Barber Cabin (Chugach National Forest, Ak)
4.3815 reviewsSeward Ranger District, 33599 Ranger Station Spur, Seward, AK 99664, USA
Barber Cabin (Chugach National Forest, Ak)
$50.00 - $75.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Peak season rates are $75/night (May 1 - September 30). Non-peak rates are $50/night (October 1 - December 31), with an additional $25/ weekend.
About this campground
Escape to the untamed wilderness of Barber Cabin, where modern conveniences fade away and raw Alaskan beauty takes center stage. Nestled on the Eastern Kenai Peninsula, this remote sanctuary offers adventurers a genuine back-to-basics experience with breathtaking mountain lake vistas and pristine hiking trails weaving through ancient forests. Here, you'll trade electricity for starlit skies and running water for pure mountain air. Wildlife enthusiasts will find themselves in paradise, though visitors should come prepared with their own bedding and camp cookware for this authentic wilderness retreat.
Barber Cabin accommodates campers in a rustic cabin setting and does not include options for tent camping, RV camping, or group camping.
Weather and SeasonsWinter transforms Barber Cabin into a crystalline wonderland, with snow gracing the landscape nearly a third of the season. Bundle up for crisp days hovering around 25°F and starry nights that dip to a brisk 17°F – perfect for cozying up by the wood stove after a day of snowshoeing or cross-country skiing. Summer unveils a gentler side of the wilderness, inviting long days of exploration under Alaska's legendary midnight sun.
ElevationPerched in Alaska's varied terrain, the cabin offers visitors a chance to experience the peninsula's unique topography firsthand.
Natural Features and SceneryLower Russian Lake serves as your backyard, its pristine waters reflecting towering peaks and endless sky. The surrounding landscape unfolds like a living painting – ancient spruce sentinels stand guard over wildflower meadows, while dense brush provides cover for the region's most iconic residents. This is prime wildlife territory, where moose browse in morning mist, and both black and brown bears roam freely through their ancestral homeland. Lucky visitors might even catch a glimpse of elusive wolves threading through the forest shadows. The area's notably high bear activity adds an element of wild authenticity to every outdoor adventure.
Geological RegionThe Eastern Kenai Peninsula reveals Alaska's geological poetry in every vista. Here, where south-central Alaska meets the sky, gentle flatlands cradle Lower Russian Lake while scattered spruce forests create a patchwork quilt with open meadows. This diverse ecosystem, where forest gives way to shrubland and brush, showcases the peninsula's unique character – a place where tectonic forces and glacial artistry have sculpted a landscape both rugged and surprisingly intimate.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe cabin offers accessible lodging and is reachable via hiking, biking, skiing, horseback, or floatplane. Motorized access is prohibited year-round.
Sites SizeThe cabin accommodates up to six people comfortably but allows a maximum occupancy of eight individuals.
Sites PrivacyThe cabin is located in a remote area surrounded by scattered spruce forest, meadows, and brush for privacy.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesCarry treated potable water or boil lake water. Bring necessary bedding and cooking gear as these are not provided. Use the summer route for easier access.
Best CampsitesOnly one cabin available. Guests recommend staying during mild weather for optimal enjoyment.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in time not explicitly mentioned.
Check-out
Check-out time not explicitly mentioned.
Stay Limit
- Three consecutive nights maximum during May 15 - August 31
- seven consecutive days maximum within a 30-day period.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum occupancy of eight people.
Groups
Group camping is not supported at Barber Cabin.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSingle cabin with bunk space for six and a maximum occupancy of eight.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from May 1 to December 31.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityNot mentioned; reservations are required.
Cancellation PolicyIf canceled within 14 days of arrival, a $10 service fee is charged, and the first night's recreation use fee is forfeited. No refunds for no-shows, early departures, or cancellations after the scheduled arrival date. Late cancellations for cabins within 14 days of arrival incur a forfeiture of the first night's fee.
Accomodation available
Cabin lodgingCabin lodging is available for campers seeking a more sheltered and comfortable experience. These enclosed accommodations offer protection from the elements and are ideal for those who prefer not to camp in tents.
Amenities available
Firewood available
Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Barber Cabin is located in a scenic and remote area offering a range of outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing. Winter activities like snowshoeing and skiing are also popular.
Hiking
Hiking opportunities include the 21-mile Russian Lakes Trail, which features diverse terrain such as muskeg, meadows, and high-canopied forests. Snow can persist on the trail until early June, and there is a high avalanche hazard during the winter.Fishing
Fishing is available at Lower Russian Lake, where rainbow trout can be caught. A rowboat is provided at the cabin, but visitors must bring their own fishing equipment and obtain permits as required by Alaska state regulations.Biking
Biking trails are accessible near the cabin, including the Russian Lakes Trail with varying terrain.Boating
Guests can engage in boating activities on Lower Russian Lake using the rowboat provided at the cabin. Canoeing is also popular among visitors.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is abundant, with animals such as moose, black and brown bears, and wolves commonly spotted. The area has a particularly high concentration of bears, requiring food storage precautions.Winter Activities
Winter activities include snowshoeing, skiing, and traveling across frozen Lower Russian Lake. Visitors should be aware of avalanche hazards.Water Sports
Rowboating and canoeing are popular water sports at Lower Russian Lake, facilitated by the cabin's amenities.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Guests should pack in firewood; some was available on-site per user reviews. No clear policy on fire restrictions.
Hazards
General hazardsHigh bear concentrations. Avalanche hazards on the Russian Lakes Trail during winter. Snow may remain on the trail until early June.
Active alertsAvalanche and over-ice travel conditions need evaluation during winter.
Weather forecast
65
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 58%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 4 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Seward Ranger District office (phone: 907-288-3178); Seward emergency services.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 01 - September 30 (peak season).
Trash and recyclingGuests must pack out all garbage and food to maintain the area's cleanliness and safety.
Proximity to water featuresLocated directly on Lower Russian Lake. A rowboat is provided but was temporarily unavailable due to maintenance issues.
Common complaintsSome reviews mention poor communication from Recreation.gov and fines for parking errors. Maintenance issues with the cabin include drafts from broken window seals and wood stove functionality.
HostManaged by the Seward Ranger District Office.
Campground Map
Seward Ranger District, 33599 Ranger Station Spur, Seward, AK 99664, USA
Driving directionsAt mile 52.6 of the Sterling Highway, turn into Russian River Campground and travel 1 mile to Russian Lakes Trailhead. Follow the Russian Lakes Trail for 3.3 miles before turning onto Barber Cabin Spur trail at mile 2.5. Winter route: 4.2 miles following the campground entrance road, summer trail for 1.8 miles, then a marked winter route crossing the frozen surface of Lower Russian Lake. Alternatively, use a floatplane for a 25-minute trip from Seward or Cooper Landing. Winter travelers must evaluate avalanche and over-ice conditions.
Accessible by foot, bike, ski, horseback, or floatplane. Motorized access is prohibited year-round. Trails are closed to horse/pack stock from April 1 to June 30. Winter travelers need to assess avalanche and ice conditions.Nearby places
Cooper Landing (~25 minutes by floatplane)
Seward (~25 minutes by floatplane).
Nearby supplies
Supplies available in Seward (~25 minutes by floatplane). Nearest grocery store, fuel, and camping supplies not explicitly mentioned.
Camper Reviews
4.4
15 reviews
Barber Cabin (Chugach National Forest, Ak) is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Overall, reviews for Barber Cabin are positive, highlighting its scenic location, rustic charm, and opportunities for outdoor activities. Some users have raised concerns about maintenance issues and communication challenges.
Review Summaries
Based on 15 reviews
What Campers Love
Guests appreciate the cabin's beautiful location, accessibility for activities like hiking and boating, and amenities such as the wood stove and rowboat. Many reviews mention the cleanliness and...
Based on 15 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Complaints include issues with the wood stove's performance, a drafty window, and poor communication from Recreation.gov. A user also reported receiving a parking fine despite having a reservation.
Based on 15 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Tips from reviewers include using the Summer Trail for easier access, bringing a power pack for the LED lights inside the cabin, and ensuring careful navigation to avoid fines or penalties.
Based on 15 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Winter reviews highlight the cabin's utility for stormy weather, although challenges like snow coverage and stove maintenance are mentioned. Summer reviews focus on hiking and boating opportunities,...
Based on 15 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. "Easy hike for first-time adventurers!" - Krista M.
2. "We had a nice stay on stormy New Year's Eve. The cabin was generally good, but the wood stove wasn't drawing air properly." - John S.
3....
Based on 15 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site-specific reviews mention issues such as fines for parking and maintenance concerns like the wood stove and drafty windows. Guests have praised the cabin's cleanliness and scenic surroundings.
Based on 15 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility feedback is limited, but the cabin is reachable via hiking, biking, skiing, horseback, or floatplane, which requires physical effort.
Based on 15 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No specific reviews about pets or pet-related policies are available.
Based on 15 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025