Shrode Lake Cabin
04 reviews145 Forest Station Road, P.O. Box 129, GIRDWOOD, AK 99587, USA
Shrode 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
Rates are seasonal: $60 per night during peak season (May 1 - September 30) and $50 per night during non-peak season (October 1 - April 30). Displayed rates exclude discounts, taxes, and incremental charges.
About this campground
Deep in the wilderness of Prince William Sound, Shrode Lake Cabin awaits those seeking a true backcountry escape. This remote year-round sanctuary challenges visitors to disconnect from the modern world and embrace Alaska's raw beauty. Whether you arrive by float plane gliding across pristine waters, navigate by boat through winding channels, or trek along rugged hiking trails, the journey itself becomes part of the adventure. With minimal amenities and maximum isolation, this rustic retreat demands careful preparation but rewards the intrepid with an authentic Alaskan wilderness experience few ever witness.
Shrode Lake Cabin offers a rustic cabin rental for visitors seeking a remote backcountry experience. It does not provide traditional tent or RV camping.
Historical Significance/null
Weather and SeasonsEach season paints Shrode Lake in dramatically different hues. Winter transforms the landscape into a crystalline wonderland perfect for cross-country skiing enthusiasts, though icy conditions can make access challenging. As spring awakens the wilderness, skiing opportunities persist while nature begins its annual renewal. Summer brings prime fishing and hiking conditions, though snow often lingers stubbornly until July, creating stunning contrasts of white peaks against emerald forests. Throughout the year, Alaska's famously mercurial weather keeps visitors on their toes, with freezing temperatures possible even as wildflowers bloom, making every day an adventure in adaptation.
Elevation/null
Natural Features and SceneryPerched on the northeastern shore of Shrode Lake, the cabin offers front-row seats to nature's grand theater. The surrounding landscape weaves together a tapestry of spongy muskeg meadows and towering evergreen forests, all framed by majestic mountain peaks that pierce the Alaskan sky. This pristine wilderness serves as home to an impressive cast of wildlife characters: massive black bears lumber through the understory, graceful Sitka black-tailed deer browse at forest edges, waterfowl paint patterns across the lake's mirror surface, and bald eagles soar overhead, their distinctive calls echoing across the water.
Geological RegionThe cabin sits at the heart of Prince William Sound's spectacular geological mosaic, where freshwater lakes nestle like jewels among saltwater bays and inlets. This unique ecosystem showcases Alaska's diverse terrain, from the springy muskeg bogs that carpet valley floors to dense evergreen forests climbing mountain slopes. The surrounding peaks stand as ancient sentinels over this wildlife paradise, where black bears fish for salmon, Sitka black-tailed deer navigate forest paths, waterfowl raise their young in protected coves, and bald eagles rule the skies. This convergence of land and water creates one of Alaska's most biodiverse and visually stunning regions.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo explicit accessibility features are mentioned. Challenging accessibility due to river crossings and lack of marked trails under certain conditions.
Sites SizeThe cabin itself measures 16 x 16 feet and accommodates up to six people.
Sites PrivacyThe cabin is located in a secluded area providing high privacy, surrounded by natural muskeg and evergreen forests.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesReviews recommend planning for secondary exit plans due to weather changes, bringing extra fuel for the heater, and consulting tide tables for boating.
Best CampsitesShrode Lake Cabin is the only facility available.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
12:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
- Maximum 7 nights per visit
- maximum of 7 nights total within rolling 30 days.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Accommodates up to six people.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSingle cabin facility with an outhouse located at a distance uphill.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round. Reservations are available seasonally: peak season (May 1 - September 30) and non-peak season (October 1 - April 30).
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityCabin is exclusively available via reservation; no walk-up availability mentioned.
Cancellation PolicyGuests may cancel reservations before scheduled arrival. A $10 fee applies, with additional fees for late cancellations, including forfeiture of the first night's fees. Late cancellations for cabins occur less than 14 days prior to arrival.
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
Shrode Lake Cabin provides opportunities for hiking, fishing, boating, hunting, and winter recreation activities. The area offers a backcountry experience with both marked and unmarked trails requiring route-finding skills.
Hiking
Hiking options include a one-mile trail to Long Bay, a half-mile hike to Jack Lake (no designated trail), and primitive trails to Three Fingers Cove requiring river crossings and route-finding skills. User reviews reported difficulty locating trails and suggest better markers.Fishing
Fishing opportunities include sockeye salmon in mid-July, pink salmon from mid-July to mid-August, and silver salmon in late August. Dolly Varden trout can be fished in Shrode Lake. Saltwater fishing is available in Long Bay and the lagoon.Boating
A small rowboat and oars are provided by the Forest Service, but guests must bring personal flotation devices. Tide tables are essential for navigation due to rock hazards in the lagoon. Canoeing, kayaking, and packrafting are possible.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife such as black bears, Sitka black-tailed deer, waterfowl, and bald eagles can be observed in the area. The cabin overlooks Shrode Lake and surrounding mountains, providing ideal viewing spots.Winter Activities
Spring months offer excellent terrain for cross-country and backcountry skiing. Heavy snowfall can make access challenging even in late winter.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as kayaking, canoeing, and packrafting are possible.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- No specific fire policies mentioned.
- Quiet hours are /null
Hazards
General hazardsRiver crossings (Shrode River) can be hazardous due to high water levels, requiring the use of packrafts or similar gear. Wildlife such as black bears requires precautions. Weather changes can extend stays unexpectedly.
Active alerts/null
Weather forecast
55
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 91%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 2.6 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
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
The Glacier Ranger District Office in Girdwood can be contacted at (907) 783-3242. For air taxi services, contact providers in Anchorage or Cordova.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 01 - September 30 annually.
Trash and recyclingGuests are required to pack out all trash and leave the cabin clean. No recycling facilities are mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresLocated on Shrode Lake, near Long Bay, which is separated by a lagoon.
Common complaintsMultiple reviews mention the kerosene heater providing insufficient heat: 'The kerosene heater is worthless. It radiates almost no heat whatsoever.' Trails may be poorly marked, especially in winter/spring conditions: 'The trail was totally non-existent from the lagoon at Long Bay to the cabin.'
Host/null
Campground Map
145 Forest Station Road, P.O. Box 129, GIRDWOOD, AK 99587, USA
Driving directionsAccess by float plane is 45 minutes from Anchorage and 55 minutes from Cordova. By boat, the trip is 25 miles from Whittier into Long Bay, followed by a one-mile hike on a trail to reach the lake. The trailhead at Long Bay is tidal-dependent and best accessed at high tide with a small boat. For the Three Fingers Trailhead, guests must navigate a two-mile hike to the cabin, including a significant river crossing (Shrode River). Numerous rock hazards exist in the channel and lagoon. Boats are not provided by the Forest Service.
The cabin is extremely remote and inaccessible via the road system. Access varies depending on the season and mode of transportation. Float plane access may be unavailable during fall, winter, spring, and early summer due to frozen lake surfaces. Tidal conditions and rock hazards also affect boat access.Nearby places
Anchorage (~45 minutes by float plane), Cordova (~55 minutes by float plane), Whittier (~25 miles by boat plus hiking trails).
Nearby supplies
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Camper Reviews
0.0
4 reviews
Shrode Lake Cabin has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews of Shrode Lake Cabin highlight its scenic beauty and peaceful setting but also note challenges such as poorly functioning kerosene heaters, unmarked trails, and inaccessible outhouse signage. The cabin offers a memorable backcountry experience but requires thorough preparation.
Review Summaries
Based on 4 reviews
What Campers Love
Scenic views of Shrode Lake and surrounding mountains; peaceful and secluded location; provision of a rowboat and oars; hunting and fishing opportunities; wildlife encounters including black bears...
Based on 4 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Poorly functioning kerosene heater with insufficient heat; lack of trail markings making navigation difficult; absence of outhouse signage leading to accessibility issues; challenging river crossings.
Based on 4 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Bring extra kerosene (1-2 gallons per day recommended); consult tide tables before boating; pack markers or flags for trail navigation in snowy conditions; prepare for cold temperatures and potential...
Based on 4 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Winter and spring months feature heavy snowfall, making access difficult and requiring careful planning. Summer months are ideal for fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing. Many reviews highlight...
Based on 4 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"The kerosene heater is worthless. It radiates almost no heat whatsoever." - Ian W. "Wonderful cabin with new outhouse and rowboat to use. Beautiful spot!" - Paul S. "Spent a week at the cabin, temps...
Based on 4 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site G03 received mixed feedback regarding trail access and heater functionality. Scenic beauty and wildlife sightings were praised.
Based on 4 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility challenges were noted due to unmarked trails and river crossings, particularly in snowy conditions. Users recommended better signage and route markers.
Based on 4 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025