Young Lake (South) Cabin
03 reviewsADMIRALITY NATIONAL MONUMENT, JUNEAU, AK, USA
Young Lake (South) Cabin
$35.00 - $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 (May 1–Sept 30): $45/night for non-electric cabin; Non-peak season rates (Oct 1–Dec 31): $35/night. Recreational use fees are required. Additional reservation fees ($8 online, $9 via contact center, $3 in-person) apply. Late cancellation incurs a $10 fee plus forfeiture of the first night's fee.
About this campground
Escape to the untamed wilderness at South Young Lake Cabin, where your adventure begins with a breathtaking float plane journey over the vast Tongass National Forest. This remote sanctuary offers a true back-to-basics experience, where days are filled with casting lines into pristine waters, exploring hidden forest trails, and gathering wild berries under towering evergreens. Inside the rustic cabin, you'll find simple comforts—cozy bunk beds and a warming oil stove—that enhance rather than distract from the raw beauty surrounding you. With only the essentials provided, including a basic outdoor facility, this is your chance to disconnect from the modern world and reconnect with nature's rhythms.
The South Young Lake Cabin offers a primitive lodging experience in a remote wilderness area. There are no tent or RV sites, and the primary form of accommodation is the one-room cabin.
Weather and SeasonsFrom mid-May through November, South Young Lake transforms into an accessible wilderness playground as winter's grip releases the waters. During these ice-free months, adventurers can fully explore the lake's offerings. As autumn fades to winter, the landscape becomes a crystalline wonderland, though ice and snow may challenge access for the truly intrepid. The region's famously changeable weather keeps visitors on their toes—be prepared for dramatic rainstorms that sweep across the lake and winter snows that blanket the forest in hushed beauty.
ElevationPerched at 320 feet above sea level, South Young Lake occupies a sweet spot where crisp mountain air mingles with the forest's earthy perfume. This modest elevation creates an ideal microclimate—high enough to escape the heaviest coastal humidity, yet low enough to remain easily accessible, offering visitors refreshingly cool temperatures even during summer's warmest days.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in the heart of Kootznoowoo Wilderness, where ancient spruce and hemlock sentinels stand guard over a landscape sculpted by time and ice. Crystal-clear streams fed by distant glaciers weave through the forest floor, their gentle murmur providing nature's soundtrack. Mysterious muskeg openings create natural meadows where wildlife gather, while the shimmering expanse of Young Lake reflects the surrounding wilderness like a perfect mirror. This pristine ecosystem remains largely untouched, offering glimpses of Southeast Alaska as it has existed for millennia.
Geological RegionThe cabin sits within the magnificent Kootznoowoo Wilderness, a corner of the Tongass National Forest where nature displays its full artistic palette. Here, dense forests of Sitka spruce and western hemlock create a emerald canopy, punctuated by glacier-carved valleys and bubbling streams. Spongy muskeg bogs dot the landscape like nature's own gardens, while dramatic rocky spires crown the island's highest points, standing as ancient monuments to the powerful geological forces that shaped this remarkable wilderness.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo explicit description of accessibility features is provided.
Sites SizeThe cabin is designed to accommodate up to six guests and includes wooden bunkbeds without mattresses.
Sites PrivacyThe cabin is located under a forested canopy of trees and is set back 50 feet from the south end of Young Lake, providing privacy in a remote wilderness setting.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesBring #1 stove oil, flotation devices, and potentially backup oars for the skiff. Ensure safety precautions for bear interactions.
Best CampsitesOnly one campsite available.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
10:00 am
Check-out
12:00 pm
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 10 nights during a visit at this campground.
Guests Allowed Per Site
The cabin accommodates up to 6 guests.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSingle cabin with access to primitive trails.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen May 1, 2025, to December 31, 2025.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online, through the Recreation.gov contact center, or in-person.
Walk-in AvailabilityNo walk-up availability; advance reservations required.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations more than 14 days before arrival incur a $10 fee. Late cancellations (within 14 days of arrival) forfeit the first night's fee. No refunds are provided for same-day cancellations or no-shows.
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
Activities you can enjoy
The South Young Lake Cabin offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, boating, berry picking, and wildlife viewing. The lake is popular for catching cutthroat trout, dolly varden, and coho salmon. Several primitive trails extend from the cabin, including the 4.5-mile Admiralty Cove-Young Lake trail.
Hiking
There are several primitive trails accessible from the cabin, including the Admiralty Cove-Young Lake trail. This trail spans 4.5 miles and ends at Admiralty cabin. It follows a creek at both ends and is described as relatively flat, though rainy and wet conditions can make hiking strenuous.Fishing
Fishing is a popular activity at Young Lake, where anglers can catch cutthroat trout, dolly varden, and coho salmon. Guests are welcome to use the skiff with oars provided at the cabin, though they may also bring a small outboard motor (less than 10 horsepower due to wilderness regulations). Personal flotation devices must be brought by visitors.Boating
Guests can use the skiff with oars available at the cabin for boating. Visitors may also bring a small outboard motor, but it must be less than 10 horsepower to comply with wilderness regulations.Wildlife viewing
The area is rich in wildlife. Sitka black-tailed deer and bald eagles are common sights. Bears often frequent the area near the cabin and trails, particularly during salmon runs from July to August.Winter Activities
The cabin may be inaccessible in winter due to ice conditions on the lake, which prevent float planes from landing. No other specific winter activities are mentioned.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports, such as using the skiff with oars, are available. Visitors may also bring their own small outboard motor (under 10 horsepower).Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires not mentioned; the cabin features an oil stove for heating.
Hazards
General hazardsFrequent bear activity, particularly during salmon runs (July to August). Visitors should review bear safety guidelines. Inclement weather may extend trips unexpectedly.
Active alertsInclement weather and frozen lake conditions could limit access during certain seasons.
Weather forecast
59
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Partly cloudy
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 77%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 4.2 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
Admiralty Island National Monument at 907-586-8800 in Juneau, AK
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 1, 2025 - September 30, 2025
Trash and recyclingVisitors are instructed to pack out all garbage and food. There is no mention of centralized trash or recycling facilities.
Proximity to water featuresSet back 50 feet from the south end of Young Lake.
Common complaintsOne review indicated overhead plane traffic as a noticeable issue.
HostNo host services mentioned.
Campground Map
ADMIRALITY NATIONAL MONUMENT, JUNEAU, AK, USA
Driving directionsAccess is by float plane. It is about a 20-minute flight from Juneau. In fall, winter, and early spring, the cabin may be inaccessible due to frozen lake surface (float planes cannot land). The lake is normally ice-free from mid-May through November.
Access is exclusively float plane. Helicopter access is illegal due to the Wilderness designation. Inclement weather or snow and ice conditions during winter can make access difficult. Guests should plan for potential delays and bring extra supplies to last 2-5 days.Nearby places
Juneau: approximately 20 minutes by float plane
Nearby supplies
Supplies are not explicitly described. Guests must bring all necessities, including water, food, stove oil, and safety gear.
Camper Reviews
0.0
3 reviews
Young Lake (South) Cabin has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the scenic and remote nature of the South Young Lake Cabin, with positive comments about the cleanliness and upkeep of the facility. Some guests appreciated the natural beauty and wildlife in the area.
Review Summaries
Based on 3 reviews
What Campers Love
Guests praised the cabin for being clean and safe, with one review noting the 'toilette clean, no leaks.' Reviewers also enjoyed the peaceful and scenic surroundings, as well as the opportunities for...
Based on 3 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
There are no significant complaints listed in the reviews provided.
Based on 3 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Travelers recommend bringing adequate supplies since the cabin is remote and requires visitors to bring essentials like drinking water, food, and kerosene for the stove.
Based on 3 reviewsSeasonal Insights
The cabin is most accessible from mid-May to November when the lake is ice-free, aligning with the fishing season and warmer weather. During the winter months, access may be challenging due to ice...
Based on 3 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. 'Awesome cabin, great views.' - Adam DiPietro
2. 'Cabin was clean, safe (the door closed tightly), toilette clean, no leaks.' - Walter C.
3. 'It was nice to have a sunshine weekend, at least for...
Based on 3 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Reviews do not provide specific feedback about particular sites as this is a single cabin facility.
Based on 3 reviewsAccessibility Features
No user reviews specifically mention experiences related to accessibility.
Based on 3 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
There are no user reviews mentioning pet-related experiences.
Based on 3 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025