Best Campgrounds near Point Baker, AK
Point Baker, Alaska provides rustic cabin camping opportunities in the remote Tongass National Forest setting. Several forest service cabins dot the area including Red Bay Lake Cabin, Salmon Bay Lake Cabin, and Shipley Bay Cabin. These established sites require reservations and offer primitive accommodations without running water or electricity. Most cabins are accessible only by boat, floatplane, or hiking trails, making them suitable for travelers seeking wilderness experiences rather than developed campgrounds.
Access to cabin sites near Point Baker involves significant planning and often specialized transportation. Most require hiking on boardwalk trails followed by boat travel across lakes to reach the remote structures. "The trail is almost a full mile in length. Constructed from yellow cedar, the boardwalk is slippery but well done. It winds through the woods, with a few short staircases and a bridge," explains one visitor to Red Bay Lake Cabin. Weather conditions can change rapidly in the Southeast Alaska environment, with high winds affecting boat travel across the lakes. Visitors should prepare for self-sufficient stays with no available services. None of these cabins offers drinking water, trash disposal, or standard bathroom facilities, though a few sites like Kah Sheets Bay Cabin and Castle River Cabin do provide basic toilet facilities.
Campers consistently highlight the exceptional scenic value and wildlife viewing opportunities at these remote cabin sites. The Red Bay Lake area receives particularly strong reviews for its natural setting and fishing opportunities. Several visitors mentioned that bringing or renting a small outboard motor is worthwhile when staying at cabins requiring lake crossings, as conditions can become challenging for rowing or paddling. One camper noted: "Red Lake can produce hot fishing in good years. Bears and other wildlife are seen every time I go there." These cabins serve as excellent base camps for exploring the surrounding wilderness areas, with many visitors recommending multi-night stays to fully experience the remote North End of Prince of Wales Island and other parts of the Tongass National Forest.
