Port Chalmers Cabin
01 reviewPO BOX 280, CORDOVA, AK, 99574, USA
Port Chalmers Cabin
$75.00 - $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
The nightly recreation use fee for the cabin is $75. Reservation fees include an $8 online/app booking fee, $9 for reservations made through the contact center, and $3 for in-person reservations. Additional fees include a $10 change fee and $10 cancellation fee if applicable.
About this campground
Escape to the untamed wilderness of Port Chalmers Cabin, where adventure awaits on the remote shores of Montague Island in southcentral Alaska. This rustic retreat serves as your gateway to extraordinary outdoor experiences—from hiking through ancient spruce forests to casting lines in pristine waters teeming with salmon. Wildlife enthusiasts will find themselves in paradise, with opportunities to spot Sitka black-tail deer grazing in meadows and brown bears foraging along the coastline. Your journey begins with a scenic float plane ride or boat voyage across the Gulf of Alaska, setting the stage for an unforgettable wilderness experience where self-sufficiency meets raw natural beauty.
Port Chalmers Cabin is a primitive campsite featuring a rustic cabin setup. The site is tailored for individuals seeking a remote and self-sufficient camping experience.
Weather and SeasonsWinter transforms Port Chalmers into a realm of crystalline beauty and formidable challenges. As daylight becomes precious—with the sun rising at 11:01 AM and setting by 4:54 PM—visitors must navigate the rhythms of the far north. Pan ice can create dramatic sculptures along the shore while making access an adventure in itself. Those who brave the elements are rewarded with a landscape of profound solitude, where the only sounds are wind through the spruces and waves against the frozen shore.
ElevationNestled at the southern reaches of Port Chalmers, the cabin sits in a dynamic tidal bay where the pulse of the ocean meets the land. From this coastal vantage point, gentle hills rise like sleeping giants, their slopes beckoning hikers to explore higher ground while the rhythmic tides below create an ever-changing shoreline canvas.
Natural Features and SceneryMontague Island reveals itself as a tapestry of wild Alaskan landscapes, where dense spruce-hemlock forests give way to mystical muskeg openings carpeted in moss and wildflowers. The island's dramatic topography rises from sheltered tidal bays through rolling hills to majestic snow-covered peaks that pierce the sky. This diverse ecosystem creates a haven for wildlife—watch for Sitka black-tail deer emerging from forest shadows and brown bears patrolling the shoreline in search of seasonal salmon runs.
Geological RegionStanding sentinel at the entrance to Prince William Sound, Montague Island emerges from the Gulf of Alaska as a pristine wilderness outpost. The cabin occupies a sun-drenched grassy clearing that offers respite from the surrounding ancient spruce-hemlock forest, where centuries-old trees tower above carpets of moss and fern. This unique position, where temperate rainforest meets tidal waters, creates a rich mosaic of habitats—from mysterious muskeg bogs that seem frozen in time to dramatic coastal bays carved by millennia of tidal action. Above it all, the island's backbone of mountains rises into perpetual winter, their snow-capped summits a reminder of nature's grand scale.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are mentioned for the cabin. Due to its remote location, accessibility may be challenging for individuals with mobility impairments.
Sites SizeThe cabin is designed to accommodate up to six people within a 12-by-14 structure.
Sites PrivacyThe cabin is located in a grassy clearing surrounded by dense spruce-hemlock forest, providing a secluded and private setting.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose this site for its privacy, natural beauty, and access to hiking, hunting, and fishing.
Best CampsitesThe cabin itself is the only campsite available.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
- Maximum 14 nights per visit
- 7 nights annually.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Up to 6 guests allowed per reservation.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe cabin is a standalone facility located in a grassy clearing.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round from January 1 to December 31, with peak season dates matching the entire year.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made at Recreation.gov or by contacting the Cordova Ranger District.
Walk-in AvailabilitySame-day reservations are allowed for this cabin, but no specific mention of walk-up availability was found.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled anytime before the scheduled arrival date. A $10 cancellation fee applies, along with forfeiture of the first night's use fee for late cancellations (less than 14 days before arrival). Modifications to dates outside the original reservation incur a $10 change fee, while adding/removing nights or switching campsites within the same dates is free.
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
Port Chalmers Cabin offers outdoor enthusiasts opportunities to enjoy fishing, hunting, wildlife viewing, and boating activities. The area is also suitable for hiking within the scenic surroundings. Official sources highlight the availability of pink, chum, and coho salmon fishing, as well as the presence of rockfish and halibut in the nearby ocean. Hunting seasons extend across spring and fall for bears and late summer into fall for deer. The area is described as abundant in wildlife, including migratory waterfowl, Sitka black-tail deer, and brown bears. User reviews primarily focus on the serenity and natural beauty of the location.
Hiking
Hiking opportunities are available around Montague Island, with paths leading through dense spruce-hemlock forests and muskeg openings. No detailed trail descriptions are provided.Fishing
Fishing options include pink, chum, and coho salmon in nearby streams and Chalmers River, which is about a mile to the north across the inlet. In the ocean waters near the cabin, rockfish and halibut are found in kelp beds and rocky areas.Boating
Access to the cabin requires a float plane or boat. Boating activities in the area include exploring the tidal bay near the cabin, with guests advised to approach during high tide for easier access.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is a prominent activity, with frequent sightings of migratory waterfowl, Sitka black-tail deer, and brown bears. Guests are encouraged to follow bear safety guidelines due to the presence of brown bears.Winter Activities
Winter access may be challenging due to pan ice in the bay, and visitors should be prepared for extended stays during poor weather conditions.Water Sports
Boating is the primary water activity mentioned, along with fishing for salmon, rockfish, and halibut.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Guests should bring their own firewood and matches for the wood stove. Fire safety guidelines are recommended but not explicitly provided.
Hazards
General hazardsBrown bears are present in the area. Winter conditions include pan ice and poor weather, posing access challenges.
Weather forecast
61
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 78%
High humidity, may feel muggy
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
Contact the Cordova Ranger District at (907) 424-7661. Emergency services details are not explicitly provided.
Good to know
Peak season datesJanuary 1 to December 31.
Trash and recyclingGuests must pack out all garbage and food. There are no trash or recycling facilities provided.
Proximity to water featuresThe cabin is situated in a tidal bay at Port Chalmers. Fishing opportunities are available in nearby streams, kelp beds, and rocky ocean floors.
Common complaintsAccess is challenging due to its remote location. Visitors must bring their own supplies, and the lack of amenities may be a concern for some.
Campground Map
PO BOX 280, CORDOVA, AK, 99574, USA
Driving directionsAccess to the cabin is by float plane (40 minutes from Cordova, 60 minutes from Seward) or boat (65 miles from Cordova, 70 miles from Whittier, 100 miles from Seward). Best access to the cabin is at high tide. Winter access may be difficult due to pan ice in the bay, and guests should be prepared for extended stays due to poor weather. Contact the Cordova Ranger District at (907) 424-7661 for an update on conditions prior to arrival.
The cabin is only accessible via float plane or boat. Winter access may be challenging due to pan ice in the bay and poor weather conditions.Nearby places
Cordova (65 miles, 40 minutes by float plane or boat), Seward (100 miles, 60 minutes by float plane or boat), Whittier (70 miles, travel time by boat not specified).
Nearby supplies
Guests must bring all their own supplies, including water, food, and fuel, as the cabin is extremely remote. Specific supply points are not mentioned.
Camper Reviews
0.0
1 reviews
Port Chalmers Cabin has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
Port Chalmers Cabin is generally appreciated for its solitude and rustic charm. User reviews highlight the simplicity of the amenities and the scenic, remote location.
Review Summaries
Based on 1 reviews
What Campers Love
Users praise the cabin's remote setting and proximity to outdoor activities like fishing and wildlife viewing. The cabin's basic amenities, such as the wood stove and oil stove, were considered...
Based on 1 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Some potential downsides include the lack of running water, electricity, and mattresses. Guests must bring their own supplies, which can be a challenge given the cabin's remote location.
Based on 1 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Visitors are advised to bring all necessary supplies, including drinking water, food, and firewood. Checking tide tables before arrival is recommended for easier access, and contacting the ranger...
Based on 1 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
The cabin is accessible year-round, but winter access may be challenging due to pan ice and poor weather conditions. Spring and summer are more favorable seasons for outdoor activities like fishing...
Based on 1 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. 'Nice little cabin.' - Shane W. (User review)
2. 'Guests must bring their own water, food, sleeping bags, and cooking supplies.' - Official source
3. 'Fishing for pink, chum, and coho salmon is...
Based on 1 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
The only site-specific review noted is 'Nice little cabin' for campsite C16 in Area Port Chalmers Cabin.
Based on 1 reviewsAccessibility Features
No specific user reviews address accessibility features. The remote location and lack of modern facilities likely limit accessibility for disabled individuals.
Based on 1 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No user reviews or official sources explicitly mention pet policies or pet-related experiences.
Based on 1 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025