Sarkar Lake Cabin
05 reviewsSARKAR LAKE CABIN, P.O. BOX 19001, THORNE BAY, AK 99919, USA
Sarkar Lake Cabin
$25.00 - $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
Peak season rates from May 1 to September 30 are $45 per night for the cabin. Non-peak season rates from October 1 to December 31 are $25 per night. Rates do not include reservation or service fees.
About this campground
Nestled in the Alaskan wilderness, Sarkar Lake Cabin beckons adventurers seeking an authentic backcountry experience. This charming 12x12 foot pre-cut cedar log cabin serves as your gateway to pristine fishing waters, peaceful paddling adventures, and remarkable wildlife encounters. Inside, you'll find rustic comfort with wooden bunkbeds accommodating up to six guests, a sturdy table and benches for evening card games, and a warming wood stove to chase away the chill. The primitive amenities, including an outdoor toilet, ensure you stay connected to the raw beauty of the wilderness while having a dry shelter overhead.
Sarkar Lake Cabin provides a primitive camping experience in a rustic cedar log cabin. It is suitable for single families or small groups of up to six people.
Weather and SeasonsMother Nature rules supreme at Sarkar Lake, where weather patterns shift from gentle summer breezes perfect for casting fishing lines to winter's icy grip that transforms the lake into a frozen wonderland. During the colder months, the lake's surface becomes an impenetrable ice sheet, grounding float planes and creating a more isolated retreat. Summer unveils the cabin's full potential, with mild temperatures inviting endless hours of outdoor exploration, from dawn fishing expeditions to twilight wildlife watching.
Natural Features and SceneryPerched on the shores of pristine Sarkar Lake, the cabin immerses you in a living tapestry of temperate rainforest magic. Ancient trees tower overhead while mysterious muskeg openings create natural meadows teeming with life. Crystal-clear streams weave through the landscape, their gentle babbling providing nature's soundtrack. This untamed paradise hosts an impressive cast of wildlife characters - from majestic Sitka black-tailed deer picking their way through the underbrush to powerful black bears fishing for salmon. Overhead, bald eagles patrol their domain while diverse waterfowl create ripples across the lake's mirror-like surface.
Geological RegionYour wilderness adventure unfolds on Prince of Wales Island, a crown jewel of southeastern Alaska where ancient temperate rainforests reign supreme. This geological wonderland showcases nature's artistry through towering old-growth forests that have stood sentinel for centuries, mysterious muskeg openings that harbor unique plant communities, and a network of pristine lakes and streams carved by time itself. The island's unique position in the Alexander Archipelago creates a remarkable ecosystem where land and sea intertwine, fostering biodiversity found nowhere else on Earth.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility options are not detailed in the source materials.
Sites SizeThe cabin is 12 x 12 feet in size and accommodates up to six guests.
Sites PrivacyThe cabin is located on the secluded shores of Sarkar Lake, surrounded by old-growth forests and muskeg openings.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesBring detailed maps and navigational aids for canoeing. Consider Viking pressed log bricks for the wood stove.
Best CampsitesThe cabin T11 is the sole site and highly rated by users.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
12:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum stay limit is 7 nights during a visit.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Up to 6 guests allowed per cabin.
Groups
Group camping is not available at Sarkar Lake Cabin.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSingle cabin site, remotely located on Sarkar Lake.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen May 1 to December 31. Reservations start on June 20, 2025.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilitySame-day reservations are available for the cabin.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations made 14 days or fewer before the scheduled check-in will incur a $10 cancellation fee plus forfeiture of 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
Firewood available
Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Sarkar Lake Cabin offers a variety of recreational activities including canoeing, fishing, wildlife viewing, bird watching, and hunting. The Sarkar Lakes Canoe Route provides 16 miles of exploration, including three miles of portage. Visitors frequently spot salmon streams, black bears, Sitka black-tailed deer, and waterfowl. The area is suitable for anglers targeting trout and salmon and hunters seeking bear or deer during respective hunting seasons.
Fishing
Fishing is a popular activity at Sarkar Lake, with opportunities to catch trout and salmon. The Sarkar Rapids are particularly active with sockeye salmon during July, attracting black bears and harbor seals.Boating
Boating is widely practiced, with the Sarkar Lakes Canoe Route offering serene exploration. An aluminum skiff with oars is available at the boat launch, and visitors may bring a long shaft motor for the boat. A marine chart is recommended due to numerous rocks in the lake.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is abundant, with opportunities to see black bears, Sitka black-tailed deer, bald eagles, and a variety of waterfowl.Winter Activities
Winter activities are impacted by seasonal accessibility challenges, such as frozen lake surfaces restricting float plane access.Water Sports
Canoeing is the primary water sport, with the 16-mile Sarkar Lakes Canoe Route offering serene exploration.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Portable stoves are recommended. Firewood is sometimes available but not guaranteed.
Hazards
General hazardsNavigating the lake requires caution due to maze-like islands and rocks. Wildlife encounters, including black bears, are possible.
Active alertsFrozen lake surfaces can restrict access during fall, winter, and early spring. Inclement weather may cause trip extensions.
Weather forecast
56
°F
Aug 24
Sunday
Foggy
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 98%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 1.8 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Foggy
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
Thorne Bay Ranger District offers safety guidance and can be contacted at 907-828-3304. Additional emergency services in Thorne Bay or Craig.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 1 to September 30, 2025
Trash and recyclingGuests must pack out all garbage and food as no trash or recycling facilities are provided.
Proximity to water featuresLocated directly on Sarkar Lake with a nearby canoe route.
Common complaintsNavigational challenges in reaching the cabin and potential lack of firewood.
HostManaged by Thorne Bay Ranger District. Contactable at 907-828-3304.
Campground Map
SARKAR LAKE CABIN, P.O. BOX 19001, THORNE BAY, AK 99919, USA
Driving directionsSarkar Lake Cabin is accessible either by vehicle and then boating in or by float plane. The Sarkar Cabin boat launch is located on Forest Road 20 about 40 miles from Craig. From Craig, head north on State Highway 929 to Control Lake Junction. From Control Lake Junction, travel Forest Service Road 20 for 40 miles to Sarkar Lake. The cabin is approximately 2 miles from the parking area by boat. The 2-mile paddle to Sarkar Cabin winds around several islands. Visitors should bring a good map of the lake system due to navigational challenges. The USGS map Craig D-4 is recommended.
The cabin is accessible by vehicle and boat or by float plane. Inclement weather and frozen lake surfaces in winter may restrict access. The drive to the boat launch involves 40 miles of travel on Forest Service Road 20 from Craig.Nearby places
Craig (40 miles by vehicle), Ketchikan (76 air miles), Thorne Bay (53 air miles)
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies, including groceries and camping gear, available in Craig, approximately 40 miles from the boat launch.
Camper Reviews
0.0
5 reviews
Sarkar Lake Cabin has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviewers commonly praise the serene location, well-maintained cabin facilities, and the provision of firewood. The area is described as peaceful, beautiful, and simple, ideal for a rustic getaway.
Review Summaries
Based on 5 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive highlights include the availability of firewood, clean cabin conditions, excellent canoe route signage, and the beautiful surroundings. Guests also appreciated the efforts of previous...
Based on 5 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Complaints are minimal, with occasional mentions of wear on portages along the canoe route. Accessibility challenges due to seasonal weather are noted.
Based on 5 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Guests recommend bringing water or a water filtering pump and using Viking pressed log bricks for the wood stove. A detailed marine chart is suggested due to navigational challenges on the lake.
Based on 5 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Summer and early fall receive the highest praise, with guests appreciating the abundance of wildlife and ideal conditions for canoeing and fishing. Winter access is difficult due to snow and ice...
Based on 5 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. 'Always a peaceful place to stay. Nice supply of firewood on hand too!' - SEAN T (2021)
2. 'Terrific location. Simple and cozy cabin. Viking pressed log bricks work great in the wood stove.' -...
Based on 5 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Reviewers praised campsite T11 in Loop Sarkar Lake Cabin, highlighting its cleanliness and maintenance. The cabin's firewood supply and functional fire extinguisher were appreciated.
Based on 5 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility for disabled individuals is not detailed in the reviews or authoritative sources.
Based on 5 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pet policies and experiences are not mentioned in the source materials or user reviews.
Based on 5 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025