Big John Bay Cabin
00 reviewPO BOX 1328
Big John Bay Cabin
$25.00 - $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
During the peak season (Apr 27 - Sep 28), the nightly rate for the cabin is $40. During the non-peak season (Sep 29 - Dec 31), the rate lowers to $25. Additional fees may apply for services like cancellations and changes.
About this campground
Escape to the edge of the world at Big John Bay Cabin, where the wild heart of southeastern Alaska beats strongest. This authentic hunter-style retreat sits at the northern terminus of Big John Bay, tucked into the dramatic landscape of Rocky Pass on remote Kupreanof Island. Here, adventurers discover a pristine wilderness playground where world-class fishing waters meet untamed forests, where hiking trails lead to breathtaking vistas, and where wildlife roams freely through one of Alaska's most spectacular coastal environments.
Big John Bay Cabin is a primitive cabin designed for rustic camping and provides no modern amenities. It is accessible by boat, trail, or float plane, with challenging terrain and tidal impacts.
Weather and SeasonsThe moods of Big John Bay shift with Alaska's dramatic seasons, creating an ever-changing canvas for outdoor adventures. Winter and shoulder seasons bring the region's signature heavy rains and occasional snow, wrapping the landscape in mysterious clouds and mist. Strong coastal winds add to the raw, authentic Alaskan experience. Summer rewards patient visitors with clearer skies and comfortable temperatures, when the long northern days stretch endlessly and the landscape bursts with life under the midnight sun.
ElevationThis unique coastal cabin rests at sea level on an enchanting tidal flat that dances with the ocean's rhythms. As the tides ebb and flow, the surrounding landscape transforms dramatically throughout the day, creating an ever-changing wilderness theater. The dynamic terrain offers visitors a front-row seat to nature's daily performance as the waters advance and retreat across the flats.
Natural Features and SceneryPerched on a tidal flat that becomes an island at high tide, Big John Bay Cabin offers an immersive wilderness experience unlike any other. The surrounding landscape paints a portrait of coastal Alaska at its finest: expansive tidal grasslands stretch toward the horizon, saltwater flats glisten under shifting light, and intimate wooded points provide shelter and mystery. Big John and Hamilton Creeks wind through the terrain like silver ribbons, while a pristine stream just a quarter-mile north provides fresh mountain water. This remarkable setting serves as nature's amphitheater, where the daily tidal ballet transforms the landscape from terrestrial meadow to marine wonderland.
Geological RegionSet within the intricate waterways of Kupreanof Island in southeastern Alaska's famed Inside Passage, Big John Bay Cabin occupies a fascinating geological niche. The cabin's tidal flat location showcases the region's dynamic coastal geology, where land and sea merge in an endless dance. At high tide, the cabin's setting transforms into a true islet, surrounded by the waters of Rocky Pass. This remarkable landscape features a mosaic of tidal grasslands that carpet the flats, punctuated by saltwater channels and crowned by small wooded points that rise like sentinels above the shifting tides.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are not mentioned for this cabin, and the challenging terrain suggests limited accommodation for disabilities.
Sites SizeThe cabin is designed to accommodate up to four people, with minimal space for additional activities.
Sites PrivacyThe cabin is located on a small wooded point, providing some privacy with a view of tidal flats and saltwater grasslands.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesVisitors should consult tide charts ahead of their stay and ensure they bring sufficient supplies, including treated or boiled water, kerosene, or No. 1 heating oil.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
11:00 AM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
- Seven consecutive nights during May to September
- ten consecutive nights from October to April.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Up to four guests can occupy the cabin.
Groups
The cabin is not equipped for group camping.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSingle hunter-style cabin with basic amenities.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round. Peak season is April 27 to September 28; non-peak season is September 29 to December 31.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on Recreation.gov, through their app, or via their contact center.
Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability is not specified; reservations are recommended.
Cancellation PolicyA $10 fee applies for cancellation. Late cancellations forfeiting the first night's fees apply when canceled fewer than 14 days before arrival. No refunds are possible for cancellations on the check-in day.
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
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Big John Bay Cabin provides access to outdoor activities such as waterfowl hunting, fishing, wildlife viewing, and hiking. Visitors can explore nearby trails like Hamilton Bay, Goose Lake, and Cathedral Falls Trails. Tides affect accessibility for some activities, and local tide tables must be consulted.
Hiking
The Big John Bay Trail, Hamilton Bay, Goose Lake, and Cathedral Falls Trails offer hiking opportunities. "The Big John Bay Trail can be difficult to follow," and part of the trail becomes inaccessible during high tide. It parallels a small creek and connects to logging roads.Fishing
Fishing is available in the Hamilton and Big John Creeks, with trout, pink salmon, and coho salmon being common catches.Boating
Access to the cabin is partially dependent on boating, with a 15-foot tide required for boat access. Recreational boating opportunities are implied but not detailed.Wildlife viewing
The area is home to diverse wildlife including waterfowl, grouse, and black bears. Visitors are advised to learn bear safety.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not mentioned.Water Sports
Water sports such as kayaking or canoeing are not specified.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Firewood at the cabin can only be used for heating. Outdoor campfires require visitors to collect down wood. Follow fire safety guidelines.
Hazards
General hazardsBlack bears are present in the area (bear safety recommended). Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP) has been reported in local shellfish. Tidal conditions can complicate access.
Active alertsEuropean Green Crab, an invasive species, has been detected in nearby areas. Visitors are encouraged to report sightings.
Weather forecast
57
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Mainly clear
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 90%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 2.6 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
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
The Petersburg Ranger District can be contacted for emergencies at (907) 772-3871. Medical facilities and law enforcement are located in Petersburg 28 miles away. Kake offers limited services.
Good to know
Peak season datesApril 27 - September 28
Trash and recyclingVisitors must pack out all trash and food, as no trash or recycling facilities are available.
Proximity to water featuresThe cabin is next to tidal flats, a quarter-mile from a small stream, and near Big John and Hamilton Creeks.
Campground Map
PO BOX 1328
Driving directionsFrom Petersburg, it is 28 miles by float plane. From Kake, it is 18 miles by boat or 1.75 miles from the roadside near Kake. A 15-foot tide is required for boats or float planes to directly access the cabin. A 1-mile hike across mudflats is warranted at lower tides. Part of the trail crosses a tide flat, so there is no trail access during high tide. Please check tide charts in advance.
The cabin is accessible by boat, trail, or float plane from Petersburg or Kake. However, tidal conditions heavily impact access. At lower tides, visitors must hike approximately 1 mile across mudflats. High tide eliminates trail access, and tidal flats can present navigation challenges.Nearby places
Petersburg (28 miles by float plane)
Kake (18 miles by boat or 1.75 miles by trail).
Nearby supplies
The nearest supplies can be obtained in Kake, 18 miles away by boat or trail. Petersburg, 28 miles away, offers more extensive options, including groceries and fuel.
Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
Big John Bay Cabin has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
No user reviews are available for Big John Bay Cabin.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
Positive highlights are unavailable as no user reviews have been provided.
Common Concerns
No complaints have been recorded due to lack of user reviews.
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Tips and recommendations from users are missing.
Seasonal Insights
No seasonal trends are identified in user reviews.
Camper Quotes
No user quotes are available for this campground.
Site-Specific Reviews
Reviews specific to particular campsites or areas within the campground are not available.
Accessibility Features
No reviews address accessibility features.
Pet-Friendly Features
No reviews address pet policies or experiences with pets.
Last updated August 10, 2025