Italio River Cabin
02 reviewsP.O. BOX 327, TONGASS/YAKUTAT, AK 99689, USA
Italio River Cabin
$35.00 - $50.00 / 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
Rates vary by season: $35 per night during non-peak season (January 1 - July 14, November 1 - December 31) and $50 per night during peak season (July 15 - October 31).
About this campground
Nestled on the west bank of Hooligan Creek, where pristine waters meet the Gulf of Alaska, Italio River Cabin stands as a weathered A-frame sanctuary for the adventurous soul. This remote retreat beckons those seeking authentic wilderness experiences, whether casting lines into teeming waters or tracking game through untamed landscapes. Accessible only by wheeled plane, this year-round haven rewards the self-reliant traveler with unparalleled solitude and raw natural beauty that few will ever witness.
Italio River Cabin offers cabin lodging with basic facilities and no modern conveniences. Visitors must bring their own supplies, including water and heating oil.
Weather and SeasonsMother Nature reigns supreme in this corner of Alaska, painting the landscape with dramatic brushstrokes of weather. Heavy rains transform the land into a water world, while winter blankets everything in pristine snow. The Gulf's moods shift with the tides, bringing both fury and calm. Wise visitors check tide charts religiously and pack rain gear as faithfully as they pack dreams of adventure. Between storms, the sky occasionally parts to reveal crystalline days that make every challenge worthwhile.
ElevationSet upon the coastal plain where land meets sea, the cabin rests on terrain that dances with the tides. This low-lying landscape tells stories of flood and ebb, creating an ever-changing canvas that keeps visitors attuned to nature's rhythms.
Natural Features and SceneryHere, where cottonwoods stand sentinel over a tapestry of willow and alder thickets, the wild Gulf of Alaska coastline unfolds in all its untamed glory. The tidal flats stretch endlessly, transforming from muddy expanses to glittering waterways with each tide cycle. Magnificent moose browse through the brush while brown bears patrol their ancient territories. Overhead, bald eagles soar alongside ravens and gulls, their calls echoing across this pristine wilderness where every view frames another masterpiece of coastal Alaska.
Geological RegionThis remarkable landscape exists where the continent surrenders to the sea, creating a dynamic ecosystem of tidal flats and coastal wetlands. The terrain, sculpted by centuries of tides and storms, supports a lush understory of willow and alder thickets punctuated by stately cottonwoods. During high tides and storm surges, the Gulf of Alaska reclaims these lowlands, transforming solid ground into temporary seas—a powerful reminder of nature's eternal dance between land and water in this remote corner of the Last Frontier.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features mentioned in the official sources or user reviews.
Sites SizeThe cabin measures 14x20 ft., with space for six people.
Sites PrivacyThe campground is located in a remote area, offering a high level of privacy. Vegetation around the site includes brush, willow, alder thickets, and cottonwoods.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesCabin can accommodate families, as noted by user review: 'Roomy if you bring kids bc they have a loft area for them to sleep.' Ensure preparedness for wet terrain and bear activity.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Maximum consecutive stay limit: 10 nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Cabin accommodates up to six people.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSingle cabin with amenities including an outhouse, picnic table, campfire ring, and meat shed.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen season: January 1 - December 31, reservable dates starting June 20, 2025.
Reservation PlatformsRecreation.gov website
Walk-in AvailabilityInformation not explicitly stated; appears to be a reservable-only facility.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled any time before the check-in date, with a $10 cancellation fee and forfeiture of the first night's recreation use fee for late cancellations (less than 14 days before arrival for cabins). Refund policies vary by location.
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
Picnic tables
Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Italio River Cabin provides a variety of outdoor activities, primarily focused on hunting, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The nearby river systems are excellent for fishing, offering rainbow trout, Dolly Varden, steelhead, sockeye, pink, king, and coho salmon. Moose hunting is described as "good to excellent." The area also supports large populations of brown bears and moose, along with bird species such as bald eagles, ravens, and gulls.
Fishing
Fishing in the Old Italio, New Italio, and Akwe River systems is exceptional, with species including rainbow trout, Dolly Varden, steelhead, and various types of salmon (sockeye, pink, king, and coho).Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing opportunities are abundant, with large populations of moose and brown bears in the area. Bird species include bald eagles, ravens, and gulls.Winter Activities
No winter-specific activities mentioned, though the area is open year-round.Water Sports
No information provided regarding non-motorized water sports like kayaking or paddleboarding.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- A campfire ring is provided; fire safety required. Visitors must bring their own fire starter.
Hazards
General hazardsFlooding during extreme high tides and heavy rain; large populations of brown bears require bear awareness and safety.
Weather forecast
62
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Slight rain showers
Precipitation: 0.4%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 84%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 5.3 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Very Light Rain - (0.40% chance)
Slight drizzle possible
Slight rain showers
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 located in Yakutat, approximately 30 miles away. Visitors should plan for self-reliance due to the remote location.
Good to know
Peak season datesPeak season: July 15 - October 31.
Trash and recyclingVisitors are expected to pack out all trash and clean the cabin before leaving. No recycling facilities are mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresLocated near Hooligan Creek and a half-mile from Old Italio River and Gulf of Alaska.
Common complaintsUser reviews suggest wet conditions and the need for preparation, e.g. 'Bring a raincoat!'
Campground Map
P.O. BOX 327, TONGASS/YAKUTAT, AK 99689, USA
Driving directionsLocated 30 miles SE of Yakutat, the cabin is on the west bank of Hooligan Creek, approximately half a mile from the Old Italio River. Access is by wheeled plane on a tidal flat airstrip. The 1,600x100-ft airstrip may flood at extreme high tides or after heavy rains. Visitors are advised to consult tide charts in advance.
Access is by wheeled plane to a tidal flat airstrip. The airstrip is prone to flooding during extreme high tides or heavy rain, potentially making access challenging and weather-dependent.Nearby places
Yakutat - 30 miles SE
Nearby supplies
The nearest supplies are in Yakutat, 30 miles away. Visitors must bring all provisions, including drinking water, food, and heating oil.
Camper Reviews
0.0
2 reviews
Italio River Cabin has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews suggest that this campground is well-suited for families due to the spacious loft area in the cabin. The remote location is appreciated, though visitors advise bringing adequate preparation for weather conditions.
Review Summaries
Based on 2 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive aspects include the spaciousness of the cabin and loft area, suitability for families, and the excellent fishing opportunities.
Based on 2 reviewsCommon Concerns
Common concerns include the lack of potable water and the need for visitors to bring their own heating oil. Accessibility issues due to flooding at the airstrip during high tide or heavy rains are...
Based on 2 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Tips from users include bringing a raincoat due to wet conditions, as noted by Andrius K: "Bring a raincoat!" Additionally, visitors are advised to consult tide charts before planning access to the...
Based on 2 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Winter months are characterized by heavy snow, as shown in weather data, making travel challenging. Summer months offer better access and usability of the cabin, especially during peak fishing season.
Based on 2 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Great spot, roomy if you bring kids bc they have a loft area for them to sleep." - Christie S. "Bring a raincoat!" - Andrius K.
Based on 2 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
Specific feedback for the site includes positive sentiments about the loft area (Site Y11 in Loop Italio River Cabin).
Based on 2 reviewsAccessibility Features
No accessibility reviews or features mentioned.
Based on 2 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No information available regarding pet policies or pet-related experiences.
Based on 2 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025