Kenai Fjords National Park - Coastal Public Use Cabins (U.S. National Park Service)

NPS Photo

Holgate Public Use Cabin

Three rustic public use cabins, Aialik, Holgate, and North Arm, are available on the Kenai Fjords Coast during the summer months (from late May through mid-September).

Transportation: Visitors must arrange their own transportation. Coastal cabins are accessible by float plane, water taxi, private vessel, or charter boat. Kayakers with advanced skills can reach the cabins from Seward or Homer; however, most kayakers are dropped off by boat since the seas around Cape Aialik are subject to extremely strong currents.

Reservations: Reservations are required. To reserve a cabin, contact the Alaska Public Lands Information Center at (907) 644-3661 or toll-free at (866) 869-6887 after January 4th (for the following summer). Cost is $50/night. We do get a fair number of cancellations in April and May, so if your preferred dates are booked it may be worthwhile to call back in late spring and try again. Walk-in reservations may be available during the summer at the Kenai Fjords Information Center in Seward; however, Aialik and Holgate cabins are usually booked in advance.

Stay Limit: Due to the high demand for these cabins, stays are limited to three nights per group for the season. North Arm can be rented for up to 9 nights due to its more remote location. Individuals in the same party may not make sequential reservations in order to exceed stay limits. Occupancy begins and ends at noon.

Cancellation Policy: Reservations must be canceled at least 10 days in advance to receive a refund or credit, unless the cabin is inaccessible due to weather. Refunds are only available for reservations made using an approved credit card. Credits may be applied to the current season only on a space available basis.

Amenities: Coastal cabins are equipped with heating stove (propane fuel is provided), pit toilets, table and chairs, and wooden bunks. The Aialik Bay Cabin sleeps up to four people and Holgate and North Arm sleep six. Cabins do not have electricity or running water. Fresh water is available nearby but must be treated. There are no mooring buoys at any of the Public Use Cabin beaches in Kenai Fjords.

Be sure to bring:

Bedding and sleeping pads

Cook stove and utensils

Means to treat drinking water

Food, clothing, gear and emergency supplies for backcountry travel - see What to Bring for suggested supplies for backcountry stays.

Cabin rules and other considerations:

Pets are NOT allowed in public use cabins or in the backcountry of the park. Exceptions will be made for service animals such as Seeing-Eye or Hearing-Ear dogs.
Secure food, garbage and other scented items inside the cabin at all times. Food storage violations could result in immediate termination of the cabin permit and a fine.
Pack out all trash and remaining food.
Smoking is not permitted inside public use cabins and other government facilities. If you do smoke, keep it outside and pack out all cigarette butts along with other garbage.
Campfires are only permitted below the high tide line.
Tents may not be pitched within 500' of public use cabins.
Hunting and trapping are not permitted in Kenai Fjords National Park.
Follow posted instructions for using the heat stove. Please conserve fuel for the next visitor.
Report any problems to Park Rangers or contact Park Headquarters upon your return.

In case of emergency: Rangers patrol Aialik Bay frequently in summer months and tour boats pass through that area on most summer days. It is strongly recommended that travelers in the coastal backcountry carry a marine radio. Rangers and/or the Coast Guard can be contacted on Marine channel 16. There is no cell phone coverage on the Kenai Fjords coast.