Young Lake (South) Cabin

5 reviews

ADMIRALITY NATIONAL MONUMENT, JUNEAU, AK, USA

Summer Destination

Quick Facts

320 ft

Price

$35 - $45/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open May 1, 2025, to...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Admiralty Island National Monument site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

320 ft

Price

$35 - $45/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open May 1, 2025, to...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Admiralty Island National Monument site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Young Lake (South) Cabin

$35.00 - $45.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Peak season rates (May 1–Sept 30): $45/night for non-electric cabin; Non-peak season rates (Oct 1–Dec 31): $35/night. Recreational use fees are...

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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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

907-586-8800

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What Campers Say

N/A

Limited Reviews

Based on 5 reviews

Most mentioned

peacefulcleanhiking

"User reviews highlight the scenic and remote nature of the South Young Lake Cabin, with positive comments about the cleanliness and upkeep of the facility. Some guests appreciated the natural beauty and wildlife in the area."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

ADMIRALITY NATIONAL MONUMENT, JUNEAU, AK, USA

Young Lake (South) Cabin

ADMIRALITY NATIONAL MONUMENT, JUNEAU, AK, USA

Driving directionsAccess is by float plane. It is about a 20-minute flight from Juneau. In fall, winter, and early spring, the cabin may be inaccessible due to frozen lake surface (float planes cannot land). The lake is normally ice-free from mid-May through November.

Access is exclusively float plane. Helicopter access is illegal due to the Wilderness designation. Inclement weather or snow and ice conditions during winter can make access difficult. Guests should plan for potential delays and bring extra supplies to last 2-5 days.

Nearby places

Juneau: approximately 20 minutes by float plane

Nearby supplies

Supplies are not explicitly described. Guests must bring all necessities, including water, food, stove oil, and safety gear.

Best Time to Camp at Young Lake (South) Cabin

From mid-May through November, South Young Lake transforms into an accessible wilderness playground as winter's grip releases the waters. During these ice-free months, adventurers can fully explore the lake's offerings. As autumn fades to winter, the landscape becomes a crystalline wonderland, though ice and snow may challenge access for the truly intrepid. The region's famously changeable weather keeps visitors on their toes—be prepared for dramatic rainstorms that sweep across the lake and winter snows that blanket the forest in hushed beauty.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Peak season May–Sept; ice‑free lake, fishing and full access to trails and boating.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.5 / 5

Accessible mid‑May through November; fishing continues but weather and daylight decline in fall.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.5 / 5

Season opens May 1; late spring (May) is accessible but early spring likely still icy/limited.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Winter access is challenging; lake typically ice‑covered outside mid‑May–Nov window; limited utility.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 1, 2025 - September 30, 2025. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open May 1, 2025, to December 31, 2025.
Current Alerts: Inclement weather and frozen lake conditions could limit access during certain seasons.

About Young Lake (South) Cabin

Escape to the untamed wilderness at South Young Lake Cabin, where your adventure begins with a breathtaking float plane journey over the vast Tongass National Forest. This remote sanctuary offers a true back-to-basics experience, where days are filled with casting lines into pristine waters, exploring hidden forest trails, and gathering wild berries under towering evergreens. Inside the rustic cabin, you'll find simple comforts—cozy bunk beds and a warming oil stove—that enhance rather than distract from the raw beauty surrounding you. With only the essentials provided, including a basic outdoor facility, this is your chance to disconnect from the modern world and reconnect with nature's rhythms.

The South Young Lake Cabin offers a primitive lodging experience in a remote wilderness area. There are no tent or RV sites, and the primary form of accommodation is the one-room cabin.

Weather and SeasonsFrom mid-May through November, South Young Lake transforms into an accessible wilderness playground as winter's grip releases the waters. During these ice-free months, adventurers can fully explore the lake's offerings. As autumn fades to winter, the landscape becomes a crystalline wonderland, though ice and snow may challenge access for the truly intrepid. The region's famously changeable weather keeps visitors on their toes—be prepared for dramatic rainstorms that sweep across the lake and winter snows that blanket the forest in hushed beauty.

ElevationPerched at 320 feet above sea level, South Young Lake occupies a sweet spot where crisp mountain air mingles with the forest's earthy perfume. This modest elevation creates an ideal microclimate—high enough to escape the heaviest coastal humidity, yet low enough to remain easily accessible, offering visitors refreshingly cool temperatures even during summer's warmest days.

Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in the heart of Kootznoowoo Wilderness, where ancient spruce and hemlock sentinels stand guard over a landscape sculpted by time and ice. Crystal-clear streams fed by distant glaciers weave through the forest floor, their gentle murmur providing nature's soundtrack. Mysterious muskeg openings create natural meadows where wildlife gather, while the shimmering expanse of Young Lake reflects the surrounding wilderness like a perfect mirror. This pristine ecosystem remains largely untouched, offering glimpses of Southeast Alaska as it has existed for millennia.

Geological RegionThe cabin sits within the magnificent Kootznoowoo Wilderness, a corner of the Tongass National Forest where nature displays its full artistic palette. Here, dense forests of Sitka spruce and western hemlock create a emerald canopy, punctuated by glacier-carved valleys and bubbling streams. Spongy muskeg bogs dot the landscape like nature's own gardens, while dramatic rocky spires crown the island's highest points, standing as ancient monuments to the powerful geological forces that shaped this remarkable wilderness.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

10:00 am

Check-out

12:00 pm

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 10 nights during a visit at this campground.

Guests Allowed Per Site

The cabin accommodates up to 6 guests.

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutSingle cabin with access to primitive trails.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online, through the Recreation.gov contact center, or in-person.

Walk-in AvailabilityNo walk-up availability; advance reservations required.

Cancellation PolicyCancellations more than 14 days before arrival incur a $10 fee. Late cancellations (within 14 days of arrival) forfeit the first night's fee. No refunds are provided for same-day cancellations or no-shows.

AccessibilityNo explicit description of accessibility features is provided.

Site SizeThe cabin is designed to accommodate up to six guests and includes wooden bunkbeds without mattresses.

PrivacyThe cabin is located under a forested canopy of trees and is set back 50 feet from the south end of Young Lake, providing privacy in a remote wilderness setting.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesBring #1 stove oil, flotation devices, and potentially backup oars for the skiff. Ensure safety precautions for bear interactions.

Amenities available

Lodging and accommodations

Cabin Lodging

Activities you can enjoy

The South Young Lake Cabin offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, boating, berry picking, and wildlife viewing. The lake is popular for catching cutthroat trout, dolly varden, and coho salmon. Several primitive trails extend from the cabin, including the 4.5-mile Admiralty Cove-Young Lake trail.

HikingThere are several primitive trails accessible from the cabin, including the Admiralty Cove-Young Lake trail. This trail spans 4.5 miles and ends at Admiralty cabin. It follows a creek at both ends and is described as relatively flat, though rainy and wet conditions can make hiking strenuous.

FishingFishing is a popular activity at Young Lake, where anglers can catch cutthroat trout, dolly varden, and coho salmon. Guests are welcome to use the skiff with oars provided at the cabin, though they may also bring a small outboard motor (less than 10 horsepower due to wilderness regulations). Personal flotation devices must be brought by visitors.

BoatingGuests can use the skiff with oars available at the cabin for boating. Visitors may also bring a small outboard motor, but it must be less than 10 horsepower to comply with wilderness regulations.

Wildlife viewingThe area is rich in wildlife. Sitka black-tailed deer and bald eagles are common sights. Bears often frequent the area near the cabin and trails, particularly during salmon runs from July to August.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsFrequent bear activity, particularly during salmon runs (July to August). Visitors should review bear safety guidelines. Inclement weather may extend trips unexpectedly.

Active AlertsInclement weather and frozen lake conditions could limit access during certain seasons.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Fire PolicyCampfires not mentioned; the cabin features an oil stove for heating.

Emergency ServicesAdmiralty Island National Monument at 907-586-8800 in Juneau, AK

Trash & RecyclingVisitors are instructed to pack out all garbage and food. There is no mention of centralized trash or recycling facilities.

Water FeaturesSet back 50 feet from the south end of Young Lake.

Camp HostNo host services mentioned.

Weather at Young Lake (South) Cabin

Reviews

0.0

5 reviews

Limited Reviews

Young Lake (South) Cabin has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the scenic and remote nature of the South Young Lake Cabin, with positive comments about the cleanliness and upkeep of the facility. Some guests appreciated the natural beauty and wildlife in the area.

Review Summaries

Based on 5 reviews

What Campers Love

Guests praised the cabin for being clean and safe, with one review noting the 'toilette clean, no leaks.' Reviewers also enjoyed the peaceful and scenic surroundings, as well as the opportunities for...

Based on 5 reviews

Common Concerns

There are no significant complaints listed in the reviews provided.

Based on 5 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Travelers recommend bringing adequate supplies since the cabin is remote and requires visitors to bring essentials like drinking water, food, and kerosene for the stove.

Based on 5 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The cabin is most accessible from mid-May to November when the lake is ice-free, aligning with the fishing season and warmer weather. During the winter months, access may be challenging due to ice...

Based on 5 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Awesome cabin, great views.' - Adam DiPietro 2. 'Cabin was clean, safe (the door closed tightly), toilette clean, no leaks.' - Walter C. 3. 'It was nice to have a sunshine weekend, at least for...

Based on 5 reviews