Polk Camp
2.658 reviewsPolk Camp, P.O BOX 500, Craig, Alaska 99921, United States
Quick Facts
Price
$45 - $75/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
1 campsites
Season
Open May 1 to Decemb...
Cell
No Service
Pets
Not Allowed
Quick Facts
Price
$45 - $75/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
1 campsites
Season
Open May 1 to Decemb...
Cell
No Service
Pets
Not Allowed
Polk Camp
$45.00 - $75.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Peak Season (May 1 - November 30): $75/night. Non-Peak Season (December 1 - April 30): $45/night.
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
Total Campsite Fees$0.00
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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider(907) 826-3271
What Campers Say
2.65
Mixed Reviews
Based on 8 reviews
Most mentioned
viewsscenerylocation
"User reviews highlight stunning natural views and the quiet, remote location as key positives but frequently criticize the lack of maintenance and misrepresentation of amenities. Issues like non-functional hot water, limited water pressure, and absent cookware and mattresses are commonly mentioned."
Fees & Passes at Polk Camp
$45 - $75/night
Campsite fees
Stay Limit: Maximum stay of 14 nights during a visit.
Cancellation: $10 cancellation fee applies. Late cancellations (less than 14 days before arrival) forfeit the firs...
Prices verified December 7, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official US Forest Service website.
Best Time to Camp at Polk Camp
The maritime climate of Polk Inlet brings its own dramatic beauty, with misty mornings and frequent rainfall creating an ever-changing canvas of clouds and light. While precipitation is a faithful companion throughout the year, it nurtures the lush temperate rainforest that makes this region so spectacular. Adventurous souls should note that the narrow logging road can become particularly challenging during heavy rains, adding an element of wilderness adventure to your journey. The cooler temperatures year-round make this an ideal escape from summer heat, with cozy evenings perfect for gathering around the wood stove.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Off-season, limited services. Check for closures before visiting.
Planning Tips
- Peak Season: May 1 - November 30 (Peak Season), December 1 - April 30 (Non-Peak Season). Book 2-3 months ahead.
- Operating Season: Open May 1 to December 31.
- Current Alerts: Running water is currently unavailable, as highlighted in both official descriptions and user reviews. Forest Service has not reliably fixed these issues.
About Polk Camp
Discover the rustic charm of Polk Camp, a secluded three-bedroom cabin tucked away in the pristine wilderness of Polk Inlet on Prince of Wales Island. This cozy retreat combines the comforts of home—including a fully equipped kitchen and warming wood stove—with breathtaking immersion in the Tongass National Forest. Whether you arrive by winding logging road, gliding across the inlet by boat, or touching down on floatplane waters, you'll find yourself transported to a world where towering evergreens meet the sea and modern life feels wonderfully distant.
Polk Camp is a three-bedroom cabin suitable for small groups or families seeking a secluded experience within the Tongass National Forest.
Historical SignificanceStep into a living piece of Alaska's logging heritage at Polk Camp, where echoes of the timber industry's golden age still resonate through the surrounding forest. This cabin served as an essential outpost for the Craig Ranger District, witnessing decades of forest management and conservation efforts. Nearby log landings and historic transfer facilities tell the story of when massive old-growth trees journeyed from these shores to build communities across the Pacific Northwest. Today, the cabin stands as a bridge between past and present, offering visitors a chance to experience the enduring spirit of Alaska's working forests.
Weather and SeasonsThe maritime climate of Polk Inlet brings its own dramatic beauty, with misty mornings and frequent rainfall creating an ever-changing canvas of clouds and light. While precipitation is a faithful companion throughout the year, it nurtures the lush temperate rainforest that makes this region so spectacular. Adventurous souls should note that the narrow logging road can become particularly challenging during heavy rains, adding an element of wilderness adventure to your journey. The cooler temperatures year-round make this an ideal escape from summer heat, with cozy evenings perfect for gathering around the wood stove.
ElevationNestled at sea level where the forest meets the inlet, the cabin offers easy access to both marine and terrestrial adventures without the challenge of altitude.
Natural Features and ScenerySurrounded by a regenerating forest of young Sitka spruce and western hemlock, Polk Camp sits at the heart of nature's grand renewal. These emerald giants create a living cathedral around the cabin, their branches filtering sunlight into dancing patterns throughout the day. The nearby estuary serves as a bustling wildlife corridor where majestic sandhill cranes wade through tidal shallows, bald eagles survey their domain from weathered snags, and wolves leave mysterious tracks along the shoreline. Lucky visitors might glimpse the elegant Sitka black-tailed deer browsing at forest edges, while seasonal migrations bring countless birds to fill the air with their ancient songs. Black bears, the forest's most impressive residents, remind guests that this is truly wild country.
Geological RegionPolk Camp rests within the vast embrace of the Tongass National Forest, America's largest temperate rainforest, on the shores of Polk Inlet, Prince of Wales Island. This corner of southeastern Alaska represents one of Earth's last intact coastal temperate rainforests, where the Pacific Ocean's influence creates a unique ecosystem of staggering biodiversity. The young Sitka spruce and western hemlock forests surrounding the cabin are part of nature's ongoing story of regeneration, while nearby estuaries where fresh water meets the sea create some of the richest wildlife habitat on the planet. Here, the geological forces that shaped the Alexander Archipelago continue their ancient work, creating a landscape of protected inlets, dense forests, and abundant life.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityLimited accessibility due to the remote location and reliance on logging roads. No additional details about ADA-compliant features are provided.
Sites SizeSpacious cabin with a large kitchen and gathering area; ample room for small groups or families.
Sites PrivacyPrivate, surrounded by a canopy of Sitka spruce and western hemlock, providing seclusion.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesUser reviews suggest bringing extra water, cookware, and bedding due to missing amenities.
Best Campsites
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Reserving a campsite
Check-in
12:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum stay of 14 nights during a visit.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Three bedrooms with two moveable beds in each room allow for multiple guests.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSingle cabin facility with three bedrooms, a kitchen, and views.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen May 1 to December 31.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityCabin rental requires advance reservations; no walk-up availability.
Cancellation Policy$10 cancellation fee applies. Late cancellations (less than 14 days before arrival) forfeit the first night's fee. Changes to reservation dates outside the original reservation dates incur a $10 fee.
Accomodation available
Cabin lodgingCabin lodging is available for campers seeking a more sheltered and comfortable experience. These enclosed accommodations offer protection from the elements and are ideal for those who prefer not to camp in tents.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Lodging and accommodations
Activities you can enjoy
Polk Camp offers a variety of recreational activities, including fishing, crabbing, wildlife viewing, hunting, and beachcombing. The area is rich in logging history and is surrounded by a diverse ecosystem of wildlife. Nearby, Dog Salmon Creek is popular among anglers, and Dog Salmon Fish Pass is a noted bear viewing site in August.
Hiking
The area offers trails and all-terrain vehicle roads, providing opportunities for exploration. Specific details about trail lengths and difficulty are not provided.Fishing
"Dog Salmon Creek, which flows into the inlet, has an excellent run of coho, chum, sockeye and pink salmon, cutthroat trout, rainbow trout, and Dolly Varden."Biking
Nearby all-terrain vehicle roads can also be used for biking.Boating
Access to Polk Camp is possible by boat or floatplane, and the nearby inlet is suitable for kayaking. No additional boating facilities are specified.Wildlife viewing
Visitors can spot black bears, Sitka black-tailed deer, wolves, and migratory birds. Dog Salmon Fish Pass is a notable bear-viewing site.Beach activities
Beachcombing is a popular activity.Water Sports
Kayaking opportunities are available in the nearby inlet.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires allowed; however, firewood may not be provided. User reviews suggest bringing your own axe and firewood.
- Quiet hours not explicitly mentioned.
Hazards
General hazardsUser reviews warn about unreliable water supply, lack of cell service, and challenges with poorly maintained amenities. Wildlife safety (including bears) should be considered.
Active alertsRunning water is currently unavailable, as highlighted in both official descriptions and user reviews. Forest Service has not reliably fixed these issues.
Weather at Polk Camp
38
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Thunderstorm
Precipitation: 1.2%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 92%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 10.1 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Thunderstorm
Weather History
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Detailed 7-Day Forecast
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Reveal forecast
Emergency Services
Emergency services are not explicitly mentioned; nearest town, Craig, is approximately 45 miles away.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 1 - November 30 (Peak Season), December 1 - April 30 (Non-Peak Season)
Trash and recyclingAll garbage and food must be packed out. There are no on-site trash or recycling facilities.
Proximity to water featuresLocated near Dog Salmon Creek with excellent fishing opportunities. The cabin is close to an estuary rich in wildlife.
Common complaintsRecurring complaints include lack of advertised amenities such as running water, cookware, mattresses, and firewood. Road access is narrow and challenging.
HostNo onsite host mentioned, though Forest Service management is noted.
Campground Map
Polk Camp, P.O BOX 500, Craig, Alaska 99921, United States
Driving directionsFrom Craig, take the Craig/Klawock-Hollis Highway toward Hollis. Turn right on the Hydaburg Road (State Route 913) and travel for 8 miles. Turn left onto Forest Road 21 (Polk Inlet and Twelvemile Road). Follow Forest Road 21 for 14 miles, then turn left toward Polk Inlet. The cabin parking area is about 1.5 miles ahead on the left. All roads are marked and the cabin is accessed through a locked gate at the end of the road.
Accessible by vehicle, boat, or floatplane. Roads are marked but consist of narrow logging roads that can present challenges. User reviews note that the road from the highway takes approximately an hour to drive and is narrow.Nearby places
Craig (45 miles, approximately 2-hour drive)
Nearby supplies
Closest community for supplies is Craig, approximately 45 miles away, which has no cell service according to user reviews.
Reviews from booking and map sources
2.7
8 reviews
Polk Camp has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight stunning natural views and the quiet, remote location as key positives but frequently criticize the lack of maintenance and misrepresentation of amenities. Issues like non-functional hot water, limited water pressure, and absent cookware and mattresses are commonly mentioned.
Review Summaries
Based on 8 reviews
What Campers Love
"The scenery was breathtaking" and "The inlet was great for kayaking." Many reviews describe the location as serene and picturesque.
Based on 8 reviewsCommon Concerns
Poorly maintained amenities, including broken water systems and missing promised items such as cookware and mattresses. Multiple reviews also report unreliable communication with the U.S. Forest...
Based on 8 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Call ahead to confirm current conditions. Bring all necessary supplies, including cookware, bedding, and water. Be prepared for a long drive over narrow logging roads.
Based on 8 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Bear viewing is a popular activity in August. Hunting seasons affect visitor traffic during spring, fall, and late summer.
Based on 8 reviewsCamper Quotes
"The view was beautiful but the cabin information was a bit misleading." (SERENE S, 7/16/2021) "A person couldn't ask for a more serene spot to stay." (CHRISTOPHER B, 5/26/2023) "Be prepared not to...
Based on 8 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
No specific site numbers are applicable, as this campground consists of one cabin.
Based on 8 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews specifically address accessibility features, but the remote location and narrow roads may pose challenges.
Based on 8 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews mention experiences with pets.
Based on 8 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated December 7, 2025
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