Spurt Cove Cabin
01 reviewPO BOX 1328, Petersburg, AK 99833, USA
Spurt Cove 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 are $40 per night during peak season (April 29 - September 28) and $25 per night during non-peak season (September 29 - December 31). No discounts for Alaska cabin rentals with Golden Age and Golden Passports. Reservation service fees include $8 for online bookings, $9 through the contact center, and $3 for in-person bookings.
About this campground
Nestled in a secluded cove along the dramatic shores of Thomas Bay, Spurt Cove Cabin offers adventurers an authentic Alaskan wilderness retreat. This rustic haven, accessible only by boat or float plane, provides the perfect launching point for unforgettable explorations through one of Southeast Alaska's most captivating landscapes. Inside, you'll find comfortable wooden bunks awaiting tired explorers, a sturdy table for sharing stories and meals, and both oil heating and a traditional wood stove to ward off the coastal chill. Basic amenities include benches for gear storage and an outdoor pit toilet, keeping you connected to the raw beauty of your surroundings.
Spurt Cove Cabin is designed as a rustic, remote accommodation option ideal for wilderness exploration in southeast Alaska.
Historical SignificanceYour stay places you within the legendary Tongass National Forest, a living testament to America's natural heritage as the nation's largest national forest. This vast wilderness has shaped the lives and cultures of Southeast Alaska for millennia, preserving an extraordinary tapestry of ecological diversity that continues to inspire visitors from around the globe. Here, ancient forests meet the sea in a timeless dance that has captivated explorers, naturalists, and adventure seekers for generations.
Weather and SeasonsThomas Bay's weather paints an ever-changing canvas throughout the year, offering visitors dramatically different experiences with each season. June emerges as the golden month, when crystal-clear skies reveal breathtaking vistas and the notorious Alaskan bugs take a welcome hiatus. As winter descends, the landscape transforms into a snow-laden wonderland, with heavy snowfall and dynamic precipitation patterns creating a pristine white wilderness that challenges and rewards the hardiest souls.
Natural Features and ScenerySurrounded by the emerald embrace of the Tongass National Forest, Spurt Cove Cabin sits at the intersection of gentle coastal slopes and dramatic steep bluffs that plunge toward the sea. Fascinating rock formations carved by millennia of wind and water create natural sculptures that frame your wilderness experience. This pristine ecosystem serves as home to magnificent wildlife – from majestic moose browsing the forest understory to pods of orca whales and playful porpoises dancing in the bay's waters. Hidden ponds nearby teem with trout, offering anglers the chance to cast their lines in waters rarely disturbed by human presence.
Geological RegionPositioned within the vast expanse of Southeast Alaska's Tongass National Forest – America's largest national forest – the cabin occupies a fascinating geological crossroads. The landscape tells an ancient story through its varied terrain, where gently sloping coastal areas give way to imposing steep bluffs. Unique rock formations throughout the area serve as natural monuments to the powerful forces that have shaped this corner of Alaska, creating a dramatic backdrop that changes with every shift of light and weather.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe cabin's remote location and access by boat or float plane only may limit accessibility for individuals with disabilities.
Sites SizeThe cabin accommodates up to four people and features two wooden bunks.
Sites PrivacyThe cabin is isolated in a remote cove, offering high privacy and seclusion.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesBring sufficient heating oil (approximately one gallon per day) and potable water. The trailhead to Spurt Lake requires a boat to access.
Best CampsitesSingle cabin at Spurt Cove.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in starts at 14:00 (2 PM) local time.
Check-out
Check-out is at 12:00 noon.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay is 7 consecutive nights between May 1 - September 30, and 10 consecutive nights between October 1 - April 30.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Up to 4 guests can stay in the cabin.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSingle cabin with nearby access to trails, cove, and water features.
Open and Closed SeasonThe cabin is open from April 29 to December 31 each year.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityReservations are required and can be made up to 180 days in advance. Walk-up availability is not specified.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled any time before the date of arrival, with a $10 cancellation fee. Late cancellations (less than 14 days before arrival) also forfeit the first night's recreation use fee. Same-day modifications are not allowed unless supported by 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
Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Spurt Cove Cabin provides access to a variety of recreational activities in the Thomas Bay area. Popular activities include fishing, kayaking, wildlife viewing, and hiking, along with scenic exploration of glaciers and mountain ranges.
Hiking
A moderately difficult 1.1-mile trail to Spurt Lake starts a quarter-mile northeast of the cabin, marked by red and white diamond stakes. Guests need a boat to access the trailhead.Fishing
Halibut and king salmon fishing are available in the bay, while trout can be found in the beaver ponds near the cabin. However, one user review notes, 'Found no fish in the Beaver Dam lake in back of cabin.'Boating
Kayaking is popular in the protected waters of Thomas Bay, and the area offers numerous options for boating and exploring nearby glaciers, coves, and mountain ranges.Wildlife viewing
Orca whales and porpoises are often seen in the area. User reviews also mention, 'Lots of Moose sign' near the cabin.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not detailed, but the remote location and extreme conditions might limit usability in winter months.Water Sports
Kayaking is explicitly mentioned as a favored activity in the protected waters of Thomas Bay.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Guests may use the wood stove for cooking but must clean out any ash before leaving.
- Quiet hours are Not specified.
Hazards
General hazardsBear sightings are possible. Water conditions may include poor visibility at high tide. Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP) has been recorded in the area.
Active alertsVisitors should be aware of high PSP levels and invasive European Green Crab sightings in the region.
Weather forecast
69
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Partly cloudy
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 70%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 4.5 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Partly cloudy
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
The Petersburg Ranger District is the nearest point of emergency contact. For specific services like hospitals or police, Petersburg would be the base city.
Good to know
Peak season datesApril 29 - September 28
Trash and recyclingGuests are required to pack out all garbage and food. No recycling facilities are mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresLocated near Spurt Cove, with access to Thomas Bay and nearby streams and beaver ponds.
Common complaintsLimited availability of amenities and potential delays in float plane travel due to poor weather.
HostContact the Petersburg Ranger District for any issues with cabin supplies or condition.
Campground Map
PO BOX 1328, Petersburg, AK 99833, USA
Driving directionsThe cabin is accessible by boat or float plane only. It is approximately 18 miles by boat or 16 miles by plane from Petersburg. The cabin is accessible at any tide, but care should be taken when entering the cove at high tide because boats can go dry quickly. Some float plane operators may avoid entering the cove due to poor visibility through the water at certain tides. It's recommended to check current conditions before the trip and refer to the USGS topographic map Sumdum A3.
Accessible only by boat or float plane; no road access. The journey requires careful planning due to tidal conditions and visibility issues.Nearby places
Petersburg (18 miles by boat, 16 miles by plane)
Nearby supplies
Supplies for water treatment, heating oil, and other necessities can be obtained in Petersburg, the nearest city.
Camper Reviews
0.0
1 reviews
Spurt Cove Cabin has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Spurt Cove Cabin highlight its remote beauty and access to exceptional wilderness activities like glacier exploration and wildlife observation.
Review Summaries
Based on 1 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive reviews emphasize the cabin's scenic location, opportunities for exploring glaciers and coves, and sightings of wildlife such as moose and orca whales.
Based on 1 reviewsCommon Concerns
One user noted the lack of fish in the beaver dam lake behind the cabin.
Based on 1 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Guests should bring sufficient kerosene for the oil heater, as it consumes about one gallon per day. Additionally, water from natural sources must be treated before consumption.
Based on 1 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Reviews suggest that June is an ideal time to visit, with great weather and no bugs. Seasons with less favorable weather might pose challenges due to the remote location.
Based on 1 reviewsCamper Quotes
User JAMES C states: 'We had great weather (middle of June), no bugs and a great time. Explored Thomas Bay, Got near Baird Glacier, and saw Scenery Cove. Found no fish in the Beaver Dam lake in back...
Based on 1 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
There is a specific mention of campsite P24 in Area Spurt Cove Cabin, Loop AREA SPURT COVE CABIN, rated 5 stars by a user who enjoyed the experience.
Based on 1 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility features are not reviewed in user comments.
Based on 1 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews mention experiences with pets or pet policies.
Based on 1 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025