Sitka cabins offer access to the temperate rainforests and protected waterways of Alaska's Alexander Archipelago. Located on Baranof Island, forest service cabins near Sitka provide remote wilderness experiences in the Tongass National Forest, where annual rainfall exceeds 80 inches. Most cabins remain accessible year-round despite seasonal weather variations that can affect transportation options.
What to do
Wildlife viewing opportunities: At Starrigavan Campsites, visitors can easily access several short trails like Forest & Muskeg trail and Estuary Loop trail with its dedicated bird watching station. According to a frequent visitor, "You'll definitely see bald eagles, and please don't feed the ravens. Pink salmon run up the creek in August, you can catch them at the mouth."
Fishing and crabbing: The waters surrounding Allan Point Cabin provide excellent fishing conditions due to its protected location. "There is really great crabbing and fishing near by," notes one visitor who appreciates the cabin's proximity to productive waters despite being only a few miles from Sitka.
Trail exploration: Several cabin sites connect to established trail networks with varying difficulty levels. The inland forest cabins offer opportunities to observe old-growth Sitka spruce and western hemlock stands, while coastal locations provide beach access and intertidal exploration during low tides.
What campers like
Accessibility with seclusion: Salmon Lake Cabin provides the wilderness experience while being reachable by boat or floatplane. A visitor describes it as a "remote cabin in wilderness" that offers a genuine backcountry experience despite its relatively easy access from Sitka.
Group accommodations: Multiple cabins serve as excellent venues for small gatherings. According to one regular visitor to Starrigavan Campsites, "We love to have birthday parties with a couple other families out there. The walk isn't far at all, but the bathroom is just a bit further."
Protected coves: Many cabins are strategically positioned in sheltered locations that minimize exposure to harsh weather conditions. Allan Point Cabin receives praise for its positioning: "Located on the inside waters so it typically is very calm," making it suitable for visitors seeking more predictable conditions.
What you should know
Limited resources: Pack accordingly for rustic accommodations with minimal amenities. A visitor to Freds Creek Cabin recommends bringing extra lighting solutions due to the forest density around many cabins. Similar advice applies to Salmon Lake Cabin where one visitor suggests: "Highly recommend to bring fairy lights for inside and a file for the axe."
Transportation planning: Most cabins require water transportation or floatplane access. Charter services operate from Sitka Harbor, but schedules can be limited and weather-dependent, particularly during winter months. Allow flexibility in departure dates and confirm transportation availability before finalizing reservations.
Reservation timing: Forest Service cabins book quickly, especially during prime summer months from May through September. The recreation.gov reservation system accepts bookings up to six months in advance, with local residents frequently booking weekend dates.
Tips for camping with families
Safety preparations: When staying at Shelikof Cabin or other remote locations, bring comprehensive first aid supplies and emergency communication devices. Cell service is unreliable or nonexistent at most cabin locations outside the immediate Sitka area, making satellite phones or personal locator beacons advisable for families.
Wildlife awareness: Bears frequent many cabin areas during salmon runs. Store food properly in provided lockers or suspended caches. Children should be supervised and taught appropriate behaviors for wildlife encounters, particularly near streams during fishing seasons.
Weather adaptability: Southeast Alaska experiences frequent precipitation. Waterproof clothing, extra footwear, and sufficient dry firewood ensure comfort during extended rainy periods, which can occur in any season. Cabins with wood stoves provide reliable heating sources when properly maintained.
Tips from RVers
Access limitations: Traditional RV camping options are extremely limited near Sitka. North Beach Cabin and other remote forest service cabins cannot accommodate vehicles, requiring alternative transportation arrangements for all supplies and equipment.
Supply organization: Without road access, equipment and supplies must be carefully inventoried and packed efficiently for boat or air transportation. Weight restrictions apply for floatplane access, with cabin rentals typically allowing 1000 pounds of gear including passengers.
Alternative options: The ferry terminal near Starrigavan provides overnight parking for self-contained RVs, though without hookups or dedicated facilities. This serves as a basecamp for accessing cabins via water taxi or guided boat transportation with local outfitters.
