Kah Sheets Bay Cabin
03 reviewsPO BOX 1328, PETERSBURG, AK 99833, USA
Kah Sheets 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
Facility rates by season: Peak season (April 29 - September 28): $40/night; Non-peak season (September 29 - December 31): $25/night. Reservation fees are additional ($8 online, $9 contact center, $3 in-person).
About this campground
Nestled in the untamed coastal wilderness of southeastern Alaska, Kah Sheets Bay Cabin beckons adventurers seeking true solitude. This charming single hunter-style cedar log cabin serves as your gateway to a world where pristine waters meet ancient forests, offering unparalleled opportunities for fishing legendary Alaskan waters, tracking game through misty forests, and witnessing wildlife in their natural habitat. Here, the rhythms of tides and seasons dictate daily life, far from the distractions of modern civilization.
Kah Sheets Bay Cabin provides a single hunter-style cedar log cabin for accommodation. It is accessible by boat or float plane, offering a secluded experience.
Historical SignificanceThe very ground beneath your feet whispers stories of generations past. 'Kah Sheets' derives from the Tlingit phrase meaning "by the fisheries," a testament to countless seasons when indigenous peoples harvested the abundant waters that still teem with life today. This living heritage continues as modern visitors cast their lines into the same productive waters that have sustained communities for centuries.
Weather and SeasonsExperience Alaska's dramatic seasonal transformations at Kah Sheets Bay. From April through September, the peak season bathes the landscape in milder temperatures perfect for exploration, while autumn's arrival in October ushers in a more contemplative atmosphere with crisp air and the possibility of delicate snow dustings through December. The ever-changing coastal weather creates a dynamic environment where morning mists give way to brilliant afternoons, and tidal patterns constantly reshape the shoreline.
ElevationPerched at the edge of the tide flats where land meets sea, the cabin offers a unique vantage point of Alaska's vertical diversity. While you'll rest at sea level, nearby Kah Sheets Lake sits peacefully at 100 feet elevation, creating a natural stairway of ecosystems from saltwater shores to freshwater heights, each supporting its own community of flora and fauna.
Natural Features and SceneryAt the southern tip of Kupreanof Island, where Kah Sheets Creek meets the sea, a tapestry of ecosystems unfolds before you. Second-growth forests provide shelter for black bears and Sitka black-tailed deer, while expansive muskegs create perfect habitat for moose. The tide flats transform twice daily, revealing a buffet for migrating birds that arrive in spectacular numbers each spring. From your cabin door, watch grouse flutter through the understory, scan for waterfowl in the shallows, and keep your camera ready for the breathtaking interplay of forest, mountain, and sea that defines this corner of the Inside Passage.
Geological RegionKupreanof Island's southern reaches showcase the raw geological beauty of southeastern Alaska, where ancient tectonic forces created a landscape of dramatic contrasts. The cabin sits within a vast saltwater bay system carved by glaciers and refined by millennia of tides. Surrounding second-growth forests rise from nutrient-rich soils, while flat muskegs preserve the ecological memory of the land in their peaty depths. This dynamic environment, where tide flats stretch toward distant mountains, represents the essence of Alaska's temperate rainforest ecosystem.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe cabin is accessible by boat or float plane. A 2.75-mile trail from Kah Sheets Lake provides additional access, but this trail may be slippery when wet.
Sites SizeThe cabin accommodates up to four people as indicated by the provision of four single wooden bunks.
Sites PrivacyThe cabin provides seclusion and solitude as it is remotely located on Kupreanof Island.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesPlan visits around tides (16-18 ft required for navigation). Bring No. 1 heating oil (1 gallon/day), drinking water, and essentials. Be cautious on wet boardwalks and vigilant about bear safety.
Best CampsitesThe cabin itself is the sole campsite available.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in time not specified.
Check-out
Check-out time not specified.
Stay Limit
- 7consecutive nights per reservation May 1 - Sept. 30
- 10 consecutive nights Oct. 1 - April 30.
Guests Allowed Per Site
No specific guest limit mentioned.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSingle hunter-style cedar log cabin with four wooden bunks, a table, benches, and covered porch.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen April 29 through December 31 annually.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online at Recreation.gov, via mobile app, or through the contact center.
Walk-in AvailabilityNot applicable; reservations are required.
Cancellation PolicyA $10 cancellation fee applies. Late cancellations (less than 14 days for cabins) result in forfeiting the first night's recreation use fee. Modifications and cancellations after arrival date are restricted by rules of the facility.
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
Kah Sheets Bay Cabin offers a variety of recreational activities including hiking, fishing, hunting, wildlife viewing, beachcombing, and bird watching. The area is rich with fish including steelhead, trout, and salmon, and it provides hunting opportunities for bear, grouse, and waterfowl in designated areas. Hiking opportunities include a 2.75-mile trail to Kah Sheets Lake and exploration of old logging roads. User reviews highlight challenges with tides and the importance of timing for successful activities.
Hiking
The hike to Kah Sheets Lake is 2.75 miles on a boardwalk trail, which may become slippery when wet. There are also opportunities to explore old logging roads and trails leading to waterfalls.Fishing
Fishing is excellent for steelhead, trout, and salmon (pink, sockeye, and coho). User reviews mention successful fishing at the lower falls and other rivers northwest of the cabin.Boating
Access to the cabin requires either a boat or float plane, and boating in the area may be challenging due to tide conditions and gravel bars. A minimum tide of 16 feet (up to 18 feet) is required for navigation.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing opportunities include black bears, deer, moose, waterfowl, and grouse. Spring bird migration viewing is highly recommended in the tide flat areas of the bay.Beach activities
Beachcombing is a leisurely activity available in the area.Winter Activities
No winter activities are mentioned.Water Sports
Opportunities for boating but no information on non-motorized water sports like kayaking or canoeing.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- The cabin includes a wood stove and an oil heater (No. 1 heating oil required). Firewood is typically available but not guaranteed.
- Quiet hours not specified.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include wildlife encounters (black bears), slippery boardwalks when wet, and navigation difficulties due to tide reliance. Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP) has been recorded in the region.
Active alertsThe invasive European Green Crab (EGC) has been found in southern Southeast Alaska. Visitors are asked to report sightings.
Weather forecast
70
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Mainly clear
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 62%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 8.4 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 (24 miles away) can be contacted at (907) 772-3871.
Good to know
Peak season datesApril 29 - September 28
Trash and recyclingVisitors are expected to pack out all trash and food. There are no trash or recycling facilities on-site.
Proximity to water featuresNearby Kah Sheets Creek and the saltwater bay offer fishing opportunities for salmon, steelhead, and trout.
Common complaintsSome reviews noted difficulties with navigation due to tides and gravel bars. "Be prepared for black bears at the cabin," noted one reviewer. Issues with the oil stove were also mentioned.
HostManaged by the Petersburg Ranger District, contactable at (907) 772-3871.
Campground Map
PO BOX 1328, PETERSBURG, AK 99833, USA
Driving directionsAccessible by boat or float plane, 24 miles from Petersburg. The cabin may also be reached by hiking the 2.75-mile trail from Kah Sheets Lake, which is accessible by float plane only. Due to changes in Kah Sheets Creek near the cabin, visitors will need at least a 16-foot tide and up to an 18-foot tide to navigate the area in front of the cabin, dependent on conditions. Deposition from the creek has created gravel bars which have made access more difficult. Refer to USGS topographic map Petersburg C4. Maps are available online or by calling the Petersburg Ranger District at (907) 772-3871.
Road access is not available; access is exclusively via boat, float plane, or hiking the 2.75-mile trail from Kah Sheets Lake. Navigation challenges include tide reliance (16-18 ft tides required) and gravel bars caused by creek deposition.Nearby places
Petersburg (24 miles, travel time varies depending on transportation method)
Nearby supplies
Supplies available in Petersburg, the nearest town, located 24 miles away.
Camper Reviews
0.0
3 reviews
Kah Sheets Bay Cabin has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews are generally positive, appreciating the cabin's secluded location and recreational opportunities. Common themes include the importance of understanding tide charts for boat access and preparation for wildlife encounters.
Review Summaries
Based on 3 reviews
What Campers Love
Visitors praised the cabin's functionality, particularly the wood stove, firewood availability, and excellent fishing opportunities for salmon and coho. The cabin's boardwalk trail to Kah Sheets Lake...
Based on 3 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Issues include challenges with boat access due to tide conditions, malfunctioning oil stoves, and slippery boardwalk trails during wet weather.
Based on 3 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Reviewers recommend bringing sufficient supplies, including cleaning items and heating oil. It is crucial to consult tide tables to avoid difficulties in accessing the cabin. Visitors should also...
Based on 3 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Fishing and bird migrations are highly praised in spring, while wet weather can make trails slippery. Winter conditions may be less ideal for recreational activities.
Based on 3 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Had a great time. Stream in front of the cabin was loaded with salmon. Be prepared for black bears at the cabin." - Melissa R
"Came into the cabin at a 10.5 ft tide which was the best we could get....
Based on 3 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
No specific site numbers or detailed reviews of individual sites are available.
Based on 3 reviewsAccessibility Features
The cabin is accessible via boat, float plane, or a hiking trail. Wet conditions make the trail slippery, which may impact accessibility for individuals with mobility challenges.
Based on 3 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No user reviews specifically addressing pet policies or experiences.
Based on 3 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025