Coghill Lake Cabin
02 reviews145 Forest Station Road, P.O. Box 129, Girdwood, AK, 99587, USA
Coghill Lake Cabin
$50.00 - $60.00 / 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 nightly rate (May 1 - September 30): $60. Non-peak season nightly rate (October 1 - April 30): $50. Fees do not include taxes or discounts.
About this campground
Escape to the untamed beauty of Prince William Sound at Coghill Lake Cabin, where pristine wilderness meets serene waterfront living. Perched on the southwest shore of crystalline Coghill Lake, this remote sanctuary offers adventurers a year-round gateway to Alaska's raw magnificence. Whether you arrive by floatplane, watching the landscape unfold beneath you, or conquer the challenging three-mile trail through ancient forests, you'll find yourself immersed in a world where glaciers gleam on distant peaks and old-growth conifers whisper stories of the wild. This isn't just a cabin—it's your personal basecamp for exploring one of Alaska's most spectacular hidden corners.
Coghill Lake Cabin is a primitive-type camping facility primarily for backcountry and wilderness enthusiasts. Access is remote, either by floatplane or a challenging three-mile hike.
Historical SignificanceCoghill Lake Cabin stands as a testament to America's commitment to preserving wild places, nestled within the carefully protected Nellie Juan - College Fiord Wilderness Study Area. This designation ensures that the timeless character of this landscape—unchanged for millennia—remains intact for future generations to discover and cherish. Here, visitors step into a living museum of natural history, where every glacier-carved valley and ancient tree tells the story of Alaska's enduring wilderness heritage.
Weather and SeasonsEach season paints Coghill Lake in dramatically different hues, offering visitors unique experiences throughout the year. Summer arrives with endless daylight and temperatures that coax wildflowers from the meadows, though the warmth also awakens clouds of insects and transforms trails into tunnels through verdant, thick brush. As autumn's golden touch spreads across the landscape, temperatures begin their descent, and by winter, the lake may freeze into a glittering expanse of ice—sometimes grounding floatplanes until spring's thaw. Spring brings renewal but maintains winter's chill, creating a landscape of stunning contrasts where ice meets emerging greenery. Savvy visitors plan accordingly, knowing that each season offers its own rewards and challenges.
ElevationWhile specific elevation details await documentation, visitors will experience the gentle undulations of Alaska's coastal terrain, where land meets water in perfect harmony.
Natural Features and SceneryPicture yourself on the deck of Coghill Lake Cabin, where nature's grand theater unfolds in every direction. The cabin commands sweeping views across a tranquil lagoon, its glassy waters connected to the main lake by a hidden passage that beckons exploration. Behind this aquatic foreground, the mighty Chugach Mountains rise like ancient sentinels, their peaks adorned with gleaming glaciers that catch the changing light throughout the day. Old-growth conifers frame this spectacular vista, their emerald boughs providing both shelter and a sense of timeless permanence. Rolling hills carpet the landscape in gentle waves, creating intimate valleys and scenic overlooks that invite wandering. This is a place where every sunrise brings new discoveries and every sunset paints the mountains in shades of alpenglow.
Geological RegionThe Nellie Juan - College Fiord Wilderness Study Area cradles Coghill Lake Cabin in one of the Chugach National Forest's most geologically fascinating regions. Here, the earth's ancient forces have sculpted a masterpiece of rolling hills and glacier-carved valleys, where dense conifer forests give way to serene waterways. The shallow lagoon system represents thousands of years of geological patience, as glacial sediments and forest streams created this unique aquatic ecosystem. Towering above it all, the Chugach Mountains showcase Alaska's ongoing geological drama, their glaciers continuing the slow, powerful work of shaping tomorrow's landscapes. This dynamic terrain offers visitors a front-row seat to witness how ice, water, and time collaborate to create one of North America's most stunning wilderness areas.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are not specified for Coghill Lake Cabin.
Sites SizeThe cabin accommodates up to six guests inside its 16x16-foot A-frame structure.
Sites PrivacyThe site is isolated and remote, offering a high level of privacy. It is surrounded by rolling hills and conifer trees, next to a shallow lagoon.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesBring foam sleeping pads or a bedroll, as none are provided. Carry extra supplies for 2-5 days due to potential weather delays.
Best CampsitesOnly one campsite available: Coghill Lake Cabin.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
12:00 PM night of rental until 12:00 PM the following day.
Check-out
12:00 PM the following day.
Stay Limit
Maximum of 7 consecutive nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Up to six guests per cabin.
Groups
Group camping is not explicitly mentioned or supported.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSingle cabin with a pit toilet, boardwalk, and lagoon access.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round. Peak season: May 1 - September 30. Non-peak season: October 1 - April 30.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityCabin is fully reservable. No information on walk-up availability.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations within 14 days of reservation incur a $10 cancellation fee and forfeit the first night's fee. Changes to reservation dates cost $10. Late cancellations (day before check-in) forfeit 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
Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The Coghill Lake Cabin provides ample opportunities for outdoor recreation, including fishing, hunting, boating, berry picking, hiking, and wildlife viewing. These activities are highly seasonal and remote, requiring preparation and skill.
Hiking
Hiking opportunities include a rugged three-mile trail from Port Wells to the cabin. This trail is primitive, brushy, and requires route-finding skills. Hikers should be prepared for challenging terrain and thick vegetation.Fishing
Salmon fishing is excellent in the lakeshore and lagoon. Sockeye fishing runs from mid-June to July, pink and chum in July and August, and Coho salmon in August and September. Dolly Varden trout fishing is good from May through October. The Coghill River, connecting the lagoon to College Fiord, is another prime spot for sockeye fishing. One user review noted poor Coho fishing success despite heavy daily efforts.Boating
A small rowboat and oars are provided for guests by the Forest Service, requiring guests to bring personal flotation devices. The lagoon is shallow and float planes may only taxi during high water conditions.Wildlife viewing
The area surrounding Coghill Lake Cabin is rich in wildlife, including Sitka black-tailed deer, bald eagles, waterfowl, and river otters. The black bear population in the area is notable, and visitors are urged to practice proper bear safety.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not discussed in detail, but visitors are advised that frozen lake surfaces can make the cabin inaccessible during fall, winter, and spring. Contact the local Forest Service Ranger District for conditions.Water Sports
Guests can use the rowboat provided by the Forest Service for exploration and fishing.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Firewood must be purchased locally and burned on-site.
Hazards
General hazardsFrequent black bear sightings, thick brush, and rugged terrain on the trail. Weather can cause unexpected delays, and visitors must be prepared for extended stays.
Active alerts“Potable water is not available. Boil or treat natural sources. Inclement weather may cause extended stays. Check ahead for freezing lake surface conditions.”
Weather forecast
55
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Foggy
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 98%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 2.5 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Foggy
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
Contact the local Forest Service Ranger District at (907) 783-3242 to check for any emergency assistance.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 1 to September 30
Trash and recyclingVisitors must pack out all trash and food as no trash or recycling facilities are provided.
Proximity to water featuresThe cabin is next to a shallow lagoon connecting to Coghill Lake. Floatplanes can land on the lagoon during high water conditions.
Common complaintsTrail is overgrown and difficult to navigate. Fishing for Coho salmon is reported as poor.
HostUnstaffed. For assistance, contact the main office at (907) 783-3242.
Campground Map
145 Forest Station Road, P.O. Box 129, Girdwood, AK, 99587, USA
Driving directionsAccessible via float plane (50 minutes from Anchorage or 60 minutes from Cordova). The lagoon has enough water to taxi a plane near the boardwalk by the cabin. Alternatively, it can also be accessed via a primitive and brushy three-mile trail from Port Wells.
The cabin is not accessible via the road system. Float planes provide access, and there is also a challenging three-mile hiking trail, which is described as primitive and heavily overgrown.Nearby places
Anchorage (50-minute floatplane flight), Cordova (60-minute floatplane flight)
Nearby supplies
Guests must bring all necessary supplies, including water, kerosene for heating, and food. No nearby supply stations are explicitly mentioned.
Camper Reviews
0.0
2 reviews
Coghill Lake Cabin has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the remote and scenic nature of the cabin, emphasizing its wilderness location and rugged access. Positive sentiments focus on the simplicity of the cabin and the breathtaking views, while complaints mention overgrown trails and limited fishing success.
Review Summaries
Based on 2 reviews
What Campers Love
Users praised the overall condition of the cabin and the stunning natural surroundings, including glaciers, mountains, and streams. The kerosene heater is especially appreciated for warming the cabin...
Based on 2 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Complaints include overgrown trails and limited success in Coho salmon fishing. One user remarked, "The last half of the trail to the cabin is pretty overgrown," and another noted, "Coghill is...
Based on 2 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Bring a bed roll as foam sleeping pads are not provided. Plan for 1-2 gallons of kerosene per day for the heater, and pack extra supplies for inclement weather. GPS coordinates are useful for finding...
Based on 2 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Summer reviews highlight berry picking and active fishing seasons, while colder months introduce challenges with accessibility due to frozen lake surfaces.
Based on 2 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Spectacular glaciers, soaring peaks, colorful fall foliage, and beautiful streams—it was a great place to experience Alaska." "The kerosene heater warms the cabin up quick and is a great help in...
Based on 2 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
One user noted the rating for AREA COGHILL LAKE CABIN as 4 stars and highlighted difficulties in fishing and trail conditions.
Based on 2 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility issues include overgrown trails and the need for GPS for navigation. No specific features for disabled users are noted.
Based on 2 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pet policies and related reviews are not mentioned or explicitly provided.
Based on 2 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025