Swan Lake Cabin Petersburg
03 reviewsPO BOX 1328, PETERSBURG, AK 99833, USA
Swan Lake Cabin Petersburg
$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
Facility rates vary by season: $50 per night during peak season (April 29 - September 28) and $35 per night during non-peak season (September 29 - December 31). Additional reservation fees apply.
About this campground
Perched on the pristine southeast shore of Swan Lake, this secluded A-frame cabin offers an extraordinary escape into Alaska's untamed wilderness. Hidden deep within the Tongass National Forest, this remote sanctuary can only be reached by float plane or helicopter, making every arrival feel like the beginning of an epic adventure. Here, surrounded by towering peaks and crystal-clear waters, visitors discover a world where hiking trails lead to breathtaking vistas, fishing lines dance in pristine waters teeming with rainbow trout, and wildlife roams freely through their natural habitat.
Swan Lake Cabin offers cabin-style lodging in a remote and wild area. No tent or RV camping options are mentioned.
Weather and SeasonsThe weather at Swan Lake Cabin dances between dramatic moods, shaped by the whims of seasonal freezes and mountain microclimates. Summer unveils the cabin's full glory from June through August, when warmer temperatures melt away winter's grip and transform the landscape into an accessible paradise. During these precious months, clear skies reveal stunning mountain vistas, wildflowers burst into bloom, and the lake sparkles invitingly for paddlers and anglers alike.
ElevationAt 1,524 feet above sea level, the cabin rests in a natural amphitheater of soaring alpine peaks and rugged mountain terrain. This elevated perch places visitors in the heart of Alaska's high country, where the air grows crisp and clear, and every breath feels like pure mountain medicine.
Natural Features and SceneryFrom its stunning vantage point at 1,524 feet, Swan Lake Cabin gazes out at a landscape that seems painted by nature's finest brush. The majestic peaks of the Cosmos Range rise like ancient sentinels around the sapphire waters of Swan Lake, their slopes adorned with vibrant carpets of alpine wildflowers in summer. Mountain goats traverse the rocky crags with sure-footed grace, while rainbow trout create ripples across the lake's mirror-like surface. This is a place where wilderness reigns supreme, offering visitors front-row seats to one of Alaska's most spectacular natural theaters.
Geological RegionNestled within the vast expanse of the Tongass National Forest—the largest national forest in the United States—Swan Lake Cabin sits at the heart of a geological wonderland. The dramatic peaks of the Cosmos Range thrust skyward around the alpine lake, their ancient granite faces telling stories of millennia past. In summer, these stern mountains soften their appearance with meadows of alpine wildflowers that paint the landscape in brilliant splashes of color, creating a stunning contrast against the deep blue waters of Swan Lake below.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are not specified.
Sites SizeThe cabin accommodates up to seven people.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy levels were not mentioned explicitly.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesGuests should bring kerosene or No. 1 heating oil for the clean-burning oil heater and enough food for extended stays due to potential travel delays.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in begins at 2 PM.
Check-out
Check-out is at noon.
Stay Limit
- 7nights per reservation between May 1 and September 30
- 10 nights between October 1 and April 30.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Up to 7 guests per cabin.
Groups
Group camping sites are not mentioned.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSingle A-frame cabin with adjacent outhouse and access to Swan Lake.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round; access restricted due to frozen lake from November through early June.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov up to 180 days in advance.
Walk-in AvailabilityReservations required; no walk-up availability due to remote access.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled anytime before the scheduled arrival. A $10 cancellation fee applies. Late cancellations for cabins incur forfeiture of the first night's fee if canceled less than 14 days before arrival.
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
Swan Lake Cabin offers diverse recreational opportunities including hiking, fishing, boating, rock climbing, and wildlife viewing. Popular activities include exploring the Cascade Creek Trail and fishing for rainbow trout in Swan Lake. Guests can use two rowboats provided at the cabin (life jackets must be self-supplied). "A genuinely unforgettable experience. A luxury palace in the middle of nowhere," noted one reviewer.
Hiking
Cascade Creek Trail offers hiking opportunities starting near the west end of Swan Lake. The trail leads to Falls Lake, a three-sided shelter about a mile away, and terminates at Cascade Creek Cabin five miles out in Thomas Bay.Climbing
Climbing opportunities may be available in nearby natural areas such as rocky outcrops, boulders, or cliff faces. Visitors should bring appropriate gear and check local regulations or park guidelines before attempting any climbs.Fishing
Fishing is available in Swan Lake, with rainbow trout being the primary species. Guests should bring their own fishing equipment.Boating
Two rowboats with oars are available at the cabin for guests. Guests may also bring a small outboard motor for boating activities.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is popular, including mountain goats on steep talus slopes and a variety of other local wildlife.Winter Activities
Guests can expect glacier climbing and ice climbing conditions during the appropriate seasons.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as rowing are possible using the rowboats provided at the cabin.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Firewood is supplied for cabin heating only; outdoor campfires require collected dead wood.
Hazards
General hazardsBear activity is common; guests must follow bear safety protocols. Poor weather conditions like fog and high winds can delay travel. Frozen lake surface limits access during winter.
Active alertsPotential travel delays due to fog and high winds. Inaccessibility during frozen lake periods from November through early June.
Weather forecast
66
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Partly cloudy
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 63%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 2 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
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
Contact Petersburg Ranger District at 907-772-3871 for emergency assistance. Closest city for full emergency services is Petersburg, AK.
Good to know
Peak season datesApril 29 - September 28.
Trash and recyclingAll garbage and food must be packed out by visitors.
Proximity to water featuresLocated directly on Swan Lake, providing fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Campground Map
PO BOX 1328, PETERSBURG, AK 99833, USA
Driving directionsThe cabin is accessible only by float plane or helicopter, 18 miles from Petersburg. Refer to USGS topographic map Sumdum A3. Sumdum A2 may also be useful.
Accessible only via float plane or helicopter; the lake is frozen from November to early June, further restricting access.Nearby places
Petersburg (18 miles, accessible via float plane or helicopter).
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies available in Petersburg, AK, 18 miles away. Guests must bring all amenities as the cabin is remote and lacks provisions.
Camper Reviews
0.0
3 reviews
Swan Lake Cabin Petersburg has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews highlight Swan Lake Cabin as a serene and picturesque destination. Guests praise the breathtaking views, comfortable accommodations, and the array of recreational activities.
Review Summaries
Based on 3 reviews
What Campers Love
Many reviewers described the cabin as "simply amazing" and "a luxury palace in the middle of nowhere." Guests were impressed by the view, hiking opportunities, and the rowboats provided.
Based on 3 reviewsCommon Concerns
No complaints were noted in the reviews provided.
Based on 3 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Reviewers recommend bringing comfortable mattresses, camp chairs, and essential gear such as life jackets and heating oil.
Based on 3 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Positive experiences were noted across multiple seasons. Winter access is challenging due to frozen lake surfaces.
Based on 3 reviewsCamper Quotes
"A genuinely unforgettable experience. A luxury palace in the middle of nowhere," "Loved our weekend at Swan!!" "The view from the cabin is out of this world," and "Even the view from the outhouse...
Based on 3 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site-specific details such as campsite number P16 were mentioned but primarily describe the cabin experience.
Based on 3 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility features were not addressed in the reviews.
Based on 3 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No specific mentions of pet policies or pet-friendly features were found in the reviews.
Based on 3 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025