Public Use Cabins

 
The inside of a public use cabin in Wrangell-St. Elias.
The inside of a public use cabin in Wrangell-St. Elias.

NPS Photo

Basic Cabin Information

  • There are multiple designated public-use cabins located within Wrangell-St. Elias. Most of these cabins were former mining, trapping, or hunting cabins that are located on public lands or donated to the park and are now managed by the National Park Service.
  • All cabins are remote and very rustic.
  • Cabins are not regularly maintained.
  • Most cabins are accessible only by flying into remote airstrips.
  • Cabins are available on a first-come, first-served basis, except the four requiring reservations.
  • If you plan to stay in one of the first-come, first-served cabins, you should bring camping gear in case the cabin is already occupied.

Amenities

  • Each cabin has very basic furnishings including wooden bunks, table/chairs, and a wood-burning stove (exception: Esker Stream Cabin has an oil-burning stove).
  • There is a rustic pit-toilet outhouse at each cabin. Bring your own toilet paper in case the squirrels took it from the outhouse.
  • There is no running water or plumbing.
  • The park does not stock: firewood, water, dishes, supplies, sleeping pads, bedding or other amenities such as toilet paper for the outhouse pit-toilet.
  • Please consider bringing your own firewood. There may not be dead and downed wood readily available. It is prohibited to cut down live trees or plants for firewood.

Regulations

  • You must pack out all garbage and leftover food. Please do not leave food in the cabin. Odor from food can attract bears.
  • Do not remove or relocate any artifacts or deface any historic buildings.
  • Please clean when you leave. In fact, please leave cabins cleaner than when you arrived.
  • Do not cut live branches or trees for firewood.
  • The maximum use of a cabin per person is 7 nights in a 30 day period, unless you have written permission from the superintendent.
  • During the summer and especially during hunting season, the cabins are extremely popular, so be prepared for the cabin to be occupied. It is not appropriate to ask to share a cabin with occupants who are already there.

Cabin Reservations

  • Viking Lodge, Caribou Creek, Nugget Creek, and Esker Stream are the only cabins that require reservations.
  • Reservations can be made up to six months in advance of your desired stay.
  • If you need to change your reservation dates, you must first cancel your existing reservation and then file a new one with the correct dates.
  • We recommend reserving at least two weeks in advance, especially during our popular season of May through September or holiday weekends.
  • A request submitted within 48 hours of the desired date may not be fulfilled.

Required Information for Reservations

  • If you would like to reserve a cabin, please complete this email form and include the following information:
    • Full name
    • Mailing address
    • Email address
    • Phone number
    • Name of cabin you would like to reserve
    • Dates of the nights you would like to stay in the cabin
  • All the above information is required; if any of it is missing, it may delay your request.
 

Cabins Requiring Reservations

 

Fly in Cabins in the Park & Preserve

  • A dark wood cabin near an evergreen forest and a cluster of bright flowers.
    Chelle Lake Cabin

    This cabin's location offers a starting point for day hikes and overnight adventures, with opportunities to fish and scenic views.

  • A bright wood cabin in the sunlight surrounded by evergreen trees.
    Orange Hill Cabin

    The open landscape offers short day hikes and access to the Nabesna Glacier.

  • A wooden cabin sitting in a small clearing near a forest of trees and brush.
    Too Much Johnson Cabin

    Access the historic Gold Hill Mining District and hike along the Chisana River.

  • A light brown cabin with a four-wheeled vehicle in a small forest clearing.
    May Creek Cabin

    Opportunities for short day hikes with a nearby creek and scenic views.

  • Two cabins next to each other in a clearing surrounded by trees.
    Jake's Bar Cabins

    This location features two cabins with a nearby river.

  • Three people inspecting a dark wood cabin.
    Hubert's Landing Cabin

    Hiking and exploration are available around the cabin, and there are also opportunities to start a river trip.

  • A picture of Peavine Cabin with mountains in the background.
    Peavine Cabin

    Peavine offers some fascinating hikes along historic mining trails on nearby hillsides.

Last updated: August 13, 2025

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve
PO Box 439
Mile 106.8 Richardson Highway
Copper Center, AK 99573

Phone:

907 822-5234

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