Devils Elbow Cabin
02 reviewsPO BOX 1328
Devils Elbow 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
Cabin rental costs $40.00 per night during peak season (April 29 - September 28, 2025) and $25.00 during the non-peak season (September 29 - December 31, 2025). These prices exclude taxes and service fees.
About this campground
Tucked away in the pristine wilderness of southeastern Alaska, Devil's Elbow Cabin beckons adventurers seeking an authentic off-grid experience. This charming A-frame structure sits peacefully back from the coastal waters, accessible only by the adventurous route of boat or float plane. Once you arrive, you'll discover a cozy retreat that sleeps up to seven guests across welcoming bunks and intimate sleeping lofts, making it perfect for families or small groups ready to immerse themselves in Alaska's untamed beauty.
Devil's Elbow Cabin is a single accommodation option geared toward rugged outdoor enthusiasts. The cabin provides shelter but is not equipped with modern conveniences.
Historical SignificanceThe cabin takes its name from the notorious Devil's Elbow—a dramatic, sharp bend in Rocky Pass that has challenged navigators for generations. This area has long captivated rockhounds and geology enthusiasts who come to explore the fascinating formations that tell the story of the Earth's ancient past, making each visit a journey through both natural history and maritime lore.
Weather and SeasonsEach season brings its own magic to Devil's Elbow. Winter transforms the landscape into a snow-laden wonderland, with heavy snowfall creating a pristine white canvas across the wilderness. As spring awakens the region, moderate rainfall nourishes the waterways, drawing steelhead to the streams and creating prime fishing conditions. Summer arrives with gentle, mild weather that's perfect for gliding across calm waters in a kayak or casting a line for the prized coho salmon that return to these ancient waters.
ElevationNull
Natural Features and SceneryStep outside the cabin door and find yourself immersed in a landscape where nature puts on a daily show. Expansive tide flats stretch before you, creating an ever-changing canvas as the tides ebb and flow. This vital waterfowl resting area hosts countless birds on their migratory journeys, filling the air with their calls. Keep your camera ready—curious seals pop their heads above the water, majestic black bears amble along the shoreline, elusive wolves leave their tracks in the sand, and grouse rustle through the underbrush, creating unforgettable wildlife encounters.
Geological RegionPerched on the remote shores of Kuiu Island, the cabin overlooks the legendary Rocky Pass—a natural channel carved between Kuiu and Kupreanof Islands along the scenic Keku Strait. This geological wonderland showcases remarkable rock formations that have been sculpted by millennia of tidal forces, while vast tide flats reveal a hidden world of marine life twice daily, creating an ever-changing landscape that fascinates visitors and scientists alike.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccess requires a boat or float plane, and campers arriving at low tides must hike half a mile over tide flats to reach the cabin. There is no mention of specific features for differently-abled visitors.
Sites SizeThe cabin can accommodate up to seven people.
Sites PrivacyThe cabin is secluded, set back from coastal waters, surrounded by miles of tide flats.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesArrive at high tide for easier access. Bring saws to clear fallen trees on trails.
Best CampsitesNull
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Null
Check-out
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Stay Limit
- Maximum stay of 7 consecutive nights during May 1 - September 30
- 10 consecutive days from October 1 - April 30.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Up to 7 people accommodated at the cabin.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSingle A-frame cabin with bunks, sleeping loft, table, benches, oil stove, and pit toilet.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen season from April 29 to December 31.
Reservation PlatformsReservations available through Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityNull
Cancellation PolicyYou can cancel anytime before the scheduled arrival. Late cancellations for cabins incur a $10 cancellation fee plus forfeiture of the first night's fee if canceled within 14 days of arrival.
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
Fire rings
Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The remote location of Devil's Elbow Cabin offers a variety of recreational activities. Popular activities include kayaking, canoeing, fishing, hunting, and wildlife viewing. Unique to this campground are opportunities for rockhounding and exploring geological features in Rocky Pass.
Hiking
While there are no formal hiking trails, a half-mile hike is required to access the cabin at low tide. User reviews note difficulty navigating the trail due to fallen trees.Fishing
Fishing opportunities include steelhead during April and May and coho salmon in August and September.Boating
Kayaking and canoeing are popular activities due to the cabin's protected location in Rocky Pass. However, boaters must consult tide charts since low tides affect navigation over nearby tide flats.Wildlife viewing
The area is a major waterfowl resting area and home to various wildlife, including grouse, seals, black bears, and wolves.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not specified.Water Sports
Water activities like kayaking and canoeing are supported by the cabin's location.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Firewood should be purchased locally and burned onsite to prevent the spread of invasive pests.
- Quiet hours are Null
Hazards
General hazardsBear sightings are common; guests advised on bear safety. Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning noted in the area.
Active alertsThe invasive European Green Crab has been found in southern Southeast Alaska.
Weather forecast
69
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Mainly clear
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 56%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 8.1 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
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
Petersburg Ranger District at (907) 772-3871; nearest hospital in Petersburg.
Good to know
Peak season datesApril 29, 2025 - September 28, 2025.
Trash and recyclingVisitors are required to pack out all trash and food waste, as no trash facilities are provided.
Proximity to water featuresLocated near tide flats and a creek that is a quarter-mile south of the cabin.
Common complaintsUser reviews mention fallen trees obstructing the trail to the water source and taped loft access requiring removal.
HostNull
Campground Map
PO BOX 1328
Driving directionsAccess is by boat (66 miles from Petersburg or 26 miles from Kake) or float plane (44 miles from Petersburg). A 16-foot tide is required for direct float plane access to the cabin. Arrival at lower tides will require a half-mile walk on the tide flat. Refer to USGS topographic map Petersburg C6. Petersburg D6 may also be helpful.
Accessible only by boat or float plane. A 16-foot tide is required for float plane access; lower tides necessitate a half-mile walk over tide flats.Nearby places
Petersburg (66 miles by boat, 44 miles by float plane), Kake (26 miles by boat)
Nearby supplies
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Camper Reviews
0.0
2 reviews
Devils Elbow Cabin has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews of Devil's Elbow Cabin are generally positive, emphasizing the beautiful setting and unique geological features. Complaints include access challenges due to fallen trees and the need for cleaning supplies. Greg S. noted, 'Access to Water had tree fall over trail and in Spring. Cleared spring but need saw for tree.'
Review Summaries
Based on 2 reviews
What Campers Love
Visitors praise the scenic beauty, wildlife viewing opportunities, and cleanliness of the cabin. Andrea H. shared, 'The cabin was clean and welcoming. Didn’t need oil stove due to warm weather.'
Based on 2 reviewsCommon Concerns
Access to fresh water is hindered by obstacles, and the cabin occasionally requires cleaning upon arrival. Greg S. mentioned, 'Prior visitors taped access to loft shut so had to remove tape.'
Based on 2 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Arrive at high tide to minimize difficulty accessing the cabin. Bring adequate heating oil and cleaning supplies. Andrea H. advised, 'It’s important to come in and go out at a high tide due to the...
Based on 2 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Access and usability of the cabin are affected by seasonal weather and tides. Anglers specifically note steelhead fishing opportunities in spring and coho salmon fishing in late summer.
Based on 2 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'A beautiful setting, although it’s important to come in and go out at a high tide due to the soft, extensive mudflats.' - Andrea H.
2. 'All Good Needed some House Cleaning.' - Greg S.
3. 'Access...
Based on 2 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Reviews for site-specific experiences mention obstacles to accessing fresh water and tidiness issues. Greg S. highlighted, 'Access to Water had tree fall over trail and in Spring.' Andrea H....
Based on 2 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
No reviews specifically address accessibility features for disabled individuals.
Based on 2 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Reviews do not address pet policies or experiences.
Based on 2 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025