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Best Cabin Camping near Auke Bay, AK

32 Reviews

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.

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Best Cabin Sites Near Auke Bay, Alaska (31)

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Recent Cabin Photos near Auke Bay, AK

31 Photos of 31 Auke Bay Campgrounds

Cabin Reviews near Auke Bay, AK

32 Reviews of 31 Auke Bay Campgrounds

  • Josiah P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 27, 2018

    Mendenhall Lake Campground

    Conveniently located & Beautiful

    Easy 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.

  • Lisa S.
    Apr. 26, 2019

    Mendenhall Lake Campground

    Great place to take scenic photos

    Excellent 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

  • Shari G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 6, 2022

    Mendenhall Lake Campground

    Big Surprise!

    We’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.

  • Josiah P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 31, 2018

    Blue Mussel Cabin

    Amazing Views of Lynn Canal

    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. 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.

  • Tanya B.
    Aug. 15, 2020

    Peterson lake campground

    Never knew this was here

    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. I look forward to spending a lot of time at this campground.

  • Bradee A.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 20, 2022

    Peterson lake campground

    Beautiful views

    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. Beautiful central location for the Kenai peninsula. Highly recommend.

  • Josiah P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2018

    St. James Bay State Marine Park

    St. James State Marine Park

    St. 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.

  • Angie G.
    May. 27, 2024

    Mendenhall Lake Campground

    Glacier View in the Tongass

    After 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.

  • Katie K.
    Sep. 28, 2016

    John Muir Cabin

    This cabin is worth the hike (...I mean the hike is worth the hike...)

    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. 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!

Guide to Auke Bay

Cabin camping near Auke Bay, Alaska offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying the comforts of a cozy retreat. With stunning views and access to outdoor activities, these cabins are perfect for a memorable getaway.

Experience the Beauty of Mendenhall Glacier

  • The John Muir Cabin provides a cozy escape with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and easy access to scenic hiking trails.
  • Nestled along the southern bank of Mendenhall Lake, the Peterson Lake Cabin is ideal for those looking to explore the area's natural beauty while enjoying a peaceful retreat.
  • For a more adventurous stay, the Taku Glacier Cabin offers a rustic experience with stunning glacier views, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.

Cabin Campers Appreciate These Amenities

  • The Blue Mussel Cabin features a reservable space with picnic tables and toilets, making it a convenient choice for families and groups.
  • Enjoy the comforts of home at the Windfall Lake Cabin, which includes essential amenities like a picnic table and a fire pit for evening gatherings.
  • The Admiralty Cove Cabin allows for a serene escape with its beautiful surroundings and the option to enjoy campfires under the stars.

Outdoor Activities and Adventures Await

  • The Skaters Cabin Shelter is perfect for day use, offering a picnic area and access to water activities, making it a great spot for family outings.
  • For those looking to paddle, the Eagle Glacier Cabin provides a scenic location to launch your kayak and explore the stunning waterways.
  • The Dan Moller Cabin is a fantastic base for hiking adventures, with trails leading to breathtaking views and wildlife encounters.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular cabin campsite near Auke Bay, AK?

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.

What is the best site to find cabin camping near Auke Bay, AK?

TheDyrt.com has all 31 cabin camping locations near Auke Bay, AK, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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