Kennel Creek Cabin is located near Kennel Creek along the south shore of Freshwater Bay, on the northeast side of Chichagof Island. It offers visitors excellent opportunities for recreation and viewing scenery and wildlife.
This is a primitive cabin with no electricity, indoor plumbing or cell phone coverage. Visitors are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring their own amenities.
The cabin is generally available year-round, depending on weather, and makes an excellent base for experiencing this corner of Alaska.
For questions regarding cabin access and before driving to the cabin from Hoonah, please check in with the Hoonah Ranger District (430 Airport Road) during business hours or call 907-945-3631 for road conditions and cabin access. The cabin may be inaccessible via road for many months of the year.
Seasonal information
2026
(Current year)
2026 Season availability
Current season
Operating hours and availability for the current season.
Upcoming seasons
Planned operating dates for future seasons to help you plan ahead.
Past seasons
Historical operating dates from previous years for reference.
Closed periods
View dates when this campground is temporarily closed during the season.
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Currently open - Apr 15 to Nov 30
Campground Amenities
Most popular amenities
Pet friendly
River Access
Water Access
Beach Access
River Access
Pets and Policies
Pet friendly
Missing information?
Select check-in and check-out dates to see availability.
Kennel Creek Cabin is a highly popular destination, indicating strong demand for accommodations. Guests suggest the need for one or two additional cabins in the area to better accommodate visitors. Overall, it remains a favored choice for travelers.
The cabin is in poor repair and could use some annual upkeep. I use this cabin once per year and it is disappointing to see that my user fees are not being applied to simple maintenance. The most immediate concern is the gasket of the wood stove needs to be replaced. The current gasket has fallen apart from regular use and the fireplace let's a considerable amount of smoke into the cabin. This is very simple to do and reflects poorly on the Forest Service for neglecting to make this repair on a regular maintenance schedule.
Kennel Creek Cabin is located approximately 19 air miles southeast of the City of Hoonah, Alaska on the south shore of Freshwater Bay. Access is by vehicle, float plane, or boat. Total distance by gravel road is approximately 27 mi. By road trav...
Kennel Creek Cabin is located approximately 19 air miles southeast of the City of Hoonah, Alaska on the south shore of Freshwater Bay. Access is by vehicle, float plane, or boat. Total distance by gravel road is approximately 27 mi. By road travel south from Hoonah past the airport. Where the road turns to gravel, drive 2 mi to the “T” intersection, turn right toward Freshwater Bay. Drive 25 mi on National Forest System road 8502/8508, veer left at all “Y” intersections. The cabin is located at the end of a short access road on your left. Road maps are avaliable at the Hoonah Ranger District office during weekday business hours.
Reservation fees are non-refundable. For campsites, cabins, lookouts, yurts, group sites, and similar stays, we charge a reservation service fee of $8.
Standard cancellations usually have a $10 cancellation fee. Customers can generally cancel before the check-in date online.
Late cancellation rules differ by stay type.
Individual campsites: cancelling after 12:00am local time the day before arrival usually means a $10 cancellation fee plus forfeiting the first night's fee.
Cabins, lookouts, and yurts: cancelling less than 14 days before arrival usually means a $10 cancellation fee plus forfeiting the first night's fee.
One-night reservations: a late cancellation usually forfeits the full amount paid, up to the total original reservation cost.
Modifications are allowed before the cut-off window, but fees depend on the change. Changing to dates completely outside the original reservation dates may trigger a $10 change fee. Extending or shortening a stay that still includes original dates usually has no change fee, though refunds may depend on timing and facility rules. Switching to the same type of campsite for the same dates usually has no change fee, but price differences are charged or refunded.
Early departures may or may not be refunded. At certain facilities, partial refunds may be possible if staff can mark the site available for other visitors. No refund is given for a night if the early departure is requested after that day's check-out time.
Security deposits are separate. Security deposits may be refunded to the original payment method if the facility is left in acceptable condition, as determined by the property.
Safety & rules
Understand the safety risks related to bears, water, and weather before booking.
Stay vigilant and prepare for extended stays due to unpredictable weather conditions.
Wildlife & food storage
Keep your campsite clean and store food and garbage properly to avoid bear encounters.
Fires & fuel
No firewood is available on-site.
To prevent pests, buy firewood near your destination and burn it on-site.
Site types & loops
Commercial activities, including outfitting and guiding, are prohibited.
Site capacity
Reservation holders must be at least 18 years old and part of the cabin-using group.
Fees & deposits
No discounts are available for cabin rentals in Alaska.
Local regulations
Information about the Tongass National Forest is available.
