Shipley Bay Cabin
02 reviewsSHIPLEY BAY CABIN, PO BOX 19001
Shipley Bay Cabin
$25.00 - $30.00 / 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
Facility rates by season: Peak Season (May 01 - September 30) $30.00 per night; Non-Peak Season (October 01 - December 31) $25.00 per night. Displayed rates do not include discounts, taxes, or incremental charges.
About this campground
Escape to the untamed wilderness of southeastern Alaska at Shipley Bay Cabin, where the rhythms of the tide and the call of eagles define your days. Perched on Kosciusko Island, this remote sanctuary rewards adventurous souls who arrive by float plane or navigate the high tides by boat. Here, amid the raw beauty of America's Last Frontier, modern life fades away, replaced by the timeless dance of nature and solitude.
The Shipley Bay Cabin provides a unique and primitive camping experience. It’s suitable for small groups looking for remote, rugged accommodations.
Weather and SeasonsMother Nature reigns supreme at Shipley Bay, where morning fog rolls in like a soft blanket and afternoon winds carry the salt-sweet scent of the sea. Visitors should embrace the elements and come prepared for Alaska's mercurial moods. Winter transforms this coastal paradise into a crystalline wonderland, though snow and ice demand respect and proper gear from those brave enough to experience the cabin's quietest, most magical season.
ElevationFrom your vantage point on the low bluff, the majestic Mount Francis pierces the sky when clouds part to reveal its snow-crowned summit. This gentle elevation provides the perfect balance—high enough to survey your wild domain, yet close enough to the water's edge to feel the pulse of the tides.
Natural Features and SceneryNestled between the babbling waters of Shipley Creek and the expansive Shipley Bay, the cabin commands breathtaking views of a rugged rocky beach that transforms with each tide. Grassy tidal flats stretch toward the horizon, creating a living canvas where shorebirds dance and waterfowl gather in great congregations. Bald eagles patrol the skies while Sitka black-tailed deer emerge from forest shadows at dawn and dusk. Black bears roam the shoreline, reminding visitors they're guests in this pristine ecosystem. On crystal-clear days, the 2,592-foot Mount Francis stands sentinel over this coastal paradise, its snowy peaks catching the golden light of endless summer evenings.
Geological RegionThe cabin sits at the intersection of land and sea on Kosciusko Island, where southeastern Alaska's dramatic coastline unfolds in all its glory. This strategic bluff location between Shipley Creek's freshwater flow and Shipley Bay's saltwater embrace showcases the region's diverse geological tapestry—from weathered rocky beaches sculpted by centuries of tides to verdant tidal flats that bloom with life. The distant silhouette of snow-capped Mount Francis completes this quintessentially Alaskan scene, where the forces of earth, water, and ice have crafted a landscape of raw, unforgettable beauty.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe cabin's remote location and requirement for either a float plane or boat for access may not make it readily accessible to individuals with physical disabilities. No specific accessibility adaptations are mentioned.
Sites SizeThe cabin accommodates a maximum of 4-6 guests, with dimensions of 12 feet by 14 feet.
Sites PrivacyThe site is secluded, located on a low bluff between Shipley Creek and Shipley Bay, offering privacy and a scenic surrounding.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesCarry good maps and tools for orienteering on the rugged trail to Shipley Lake. Bring extra supplies lasting 2-5 days due to potential weather-related delays.
Best CampsitesSingle campsite Shipley Bay Cabin.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
12 PM
Check-out
12 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum stay limit is 7 nights during a visit.
Guests Allowed Per Site
The cabin sleeps 4-6 guests.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSingle cabin on a low bluff.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen May 01 - December 31.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online through Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilitySame-day reservations available through Recreation.gov for this cabin.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled anytime before the scheduled arrival date. Late cancellation fees apply: $10 cancellation fee plus forfeiture of the first night's recreation use fee if canceled less than 14 days prior to arrival for cabins. Same-day cancellations after arrival are not supported.
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
Shipley Bay Cabin offers a wide range of recreational activities, including fishing, hiking, boating, and wildlife viewing. The area provides opportunities for anglers to catch various fish species, while hikers and wildlife enthusiasts can explore the natural terrain.
Hiking
A rugged 0.8-mile trail connects Shipley Creek to Shipley Lake, though user reviews mention that the trail has not been brushed out in years, making it challenging to navigate. Hikers must also bring good maps and orienteering skills for extended exploration.Fishing
The area supports cutthroat trout, rainbow trout, dolly varden, steelhead, and three species of salmon. Seasonal fishing opportunities are available in Shipley Creek and nearby waters.Boating
Accessible by boat, the cabin offers a mooring buoy in the bay available on a first-come, first-served basis. Visitors can enjoy scenic boating opportunities.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife in the area includes waterfowl, shorebirds, bald eagles, Sitka black-tailed deer, and black bears. Visitors should be aware of bear safety guidelines.Winter Activities
Winter access may be challenging due to snow and ice conditions. No specific winter recreational activities are listed.Water Sports
While boating is possible, no specific mentions of kayaking, canoeing, or paddleboarding are found.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Guests must pack their own bio-bricks for the wood stove. Campfires are not explicitly mentioned.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include black bears, challenging weather conditions (fog, high winds, snow, ice), and the rugged 0.8-mile trail to Shipley Lake which requires good maps and orienteering skills.
Active alertsBear safety guidelines should be followed. Winter access is difficult due to snow and ice.
Weather forecast
66
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 65%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 4.2 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
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
Thorne Bay Ranger District office, contactable at 907-828-3304.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 01 - September 30
Trash and recyclingGuests must pack out all garbage, as no on-site waste disposal facilities are provided.
Proximity to water featuresSituated between Shipley Creek and Shipley Bay with nearby streams for water collection.
Common complaintsUser reviews mention issues with the trail to Shipley Lake not being brushed out, making it difficult to access. Kayakers find it challenging to transport bio-blocks for the wood stove.
Campground Map
SHIPLEY BAY CABIN, PO BOX 19001
Driving directionsShipley Bay Cabin is accessible by float plane or one-hour boat ride from El Capitan dock. Fog, high winds, and low tides can make landing at the cabin difficult. A mooring buoy in the bay is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Mooring of more than one vessel is allowed if the first party there agrees. Guests are advised to check Sitka tide table information and refer to USGS map Petersburg A-5.
Access is challenging due to fog, high winds, and low tides, which can make landing difficult. Winter access is particularly challenging due to snow and ice conditions.Nearby places
Thorne Bay (null miles, null travel time)
Nearby supplies
Guests must bring all essential supplies, including food, water, and fire-starting materials.
Camper Reviews
0.0
2 reviews
Shipley Bay Cabin has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the breathtaking natural beauty of the area, abundant wildlife, and opportunities for fishing and hiking. However, complaints have been raised about the lack of trail maintenance and the difficulty of accessing certain areas.
Review Summaries
Based on 2 reviews
What Campers Love
Guests appreciate the serene and scenic location, noting, 'The cabin is in a beautiful area, lots of wildlife and has been fixed up since last year.' Another reviewer mentioned, 'The area is...
Based on 2 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Several users expressed frustration over the poorly maintained trail to Shipley Lake. One reviewer noted, 'The "trail" to Shipley Lake from the cabin has not been brushed out in years. We spent 3...
Based on 2 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Guests recommend bringing ample supplies, including bio-bricks for the stove and extra equipment for navigating unmaintained trails. They also stress the importance of being prepared for potential...
Based on 2 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
The best time to visit appears to be during the warmer months when fishing is ideal, and snow and ice are less likely to impede access. However, mid-summer may see challenges with overgrown trails.
Based on 2 reviewsCamper Quotes
- 'The cabin is in a beautiful area, lots of wildlife and has been fixed up since last year.' - 'The "trail" to Shipley Lake from the cabin has not been brushed out in years. We spent 3 days brushing...
Based on 2 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Specific complaints about the trail maintenance to Shipley Lake suggest that hiking from the cabin to the lake is particularly challenging. The mooring buoy in the bay receives positive mentions for...
Based on 2 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
No specific user reviews about accessibility are available. However, the remote location and rugged terrain suggest limited access for individuals with disabilities.
Based on 2 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No information regarding pet policies or experiences was mentioned.
Based on 2 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025