Can you reserve a site at Helm Creek Cabin?

Yes, Helm Creek Cabin is reservable through Recreation.gov.

Helm Creek Cabin, Alaska — 1 site, fees and cancellation alerts

Overview

Helm Creek Cabin is located on the east shore of Helm Bay near the mouth of Helm Creek. This rustic retreat is open year-round, offering opportunities for relaxation, sightseeing and recreation.

The site can be accessed by float plane, boat or kayak, depending on conditions. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.

Recreation

Helm Bay is especially known for excellent crabbing, as well as saltwater fishing for salmon, halibut and red snapper. Trout and Dolly Varden fishing is possible in nearby Helm Lake, but there is no trail to the lake.

Local tide tables should be consulted before taking a boat out on the bay. Sea kayaking is also possible.

Facilities

This 12-by-14 ft. (pan-abode style) cabin has two single and two double bunks, to sleep up to six people. It is also equipped with a table and benches, wood stove, splitting maul, broom and an outhouse. Bring your own firewood as it cannot be guaranteed.

A mooring float is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Water and electricity are not provided. Water is available from a nearby creek, but guests should be sure to treat water before drinking or cooking with it (water safety tips). It is recommended that guests bring their own water supply.

Other items to pack include sleeping bags, sleeping pads, lanterns or flashlights, cookware, plates, utensils, food, toilet paper, garbage bags, a fire extinguisher and matches, among other necessities. Guests are expected to pack out trash and clean the cabin before leaving (click here for more cabin details).

Natural Features

The cabin faces northwest, with a good view toward the head of Helm Bay and the surrounding mountains. It is adjacent to a large saltwater tidal flat at the outlet of Helm Creek. A moderately steep sloping beach is located in front of cabin.

This area is home to black and brown bears, Sitka black-tailed deer and mountain goats (bear safety information). Seals, whales and other marine mammals may be seen in Helm Bay.

The facts

Season: Year Round — USDA Forest Service, Aug 24, 2026
1 bookable site
Up to 6 people per site
Loops: AREA HELM CREEK CABIN

Site types

1 Cabin Nonelectric

Book on Recreation.gov

1 campsite at Helm Creek Cabin

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

Site	Loop	Type	Entry	Surface	Max rig	People
K16	AREA HELM CREEK CABIN	Cabin Nonelectric	—	—	—	6

Getting there

The cabin is located on the east shore of Helm Bay near the mouth of Helm Creek. It is about 24 miles from Ketchikan, west of the Clover Pass area. The cabin is accessible by float plane, kayak or boat, and a buoy is located directly in front of the cabin. Please consult Local tide tables in advance.

55.65170, -131.98090 · 55°39'6.1"N 131°58'51.2"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

Typically 65°F in Jul, down to 38°F in Dec.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
High °F	38	41	44	50	58	63	65	65	59	51	43	38
Low °F	31	32	32	36	42	48	52	53	48	41	35	32
Precip in	11.7	7.8	7.5	7.3	5.5	4.7	5.2	8.0	10.2	12.9	13.1	10.8

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 15.2 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

Fees and stay limits

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.

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

Common questions about Helm Creek Cabin

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

Also listed by

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

USDA Forest Service — data as of Aug 24, 2026

$80/night peak season May 1 – September 30 $65/night non-peak season October 1 – April 30

USDA Forest Service's own page

Camping near Helm Creek Cabin

Helm Bay Cabin 1.6 mi · Campground · we watch it
Jordan Lake Cabin 16.7 mi · Campground · we watch it
Heckman Lake Cabin 17.8 mi · Campground · we watch it
Southeast Heckman Cabin 18.5 mi · Campground · we watch it
Last Chance Campground 19 mi · Campground · we watch it
Patching Lake Cabin 19.5 mi · Campground · we watch it
S'igeidí Aas Hídi Cabin 20.1 mi · Campground · we watch it
Signal Creek Campground 20.1 mi · Campground · we watch it
McDonald Lake Cabin 20.7 mi · Campground · we watch it
Blind Pass Cabin 21.1 mi · Campground · we watch it
Wolf Lake Shelter Site 16.6 mi · Campground
Three C's Group Use Campground 20.1 mi · Campground

Contact

Phone 907-225-2148
Book Recreation.gov

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

Helm Creek Cabin