Robert S
VerifiedJanuary 17, 2020 Stayed at: P11, Loop: AREA CASTLE RIVER CABIN
It was a great time with family and friends. Very memorable.
Helpful
Warning
GeneralBe advised this facility will receive minimal maintenance this year. If this facility has an oil stove please use clean #1 heating oil or kerosene to limit problems with operation. If this facility has a wood stove it is not guaranteed wood will be available. Please help us maintain this site for all to enjoy by packing out all garbage and leaving it cleaner than you found it. Report problems to the Petersburg Ranger District: 907-772-5869.
About Castle River Cabin
Castle River Cabin is located on Kupreanof Island on the coastal waters of southeastern Alaska. It offers access to a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities, as well as a secluded place to enjoy its beautiful surroundings.
The cabin is accessible only by boat or float plane from Petersburg or Wrangell, and tides impact access. During low tides, a 2-mile hike is necessary to reach the cabin. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.
Seasonal information
2026
(Current year)
2026 Season availability
Current season
Upcoming seasons
Past seasons
Closed periods
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
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Dec
Currently open - Oct 1 to Dec 31
Campground Amenities
Cooking and Fire
- Firewood Available
Cabin Interior
- Heating
Views and Setting
- View
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P11, Loop: AREA CASTLE RIVER CABIN
🏠
Cabin
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- 7 guests
Site Details
Up to 7 guests
Shade
Reviews
13 reviews
Summary
The Castle River Cabin offers a fantastic experience in a beautiful location with great fishing right at the doorstep. While the outhouse needs some improvement and the oil stove is no longer available, these issues didn't detract from the overall enjoyment. Many guests express a desire to return.
Based on guest feedback
4.3
Overall rating
Based on 13 reviews
5 stars
46.2% (6)
4 stars
38.5% (5)
3 stars
15.4% (2)
2 stars
0.0% (0)
1 star
0.0% (0)
Showing 13 reviews
Verified Only
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Robert S
VerifiedJanuary 17, 2020 Stayed at: P11, Loop: AREA CASTLE RIVER CABIN
It was a great time with family and friends. Very memorable.
Helpful
Elwood B
VerifiedMay 8, 2021 Stayed at: P11, Loop: AREA CASTLE RIVER CABIN
Helpful
Elwood B
VerifiedMay 8, 2021 Stayed at: P11, Loop: AREA CASTLE RIVER CABIN
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Elwood B
VerifiedMay 8, 2021 Stayed at: P11, Loop: AREA CASTLE RIVER CABIN
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Michael D
VerifiedSeptember 4, 2022 Stayed at: P11, Loop: AREA CASTLE RIVER CABIN
The cabin was nice with new table and interior paint (thanks USFS cabin crew), although there was a foul smell coming from underneath the cabin. I imagine it was a dead critter. The scenery as always was beautiful but having been coming to this cabin intermittently for 20 years, the fishing is not what it used to be. Finding transportation via air or boat is becoming more difficult as well.
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Michael D
VerifiedSeptember 4, 2022 Stayed at: P11, Loop: AREA CASTLE RIVER CABIN
The cabin was nice with new table and interior paint (thanks USFS cabin crew), although there was a foul smell coming from underneath the cabin. I imagine it was a dead critter. The scenery as always was beautiful but having been coming to this cabin intermittently for 20 years, the fishing is not what it used to be. Finding transportation via air or boat is becoming more difficult as well.
Helpful
Mike C
VerifiedJuly 15, 2023 Stayed at: P11, Loop: AREA CASTLE RIVER CABIN
Great location. Skiff above the rapids has a leak. Mice in cabin. Beautiful location. Love the spot. Nice to have steel cage for coolers for protection against bears. Nicely kept up cabin.
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Mike C
VerifiedJuly 15, 2023 Stayed at: P11, Loop: AREA CASTLE RIVER CABIN
Great location. Skiff above the rapids has a leak. Mice in cabin. Beautiful location. Love the spot. Nice to have steel cage for coolers for protection against bears. Nicely kept up cabin.
Helpful
chrystine L
VerifiedSeptember 5, 2023 Stayed at: P11, Loop: AREA CASTLE RIVER CABIN
Love this cabin. Only downside is that the “falls” is a popular place for cohos and people that like to go fishing. There was a boat already there when we pulled up to unload our cabin gear and the trail that people use to walk up the falls goes right next to the cabin. So if you’re looking for a very secluded cabin this might not be the one for you. The fishermen didn’t come back the next day so we had the place to ourselves which was wonderful. We hiked the .4 trail to the boat tie off and took the little John boat up the creek about a mile. Didn’t see any moose, deer or bear. There was however a friendly mouse that we failed to catch. Make sure to use the food box outside the cabin to store all your food goods. It was a very clean cabin and thankful for people who leave extra things behind like coffee filters, paper towels, toilet paper for the outhouse, an extra tarp and seasonings. We brought some firewood and left a bit in the woodshed. You’ll want to head in at high tide.
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Location & Directions for Castle River Cabin
Po Box 1328, Petersburg, AK 99833 United States
Elevation: 2 ft
Getting There
From Petersburg, it is 16 mi by float plane or 30 mi by boat. A 16-foot tide is required for direct boat or float plane access to the cabin. At lower tides, there is up to a 2-mile hike across the sometimes muddy tide flat to get to the cabin. Ano...
From Petersburg, it is 16 mi by float plane or 30 mi by boat. A 16-foot tide is required for direct boat or float plane access to the cabin. At lower tides, there is up to a 2-mile hike across the sometimes muddy tide flat to get to the cabin. Another option for access is to boat or fly to the Castle Flats Cabin (a 15-foot tide is required for float plane, or a 13-foot tide for boat access there) and hike the easy 0.5-mile trek to the cabin.
The Castle River Cabin can be found on USGS topographic map Petersburg C-4. Maps are available online or by calling the Petersburg Ranger District at (907) 772-3871.
Policies & Rules
Arrival & departure
- Check local tide tables for access information before reserving the cabin.
- Report any missing or damaged items to the Petersburg Ranger District.
Cancellation policy
- 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
- Be aware of bear, water, and weather safety before reserving due to the facility's remote location.
- Stay aware of your surroundings and be prepared for extended stays due to poor weather conditions in Alaska.
- Be cautious of high levels of Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP) in this area.
- Pack out all garbage and food; do not leave anything behind.
- Educate yourself on Tongass National Forest for a better experience.
- Report any sightings of the invasive European Green Crab to help manage its distribution.
Fires & fuel
- The cabin has a wood-burning stove, and firewood availability is not guaranteed.
- Firewood is only provided for heating the cabin; collect wood from the forest for outdoor campfires.
- To prevent pests, buy firewood near your destination and burn it on-site.
Utilities
- Treat or boil water from the nearby stream before consuming.
Site types & loops
- Commercial operators are not allowed to use this cabin.
Warnings & Advisories
Warning
GeneralBe advised this facility will receive minimal maintenance this year. If this facility has an oil stove please use clean #1 heating oil or kerosene to limit problems with operation. If this facility has a wood stove it is not guaranteed wood will be available. Please help us maintain this site for all to enjoy by packing out all garbage and leaving it cleaner than you found it. Report problems to the Petersburg Ranger District: 907-772-5869.
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Last updated: November 5, 2026
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Population: 3,227
Elevation: 23 ft
Best Season: Summer
Petersburg, AK
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