How much does camping cost at Steamer Bay Cabin?

Camping fees at Steamer Bay Cabin range from $45/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

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

Steamer 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 Steamer Bay Cabin before I book?

Yes! Steamer Bay Cabin has 18 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 Steamer Bay Cabin?

Steamer 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 Steamer Bay Cabin?

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

How many campsites does Steamer Bay Cabin have?

Steamer 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 Steamer Bay Cabin?

Pets are not allowed at Steamer 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 Steamer Bay Cabin?

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

What activities can I do at Steamer Bay Cabin?

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

Steamer Bay Cabin

4 reviews

WRANGELL RANGER DISTRICT, PO BOX 51, WRANGELL AK, AK 99929

Top 21% in AKFall

Scenic Views

Featured in:Boating Camping Alaska Group Camping Alaska Spring Camping Alaska +4 more

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

85 ft

Price

$45/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open from May 1 to D...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Book on U.S. Forest Service Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

85 ft

Price

$45/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open from May 1 to D...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Book on U.S. Forest Service Official Website

Get Directions

Steamer Bay Cabin

$45.00 - $45.00 / night

Campsite Fees

CABIN NONELECTRIC: $45.00. 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

907-874-2323

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

WRANGELL RANGER DISTRICT, PO BOX 51, WRANGELL AK, AK 99929

Steamer Bay Cabin

WRANGELL RANGER DISTRICT, PO BOX 51, WRANGELL AK, AK 99929

Nearby places

Wrangell: 27 miles by boat or 25 miles by air.

Driving directionsSteamer Bay Cabin is located on the northwest corner of Etolin Island on the east side of Steamer Bay. The cabin is accessible by boat or float plane only and is 27 miles by boat or 25 miles by air from Wrangell. Use caution when anchoring the boat due to the rocky shoreline. Check local tide tables to determine the best time for arrival and departure, ideally at high slack tide. There is a mooring buoy anchored in the bay for cabin guests only.

Weather at Steamer Bay Cabin

Best Time to Camp at Steamer Bay Cabin

Best season: summer. Summer offers the warmest, most reliable weather and the best access for fishing, boating, and paddling — expect daytime highs around 54–67°F with long daylight and frequent patches of sun between mist and light rain. Salmon and halibut fishing are at their peak, marine wildlife (whales, seals, sea otters) and abundant birdlife are most active, and trails and beaches are easy to access by skiff or kayak. Crowds are still light compared with roaded parks, but July–August is the busiest window so, Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: January, February, March, April

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Top 21% in AK

Salmon runs late summer–early fall and good wildlife viewing; weather cooler but still accessible.

Planning Tips

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

About Steamer Bay Cabin

Steamer Bay Cabin is a U.S. Forest Service A-frame on the shores of Clarence and Stikine Straits near Wrangell, accessible by boat via mooring buoy. The remote cabin offers vault toilets, fire rings, and sweeping water views across Southeast Alaska's Inside Passage. Visitors fish for salmon and halibut, kayak protected waters, watch for whales and sea otters, and hike nearby trails during the long summer daylight.

Steamer Bay Cabin provides a singular, remote, and rustic camping experience, focused on cabin lodging without modern facilities. It is perfect for small group retreats into nature.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the warmest, most reliable weather and the best access for fishing, boating, and paddling — expect daytime highs around 54–67°F with long daylight and frequent patches of sun between mist and light rain. Salmon and halibut fishing are at their peak, marine wildlife (whales, seals, sea otters) and abundant birdlife are most active, and trails and beaches are easy to access by skiff or kayak. Crowds are still light compared with roaded parks, but July–August is the busiest window so, Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: January, February, March, April

Elevation85 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryMountains rise behind dense Sitka spruce and western hemlock rainforest that meets the beach. The shoreline shifts with the tides, which can drain up to 100 feet from the cabin door. Grassy estuaries and tidal flats stretch along the coast, while rocky points frame views across Clarence and Stikine Straits. Brown and black bears fish nearby streams. Sitka black-tailed deer, porcupines, and Roosevelt elk move through the forest. Offshore, whales, porpoises, sea otters, and seals appear regularly. Birdlife is abundant, especially in summer.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging is available in the area. The primary accommodation is the 20-by-20 cabin itself, which includes basic amenities.

Programs & ActivitiesCultural or educational programs are not mentioned in the source materials.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay of 7 consecutive nights from May 1 to September 30, and 10 consecutive nights from October 1 to April 30.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Up to 7 guests can be accommodated.

Groups

The cabin can accommodate up to seven people and features additional space around the site for pitching tents if needed, according to user reviews.

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 via Recreation.gov and up to 180 days in advance.

AccessibilityThe cabin is fully accessible, featuring a wheelchair ramp from the beach to the cabin.

Site SizeCabin dimensions are 20-by-20 feet, designed to sleep up to seven people.

PrivacyThe cabin is located in a remote area, ensuring high privacy and seclusion for guests.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesBring firewood, drinking water, or a water treatment system. Consider tide tables for safe boating and arrival.

Best CampsitesThe cabin is the only site. Its wrap-around deck on three sides faces the water and forest. A wheelchair ramp provides accessible entry. Reviews note the A-frame design feels spacious inside and the deck offers excellent views for watching wildlife and weather.

Need help booking Steamer Bay 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

Steamer Bay Cabin provides guests with a variety of essential and unique amenities, emphasizing its remote and self-sufficient nature. The cabin is a modified 20-by-20 A-frame structure equipped to accommodate up to seven people. Inside, guests will find two single bunks (one with a trundle bed), a partial loft for sleeping, a table with benches, a wood stove for heating, and a broom for cleaning. A partially covered deck surrounds three sides of the cabin, offering scenic views and additional space. Outside, there is a wooden cooler box for food storage and an outhouse for sanitation. A mooring buoy is provided in the bay for guests arriving by boat. However, water and electricity are not available on-site. Guests must treat water from a nearby stream or bring their own potable supply. Cooking facilities are also absent, necessitating the use of personal cook stoves and other gear. Guests are advised to bring firewood, as it is not supplied on-site.

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Vault toilets

Cabin Lodging

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Steamer Bay Cabin offers a variety of recreational opportunities, taking advantage of its location near saltwater and the natural beauty of Etolin Island. Activities include fishing, crabbing, clamming, abalone harvesting, beachcombing, kayaking, and wildlife viewing. Hiking and general exploration of the surrounding rainforest and tidal flats are also popular.

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.

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available. An outhouse is provided for guest use.

Food Storage RequiredWooden cooler box on the deck accommodates 3 large containers and a cooler for food storage.

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

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Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

0.0

4 reviews

Limited Reviews

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

User reviews overwhelmingly praise Steamer Bay Cabin for its spacious design, stunning natural surroundings, and opportunities for outdoor recreation. Guests highlight the remoteness and tranquility of the site, making it an ideal getaway.

Review Summaries

Based on 4 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include the spacious A-frame cabin design, beautiful views of Clarence and Stikine Straits, ample opportunities for outdoor activities like fishing and kayaking, and the presence of...

Based on 4 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints revolve around the lack of provided firewood and the dilapidated condition of the mooring buoy, which may require caution during use.

Based on 4 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific reviews highlight the spaciousness of the cabin, with one guest noting that it can easily accommodate 8-10 people if tents are pitched outside. The mooring buoy and views of the straits...

Based on 4 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Guests recommend bringing a chainsaw for sourcing firewood, consulting tide tables for safe boating, and ensuring the cabin is cleaned before departure. Packing portable water or treatment supplies...

Based on 4 reviews

Seasonal Insights

User reviews suggest peak enjoyment during the summer months when fishing opportunities and wildlife sightings are at their best.

Based on 4 reviews

Camper Quotes

"One of our family's favorite cabins. The large A-frame style has TONS of room compared to the usual Forest Service cabin." (Josiah H., 2021) "Beautiful setting. Nice gravel beach. Cabin was very...

Based on 4 reviews

Accessibility Features

The cabin's wheelchair ramp is specifically noted as a valuable feature, making it accessible for guests with disabilities.

Based on 4 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pet policies are not explicitly mentioned in the source materials.

Based on 4 reviews

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Go if

You want a remote waterfront cabin with mooring access, salmon fishing, and whale-watching opportunities in Southeast Alaska's Inside Passage.

Skip if

You need road access or prefer stable shoreline conditions without extreme tidal swings.

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