How much does camping cost at Sweet Water Lake Cabin?

Camping fees at Sweet Water Lake Cabin are $35/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Sweet Water Lake Cabin first-come first-served or reservation?

Sweet Water 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 Sweet Water Lake Cabin before I book?

Yes! Sweet Water 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 Sweet Water Lake Cabin?

Sweet Water 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 Sweet Water Lake Cabin?

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

How many campsites does Sweet Water Lake Cabin have?

Sweet Water 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 Sweet Water Lake Cabin?

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

What activities can I do at Sweet Water Lake Cabin?

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

Sweet Water Lake Cabin

5.15

7 reviews

P.O. 19001, KETCHIKAN/THORNE BAY, AK 99919

Summer Destination

Featured in:Winter Camping Alaska

Quick Facts

7 ft

Price

$35/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

7 ft

Price

$35/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

Sweet Water Lake Cabin

$35.00 / night

Campsite Fees

CABIN NONELECTRIC: $35.00. 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

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

P.O. 19001, KETCHIKAN/THORNE BAY, AK 99919

Sweet Water Lake Cabin

P.O. 19001, KETCHIKAN/THORNE BAY, AK 99919

Nearby places

Coffman Cove: 10 miles (approximately 30 minutes)

Ketchikan: 68 air miles (accessible by float plane)

Driving directionsSweetwater Lake Cabin is accessible by either vehicle, 200-foot trail and a short boat trip, or by float plane. The cabin is located 10 road miles from Coffman Cove. From Ketchikan, take Forest Service Road 20 to Forest Road 3030 approximately 2 hours from Hollis. Guests will then hike a 200-foot trail to a boat, provided by the Forest Service. The cabin is approximately a half-mile boat paddle from the trail. Refer to USGS map Craig D-3. Inclement weather may extend travel time.

Weather at Sweet Water Lake Cabin

Best Time to Camp at Sweet Water Lake Cabin

Best season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable weather and longest daylight windows — expect daytime highs roughly 50–65°F (10–18°C) with cool nights and frequent breaks between rain squalls. Calm conditions on Sweetwater Lake make boating, casting for trout and late-summer salmon, and shoreline wildlife viewing (eagles, otters, and bears during salmon runs) easiest and safest. Because the cabin is remote, crowds remain low compared with road-access parks, but July–August are the busiest months for anglers and Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: January, February, March, April

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Best season; summer reviews consistently positive for fishing, boating and wildlife viewing.

Planning Tips

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

About Sweet Water Lake Cabin

Sweet Water Lake Cabin sits on a remote lake in the Tongass National Forest near Coffman Cove, managed by the Thorne Bay Ranger District. This primitive rental cabin offers access to trout and salmon fishing, calm-water boating, and wildlife viewing during summer months when eagles, otters, and bears frequent the shoreline. Guests reach the lake via an unmarked trail and enjoy quiet, off-grid solitude surrounded by Southeast Alaska rainforest.

Sweetwater Lake Cabin provides primitive camping accommodations in a secluded cabin setting. It is accessible by boat, float plane, or canoe.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable weather and longest daylight windows — expect daytime highs roughly 50–65°F (10–18°C) with cool nights and frequent breaks between rain squalls. Calm conditions on Sweetwater Lake make boating, casting for trout and late-summer salmon, and shoreline wildlife viewing (eagles, otters, and bears during salmon runs) easiest and safest. Because the cabin is remote, crowds remain low compared with road-access parks, but July–August are the busiest months for anglers and Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: January, February, March, April

Elevation7 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe cabin occupies a large gravelly beach sheltered from prevailing winds by the surrounding temperate rainforest. Sitka spruce, western hemlock, and cedar trees form a dense canopy above moss-covered understory. Sweetwater Lake stretches out from the doorstep, calm enough on clear days to mirror the forest. Visitors report seeing bald eagles, river otters, mink, and Sitka black-tailed deer along the shoreline. Harbor seals occasionally surface offshore. During late-summer salmon runs, bears work the shallows. At seven feet elevation, the transition from forest to water is abrupt and scenic.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe campground features a 12 x 14 foot primitive cedar log cabin that can accommodate up to six guests. The cabin has wooden bunk beds, a wood stove for heat, and basic furnishings, including a table and benches.

Programs & ActivitiesNo information about cultural or educational programs is provided.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum consecutive stay is 7 nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Up to six guests permitted per cabin
bunk beds accommodate six.

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations available via Recreation.gov (website and app).

Site SizeThe cabin measures 12 x 14 feet and is described as primitive.

PrivacyThe cabin is located in a secluded area on a large gravelly beach, surrounded by temperate rainforest.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesBring a long-shaft motor for the skiff if available. The creek near the cabin is a nice feature for exploration.

Need help booking Sweet Water 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

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Amenities available

Sweetwater Lake Cabin provides essential amenities suitable for a primitive camping experience. The cabin is equipped with wooden bunk beds (no mattresses) for up to six guests, a table, benches, a wood stove for heat, and an outside toilet. Additional features include a cooking counter, shelving, cupboards, an axe, splitting maul, fire extinguisher, and broom. Firewood may be available, but supply cannot be guaranteed. Visitors are advised to conserve firewood and use their cook stoves for cooking. Water must be sourced from the lake and filtered, boiled, or chemically treated before drinking. The aluminum skiff with oars is available for boating; however, visitors must bring their own floatation devices and may choose to bring a long shaft motor.

Firewood available

Lodging and accommodations

Cabin Lodging

I manage this campground

Things to do at Sweet Water Lake Cabin

Sweetwater Lake Cabin offers a range of recreational activities, including fishing, hunting, boating, bird watching, and wildlife viewing. It is a tranquil setting ideal for exploring the lake or enjoying the natural surroundings.

Fishing4.0/5

Fishing for rainbow/cutthroat/Dolly Varden and coho, sockeye, pink salmon is available.

Boating4.0/5

Boating popular and an aluminum skiff is provided at the cabin for calm-water use.

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

Eagles, otters, bears, mink, beaver, waterfowl and Sitka black-tailed deer frequent the shoreline.

Beach activities4.0/5Top 23% in Alaska

Large gravelly beach at the cabin's doorstep sheltered from prevailing winds.

Water Sports4.0/5

Winter Activities

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 ToiletsNo flush toilets are available; an outside toilet is provided.

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

5.2

7 reviews

Top-Rated

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

User reviews highlight the natural beauty of the area, the tranquility of the lake, and the overall unique camping experience offered by Sweetwater Lake Cabin.

Review Summaries

Based on 7 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive reviews mention the scenic surroundings, abundant wildlife, and the lake's beauty. Visitors appreciate the quiet atmosphere and opportunities for relaxation and exploration.

Based on 7 reviews

Common Concerns

Some reviews note that the cabin could benefit from maintenance and cleaning.

Based on 7 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site T14 reviews highlight the area's beauty but note cabin maintenance issues.

Based on 7 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend bringing outboard motors for the boat ride to the cabin and being prepared for the remote and primitive nature of the facilities.

Based on 7 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews are consistently positive, with visitors enjoying fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing. Winter reviews highlight challenges due to snow and ice.

Based on 7 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Sweetwater cabin is a great place to take the family. The cabin is the typical Forest Service style, which sleeps 6 comfortably." - Josiah Huestis. "The view of the lake is amazing and the creek...

Based on 7 reviews

Accessibility Features

No reviews specifically address accessibility features.

Based on 7 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No reviews specifically address pet-related experiences.

Based on 7 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Sweet Water Lake Cabin

$35.00 / night

Campsite Fees

CABIN NONELECTRIC: $35.00. 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 remote lakefront solitude with fishing and wildlife viewing and can handle unmarked trails and basic cabin conditions.

Skip if

You need well-marked access, modern amenities, or a cabin with consistent maintenance and cleaning.

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.

Sweet Water Lake Cabin

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Ask Camp Sage about Sweet Water Lake Cabin

Campground Map

Weather at Sweet Water Lake Cabin

Best Time to Camp at Sweet Water Lake Cabin

Planning Tips

About Sweet Water Lake Cabin

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Sweet Water Lake Cabin?

Amenities available

Things to do at Sweet Water Lake Cabin

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews

Get Notified When Available

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Planning Tips

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Need help booking Sweet Water Lake Cabin?

Amenities available

Things to do at Sweet Water Lake Cabin

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews