Crescent Lake Cabin

Campground · Alaska · 1 bookable site ·

Managed by the USDA Forest Service

Kenai Mountains-Turnagain Arm National Heritage Area (National Heritage Area) · Restricted Access

1
Bookable site
up to 8
People per site
1,464 ft
Elevation
CRESCENT LAKE CABIN
Photo: CRESCENT LAKE CABIN · Recreation.gov

Overview

Elodea has been found in Crescent Lake in 2023. Please stop aquatic hitchikers and use clean, drain, dry methods to prevent the spread of elodea. For more information on elodea.  

Crescent Lake Cabin is a rustic cabin on beautiful Crescent Lake, providing access to great fishing, hunting, hiking and wildlife viewing opportunities.


This site can be accessed by hiking, biking, skiing, horseback, snowmobile and floatplane. Visitors are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.

Recreation

Fishing in Crescent Lake is very popular for grayling. A rowboat with oars is available at the cabin, however, life jackets and fishing equipment are not provided. High winds could present a danger to anyone on the lake.

In season, visitors hunt for moose, black and brown bears and Dall sheep.

Hiking, horseback riding, cross country skiing and snowshoeing are also popular activities. There is extreme avalanche danger on the Crescent Creek Trail in winter and early spring. The primitive trail around Crescent Lake crosses several avalanche chutes and should not be used in the winter.

Facilities

The log cabin has bunk space for six and a maximum occupancy of eight people. It is equipped with counter space, table, benches and a wood stove for heat. A splitting maul and hand saw are available. An outhouse is also provided.

There is no electricity, potable water, mattresses, bedding, cooking utensils or cut firewood at the cabin. Visitors should bring sleeping bags and pads, a cook stove, cooking gearandfood. Water taken from the lakes or streams should be treated or boiled before consumption. All garbage and food must be packed out.

Natural Features

The cabin is located south of Sterling Highway on the Crescent Lake Trail. It sits at the northwest end of Crescent Lake, at an elevation of about 1,450 feet. The surrounding area is close to the tree line, affording scenic views of nearby mountains.

In addition to avalanche danger, high winds may sweep across the lake, causing danger for small boats and planes. For information on access and regulations pertaining to this cabin, trail conditions, safety precautions and outdoor safety and ethics, please contact the Seward District office.

The facts

  • 1 bookable site
  • Up to 8 people per site
  • Loops: AREA CRESCENT LAKE CABIN

Site types

  • 1 Cabin Nonelectric

Book on Recreation.gov

1 campsite at Crescent Lake Cabin

Check-in 12:00 PM · Check-out 12:00 PM

SiteLoopTypeEntrySurfaceMax rigPeople
S02AREA CRESCENT LAKE CABINCabin Nonelectric—Gravel—8

Getting there

From milepost 45 on Sterling Highway,take Quartz Creek road 3.2 miles to the Crescent Creek trailhead. The cabin is 6.5 miles down the Crescent Creek Trail.

Winter travelers need to be able to evaluate avalanche and over-ice travel conditions. The trail is closed to horse/pack stock from April 1 to June 30, and is closed to motor vehicles between May 1 and Nov. 30.

Refer to USGS maps Seward B7, C7 and C8. Maps are available online or by calling the Seward Ranger District at 907-288-3178.

Learn more about Carter Lake and Crescent Creek.

60.47665, -149.57416 · 60°28'35.9"N 149°34'27.0"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

Typically 66°F in Jul, down to 24°F in Jan.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F242935455563666455423027
Low °F91314273442474538271712
Precip in3.55.32.22.32.11.72.43.86.05.44.23.4

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 5.4 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

Fees and stay limits

Reservations can be made the day of arrival or up to 180 days in advance. Only one change per reservation for all Alaska cabins is allowed. Change is defined as a modification to the start or end date of the reservation; after one change has been made, if additional changes are desired, the customer must cancel the current reservation and re-book the new dates. If you cancel a cabin reservation within 14 days of your scheduled arrival date, you will be charged the $10 service fee and forfeit the first night's recreation use fee. No-shows, early departures, or cancellations after the scheduled arrival date are not entitled to a refund. Cancellations for single night use for Alaska cabins will not be assessed a service fee.

From Recreation.gov, which is not always current. The operator's own page is the authority on what you will be charged.

More photos

Crescent Lake Cabin bunks
Photo: Crescent Lake Cabin · Recreation.gov
CRESCENT LAKE CABIN
Photo: CRESCENT LAKE CABIN · Recreation.gov

Member photos

Common questions about Crescent Lake Cabin

Can you reserve a site at Crescent Lake Cabin?
Yes, Crescent Lake Cabin is reservable through Recreation.gov.
How many campsites does Crescent Lake Cabin have?
1 site.

Also listed by

Crescent Lake Cabin also appears in other federal recreation data. Facts below are matched by name and location, not confirmed by Crescent Lake Cabin's operator.

USDA Forest Service — data as of Aug 24, 2026

  • Per night prices range from $50-75 (2018 prices) depending on season. Cabin fees are based on non-peak/peak season. Seasons vary by cabin. A non-refundable service fee will be added to each reservation by Recreation.gov

Restrictions:

  • Crescent Creek Trail is closed to motorized vehicles from May 1- November 30. Crescent Creek Trail is closed to pack/saddle stock from April 1- June 30.

USDA Forest Service's own page

Camping near Crescent Lake Cabin

Comments

Contact

Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-02-25.

Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.