Southeast Heckman Cabin
01 review3031 TONGASS AVE.
Southeast Heckman Cabin
$60.00 - $75.00 / 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 vary by season: $75 per night during the peak season (May 1 - September 30) and $60 per night during non-peak season (October 1 - December 31).
About this campground
Tucked away on the pristine southeast shore of Heckman Lake, this remote cabin offers an authentic Alaskan wilderness experience deep within the Naha Recreation Area. Here, where the Tongass National Forest reveals its untamed splendor, visitors find themselves immersed in a landscape where ancient forests meet crystal-clear waters, and wildlife roams freely through one of the last great temperate rainforests on Earth.
Southeast Heckman Cabin is a primitive cabin offering essential amenities for an 8-person capacity. It is designed for visitors seeking a rugged and remote experience.
Weather and SeasonsMother Nature writes her own rules in this corner of Alaska, painting each season with dramatic brushstrokes. Winter wraps the landscape in snow and ice, while spring slowly awakens the forest with persistent rain showers. Summer transforms the wilderness into a verdant paradise, blessed with nearly endless daylight that stretches well into the evening hours. Fall arrives with a symphony of rain on the cabin roof, reminding visitors to pack layers and waterproof gear for any adventure.
ElevationPerched gracefully on sloped terrain that cascades down to meet the shimmering waters of Heckman Lake, the cabin sits at a gentle elevation that offers both accessibility and stunning vantage points of the surrounding wilderness.
Natural Features and SceneryFrom your cabin doorstep, gaze across the mirror-like surface of Heckman Lake, where morning mist dances between towering Sitka spruce and western hemlock trees that have stood sentinel for centuries. The dramatic slopes surrounding the cabin create a natural amphitheater of green, while the old-growth forest provides a living cathedral where Sitka black-tailed deer pick their way through the understory, black bears fish for salmon, and the occasional wolf's call echoes through the valleys. Beaver, marten, and mink complete this wilderness tapestry, reminding visitors that they are guests in a thriving ecosystem.
Geological RegionThe cabin rests within the remarkable Naha Recreation Area, a jewel of the vast Tongass National Forest where ancient geological forces have sculpted a landscape of stunning contrasts. Here, sloped terrain plunges toward Heckman Lake while centuries-old Sitka spruce and western hemlock create a temperate rainforest ecosystem found nowhere else on Earth, their massive trunks testament to the region's incredible natural abundance.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe cabin is designed to be barrier-free, with accessible boardwalks connecting the dock, cabin, and outhouse. The boardwalk has inclines between 5-15%.
Sites SizeThe cabin measures 16x22 ft.
Sites PrivacyThe cabin sits in a clearing overlooking Heckman Lake, offering scenic views and privacy due to its remote location and surrounding old-growth Sitka spruce and western hemlock forest.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesThe cabin accommodates up to 8 people comfortably with adequate amenities such as a wood stove, bunk beds, and a cooking counter. Accessible boardwalks connect the dock, cabin, and outhouse.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in times are flexible as the cabin requires float-plane access.
Check-out
Check-out times are flexible as the cabin requires float-plane access.
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 7 nights during a visit at this campground.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Accommodates 8 people.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe cabin is connected by accessible boardwalks to the dock and outhouse, with inclines of 5-15 percent.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round but seasonal limitations apply due to weather, particularly during frozen lake periods (fall, winter, early spring).
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityNot applicable as float plane access and advanced reservations are required.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations made more than 14 days before arrival incur a $10 fee and forfeiture of the first night's fees. For cancellations within 14 days, no refund is provided. For late cancellations and no-show reservations, fees apply as outlined in the policies provided.
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
Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The Southeast Heckman Cabin offers recreational opportunities such as fishing, boating, wildlife viewing, and camping. Its location within the Naha Recreation Area provides access to the Naha River, renowned for steelhead and salmon runs, as well as resident trout and Dolly Varden.
Fishing
Fishing is a popular activity at this cabin, especially at the Naha River, noted for steelhead and salmon runs, resident trout, and Dolly Varden. Guests are encouraged to consult the Alaska Department of Fish and Game website for permits and seasonal information.Boating
Guests have access to a 14-foot aluminum skiff with oars provided by the facility. A short-shaft motor can be used with the skiff, though it is not provided. Guests must bring their own life jackets.Wildlife viewing
The area around Heckman Lake is home to wildlife such as Sitka black-tailed deer, black bears, martens, minks, beavers, and wolves. Birdwatching is also possible, with a variety of species frequenting the area.Winter Activities
Winter accessibility may be limited due to frozen lake surfaces, preventing float planes from landing. Guests should contact the Ketchikan-Misty Fjords Ranger District for updates.Water Sports
Boating is the primary water activity, facilitated by the provided skiff, though guests must bring their own life jackets and may use a short-shaft motor with the boat.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Wood stove provided for heating; visitors must bring their own firewood.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential dangers include encounters with black bears and other wildlife, slippery terrain, and extreme weather conditions.
Weather forecast
71
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 62%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 5.4 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
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 can be accessed in Ketchikan, which is approximately 15 miles away. Contact the Ketchikan-Misty Fjords Ranger District for more information.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 01, 2025 - September 30, 2025.
Trash and recyclingVisitors are required to pack out all trash, gear, and food. No recycling facilities are present.
Proximity to water featuresAdjacent to Heckman Lake and a short distance from the Naha River, which is known for steelhead and salmon runs.
Common complaints"The dock was winter damaged... Hopefully the USFS will make some repairs and restock the woodshed before autumn." (User review).
Campground Map
3031 TONGASS AVE.
Driving directionsAccess to the cabin is by float plane. The cabin is approximately 15 miles from Ketchikan within the Naha Recreation Area. Cabin is located on the southeast shore of Heckman Lake about a half mile across from the inlet of the Naha River. Refer to USGS map Ketchikan C-5. In fall, winter, and early spring, the cabin may be inaccessible due to frozen lake surface (float planes cannot land). Please contact the Ketchikan-Misty Fjords Ranger District for information prior to making reservations during these periods.
The campground is only accessible via float plane, making it remote and inaccessible by road. Seasonal conditions may prevent float plane landings during frozen lake surface periods (fall, winter, early spring).Nearby places
Ketchikan (approximately 15 miles away).
Nearby supplies
Supplies are available in Ketchikan, approximately 15 miles away. Visitors must plan ahead due to the remote nature of the cabin.
Camper Reviews
0.0
1 reviews
Southeast Heckman Cabin has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User sentiment highlights the Southeast Heckman Cabin as a favorite for those seeking fly-in wilderness experiences. However, the facilities, such as the dock and woodshed, have been mentioned to require maintenance.
Review Summaries
Based on 1 reviews
What Campers Love
The cabin's scenic location overlooking Heckman Lake and the inclusion of dry wood near the stove were praised. Wildlife sightings and fishing opportunities also add to the appeal.
Based on 1 reviewsCommon Concerns
Some reviews pointed out issues such as a damaged dock and poorly stocked woodshed. Additionally, leftover food items from previous guests were noted as becoming moldy.
Based on 1 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Guests are recommended to pack out trash and bring all necessary gear, including firewood and life jackets if using the skiff. Checking with the Ketchikan-Misty Fjords Ranger District about...
Based on 1 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Access to the cabin is dependent on lake conditions, particularly in winter when it may be inaccessible due to frozen surfaces.
Based on 1 reviewsCamper Quotes
"The dock was winter damaged. Worked OK to secure and unload our aircraft, but no longer accessible by ramp." "There was a nice stack of dry wood by the stove. The woodshed didn’t have a lot of wood...
Based on 1 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Review for campsite K04 describes the cabin in good condition but emphasizes the need for repairs to the dock and restocking the woodshed.
Based on 1 reviewsAccessibility Features
The cabin is noted for its accessible boardwalks connecting the dock, cabin, and outhouse, though visitors with disabilities may find challenges due to its remote nature.
Based on 1 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025