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Camping · Alaska

SHIPLEY BAY CABIN

USFS · Campground · Fee

Fast facts

Cost
Fee charged
Managed by
USFS
Type
Campground
Reservations
recreation.gov
Coordinates
56.0922, -133.5019
Last verified
September 19, 2026
56.0922° N · 133.5019° W
Last verifiedSeptember 19, 2026

About this place

Overview Shipley Bay Cabin offers visitors recreation, relaxation and a unique lodging experience on Kosciusko Island in southeastern Alaska. The remote site offers a scenic setting for fishing, hiking and wildlife viewing, all within the vicinity of the cabin. The site can either be accessed by float plane or boat at high tide. Visitors are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities. Recreation The cabin is an excellent location for anglers, as the stream and lake support cutthroat trout, rainbow trout, dolly varden, steelhead and three species of salmon. Hikers may want to head out from the cabin on a rugged 0.8 mile natural-tread trail connecting Shipley Creek to Shipley Lake. Continuing to Devilfish Bay is an option as well, however good maps and orienteering skills are essential as there is no designated trail. The snow-capped Mount Francis rises 2,592 feet in elevation and can be seen in the distance from the cabin on a clear day. Facilities The cabin is a 12 x 14 foot primitive, pre-cut cedar log cabin ( pan-abode style ) furnished with wooden bunkbeds (without mattresses) that sleep 4-6 guests. The cabin is equipped with a table, benches, a tiny stove for heat and an outdoor toilet. Other amenities include a cooking counter, fire extinguisher and a broom. The cabin does not have running water or electricity. Guests must bring their own food, water, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, cook stove/fuel, biobricks for stove, fire starter, cooking gear/utensils, light source (lantern), toilet paper, first aid kit and garbage bags. Water is available from the nearby stream, but must be filtered, boiled or chemically treated before drinking. Click here for more cabin details. Natural Features The cabin sits on a low bluff between Shipley Creek and Shipley Bay on Koscicusko Island. The front of the cabin faces out to a large rocky beach, and a grassy tidal flat extends from its back where Shipley Creek meets the ocean. Wildlife in the area abounds, including a variety of waterfowl, shore birds, bald eagles, Sitka black-tailed deer and black bears. Learn more about bear safety in the Tongass National Forest.

From the USFS.Official page

Is SHIPLEY BAY CABIN free?

No. SHIPLEY BAY CABIN charges a fee. It is managed by the USFS. Sites are reservable through recreation.gov.

How do I get to SHIPLEY BAY CABIN?

Mouth of Shipley Creek in Shipley Bay on Kosciusko Island, 46 air miles (74 km) from Craig, 60 miles (97 km) from Wrangell, and 85 miles (137 km) from Ketchikan. USGS Map Petersburg A-5. Float plane or 1-hour boat ride from El Capitan dock. Best to arrive at high tide (see Sitka tide tables). Mooring buoy in bay available on first-come, first-served basis. Mooring of more than one vessel allowed if first party there agrees.

Nearby

No other services within 50 mi on the record.

SourceData from the USFS. Last synced September 19, 2026. Community reports and photos are submitted by travelers and are not verified by the agency.

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Disclaimer TerrainKit is an independent product with no affiliation with, sponsorship from or endorsement by the U.S. Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management, the National Park Service or any other public agency. Site and access information is compiled from publicly available sources and can go out of date without notice. Confirm current rules, closures, fire restrictions and stay limits with the managing ranger district or field office before you camp.
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47.5053° N · 111.3008° W
SHIPLEY BAY CABIN, Camping in Alaska - TerrainKit