How much does camping cost at Sarkar Lake Cabin?

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

Is Sarkar Lake Cabin first-come first-served or reservation?

Sarkar 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 Sarkar Lake Cabin before I book?

Yes! Sarkar Lake 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 Sarkar Lake Cabin?

Sarkar 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 Sarkar Lake Cabin?

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

Can I have a campfire at Sarkar Lake Cabin?

Fire policies at Sarkar Lake Cabin: 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.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Sarkar Lake Cabin have?

Sarkar 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 Sarkar Lake Cabin?

Pets are not allowed at Sarkar 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 Sarkar Lake Cabin?

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

What activities can I do at Sarkar Lake Cabin?

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

Sarkar Lake Cabin

4.95

6 reviews

SARKAR LAKE CABIN, P.O. BOX 19001, THORNE BAY, AK 99919, USA

Top 1% in AKFall

Summer Destination

Featured in:Boating Camping Alaska Forest Camping Alaska Group Camping Alaska +5 more

Quick Facts

16 ft

Price

$25/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open May 1 to Decemb...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Thorne Bay Ranger District Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

16 ft

Price

$25/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open May 1 to Decemb...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Thorne Bay Ranger District Official Website

Get Directions

Sarkar Lake Cabin

$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

SARKAR LAKE CABIN, P.O. BOX 19001, THORNE BAY, AK 99919, USA

Sarkar Lake Cabin

SARKAR LAKE CABIN, P.O. BOX 19001, THORNE BAY, AK 99919, USA

Nearby places

Craig (40 miles by vehicle), Ketchikan (76 air miles), Thorne Bay (53 air miles)

Driving directionsSarkar Lake Cabin is accessible either by vehicle and then boating in or by float plane. The Sarkar Cabin boat launch is located on Forest Road 20 about 40 miles from Craig. From Craig, head north on State Highway 929 to Control Lake Junction. From Control Lake Junction, travel Forest Service Road 20 for 40 miles to Sarkar Lake. The cabin is approximately 2 miles from the parking area by boat. The 2-mile paddle to Sarkar Cabin winds around several islands. Visitors should bring a good map of the lake system due to navigational challenges. The USGS map Craig D-4 is recommended.

Weather at Sarkar Lake Cabin

Current alerts(13)

All garbage and food must be packed out
Check in and check out are at 12 p.m.
Click here for a map of cabins on Prince of Wales Island
Guests must bring their own cooking stove and fuel

Best Time to Camp at Sarkar Lake Cabin

Best season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of calm weather windows, incredible fishing (including late summer/early-fall salmon runs), and peak wildlife activity while insect pressure drops—expect crisp, clear days with daytime temperatures typically in the 40s–50s°F (4–12°C) and cooler nights. Paddle and shoreline fishing are excellent, berry and shorebird activity increase, and crowds thin after mid-August so you’ll have a more solitary backcountry experience. Be mindful that daylight shortens and rain/ Peak months: September, August, July, June Avoid: January, February, March, April

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

5.0 / 5

Top 1% in AK

Listed as best season: calm weather, excellent late-summer/early-fall salmon runs and wildlife.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 01 to December 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open May 1 to December 31. Reservations start on June 20, 2025.

About Sarkar Lake Cabin

Sarkar Lake Cabin sits in the Tongass National Forest near Thorne Bay, accessible only by boat or floatplane. Managed by the Thorne Bay Ranger District, this remote rental cabin offers a genuine Southeast Alaska backcountry experience on a quiet lake known for fishing and wildlife viewing. Guests paddle marked canoe routes, fish from shore or boat, and watch for bears and waterfowl in a landscape where self-sufficiency and navigation skills matter.

Sarkar Lake Cabin provides a primitive camping experience in a rustic cedar log cabin. It is suitable for single families or small groups of up to six people.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of calm weather windows, incredible fishing (including late summer/early-fall salmon runs), and peak wildlife activity while insect pressure drops—expect crisp, clear days with daytime temperatures typically in the 40s–50s°F (4–12°C) and cooler nights. Paddle and shoreline fishing are excellent, berry and shorebird activity increase, and crowds thin after mid-August so you’ll have a more solitary backcountry experience. Be mindful that daylight shortens and rain/ Peak months: September, August, July, June Avoid: January, February, March, April

Elevation16 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryOld-growth forest encircles Sarkar Lake, broken by muskeg openings that create natural clearings in the dense rainforest canopy. The lake sits at just 16 feet elevation on Prince of Wales Island. Sitka black-tailed deer, black bears, bald eagles, and diverse waterfowl inhabit the area. The surrounding streams support salmon runs, and the lake itself offers clear water for paddling and shoreline fishing.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe cabin is a 12 x 12 foot primitive cedar log structure featuring basic furnishings such as wooden bunkbeds (without mattresses), a table, benches, and a wood stove. It provides a rustic camping experience and does not include running water or electricity.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay limit is 7 nights during a visit.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Up to 6 guests allowed per cabin.

Groups

Group camping is not available at Sarkar Lake Cabin.

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 is 12 x 12 feet in size and accommodates up to six guests.

PrivacyThe cabin is located on the secluded shores of Sarkar Lake, surrounded by old-growth forests and muskeg openings.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesBring detailed maps and navigational aids for canoeing. Consider Viking pressed log bricks for the wood stove.

Best CampsitesThere's only one site: the cabin itself, designated T11. Reviewers consistently rate it highly. Previous guests maintain a practice of leaving split firewood for the next visitors, though supplies can run low.

Need help booking Sarkar Lake 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

The cabin does not have running water or electricity. Guests must bring their own food, water, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, cook stove, stove fuel, fire starter, cooking gear/utensils, light source (lantern), toilet paper, first aid kit and garbage bags. Water is available from the lake, but must be filtered, boiled or chemically treated before drinking. The cabin is a 12 x 12 foot primitive, pre-cut cedar log cabin ( pan-abode style ) furnished with wooden bunkbeds (without mattresses) that sleep up to six guests. The cabin is equipped with a table, benches, a wood stove for heat and an outside toilet. An aluminum skiff with oars is available for use at the boat launch. Guests may choose to bring a long shaft motor for boat use, and are responsible for bringing and using their own personal floatation devices.

Firewood available

Lodging and accommodations

Vault toilets

Cabin Lodging

I manage this campground

Things to do at Sarkar Lake Cabin

Sarkar Lake Cabin offers a variety of recreational activities including canoeing, fishing, wildlife viewing, bird watching, and hunting. The Sarkar Lakes Canoe Route provides 16 miles of exploration, including three miles of portage. Visitors frequently spot salmon streams, black bears, Sitka black-tailed deer, and waterfowl. The area is suitable for anglers targeting trout and salmon and hunters seeking bear or deer during respective hunting seasons.

Boating4.5/5Top 3% in Alaska

Sarkar Lakes Canoe Route (16 miles) is well signed; boating/canoeing widely practiced.

Wildlife viewing4.5/5Top 22% in Alaska

Abundant wildlife: black bears, Sitka black-tailed deer, bald eagles and diverse waterfowl.

Fishing4.0/5

Fishing is popular: trout and salmon, Sarkar Rapids active with sockeye runs.

Water Sports4.0/5

Winter Activities

Signature experiences

Photography4.5/5Old-growth forest, lake, wildlife (bald eagles, bears, waterfowl) create 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 Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available; the cabin has an outside 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

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

5.0

6 reviews

Top-Rated

Sarkar Lake Cabin is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviewers commonly praise the serene location, well-maintained cabin facilities, and the provision of firewood. The area is described as peaceful, beautiful, and simple, ideal for a rustic getaway.

Review Summaries

Based on 6 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive highlights include the availability of firewood, clean cabin conditions, excellent canoe route signage, and the beautiful surroundings. Guests also appreciated the efforts of previous...

Based on 6 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints are minimal, with occasional mentions of wear on portages along the canoe route. Accessibility challenges due to seasonal weather are noted.

Based on 6 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Reviewers praised campsite T11 in Loop Sarkar Lake Cabin, highlighting its cleanliness and maintenance. The cabin's firewood supply and functional fire extinguisher were appreciated.

Based on 6 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Guests recommend bringing water or a water filtering pump and using Viking pressed log bricks for the wood stove. A detailed marine chart is suggested due to navigational challenges on the lake.

Based on 6 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer and early fall receive the highest praise, with guests appreciating the abundance of wildlife and ideal conditions for canoeing and fishing. Winter access is difficult due to snow and ice...

Based on 6 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Always a peaceful place to stay. Nice supply of firewood on hand too!' - SEAN T (2021) 2. 'Terrific location. Simple and cozy cabin. Viking pressed log bricks work great in the wood stove.' -...

Based on 6 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility for disabled individuals is not detailed in the reviews or authoritative sources.

Based on 6 reviews

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Sarkar Lake Cabin

$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 true Southeast Alaska wilderness experience with fishing, paddling, and wildlife viewing in a quiet, off-grid setting.

Skip if

You need road access, guaranteed firewood, or aren't comfortable navigating remote waterways to reach your lodging.

Nearby Campgrounds

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

Barnes Lake Cabin sits in the Tongass National Forest near Thorne Bay, operated by the Thorne Bay Ranger District. This remote, single-cabin rental offers vault toilets and access to fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing in a tranquil Southeast Alaska setting. Visitors come for the quiet escape and natural beauty, with salmon runs and calm lagoons drawing paddlers and anglers during the summer months.

Sarkar Lake Cabin

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Ask Camp Sage about Sarkar Lake Cabin

Campground Map

Weather at Sarkar Lake Cabin

Current alerts(13)

Best Time to Camp at Sarkar Lake Cabin

Planning Tips

About Sarkar Lake Cabin

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Sarkar Lake Cabin?

Amenities available

Things to do at Sarkar Lake Cabin

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews

Get Notified When Available

Go if

Skip if

Featured in these camping guides

Ask Camp Sage about Sarkar Lake Cabin

Current alerts(13)

Best Time to Camp at Sarkar Lake Cabin

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Sarkar Lake Cabin?

Amenities available

Things to do at Sarkar Lake Cabin

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews