Berg Bay Cabin
03 reviewsWRANGELL RANGER DISTRICT, PO BOX 51, WRANGELL, AK, 99929-0051, USA
Berg Bay Cabin
$40.00 - $40.00 / 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 recreation use fee for the cabin is $40 per night for both peak and non-peak seasons. Additional fees include a $10 cancellation fee and a $20 no-show fee. Reservation fees are $8 online or via app, $9 via contact center, and $3 for in-person bookings.
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About this campground
Twenty-two miles by boat from Wrangell, where the pristine waters of Berg Bay meet the verdant Alaskan wilderness, sits a secluded cabin that promises the ultimate backcountry escape. Berg Bay Cabin beckons adventurers seeking authentic solitude amid Southeast Alaska's raw beauty. Whether you arrive by float plane skimming across 15 miles of scenic waterways or navigate the channels by boat, this remote retreat rewards your journey with world-class fishing, pristine hiking trails, productive crabbing grounds, and paddling routes through some of Alaska's most spectacular coastal scenery. Perched above the bay with sweeping views across Blake Channel, this rainforest sanctuary offers the perfect basecamp for those ready to trade city sounds for the calls of eagles and the gentle lap of tidal waters.
Berg Bay Cabin offers primitive accommodations suitable for backcountry exploration and access to Alaska's Inside Passage.
Historical SignificanceSince 1965, Berg Bay Cabin has stood as a testament to the U.S. Forest Service's vision of making the Tongass National Forest's remote wonders accessible to those willing to venture beyond the beaten path. This rustic outpost represents nearly six decades of backcountry heritage, where countless adventurers have found refuge, recharged their spirits, and created lasting memories in America's largest national forest. The cabin embodies the pioneering spirit of Alaskan recreation, offering modern explorers the same authentic wilderness experience that has drawn visitors to these pristine shores for generations.
Weather and SeasonsBerg Bay's coastal climate showcases Alaska's dramatic seasonal personality. Winter transforms the landscape into a crystalline wonderland, with snow blanketing the forest and ice formations creating natural sculptures along the shoreline. Summer brings the famous Alaska mist and rain that nourishes the lush temperate rainforest, creating an emerald paradise punctuated by dramatic cloud formations and stunning light. The weather here changes its mind as quickly as the tides—morning sunshine can give way to afternoon squalls, making each day an adventure. Savvy visitors pack layers and rain gear for every season, and always keep tide charts handy to time their beach explorations and water activities perfectly.
ElevationNestled on a gentle, forested slope that gradually rises from the water's edge, Berg Bay Cabin offers the perfect vantage point over its namesake bay. This thoughtfully positioned perch provides sweeping panoramic views while keeping you comfortably above the high tide line. The cabin's hillside location creates a natural amphitheater effect, where the sounds of the bay—from gentle wavelets to the splash of jumping salmon—carry up through the trees to serenade your stay.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into a living postcard where towering Sitka spruce and western hemlock create a cathedral-like canopy overhead, their moss-draped branches filtering sunlight into ethereal green beams. The cabin's front-row seat overlooks Berg Bay's ever-changing tableau, where tides reveal hidden beaches and Blake Channel stretches toward mountain peaks that pierce the sky. At Aaron Creek's tide flats, nature puts on a botanical show with vibrant grass sedges swaying in the breeze and seasonal wildflowers painting splashes of color across the landscape. This pristine ecosystem supports an incredible cast of wildlife characters: brown and black bears fish for salmon along the streams, moose browse in quiet meadows, playful sea otters float past on their backs, and the haunting calls of grouse and ptarmigan echo through the forest. Lucky visitors might even spot sure-footed mountain goats navigating distant cliffsides, while overhead, waterfowl trace ancient migration routes across the sky.
Geological RegionBerg Bay Cabin sits within the legendary Inside Passage, where the Pacific Ocean has carved a maze of channels, fjords, and islands through ancient mountains. This temperate rainforest ecosystem thrives in the maritime climate, creating one of Earth's most productive and diverse environments. Majestic Sitka spruce and western hemlock dominate the landscape, interspersed with aromatic cedar groves and mysterious muskeg bogs that have captured carbon for millennia. The Aaron Creek tide flats showcase the dynamic intersection of land and sea, where twice-daily tides orchestrate an endless dance of renewal. From your cabin doorstep, views sweep across Berg Bay to Blake Channel, with a backdrop of peaks that tell the geological story of ice ages, tectonic forces, and the patient work of wind and water sculpting this magnificent corner of the Tongass.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are not addressed in the authoritative source or user reviews.
Sites SizeThe cabin size is 16x16 feet, accommodating up to seven people.
Sites PrivacyThe cabin is located in a secluded area within Alaska's Inside Passage, providing ample privacy. However, some user reviews mention disruption from anchored boats during the summer.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesGuests should bring #1 heating oil, dry firewood, and sufficient food supplies. Early arrival may be necessary to secure ideal tide conditions.
Best CampsitesBerg Bay Cabin is the only campsite at this location.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
- Up to 7 consecutive nights May 1 - Sept 30
- up to 10 consecutive nights Oct 1 - Apr 30.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum of 7 people.
Groups
Group camping is not mentioned.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe cabin features a 16-by-16 A-frame layout with two single bunks, a trundle bed, and a loft. Interior amenities include a table, benches, and an oil stove; exterior includes a mooring float and outhouse.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round, peak season May 1 - September 30.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov online, mobile app, or contact center.
Walk-in AvailabilityNo walk-up availability; cabin must be reserved in advance.
Cancellation PolicyGuests can cancel reservations anytime before the scheduled arrival date. A $10 cancellation fee applies, and late cancellations (within 14 days of arrival) also forfeit the first night's fee. No-show reservations incur a $20 fee and loss of the first night's fee.
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
Potable water
Fire rings
Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Recreational activities at Berg Bay Cabin include hiking, fishing, crabbing, hunting, paddling, and wildlife viewing. The remote location offers opportunities for solitude and exploration of Alaska's Inside Passage.
Hiking
Two hiking trails are accessible from the cabin: Aaron Creek Trail (0.4 miles, boardwalked) and Berg Creek Trail (4 miles, unmaintained). The trails lead through grassflats and mountainous terrain.Fishing
Fishing opportunities include pink salmon (mid-July to mid-August), silver and chum salmon (August to September), and steelhead (April and May). Fishing is available in Aaron and Oerns Creeks.Boating
Guests can bring kayaks or canoes to explore Berg Bay. Low tide may affect access to the bay, and local tide charts should be consulted.Wildlife viewing
The area is rich in wildlife, including brown and black bears, moose, sea otters, grouse, ptarmigan, waterfowl, and occasionally mountain goats on surrounding ridges.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not explicitly described.Water Sports
Water sports such as kayaking and canoeing are available, particularly for exploring Berg Bay.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Guests must purchase local firewood and use on-site fire grills. Fire safety measures should be observed.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include encounters with bears, exposure to severe weather, and tide-related access issues. Guests should consult tide charts and practice bear safety.
Active alertsNo reported alerts, but guests are advised to monitor for weather or tide-related issues.
Weather forecast
71
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Mainly clear
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 63%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 5 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Mainly clear
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
Wrangell serves as the nearest emergency services hub, including hospitals, police stations, and ranger services.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 1 through September 30.
Trash and recyclingGuests are required to pack out their trash and food. No recycling facilities or trash pickup schedules are mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresThe cabin sits near Berg Bay and Aaron Creek tide flats, offering access to saltwater and freshwater for fishing and crabbing.
Common complaintsUser reviews mentioned noise from anchored yachts near the cabin during summer and a broken oil stove reported but not fixed. The cabin may also feel damp, and dry firewood is not always available.
HostNo host information available.
Campground Map
WRANGELL RANGER DISTRICT, PO BOX 51, WRANGELL, AK, 99929-0051, USA
Driving directionsThis cabin is located on the mainland along the north shore of Berg Bay, east of Blake Channel and near the mouth of Aaron Creek. The cabin can be accessed by boat (22 miles) or float plane (15 miles) from Wrangell. If arriving by boat, be aware of the shallow entrance into the bay and arrange to arrive at high tide. A 25-foot mooring float anchored in the bay is for use by cabin guests only.
The cabin is only accessible by boat or float plane. If arriving by boat, the entrance to Berg Bay is shallow and may dry out at low tide, requiring guests to consult local tide charts. Float planes must account for weather conditions.Nearby places
Wrangell (22 miles by boat, 15 miles by float plane)
Nearby supplies
Supplies and provisions can be acquired in Wrangell, but guests are advised to bring essential items due to the remote nature of the cabin.
Camper Reviews
0.0
3 reviews
Berg Bay Cabin has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight both positive and negative aspects of Berg Bay Cabin. Some guests appreciate the secluded location and functional facilities, while others report issues with noise, dampness, and broken amenities.
Review Summaries
Based on 3 reviews
What Campers Love
"Great little spot with a good trail behind the cabin leading to a beautiful estuary-esque area." "Everything seemed to be in good shape inside and out, so no issues there!"
Based on 3 reviewsCommon Concerns
"Local yachts like to anchor in this little bay right in front of the cabin and PARTY." "Stove in cabin was broken." "Very damp, the whole time even though it’s summer." "There was no dry wood...
Based on 3 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Guests recommend bringing dry firewood and consulting tide charts before boating. Packing sleeping bags, cookware, and other supplies is essential.
Based on 3 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Summer visits may be disrupted by anchored boats and noise from parties, according to user reviews. Dampness was also reported during summer.
Based on 3 reviewsCamper Quotes
"During summer it’s not uncommon to have 6-10 big boats anchored within 200’ of the cabin. Plenty of noise and they leave anchor lights on all night." "A friend said she reported the broken oil stove...
Based on 3 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Reviews specific to Berg Bay Cabin, such as "W15," mention functional facilities but no details are provided about alternative sites.
Based on 3 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility features and experiences regarding disabilities are not addressed in reviews.
Based on 3 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews address pet policies or experiences.
Based on 3 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025