon Lake Cabin Thorne Bay

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews