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Best Cabin Camping near Ward Cove, AK

8 Reviews
CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Cabins near Ward Cove provide varied lodging experiences across southern Alaska's picturesque landscape. The Deer Mountain Shelter offers a basic backcountry option accessible via a challenging 3-mile uphill hike, featuring a small loft for sleeping, built-in table, and sitting area. Settler's Cove Public Use Cabin provides electricity with both thirty and fifty-amp hookups, making it suitable for visitors seeking more amenities. "The cabin is cozy, enough space for 2 people with a tiny sitting area and built in table on the lower level and a small loft for sleeping as well," noted one visitor about the Deer Mountain accommodation. Several options, including Heckman Lake Cabin and Jordan Lake Cabin, maintain a rustic atmosphere while providing necessary shelter.

Rustic and furnished cabins are available throughout the region, with many requiring advance reservations. Helm Bay Cabin, Patching Lake Cabin, and Southeast Heckman Cabin all operate on a reservation system, though amenities vary significantly between locations. Pet policies differ by site, with Settler's Cove allowing pets while others such as Heckman Lake Cabin prohibit animals. According to a visitor at Twelvemile Cabin, "The cabin is big, cozy, and affordable. There are big rocky outcroppings that you can explore, hang hammocks, and watch the waves come in." Most cabins remain open year-round, though accessibility may become challenging during winter months.

Visitors should plan to bring essential supplies when staying at Ward Cove area cabins. Most locations lack drinking water, requiring guests to pack their own water supply or filtration systems. Firewood is not provided at any of the documented cabins, and guests planning to cook should bring appropriate equipment and food supplies. Basic toilet facilities exist at some locations, with a camper noting the Deer Mountain Shelter has "a pretty basic outdoor toilet, but it was nice to have that as an option." Bedding, lighting, cooking supplies, and personal items are typically not provided. Control Lake Cabin requires additional transportation planning as "you have to take a boat (small rowboat) from the road to the cabin," making supply management particularly important.

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Best Cabin Sites Near Ward Cove, Alaska (41)

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Recent Cabin Photos near Ward Cove, AK

3 Photos of 41 Ward Cove Campgrounds

Cabin Reviews near Ward Cove, AK

8 Reviews of 41 Ward Cove Campgrounds

  • K
    Jul. 28, 2017

    Polk Camp

    Polk Camp million dollar experience

    Stayed there numerous times, usually in fall for hunting. If this were private property it would be worth several million. Ranch style building was converted from a surveyor camp to a rental cabin 2 years ago. Drive right up to it on your own gated road. Call to get code, number below. The view of Polk Inlet is stunning. Fantastic crabbing and fishing at certain times. Easy to bring a boat or ATV's to cruise hundreds of miles of logging roads in the area. Cabin has running hot and cold water (as of last year...check before you go at 907-826-3271 Forest Service). A shower and sinks, but no toilet due to septic regulations. Sleeps as many as you want: 3 bedrooms with one bunk rack each. Wood stove.

  • Katie K.
    Sep. 30, 2016

    Twelvemile Cabin

    Pristine, Cozy Cabin, Adventures

    One of our favorite sites in Alaska!

    The cabin is big, cozy, and affordable. There are big rocky outcroppings that you can explore, hang hammocks, and watch the waves come in. It's really a magical place, the mossy growth on the ground makes for good tent camping if you have more people than can fit in the cabin. Lots of wildlife too, and you feel SO secluded. Worth every second.

    Also, make sure you look UP because the night sky is amazing.

  • K
    Jul. 28, 2017

    Twelvemile Cabin

    Twelvemile Cabin a delight

    I've stayed here numerous times. Your view is a majestic saltwater inlet with mountains as the backdrop. A gradual, wheelchair-accessible gravel path leads to a roomy, light cabin, done in local cedar. Many windows, large living area and adjoining room with 2 bunks. Young growth hemlock all around. Great crabbing in bay directly in front of cabin. All you need is a Canoe and a crab pot! Drive right to the trailhead, trail is an easy 5 min walk. Twelvemile Arm is a fantastic area for kayaking, and excellent hunting (deer and bear) as well. Wood stove.

  • S
    Sep. 29, 2016

    Control Lake Cabin

    Control Lake Cabin- amazing!

    Control Lake Cabin- you have to take a boat (small rowboat) from the road to the cabin. It's secluded and great for a group of people to get away.

  • B
    Jul. 6, 2018

    Twelvemile Cabin

    Little Paradise

    Beautiful semI-remote location. Sleeping for six, beachfront and lots of places to explore. Accessible both by road or via ocean. Outhouse privy, counter space and wood stove. Views are breathtaking! Outdore fire ring and bench is a bonus!

  • Rachel H.
    Jul. 29, 2016

    Deer Mountain Shelter - On The AT

    Secluded spot near the summit

    The hike to get up to the Deer Mountain shelter is relatively difficult. It's only around 3 miles hiking, but the hike is continuously uphill. Views are stunning once reaching the top. The shelter is cozy, enough space for 2 people with a tiny sitting area and built in table on the lower level and a small loft for sleeping as well. A few yards away from the shelter, there's a pretty basic outdoor toilet, but it was nice to have that as an option! Not every day that you get to answer nature's call on a mountaintop loo nestled between several small ponds.

    The only downfall is that the small stove inside of the shelter was busted when I stayed there (in July), and I'm not sure when it will be fixed up again. The shelter is also first come first serve, so it could be an issue if someone's already claimed it for the day. Though there are plenty of open, flat areas nearby that could easily be camped on as well.

  • Angie G.
    Sep. 1, 2016

    Settler's Cove State Rec Area Campground

    Amazing Views and old growth trees

    Managed to visit for an overnight on a sunny weekend-a miracle! Beautiful views and great secluded camping areas. Great little hikes with beautiful water features (not quite what I would consider waterfalls). Great views of the ocean too and beach combing if your up for exploring. Old growth trees I couldn't stretch my arms around! Not sure I'd wanna be caught our camping here in the rain but in the sun it was amazing!!!

Guide to Ward Cove

Cabins near Ward Cove, Alaska provide varying levels of access, with some requiring boat transportation or hiking while others offer drive-up convenience. The region experiences significant precipitation, averaging over 150 inches annually, making weather planning essential for cabin stays. Most forest service cabins operate year-round but winter access requires additional planning due to snow conditions and shorter daylight hours from November through February.

What to do

Beach exploration: At Settler's Cove State Rec Area Campground, visitors can investigate extensive tide flats. "Great tidal zone for exploring extreme minus tides," notes camper Josiah P., making it ideal for observing marine life during low tide cycles.

Wildlife viewing: The coastal cabins provide opportunities to observe native Alaska wildlife including eagles, seals, and seasonal whale migrations. Settler's Cove campers frequently report eagle sightings, with one visitor mentioning "Curious eagles" that sometimes investigate the camping area.

Waterfall hikes: Several short trails near cabins lead to scenic waterfalls. A visitor at Settler's Cove described "great little hikes with beautiful water features" and noted the surrounding "old growth trees I couldn't stretch my arms around."

What campers like

Secluded settings: Many cabins provide genuine solitude away from other visitors. Deer Mountain Shelter sits "near the summit" with limited capacity, ensuring a private experience for those willing to make the uphill trek.

Forest surroundings: Ancient Tongass National Forest trees create a distinctive environment around many cabins. Angie G. from Settler's Cove commented on the "beautiful secluded camping areas" surrounded by massive old-growth trees.

Coastal views: Waterfront cabins offer ocean vistas and beach access. "Beautiful views and great beach combing if you're up for exploring," mentions a Settler's Cove visitor, highlighting the marine landscape opportunities.

What you should know

Weather considerations: The Ketchikan area receives substantial rainfall year-round. One Settler's Cove camper advised, "Not sure I'd wanna be caught camping here in the rain but in the sun it was amazing."

Limited amenities: Most Patching Lake Cabin and similar forest service cabins lack electricity, running water, and modern conveniences. Visitors must pack in all necessities including drinking water, lighting, cooking equipment, and food.

Reservation requirements: Most cabins in the Ward Cove region operate on reservation systems with varying advance booking windows. Forest Service cabins typically allow bookings up to six months ahead, while state park cabins may have different scheduling systems.

Toilet facilities: Outdoor facilities vary significantly between locations. The outdoor toilet at Deer Mountain Shelter was described as "pretty basic" but a visitor appreciated "answering nature's call on a mountaintop loo nestled between several small ponds."

Tips for camping with families

Pack for variable conditions: The coastal climate near Ward Cove means weather can change rapidly. Grindall Cabin users recommend bringing layers and rain gear regardless of forecast, especially when traveling with children.

Consider access difficulty: Choose cabins based on your family's hiking abilities. While Deer Mountain Shelter requires a "relatively difficult" three-mile uphill hike, other locations offer drive-up or shorter-trail access more suitable for younger children.

Plan indoor activities: Given the region's frequent precipitation, cabin visitors should pack games, books, or activities that can be enjoyed inside. The small spaces of most cabins limit movement during extended rain periods.

Tips from RVers

Limited RV options: Most forest cabins near Ward Cove don't accommodate RVs. Phocena Bay Cabin is one of the few marked as big-rig friendly, making advance planning crucial for RV travelers seeking cabin accommodations.

Road access considerations: Many cabins require travel on unpaved forest roads. RV visitors should research road conditions and width restrictions before attempting access, especially after heavy rainfall when washouts may occur.

Hookup availability: Traditional hookups are rare at cabin sites. Settler's Cove Public Use Cabin stands out with both thirty and fifty-amp electric hookups for RVs, plus water connections not commonly found at other cabin locations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular cabin campsite near Ward Cove, AK?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular cabin campground near Ward Cove, AK is Settler's Cove State Rec Area Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 2 reviews.

What is the best site to find cabin camping near Ward Cove, AK?

TheDyrt.com has all 41 cabin camping locations near Ward Cove, AK, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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