Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge Cabins
4.2227 reviews1390 Buskin River Road, Kodiak, AK 99615, USA
Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge Cabins
$45.00 - $45.00 / 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 rate for cabins is $45. Fees do not include taxes or incremental charges. Reservation fees are $8 online, $9 through the contact center, and $3 in person. Additional fees may apply for changes or cancellations.
About this campground
Escape to the wild heart of Alaska at Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge Cabins, where rustic charm meets untamed wilderness. These remote retreats invite adventurous souls to disconnect from the modern world and immerse themselves in one of America's last great frontiers. Each cabin features sturdy bunk beds (bring your own mattress), a warming Nordic-brand stove to chase away the chill, and simple furnishings including tables and chairs. With exterior storage caches for your gear and traditional outhouse facilities, these shelters offer just enough comfort while keeping you connected to the raw beauty surrounding you. Self-sufficiency isn't just recommended here—it's part of the adventure.
Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge Cabins offer various types of rustic lodging options. Campers can enjoy primitive cabins equipped with basic amenities.
Historical SignificanceThe spirit of Kodiak Island pulses through its timeless villages—Karluk, Larsen Bay, Akhiok, and Old Harbor—where ancestral traditions blend seamlessly with the rhythms of the modern fishing industry. Here, tribal communities have thrived for thousands of years, their heritage woven into every salmon stream and coastal inlet. The island's story is one of resilience and adaptation, where indigenous knowledge meets commercial enterprise, creating a unique cultural tapestry that continues to define life in this remote corner of Alaska.
Weather and SeasonsKodiak's maritime climate delivers an ever-changing symphony of weather that keeps even summer days refreshingly cool. Mist rolls through the valleys while winds carry the salt spray of distant seas, creating conditions where waterproof gear becomes your best friend. The island's famously unpredictable weather can shift from sunshine to driving rain in moments, and temperatures remain cool enough year-round that hypothermia poses a real risk for the unprepared. Whether you visit during the endless daylight of summer or the moody darkness of winter, pack layers of warm, waterproof clothing—this wilderness doesn't compromise.
Natural Features and SceneryPrepare to have your breath stolen by a landscape that seems painted by the gods themselves. Misty fjords carve deep channels between towering peaks, while ancient glacial valleys reveal nature's patient artistry. From your cabin door, explore a mosaic of ecosystems: follow salmon-bearing streams where bears feast during spawning runs, wander through cathedral-like Sitka spruce forests draped in moss, or climb into alpine meadows where wildflowers carpet the tundra in summer. Crystal-clear lakes mirror the sky, riparian wetlands teem with life, and grasslands sway in the coastal breeze. Keep your camera ready—Kodiak brown bears lumber through the landscape, bald eagles soar overhead, mountain goats navigate impossible cliffs, and Roosevelt elk graze in peaceful meadows.
Geological RegionWelcome to the Kodiak Archipelago, a dramatic collision of land and sea in the Gulf of Alaska where nature operates on a grand scale. This rugged island realm rises from the Pacific in a spectacular display of geological force, its misty fjords cutting deep into the mountainous interior like ancient scars. Massive glaciers once carved these deep valleys, leaving behind a landscape of stunning contrasts—from sea-level riparian wetlands and emerald grasslands to dense Sitka spruce forests that give way to windswept tundra and flower-strewn alpine meadows. Here, where the Pacific Ring of Fire meets the Gulf of Alaska, the very earth beneath your feet tells a story millions of years in the making.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe cabins are accessible by float plane or boat. There are no specific features mentioned for campers with disabilities.
Sites SizeCabins are built to accommodate groups; size details are not specified.
Sites PrivacyCabins are isolated and offer a secluded experience.
Total Campsites10 campsites
Recommended CampsitesGuests often recommend renting a Zodiac to explore water features and bringing sufficient fuel for heaters. Site selection depends on proximity to tidal areas and wildlife.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
11:00 AM
Check-out
11:00 AM
Stay Limit
Guests may stay up to 14 nights during a single visit.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Cabins are typically suited to accommodate small groups, with specific configurations depending on the cabin.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutCabins are dispersed across the refuge, often near water features or secluded areas.
Open and Closed SeasonThe campground is open from January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2025. First-come, first-served availability is only from June 21, 2025, to June 22, 2025.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov, both online and via the contact center.
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served availability is limited to June 21, 2025, through June 22, 2025.
Cancellation PolicyChanges or cancellations to reservations can be made in advance. A $10 change fee applies for date adjustments. Cancellations incur a $10 fee and forfeiture of the first night's use fee if done within 14 days of 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
Fire rings
Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge Cabins provide a wide range of recreational activities. Wildlife viewing is a prominent feature, with opportunities to see Kodiak brown bears, bald eagles, seals, and other marine life. Other popular activities include fishing for Pacific salmon, hiking, kayaking, and boating. The surrounding landscape, featuring glaciers, mountains, and diverse habitats, supports a variety of outdoor adventures.
Hiking
Hiking is available, but trails are not maintained, requiring campers to navigate rugged terrain. Vegetation can be overgrown, making bushwhacking necessary.Fishing
Fishing opportunities are world-class, especially in rivers such as Uganik, Karluk, and Ayakulik. Common catches include salmon and Dolly Varden.Boating
Boating is accessible, particularly for exploring bays and inlets. Renting a Zodiac or dinghy is recommended for mobility around the water.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is abundant, with sightings of Kodiak brown bears, bald eagles, seals, sea otters, and other animals commonly reported by visitors.Beach activities
Beachcombing and exploring nearby beaches are popular, especially at low tide. Visitors are advised to monitor tide changes closely.Winter Activities
Winter activities include wildlife viewing and hiking. Some users recommend bringing ice cleats for safety during icy conditions.Water Sports
Kayaking and canoeing are popular for exploring the waterways.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are not mentioned, but guests should follow general safety guidelines and Leave No Trace principles.
Hazards
General hazardsBear encounters are possible year-round. Hypothermia is a risk due to wet and cold weather.
Weather forecast
62
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 66%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 7.1 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 located in Kodiak town, which is the nearest populated area.
Good to know
Peak season datesJanuary 1, 2025 – December 31, 2025
Trash and recyclingThere are no trash or recycling facilities provided. Campers are required to pack out all waste and items brought to the cabins.
Proximity to water featuresMany cabins are near water bodies such as fjords, streams, and bays. Viekoda Bay and Uganik Island cabins are especially praised for their waterfront location.
Common complaintsSome guests report issues with stove maintenance and overgrown vegetation around cabins, hindering mobility.
Campground Map
1390 Buskin River Road, Kodiak, AK 99615, USA
Driving directionsThere are no roads or maintained trails in Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge. All cabins are accessible by float plane. Blue Fox Bay, Uganik Island, and Viekoda Bay are also accessible by boat. Refuge employees cannot assist in making travel arrangements, but can provide a current list of charter operators permitted to transport customers into the refuge.
The campground is not accessible by major roads. Visitors are required to use float planes or boats to reach the facilities. No roads or maintained trails exist in the area.Nearby places
Kodiak Island houses six permanent villages, including Karluk, Larsen Bay, Akhiok, and Old Harbor. Port Lions and Ouzinkie are several miles north of the refuge.
Nearby supplies
Supplies can be obtained in Kodiak town. Past visitors recommend renting gear locally from services such as Kodiak Kamps for specialized equipment like Zodiacs and other supplies.
Camper Reviews
4.2
27 reviews
Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge Cabins is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge Cabins are generally positive, highlighting the isolation, wildlife, and rustic experience. Common themes include excellent wildlife sightings, the necessity to monitor tides, and the importance of being self-sufficient.
Review Summaries
Based on 27 reviews
What Campers Love
Highlights include well-maintained cabins, abundant wildlife, and a secluded environment perfect for fishing and exploring.
Based on 27 reviewsCommon Concerns
Complaints involve stove issues, overgrown vegetation, and challenges with tide management.
Based on 27 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Users recommend bringing ice cleats in winter, monitoring tide changes, and ensuring sufficient fuel and supplies are packed.
Based on 27 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Winter reviews often mention icy conditions and the necessity of proper gear, while summer reviews focus on wildlife and outdoor activities.
Based on 27 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'The cabin was perfect...the views spectacular.' - Amber H, Viekoda Bay Cabin. 2. 'The views are stunning. The heater in this cabin is a life saver.' - Darrell D, South Frazer Lake Cabin. 3....
Based on 27 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Deadman Bay Cabin: Positive feedback on spaciousness and fuel efficiency, but vegetation difficulties noted. Viekoda Bay Cabin: Praised for wildlife and tide challenges. South Frazer Lake Cabin:...
Based on 27 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
Accessibility reviews are sparse due to the remote nature of the cabins. No specific accessibility accommodations are noted.
Based on 27 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews explicitly mention pets or pet policies.
Based on 27 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025