Davidof Lake Cabin
01 reviewSITKA RANGER DISTRICT, 2108 HALIBUT POINT RD, SITKA, AK 99835, USA
Davidof Lake Cabin
$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 recreation use fee for the cabin is $45 per night, applicable during both peak (June 01 to September 30) and non-peak (October 01 to December 31) seasons. Reservation fees ($8 online/$9 contact center/$3 in-person) and potential change or cancellation fees may apply.
About this campground
Escape to the pristine wilderness at Davidof Lake Cabin, where an authentic A-frame sanctuary awaits those seeking true solitude in the heart of Tongass National Forest. This remote backcountry retreat, accessible only by the romance of a float plane journey, offers adventurers a chance to disconnect from the modern world and immerse themselves in untouched Alaskan wilderness. Inside the rustic cabin, you'll find a cozy sleeping loft warmed by a crackling wood stove, while outside, your private skiff awaits to carry you across the mirror-like waters of Davidof Lake. With basic amenities including an outhouse, this is wilderness living at its most authentic and rewarding.
Davidof Lake Cabin supports rustic backcountry camping and is ideal for those seeking remote wilderness solitude.
Historical SignificanceWhile the cabin itself stands as a modest testament to human presence in this vast wilderness, the surrounding landscape tells a deeper story of the Tongass National Forest's enduring legacy as America's largest national forest and a place where nature reigns supreme.
Weather and SeasonsExperience Alaska's dynamic seasons at Davidof Lake, where each time of year paints the wilderness in different moods. Summer brings gentle temperatures between 51°F and 56°F, accompanied by the region's characteristic misty rains that keep the forest lush and alive. The frequent cloud cover creates an ethereal atmosphere, with sunbreaks revealing stunning mountain vistas. As autumn arrives, the rainfall intensifies and temperatures drop, transforming the landscape into a moody masterpiece of fog-shrouded peaks and golden foliage. Winter locks the lake in ice, making the cabin inaccessible but preserving this wilderness sanctuary in pristine solitude until spring's thaw.
ElevationPerched at 650 feet above sea level, Davidof Lake offers the perfect vantage point for wilderness exploration. From this comfortable elevation, dramatic peaks soar skyward, climbing to over 2,000 feet where permanent snowfields crown the summits. This elevation gradient creates diverse ecosystems and breathtaking vertical landscapes that frame your wilderness experience.
Natural Features and SceneryNestled along the pristine north shore of Davidof Lake, this cabin serves as your gateway to the untamed South Baranof Wilderness Area. Ancient spruce and hemlock forests carpet the mountainsides, their emerald canopy sheltering abundant blueberry and huckleberry patches that attract the area's most magnificent residents—Alaska's brown bears. The landscape rises dramatically from the lake's glassy surface to towering peaks adorned with perpetual snowfields, creating a natural amphitheater of wilderness grandeur. Each dawn brings new discoveries, from mist-shrouded mornings to wildlife encounters that remind visitors they're guests in one of North America's last great wildernesses.
Geological RegionDeep within the temperate rainforest ecosystem of Tongass National Forest lies your destination in the South Baranof Wilderness Area. This geological wonderland showcases the raw power of tectonic forces that thrust mountains skyward from sea level to snow-capped peaks exceeding 2,000 feet. The ancient spruce and hemlock forests that blanket these slopes have stood for centuries, creating a living cathedral where Davidof Lake rests like a sapphire jewel. This pristine watershed represents millions of years of geological artistry, from glacier-carved valleys to the volcanic legacy that shaped Southeast Alaska's dramatic topography.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are not explicitly mentioned, and the cabin's remote location and rustic design may pose challenges for individuals with mobility issues.
Sites SizeThe size of the cabin is 16x16 feet.
Sites PrivacyThe cabin is located almost one hundred feet inside the forest, providing a secluded camping experience.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesVisitors should bring sleeping bags, fire extinguisher, food, rain gear, boots, and PFDs (personal floating devices). Long-shaft outboard motors recommended for the provided skiff.
Best CampsitesOnly one site available: the 16x16-foot cabin.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in begins at 12:00 PM.
Check-out
Check-out by 12:00 PM.
Stay Limit
Maximum Consecutive Stay: You may stay up to 7 nights during a visit at this campground.
Guests Allowed Per Site
The cabin sleeps up to 8 people.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSingle cabin, 100 feet inside the forest edge with no view of the lake.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from June 1 to December 31. Cabin may be inaccessible from October through June due to frozen lake surface.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityNo walk-up or first-come-first-served availability; reservations required.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations more than 14 days before arrival incur a $10 fee and forfeit reservation fees. Late cancellations (within 14 days) also forfeit the first night’s recreation use fee. No-shows incur a $20 fee and forfeit 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
Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Davidof Lake Cabin offers recreational opportunities that reflect its wilderness setting. "Visitors enjoy picking berries in the surrounding forest, fishing for Dolly Varden from mid-July to September, and hunting deer." Other activities include hiking on the unmaintained 1.2-mile Davidof Lake Trail and landscape photography.
Hiking
The 1.2-mile Davidof Lake Trail is located on the southwest shore of the lake and connects to Plotnikof Lake and Cabin. "Please note that the trail is not maintained or easy to locate."Fishing
Fishing opportunities include Dolly Varden (mid-July to September) and rainbow trout in Davidof Lake.Boating
A skiff with oars is provided for visitors. A long-shaft outboard motor in the range of 2-10 hp is recommended but not provided.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife photography opportunities abound. Brown bears frequent the area.Winter Activities
Winter activities are limited as the cabin is not maintained during winter, and the frozen lake surface may restrict access by float plane.Water Sports
Water sports are limited to the use of the provided skiff (rowboat).Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Visitors should use the provided wood stove for heating. Firewood may be in short supply year-round.
- Quiet hours are No specified quiet hours.
Hazards
General hazardsBrown bears frequent the area, and visitors are advised to be bear-aware. Other hazards include extreme weather conditions and safety risks from the remote location.
Active alertsCabin may be inaccessible due to frozen lake surface from October through June. Visitors are advised to check with the Sitka Ranger District for current conditions.
Weather forecast
62
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Partly cloudy
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 82%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 5 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Partly cloudy
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
Closest emergency services are likely in Sitka, 40 air miles away. Visitors are advised to contact the Sitka Ranger District at 907-747-6671 for assistance.
Good to know
Peak season datesJune 01 to September 30 (Peak Season).
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling services are not available. Visitors must pack out all trash and unused food.
Proximity to water featuresThe cabin is near Davidof Lake, which is 1.2 miles long and half a mile wide. Water is available from the lake but must be treated before consumption.
Common complaintsThere are no user reviews specifically mentioning complaints.
HostNo campground host information provided.
Campground Map
SITKA RANGER DISTRICT, 2108 HALIBUT POINT RD, SITKA, AK 99835, USA
Driving directionsAccessible early June through October. Located 40 air miles southeast of Sitka, east of Whale Bay, within South Baranof Wilderness Area. Access is by float plane only, and takes 35 minutes from Sitka.
The campground can only be accessed by float plane. “Visitors are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring their own amenities.” Floatplanes cannot land from October through June due to frozen lake surface.Nearby places
Sitka is approximately 40 air miles away, accessible by a 35-minute float plane ride.
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies would be available in Sitka, given the remote nature of the campground.
Camper Reviews
0.0
1 reviews
Davidof Lake Cabin has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
No user reviews specifically discuss the Davidof Lake Cabin experience. The available reviews are sparse and do not provide relevant insights.
Review Summaries
Based on 1 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive highlights from authoritative sources include the cabin's remote wilderness setting, wildlife photography opportunities, and backcountry recreational options like fishing and berry picking.
Based on 1 reviewsCommon Concerns
Complaints are not explicitly mentioned in user reviews or official descriptions.
Based on 1 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Plan ahead by bringing all essential items, including safety gear, as the cabin is remote. Treat water from the lake before use and prepare for potential bear encounters.
Based on 1 reviewsSeasonal Insights
No seasonal review trends are available; however, authoritative sources suggest accessibility is best from June to October.
Based on 1 reviewsCamper Quotes
"The cabin is equipped with a wood stove for heating, an axe or splitting maul, table and benches, cooking counter, broom, and outhouse toilet." "Visitors enjoy picking berries in the surrounding...
Based on 1 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site-specific reviews are not available.
Based on 1 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility reviews are not provided.
Based on 1 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pet-related reviews and policies are not mentioned.
Based on 1 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025