Several rustic cabins are available near Auke Bay, Alaska, providing visitors with comfortable accommodations amid spectacular glacier views. The John Muir Cabin offers a cozy retreat with toilet facilities but no electric hookups, making it ideal for those seeking a more primitive experience. Peterson Lake Cabin includes picnic tables and fire rings, while Blue Mussel Cabin accommodates up to eight people with kerosene heating and an emergency woodstove. Skaters Cabin Shelter provides more amenities including drinking water and trash disposal. "The cabin at the end is cozy and the views of the mountains are spectacular," notes Katie K., a visitor to John Muir Cabin. Most cabins include basic toilet facilities but lack showers.
Reservations are essential for all cabin rentals in the region, with most facilities managed by the Juneau Ranger District. Pet policies vary significantly between locations, with Blue Mussel Cabin allowing pets while John Muir and Peterson Lake cabins prohibit them. Primary heating sources range from kerosene to woodstoves, crucial during Alaska's cooler months when temperatures can drop significantly. According to Josiah P., "Primary heat at the cabin is kerosene with an emergency woodstove." Summer access to some cabins requires hiking or boating, while winter visitors may need to ski or snowshoe to reach certain locations. Most cabins have maximum stay limits, typically around three nights.
Visitors should bring their own bedding, cooking equipment, and food supplies as most cabins provide only basic furnishings. Water availability varies by location, with some cabins offering on-site water while others require guests to bring their own. "Be sure to bring enough water for the night because the creek by the cabin is currently dried up," advises Stephanie S. about Blue Mussel Cabin. Firewood may be provided at some locations like Windfall Lake Cabin, but guests should confirm availability before arrival. The Mendenhall Valley area offers grocery stores and restaurants for stocking up on provisions before heading to more remote cabin locations. Bear-resistant food storage is essential at all cabin sites throughout the region.
$20 - $36 / night
"Easy access to epic beauty from the airport."
"Excellent location on lake offering a spectacular view. Nice campground, cozy and only offers less than 70 sites. Full hookups are available at some."
$75 / night
"This campground has one site with a picnic table and a fire ring. However you can camp anywhere that there is parking. This is on a well-maintained road and would be great to bring a kayak."
"4 spots with picnic tables and fire pits. Clean bathrooms and big trash cans that got emptied while we were there for 4 nights. Low GCI service. Water spout that didn’t work for us."
$75 / night
"My boyfriend and I were recommended to do the John Muir Cabin and the hike in Juneau, and we were beside ourselves. The cabin at the end is cozy and the views of the mountains are spectacular."
$75 / night
"Working for the USFS- We spent a week at Peterson, redoing the floor, repairing cabinets, countertops, and the table. We fixed the gutter outside and repainted the propane tank."
$60 - $100 / night
"Great access to river area. There is a large amount of bear activity in area. We had a black bear next to our campground eating grass one evening."
$60 / night
"This cabin is at the end of the road going North of Juneau. The cabin is not furnished with mattresses & sleeps a max of 8 for a max of 3 nights."
"Be sure to bring enough water for the night because the creek by the cabin is currently dried up."
GuideEasy access to epic beauty from the airport. The glacier brings the temperature down significantly from the surrounding area ❄️ All of the campsites are furnished with picnic tables, tent pads & fire rings with grills. Water faucets & accessible vault toilets are provided, as are two accessible flush toilets and shower facilities. A dump station & trash dumpster are located on-site.
RangerExcellent location on lake offering a spectacular view. Nice campground, cozy and only offers less than 70 sites. Full hookups are available at some. Picnic tables and fire rings are available at sites. There is also a dump station and restrooms available. Hiking trails are close. As is the Mendenhall Glacier accessible from the Visitor Center
LegendWe’ve been full-time camping in our vintage camper for over10 years, and in that time we’ve taken some “camping trips” without our rig, Hamlet. This time we hopped on the ferry from Haines down to Juneau and pulled out the tent for a few days in this amazing campground. We were just looking for the least expensive place that was close to the ferry terminal in Auke Bay, but struck gold in the hills just above. This might be one of the best traditional campgrounds we've ever stayed in with some of the most stunning views in our "backyard."
The campground is laid out along the southern bank of Mendenhall Lake, and offers drinking water, flush, and vault toilets and hot showers -- at no extra charge. Did I mention that camping here will only set you back $10 per night? We cannot remember such an inexpensive camping experience that offered showers. These $10 sites don’t offer electrical hookups, so bring your solar panels and solar generator or power bank and you’ll be all set.
The western trailhead is a short walk from the campground, but the Mendenhall Visitor's Center on the east side of the lake is just a few miles away. There are many trails, photographic viewpoints and opportunities to paddle on this side of the lake, but parking is competitive because it is such a popular area- including with the busses from the cruise ships docked in town. So, get there early. We enjoyed paddling on the lake where we got great views of the glacier and Nugget Falls, but keep your distance from icebergs. We watched one crack and roll not too far from where we were paddling, had we been closer I might not be writing this review.
The Mendenhall Valley has all the amenities you could expect from the Juneau suburbs, grocery stores, malls and restaurants. Downtown has a few more options as well as Douglas Island, just across the bridge.
GuideThis cabin is at the end of the road going North of Juneau. The cabin is not furnished with mattresses & sleeps a max of 8 for a max of 3 nights. Summer access by foot or boat (can haul onto a rocky beach). The foot trail begins at Point Bridget State Park Trailhead parking area at Mile 39 Glacier Highway. The trail is 3.4 miles to the cabin. Winter access**:** the same trail is open in the winter. Visitors can ski or snowshoe in, but no ATV's or other motorized vehicles are allowed. Primary heat at the cabin is kerosene with an emergency woodstove.
LegendThis campground has one site with a picnic table and a fire ring. However you can camp anywhere that there is parking. This is on a well-maintained road and would be great to bring a kayak. I look forward to spending a lot of time at this campground.
Ranger4 spots with picnic tables and fire pits. Clean bathrooms and big trash cans that got emptied while we were there for 4 nights. Low GCI service. Water spout that didn’t work for us. Beautiful central location for the Kenai peninsula. Highly recommend.
GuideSt. James State Marine Park is located approximately 35 miles northwest of Juneau and 45 miles south of Haines. The park encompasses St. James Bay, Boat harbor, and continues north up the valley which drains the area. The area has abundant protected anchorages, concentrations of fish and wildlife, and beach landing areas.
The average temperatures in the summer are in the 60's, rare highs hitting 80, which I was blessed to experience. Have warm clothing and quality rain gear, as inclement weather can set in quickly and last for days. Snow can begin to accumulate as early as October.
The recreational use of St. James Bay is extremely high. The bay, easily accessed by small boat from the Amalga Harbor boat launch, Auke Bay, or Juneau, is a popular area for wildlife viewing, photography, waterfowl and big game hunting, sport fishing, boating, kayaking, and camping.
RangerAfter being unable to find good reviews of campsites here, I took what I could find and gambled on a site. We were in tent site 021. It was a gorgeous site, had a large picnic table, bear box, water spigot between us and the site next to us, fire pit, clean pit toilets and a clean bath house. This campground has backpacker sites, RV sites, and car sites as well. We had a short walk through the moss on a trail that led down to Mendenhall Lake. It had a gorgeous view of the glacier. We enjoyed listening to all the birds and it was a pretty quiet campground.
There are a few sites close to boggy areas and they can be mushy and muddy, especially after a rain. There is a map on the reservation website where you can kind of see it. Our site was fabulous.
The trails are not far from the campground, so they are walkable.
RangerMy boyfriend and I were recommended to do the John Muir Cabin and the hike in Juneau, and we were beside ourselves. The cabin at the end is cozy and the views of the mountains are spectacular. You do not want to miss this. The boardwalks over the muskegs and the flora and fauna are unreal and so, so Alaska. Highly recommend!
Cabin accommodations near Auke Bay, Alaska are scattered throughout the Tongass National Forest and managed primarily by the U.S. Forest Service. The forest cabins sit at elevations between 250 and 2,000 feet, with summer temperatures typically ranging from 45-65°F. Winter access to many cabins requires cross-country skiing or snowshoeing through deep snow, while summer trails often traverse muskegs and forested terrain.
Kayaking and boating: From Mendenhall Lake Campground, visitors can explore the lake via kayak with views of the glacier. "Explore the lake via kayak, hike the short park trails, explore the far side of the lake - this is a great spot just minutes from the Juneau Airport," notes Josiah P. about Mendenhall Lake Campground.
Hiking to waterfalls: Multiple trails lead to scenic waterfalls within walking distance of cabin sites. "After setting up camp you can explore the trail to get close to the glacier and see beautiful waterfalls!" recommends Sierra S. who visited Mendenhall Lake.
Wildlife observation: Bear activity is common throughout the region, requiring proper food storage. "We had a black bear next to our campground eating grass one evening," reports James B. at Eagle Beach State Recreation Area, highlighting the importance of wildlife awareness.
Glacier views: Many cabins offer direct sightlines to nearby glaciers. "This beautiful site is not only spectacular but conveniently close to town," writes Sierra S. about Mendenhall Lake.
Relative privacy: Most cabin sites provide separation between camping areas. "The tent sites were nicely separated, giving you that feeling that you're further away than you really are," shares Krista R. about her experience at Mendenhall Lake Campground.
Reliable facilities: Many cabins maintain basic amenities despite their remote setting. "Clean bathrooms and big trash cans that got emptied while we were there for 4 nights," notes Bradee A. about Peterson Lake Campground.
Reservation requirements: Most cabins require advance booking through Recreation.gov or the Juneau Ranger District. "Before you go: you must reserve a spot online in advance & spots tend to fill up quickly in July & August," warns Josiah P. regarding Mendenhall Lake.
Heating options: Cabin heating systems vary significantly. At Blue Mussel Cabin, "Primary heat at the cabin is kerosene with an emergency woodstove," explains Josiah P. in a separate review.
Water availability: Water sources can be unreliable at many cabins. "Be sure to bring enough water for the night because the creek by the cabin is currently dried up," advises Stephanie S. about Blue Mussel Cabin.
Cell service limitations: Communication options are restricted at most cabins. "Absolutely no cell service," reports James B. about Eagle Beach, with similar conditions at most forest cabins.
Choose accessible cabins: For families with younger children, select cabins with shorter approach trails. "It was a wonderful campground! Right on the lake overlooking the Mendenhall Glacier. The bugs are manageable. The campground is clean and well organized," recommends Angie W. about Mendenhall Lake Campground.
Pack extra supplies: Family groups should bring additional provisions. "This campground has one site with a picnic table and a fire ring. However you can camp anywhere that there is parking," notes Tanya B. about Peterson Lake Campground, highlighting the need for self-sufficiency.
Bear safety education: Teach children proper wilderness safety protocols. "Great place for the family, bears do frequent the area so keep site clean," advises James L. from Mendenhall Lake.
Limited hookup options: Most forest cabin areas lack RV hookups or have size restrictions. "There are some sites not completely in the trees. We were able to get good solar and Starlink service," shares James B. about Eagle Beach options.
Dump station planning: No dump stations exist at most cabin sites. "There is no trash service. No dump site," continues James B. about Eagle Beach facilities.
Weather considerations: RV travelers should monitor road conditions, especially in shoulder seasons. "We were in Juneau with our pickup camper for a couple of weeks. We stayed three nights in the campground. $20 per night," adds James B., providing cost information for budgeting.
Frequently Asked Questions
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According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular cabin campground near Auke Bay, AK is Mendenhall Lake Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 24 reviews.
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