Winstanley Island Cabin
Campground · Alaska · 1 bookable site ·
Managed by the USDA Forest Service
Misty Fjords National Monument Wilderness · Restricted Access
- 1
- Bookable site
- up to 6
- People per site
- 64 ft
- Elevation
Overview
Winstanley Island Cabin is located on Winstanley Island approximately 30 air miles east of Ketchikan. The cabin offers saltwater recreation and wildlife viewing opportunities and makes an excellent base for experiencing this corner of Alaska.The cabin is remote and accessible only by float plane, boat or kayak, depending on conditions. This primitive cabin has no electricity, indoor plumbing or cell phone coverage. Visitors are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.
Recreation
A number of scenic attractions can be reached by boat or kayak from Winstanley Island Cabin, including Walker Cove, Chickamin River, Smeaton Bay, New Eddystone Rock and the Behm Canal. Rudyerd Bay is a good day trip for adventurous sea kayakers. Local tide tables should be consulted before any boating excursion.Hiking trails to freshwater streams and lakes and various hunting areas are accessible by boat, including Winstanley Lake (#743), Checats (#704), Ella (#70), Manzanita (#721) and Nooya Lake (#724).
Saltwater fishing is possible around the cabin.
Facilities
The 12x14-ft. ( pan-abode style ) cabin accommodates up to 6 people with 2 single bunks and 2
double bunks. Other amenities include a table with benches, cooking counter, food storage, broom and dustpan. A wood stove is provided for heat, along with a splitting maul. An outhouse is located nearby. Bring your own firewood as it cannot be guaranteed.
A mooring buoy is available on a first-come, first-served basis. The cabin reservation does not give exclusive use of the buoy. More than one vessel is allowed to use the buoy if the first party there agrees.
Drinking water is not available at the cabin. Visitors should bring their own water supply, but water is also available from a nearby creek and should be treated before drinking or cooking with it (water safety).
Visitors should also bring sleeping bags, sleeping pads, cooking gear, lanterns or flashlights, food, toilet paper, garbage bags, a fire extinguisher and fire starter.
Rain gear and boots are recommended. Visitors are expected to pack out their trash, gear and food and clean the cabin before leaving (more cabin details).
Natural Features
The cabin is located on Shoalwater Pass, which is on the east side of Behm Canal between Rudyerd and Smeaton Bays within the Misty Fiords Monument Wilderness. It is surrounded by rugged mountain peaks and spruce, hemlock and cedar forest.The Misty Fiords Monument Wilderness supports a diverse variety of wildlife. Mountain goats, bears, moose and bald eagles make their home here (bear safety). The waters host a variety of aquatic mammals, including Dall's porpoise, orcas, humpback whales, sea otters and harbor seals. Many seabirds can also be seen.
The facts
- Season: Year Round — USDA Forest Service, Aug 24, 2026
- 1 bookable site
- Up to 6 people per site
- Loops: AREA WINSTANLEY ISLAND CABIN
Site types
- 1 Cabin Nonelectric
1 campsite at Winstanley Island Cabin
Check-in 12:00 PM · Check-out 12:00 PM
| Site | Loop | Type | Entry | Surface | Max rig | People | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M13 | AREA WINSTANLEY ISLAND CABIN | Cabin Nonelectric | — | — | — | 6 |
Getting there
This cabin is in a designated Wilderness area, and access by helicopter is illegal.
55.45428, -130.90479 · 55°27'15.4"N 130°54'17.2"W
Typical weather
Typically 67°F in Aug, down to 39°F in Jan.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 39 | 41 | 45 | 52 | 59 | 64 | 66 | 67 | 60 | 52 | 43 | 40 |
| Low °F | 32 | 33 | 35 | 39 | 45 | 50 | 54 | 54 | 50 | 43 | 37 | 33 |
| Precip in | 17.6 | 11.1 | 12.6 | 9.5 | 7.2 | 5.9 | 6.5 | 11.2 | 17.7 | 19.1 | 19.5 | 19.4 |
1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 31.8 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.
More photos
Member photos
Common questions about Winstanley Island Cabin
- Can you reserve a site at Winstanley Island Cabin?
- Yes, Winstanley Island Cabin is reservable through Recreation.gov.
- How many campsites does Winstanley Island Cabin have?
- 1 site.
Also listed by
Winstanley Island Cabin also appears in other federal recreation data. Facts below are matched by name and location, not confirmed by Winstanley Island Cabin's operator.
USDA Forest Service — data as of Aug 24, 2026
- $75/night peak season May 1 – September 30 $65/night non-peak season October 1 – April 30
Camping near Winstanley Island Cabin
- Winstanley Lake Cabin 3.8 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Checats Lake Cabin 3.8 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Ella Narrows Cabin 7.9 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Manzanita Lake Cabin 12.1 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Fish Creek Cabin 12.3 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Wilson Narrows Cabin 12.6 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Wilson View Cabin 15.6 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Bakewell Lake Cabin 16.1 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Winstanley Lake Shelter Site 2.5 mi · Campground
- Punchbowl Lake Shelter Site 7.8 mi · Campground
- Nooya Lake Shelter Site 13.9 mi · Campground
- Wilson View Cabin 16.1 mi · Campground
Contact
- Phone 907-225-2148
- Book Recreation.gov
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.
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