How much does camping cost at Winstanley Island Cabin?

Camping fees at Winstanley Island Cabin range from $60/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Winstanley Island Cabin first-come first-served or reservation?

Winstanley Island 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 Winstanley Island Cabin before I book?

Yes! Winstanley Island Cabin has 11 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 Winstanley Island Cabin?

Winstanley Island 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 Winstanley Island Cabin?

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

Can I have a campfire at Winstanley Island Cabin?

Fire policies at Winstanley Island Cabin: Please conserve firewood as the supplied firewood is for wood stove use only. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Winstanley Island Cabin have?

Winstanley Island 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 Winstanley Island Cabin?

Pets are not allowed at Winstanley Island 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 Winstanley Island Cabin?

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

Winstanley Island Cabin

4.35

9 reviews

, Ketchikan/Misty, AK, USA

Top 21% in AKSpring

Romantic GetawayScenic Views

Featured in:Best Campgrounds Alaska

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

128 ft

Price

$60/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open May 1 - Decembe...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Book on US Forest Service Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

128 ft

Price

$60/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open May 1 - Decembe...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Book on US Forest Service Official Website

Get Directions

Winstanley Island Cabin

$60.00 - $60.00 / night

Campsite Fees

CABIN NONELECTRIC: $60.00. 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

907-225-2148

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Winstanley Island Cabin

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Campground Map

, Ketchikan/Misty, AK, USA

Winstanley Island Cabin

, Ketchikan/Misty, AK, USA

Nearby places

Ketchikan: 30 miles (approximately 1 hr 15 min by boat)

Driving directionsThe cabin is located on saltwater approximately 30 air miles east of Ketchikan on Winstanley Island on the east side of the Behm Canal between Rudyard and Smeaton Bays. The cabin is accessible by float plane or boat. A mooring buoy is provided at the site. Refer to USGS map Ketchikan B-3. Please consult local tide tables before departing for the cabin. This cabin is in a designated Wilderness area, and access by helicopter is illegal.

Weather at Winstanley Island Cabin

Current alerts(12)

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.
Learn more about the Tongass National Forest
Please pack out all trash and food and clean cabin before departing
Recreating in Alaska can present both obvious and hidden dangers; please be aware of your surroundings and be prepared for extended stays due to occasionally poor weather

Best Time to Camp at Winstanley Island Cabin

Best season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable conditions for getting the most out of Winstanley Island — expect cool, settled weather with average daytime highs around 55–65°F (13–18°C) and long daylight (up to ~18 hours) that make boating, kayaking, hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing far easier and safer. Whale and seal activity, abundant bald eagles, and peak salmon runs make marine and shore-based wildlife encounters most frequent from June through August. Although July–August are the busiest months for Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: January, February, March, April

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

June–Aug most reliable weather, long daylight and peak season May–Sep; best time to visit.

Planning Tips

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

About Winstanley Island Cabin

Winstanley Island Cabin sits on a remote island in Tongass National Forest, accessible only by boat or floatplane from Ketchikan. This US Forest Service rental offers a primitive backcountry experience with a wood stove, bunk sleeping, and no running water or electricity. Visitors come for fishing, wildlife viewing, and solitude in Southeast Alaska's Inside Passage.

Winstanley Island Cabin offers primitive camping in a cabin setting, ideal for small groups looking for a remote and wilderness experience.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable conditions for getting the most out of Winstanley Island — expect cool, settled weather with average daytime highs around 55–65°F (13–18°C) and long daylight (up to ~18 hours) that make boating, kayaking, hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing far easier and safer. Whale and seal activity, abundant bald eagles, and peak salmon runs make marine and shore-based wildlife encounters most frequent from June through August. Although July–August are the busiest months for Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: January, February, March, April

Elevation128 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe cabin overlooks Shoalwater Pass, where granite peaks rise vertically from sea level and temperate rainforest. Spruce, hemlock, cedar. Covers the slopes down to the water. Deep fjords cut between mountains. Whales breach offshore. Bald eagles hunt along the shoreline. Brown bears appear on distant beaches. The elevation is 128 feet.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe cabin is the primary lodging option. It provides basic shelter with bunks, heating, and a cooking counter. "Stayed dry and warm. The cabin is amazing and well taken care of."

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 7 nights during a visit at this campground.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Up to 6 guests per 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 online at Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityAccessibility features are not explicitly stated, and the remote location makes the cabin challenging to access.

Site SizeThe cabin is 12x14-ft in size and accommodates up to 6 people.

PrivacyThe cabin is situated in a remote wilderness area, offering high privacy.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesBring sufficient firewood, water treatment supplies, rain gear, and navigation tools. Plan trips around tides and consult tide tables.

Need help booking Winstanley Island 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

Winstanley Island Cabin is a remote and primitive facility offering a basic set of amenities suitable for adventurous campers. It includes a 12x14-ft cabin accommodating up to 6 people with 2 single bunks and 2 double bunks. Additional amenities are a table with benches, cooking counter, food storage, broom, dustpan, and a wood stove for heating. "Bring your own firewood as it cannot be guaranteed." An outhouse is available for toilet facilities. Drinking water is not provided, but water from a nearby creek can be treated for drinking. Visitors should bring their own sleeping bags, sleeping pads, cooking gear, lanterns, food, garbage bags, toilet paper, fire extinguisher, and fire starter. Additional recommended items include rain gear and boots. Visitors must pack out trash and clean the cabin before departure.

Lodging and accommodations

Cabin Lodging

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Winstanley Island Cabin offers a range of recreational activities suitable for adventurers and nature enthusiasts. Popular activities include saltwater fishing, boating, kayaking, hiking, wildlife viewing, and hunting.

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. The cabin provides an outhouse nearby for restroom needs.

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

4.4

9 reviews

Recommended

Winstanley Island Cabin is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

User feedback highlights the cabin's excellent maintenance and suitability for adventurers seeking solitude and rugged beauty. Reviews also note the enjoyable beach area and accessibility challenges.

Review Summaries

Based on 9 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include the cabin's cleanliness and comfort, its remote and scenic location, and the recreational opportunities nearby. "The cabin is amazing and well taken care of."

Based on 9 reviews

Common Concerns

Issues raised include the non-functional and potentially dangerous wood stove. "The wood stove is not operable and needs to be removed and replaced."

Based on 9 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific feedback highlights the nearby beach and the mooring buoy, which is well-maintained but shared on a first-come, first-served basis.

Based on 9 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors are advised to bring firewood, a sharp axe, and rain gear due to the area's unpredictable weather. "Bring firewood or a sharp axe."

Based on 9 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summers are most popular due to favorable weather and accessibility. Winter may pose challenges due to tides and weather conditions, limiting usability.

Based on 9 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Stayed dry and warm. The cabin is amazing and well taken care of." "Outstanding experience. There is a great beach with good access with the exception of low tide." "Excellent launching point for...

Based on 9 reviews

Accessibility Features

No explicit reviews address accessibility features. The cabin's remote location is inherently challenging for individuals with mobility constraints.

Based on 9 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No user reviews specifically mention pet policies.

Based on 9 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want true backcountry isolation in Southeast Alaska and can handle boat-in logistics and primitive conditions.

Skip if

You need road access, modern amenities, or aren't prepared to pack in all supplies and gear.

Nearby Campgrounds

Tongass National Forest

Ella Narrows Cabin is a US Forest Service rental on Tongass National Forest near Ketchikan, accessible by boat or floatplane. The remote lakeside setting draws anglers and wildlife watchers seeking solitude in Southeast Alaska's Inside Passage. Reviewers praise the fishing and quiet, though maintenance can be spotty due to limited staffing.