Shelter Bay Cabin
01 reviewPO BOX 280, CORDOVA, AK, 99574, USA
Shelter Bay 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 fee for the cabin is $75. Additional fees include a $10 service fee for changes or cancellations. Late cancellation penalties apply, including forfeiting the first night's fee if canceled less than 14 days prior to check-in.
About this campground
Perched on the pristine southwest shore of Shelter Bay, this remote wilderness cabin offers adventurers an authentic Alaskan escape on Hinchinbrook Island. Here, where the untamed Gulf of Alaska meets ancient forests, visitors discover a rustic sanctuary that serves as the perfect launching point for extraordinary fishing expeditions, wildlife encounters, and coastal explorations. While the cabin embraces simplicity with its basic amenities—no running water, electricity, or pre-cut firewood—it provides everything needed for those seeking genuine wilderness immersion and self-reliant adventure.
The Shelter Bay Cabin provides a unique camping experience in a rustic cabin setting, designed for individual or small group use.
Historical SignificanceStanding sentinel nearby, the historic Cape Hinchinbrook Lighthouse whispers tales of maritime heritage and human perseverance against nature's fury. This weathered beacon once guided countless vessels through the treacherous waters of Prince William Sound, saving lives and cargo from the unforgiving sea. Though modern navigation has reduced its role, the lighthouse endures as a powerful symbol of Alaska's seafaring past, its steadfast presence offering both historical intrigue and spiritual reassurance to those who venture along this wild coastline.
Weather and SeasonsMother Nature rules supreme on Hinchinbrook Island, painting each season with dramatic brushstrokes. Summer unveils the island's gentler side, welcoming floatplanes and adventurers with milder conditions and extended daylight. As autumn arrives, the weather transforms into a force to be reckoned with, continuing through winter and early spring when ice-locked lakes can strand the cabin in magnificent isolation, making floatplane access impossible. These powerful seasonal shifts remind visitors they're experiencing Alaska at its most raw and authentic.
ElevationThe cabin rests at sea level, where land and ocean converge in timeless dialogue.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into a living masterpiece where emerald forests of towering spruce and hemlock cascade down gentle hills, punctuated by mystical muskeg clearings that harbor ancient secrets. This vibrant ecosystem pulses with life—majestic Sitka black-tail deer emerge from morning mists, while brown bears patrol their ancestral territories with quiet authority. Overhead, waterfowl paint patterns across endless skies, and lucky observers might witness the breathtaking spectacle of humpback and orca whales breaching in the deep waters offshore. From windswept beaches, panoramic vistas unfold across Prince William Sound, where snow-capped mountains rise like ancient guardians from the sea.
Geological RegionHinchinbrook Island stands as nature's dramatic gateway where the mighty Gulf of Alaska flows into the protected waters of Prince William Sound. This geological marvel showcases the raw power of tectonic forces and glacial sculpting, creating a landscape of tidal bays embraced by rolling hills. The island's foundation tells a story millions of years in the making, where ancient forests of spruce and hemlock sink their roots into soil enriched by centuries of maritime influence, while mysterious muskeg bogs preserve ecological treasures in their peaty depths.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe cabin is located in a remote area and access requires careful planning and consideration of tide levels. It may be inaccessible to floatplanes during winter due to frozen surfaces.
Sites SizeThe cabin is 20x20 feet in size.
Sites PrivacyThe location of the Shelter Bay Cabin provides substantial privacy, being on a tidal bay surrounded by forested hills and muskeg openings.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesBring all necessary supplies including water, food, and fuel (#1 oil or kerosene), as the cabin lacks these amenities.
Best CampsitesThe Shelter Bay Cabin itself is the sole campsite available.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in times are flexible.
Check-out
Check-out times are flexible.
Stay Limit
- Up to 7 nights total within each month
- up to 14 consecutive nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Six guests allowed per reservation.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSingle rustic cabin equipped with bunkbeds, table, benches, and stoves.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round. Reservable dates begin on June 20, 2025.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov online, via mobile app, or through their contact center.
Walk-in AvailabilitySame-day reservations are allowed for this cabin.
Cancellation PolicyA $10 cancellation fee applies. Late cancellations made less than 14 days prior to check-in will forfeit the first night's fee. Same-day reservations are allowed but changes within the cut-off window may be restricted.
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
A wide range of recreational activities are available at Shelter Bay Cabin, including fishing, hunting, wildlife viewing, and beachcombing. Seasonal activities such as salmon fishing and deer hunting are particularly popular.
Fishing
Shelter Bay is a popular fishing site, especially during late summer and early fall. Coho salmon can be caught in August and September, while pink and chum salmon appear in early July. Dolly Varden are abundant in the inlet creek during July and August. Fly fishing for sea-run cutthroat trout is also an option.Boating
Accessible by boat, Shelter Bay allows visitors to experience Prince William Sound and explore the bay. Boaters should inquire about local conditions before entering.Wildlife viewing
The area is abundant with wildlife such as waterfowl, Sitka black-tail deer, and brown bears. Additionally, humpback and orca whales can occasionally be seen offshore.Beach activities
The beaches of Prince William Sound offer views of the mountainous surroundings and opportunities for beachcombing.Winter Activities
The cabin may be inaccessible in winter due to a frozen lake surface. No specific winter activities are outlined.Water Sports
The bay offers boating opportunities, but no specific details about kayaking, canoeing, or paddleboarding are provided.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Bring your own firewood or cooking gear as no cut firewood is provided. Adhere to 'Don't Move Firewood' guidelines to prevent the spread of tree-killing pests.
- Quiet hours are Not specified.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include cold weather, bear activity, and navigation challenges due to tides. Visitors must also prepare for extended stays during inclement weather.
Active alertsNone explicitly listed, but noted hazards include bear activity and the risk of poor weather conditions.
Weather forecast
60
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 81%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 5.6 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
Emergency services are likely located in Cordova, the nearest city approximately 50 miles away.
Good to know
Peak season datesJanuary 1, 2025 - December 31, 2025
Trash and recyclingGuests must pack out all garbage and food as there are no on-site trash or recycling facilities.
Proximity to water featuresThe cabin is situated on the southwest shore of Shelter Bay, a tidal bay in Prince William Sound.
Common complaintsNo specific complaints noted, though challenges may involve its remote location and lack of amenities like running water or electricity.
Campground Map
PO BOX 280, CORDOVA, AK, 99574, USA
Driving directionsThe cabin is located on the southwest shore of Shelter Bay on Hinchinbrook Island. Access is by floatplane at high tide (20 minutes from Cordova) or wheeled plane at low tide (landing strip located 350 yards north of the cabin). Access by boat is 50 miles from Cordova. Boaters should inquire about local conditions before entering the bay. Tides affect all access to the cabin. Please consult local tide tables.
Access requires specialized transportation methods due to its remote location. Visitors can reach the cabin by floatplane at high tide, wheeled plane at low tide, or by boat. The location is 50 miles from Cordova and requires an understanding of local tide conditions. There are no paved roads leading directly to the site.Nearby places
Cordova is approximately 50 miles away and accessible by boat. By floatplane, the cabin is 20 minutes from Cordova.
Nearby supplies
Supplies are accessible in Cordova, which is 50 miles away by boat or 20 minutes by floatplane.
Camper Reviews
0.0
1 reviews
Shelter Bay Cabin has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews emphasize the warmth and dryness of the cabin, particularly due to its two stoves. Limited feedback is available due to the remote nature of the location.
Review Summaries
Based on 1 reviews
What Campers Love
Users appreciated the warmth from the stoves and the cabin's ability to stay dry during visits.
Based on 1 reviewsCommon Concerns
Limited amenities and remote access requiring floatplane, wheeled plane, or boat are potential drawbacks for some visitors.
Based on 1 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Visitors are advised to plan travel arrangements carefully and consult tide tables for access. Bringing essential supplies, including water, food, bedding, and stove fuel, is critical.
Based on 1 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Fishing is most popular from July to September, while hunting seasons vary throughout the year. Accessibility may be limited during winter due to frozen surfaces.
Based on 1 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Great cabin warm with the two stoves and dry," noted one user review.
Based on 1 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
No specific reviews highlight particular aspects of the cabin beyond heating and dryness.
Based on 1 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility is challenging due to the remote location and reliance on tide-dependent transport methods.
Based on 1 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No information available about pet policies or experiences from pet owners.
Based on 1 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025