Castle Flats Cabin
02 reviewsPO BOX 1328, PETERSBURG, AK, 99833, USA
Castle Flats 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
Peak season fees (April 29 to September 28, 2025) for the cabin are $40 per night. Non-peak season fees (September 29 to December 31, 2025) are $25 per night. No discounts apply for Alaska cabin rentals with Golden Age or Golden Passports.
About this campground
Deep within the wilderness of Kupreanof Island, Castle Flats Cabin stands as your gateway to authentic Alaskan adventure. This remote hunter-style retreat, nestled in the heart of Tongass National Forest, rewards the intrepid traveler who arrives by float plane or boat—timing their journey with the rhythm of the tides. Here, where the Castle River meets the sea, anglers cast for silver salmon while eagles soar overhead, hunters track game through ancient forests, and hikers discover trails that wind through some of Alaska's most pristine landscapes.
Castle Flats Cabin is a hunter-style cabin facility offering basic accommodations for up to five people. It caters to visitors seeking primitive cabin lodging with opportunities for hiking, fishing, and wildlife observation.
Weather and SeasonsEach season paints Castle Flats with its own dramatic palette. Spring awakens the skies as countless migratory birds transform the area into a birder's paradise. From April through May, steelhead surge upriver, followed by trophy trout that keep lines tight through October. By mid-August, the real spectacle begins as coho salmon return in shimmering schools, drawing both anglers and wildlife to the river's edge. Winter brings a crystalline quiet, with temperatures dipping below freezing and snow blanketing the landscape. Throughout the year, Southeast Alaska's signature mist and rain create an emerald world where moss drapes from towering trees and the forest floor springs to life.
ElevationPerched at sea level where river meets ocean, Castle Flats offers the rare combination of saltwater proximity and freshwater access without the challenges of altitude. This coastal positioning creates ideal conditions for both marine and riverine adventures, while gentle terrain makes exploration accessible for visitors of all abilities.
Natural Features and SceneryCastle Flats unfolds like a living postcard of Southeast Alaska's wild beauty. Ancient Sitka spruces and western hemlocks tower above, their centuries-old trunks creating cathedral-like groves that shelter the cabin. The nearby tide flats transform twice daily, revealing a rich feeding ground that attracts moose browsing on aquatic plants and black bears fishing for salmon. Spongy muskeg meadows dotted with carnivorous plants provide unique hiking terrain, while the Castle River winds through it all like a silver ribbon. Keep your binoculars ready—Sitka black-tailed deer emerge from forest edges at dawn and dusk, while grouse drum in the underbrush and waterfowl paint patterns across the sky.
Geological RegionCastle Flats rests in a remarkable corner of southeastern Kupreanof Island, where the forces of ice, water, and time have sculpted a landscape of extraordinary diversity. Part of the vast Tongass National Forest—America's largest temperate rainforest—this region showcases the dramatic meeting of land and sea. The nearby Duncan Canal, actually a fjord carved by ancient glaciers, creates a marine highway for whales and seals, while the expansive tidal flats reveal their secrets twice daily with the ebb and flow. This dynamic environment, where coastal waters lap against old-growth forests and muskegs stretch toward distant mountains, represents the very essence of Southeast Alaska's geological wonder.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are mentioned for Castle Flats Cabin.
Sites SizeThe cabin is designed to accommodate up to five people. Individual bunks are provided for sleeping arrangements.
Sites PrivacyThe cabin is secluded and situated on southeastern Kupreanof Island, offering privacy amidst old-growth forest and muskeg.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesEnsure tide conditions are favorable before accessing the cabin. Bring all necessary supplies, including drinking water, life jackets, heating oil, and outdoor gear.
Best CampsitesOnly one cabin available, Castle Flats Cabin.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum stay is 7 consecutive nights during peak season. During non-peak season, the stay limit is 10 consecutive nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
The cabin accommodates up to 5 people.
Groups
Group camping is not supported at this facility.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSingle hunter-style cabin with four wooden bunks, a table, benches, and basic amenities.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from April 29, 2025, to December 31, 2025.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov up to 180 days in advance or on the day of arrival.
Walk-in AvailabilityReservations are required due to remote access challenges; walk-up sites are not available.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be modified once free of charge, but subsequent changes require cancellation and rebooking. Late cancellations for cabins (less than 14 days prior to arrival) incur a $10 fee and forfeit the first night's recreation use 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
Firewood available
Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Castle Flats Cabin provides abundant outdoor recreational opportunities. Activities include hiking, hunting, fishing, camping, boating, and wildlife viewing, making it a good choice for nature enthusiasts and adventurous visitors.
Hiking
The Castle River Trail is an easy 1-mile trail leading to the Castle River Cabin, continuing through forest and muskeg for another half-mile. Wildlife sightings are common along the trail.Fishing
Fishing opportunities are seasonal, with steelhead available from April to May, trout from May to October, and coho salmon from mid-August to mid-September. Visitors may use the provided rowboat and oars.Boating
A small rowboat and oars are available at the cabin. Visitors can bring their own small outboard motor. Tide conditions must be considered for crossing flats.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing opportunities include moose, deer, black bears, waterfowl, and grouse. The tide flats host many bird species during spring migration.Winter Activities
Cold weather conditions and snowfall may limit accessibility; no specific winter activities are mentioned.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports are not explicitly described, but boating is supported.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Firewood provided is only for cabin heating. Outdoor campfires require collection of dead and down wood from the forest.
Hazards
General hazardsTidal flats can be challenging during low tides. High levels of Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP) have been recorded in the area. Wildlife such as bears require safety precautions.
Active alertsThe invasive European Green Crab has been discovered in nearby areas and effort is underway to map its distribution.
Weather forecast
64
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 71%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 9.1 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
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 available in Petersburg, which is approximately 16 miles by float plane or 30 miles by boat.
Good to know
Peak season datesApril 29 to September 28, 2025.
Trash and recyclingAll trash and food must be packed out by visitors. There are no trash collection or recycling facilities on-site.
Proximity to water featuresSituated adjacent to Castle River tide flats and Duncan Canal.
Common complaintsUser reviews mention mosquito and gnat prevalence, limited firewood availability, and challenges related to cabin distance from ideal fishing spots.
HostPetersburg Ranger District can assist with inquiries. Missing or damaged items should be reported to them at 907-772-3871.
Campground Map
PO BOX 1328, PETERSBURG, AK, 99833, USA
Driving directionsFrom Petersburg, it is 16 miles by float plane or 30 miles by boat. A 15-foot tide is required for float plane access, and a 13-foot tide is required for boat access. At lower tides, there is up to a 2-mile hike along the tide flat to the cabin.
Accessible only by float plane or boat. Tidal conditions are critical, requiring a 13-15 foot tide depending on the mode of transport. At low tides, visitors must hike up to 2 miles across tide flats to reach the cabin.Nearby places
Petersburg (16 miles by float plane, 30 miles by boat)
Nearby supplies
Supplies and amenities can be acquired in Petersburg, located 16 miles by float plane or 30 miles by boat.
Camper Reviews
0.0
2 reviews
Castle Flats Cabin has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews are mixed, with positive highlights about the secluded environment and general enjoyment of the facility, contrasted by complaints regarding mosquitos, gnats, and insufficient firewood.
Review Summaries
Based on 2 reviews
What Campers Love
Reviewers appreciated the cabin's location and seclusion, as well as the opportunities for fishing and hunting.
Based on 2 reviewsCommon Concerns
Negative feedback includes remarks about the abundance of mosquitos and gnats, long distances from fishing areas, and unreliable firewood supply.
Based on 2 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Visitors are advised to bring ample bug repellent and consider the need for additional firewood. Checking tide tables is crucial for accessibility.
Based on 2 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Campers often highlight the importance of timing the stay with weather conditions and seasonal activities, such as fishing and wildlife migrations.
Based on 2 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Long way from the river and fishing, mosquitos and gnats were bad, very little firewood." - Dan H. "Great!" - Alfred W.
Based on 2 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
Site-specific feedback includes remarks about site P10 and the surrounding area, noting both challenges and advantages, but no exhaustive details are provided.
Based on 2 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025