Steamer Bay Cabin

Star0
4 reviews
WRANGELL RANGER DISTRICT, PO BOX 51, WRANGELL AK, AK 99929
Fishing

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

Opens U.S. Forest Service site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Steamer Bay Cabin
$45.00 - $45.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Cabin reservation fee is $45 per night throughout the year with no discounts available for Golden Age or Golden Passports. There is an additional $10...
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Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
907-874-2323
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What Campers Say

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Limited Reviews

Based on 4 reviews

Most mentioned

viewsspacious

"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."

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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

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.
Accessible only by boat or float plane. Distance is 27 miles by boat or 25 miles by air from Wrangell. Anchoring boats may be challenging due to rocky shorelines.
Nearby places
Wrangell: 27 miles by boat or 25 miles by air.
Nearby supplies
Wrangell, AK, 25-27 miles away, has grocery stores, fuel, and other supplies needed.

Best Time to Camp at Steamer Bay Cabin

Summer brings a gentle climate to Steamer Bay, with temperatures dancing between 54°F and 67°F under skies that shift between misty rain and brilliant sunshine. The region's high humidity creates an almost mystical atmosphere as clouds drift through the forest canopy. While rain is a frequent companion, patient visitors are rewarded with spectacular clear days when the entire landscape seems to sparkle. Late summer emerges as the prime season for anglers, when salmon runs peak and the weather often delivers its most stable conditions.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
5.0 / 5
Top 10% in AK

Peak season May–Sep; best weather, fishing (King/silver) and wildlife viewing; mild temps cited.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Silver salmon season Aug–Sep; open through Dec but weather becomes wetter and cooler in fall.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Site closed until May 1; spring access and activities not available pre-opening.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Site closed Jan–Apr; limited winter access and no winter-sport offerings described.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 1 - September 30. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open from May 1 to December 31.
  • Current Alerts: European Green Crab invasions suspected in Tongass National Forest.

About Steamer Bay Cabin

Nestled on the northwest corner of Etolin Island, Steamer Bay Cabin offers an authentic Alaskan wilderness experience within the vast Tongass National Forest. This charming 20-by-20 modified A-frame structure rests on a pristine gravel beach where the forest meets the sea. Here, towering mountains frame your view while ancient rainforest surrounds you with its emerald embrace. The cabin serves as your gateway to exceptional saltwater fishing adventures and serene paddling excursions through some of Alaska's most untouched coastal waters.
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.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in starting from 10:00 PM.
Check-out
Check-out before midnight.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay of 7 consecutive nights from May 1 to September 30, and 10 consecutive nights from October 1 to April 30.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Vault toilets
Cabin Lodging

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.
HikingThe surrounding area can be explored on foot, offering opportunities to discover the dense Sitka spruce and western hemlock rainforest, grassy estuaries, and tidal flats.
FishingSteamer Bay is ideal for saltwater fishing, with King salmon available from May through July, silver salmon in August and September, and halibut from June through September. Nearby Porcupine Creek offers opportunities to catch Dolly Varden and pink salmon from July through August.
BoatingBoating is a popular activity, supported by the mooring buoy available for guest use. Tide tables are recommended for safe navigation.
Wildlife viewingBrown and black bears, porcupines, deer, waterfowl, porpoises, whales, and other marine life are commonly seen around the cabin. Roosevelt elk, introduced to Etolin Island, also thrive in the region.
Beach activitiesThe gravel beach and nearby rocky shorelines offer excellent opportunities for beachcombing and exploring tide pools.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsHigh levels of Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning reported in the area. Rocky shorelines pose challenges for anchoring boats. Wildlife hazards include bears.
Active AlertsEuropean Green Crab invasions suspected in Tongass National Forest.
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.
Food Storage RequiredWooden cooler box on the deck accommodates 3 large containers and a cooler for food storage.

Weather at Steamer Bay Cabin

Reviews

0.0
4 reviews
Limited 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...
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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

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...
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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...
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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...
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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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Last updated January 13, 2026
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