Forest Cabin Guide

Have a good time and Respect your surroundings.

Cabin Rules & Regulations

Because of its size and diversity the Chugach National Forest is divided into three ranger districts: Glacier, Seward, and Cordova. This page allows access to each ranger district (Cordova, Glacier, Seward) for more detailed information.

While cabin info can be accessed from the District pages, using the menus below you can navigate directly to clickable district cabin maps, and to individual cabin pages.

Cabin reservations can be made online, 24 hours a day, at www.recreation.gov.

FEES

Rental fees vary from $25 to $45 per day depending on time of year and demand for the cabin.

PERMITS

Cabin permits are issued for noncommercial purposes to anyone 18 years of age or older. No more than eight individuals may occupy the cabin under a single permit.

Use under each permit is normally limited to 3 days between May 1 and September 30, and 7 days the rest of the year. A permit day begins at 12 noon on the assigned day and ends at 12 noon the following day.

Note: Unauthorized use of these cabins is a violation of both State and Federal laws and regulations. Violators are subject to a fine of $500, up to 6 months imprisonment, or both. Violations should be reported immediately to a Forest Service officer. Be certain to have your confirmation letter with you while using the cabin.

How To Reserve a Cabin

Cabin and campsite reservations are available through the National Recreation Reservation Service (NRRS):

You may reserve a cabin or campsite over the phone using a toll-free number and a major credit card: 1-877-444-6777. TDD: 1-877-833-6777. International Calls: 518-885-3639. Or online by clicking here.

Making a Reservation

When calling to make a reservation, you will be asked to the provide the following information:

• Campground name (or state)
• Arrival and departure dates
• Type of site required (tent, RV, cabin, lookout, etc.)
• The number of people in your party
• Method of payment (certified check or credit card - Visa, MasterCard, Amex, Discover card)
  

Hours of Operation

April 1 through Labor Day:

• 8:00 a.m. until midnight EST Mon-Fri
• 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. EST Sat-Sun

Day after Labor Day through March 31:

• 10:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. EST Mon-Fri
• 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. EST Sat-Sun

You may shop and reserve over the Internet using a credit card:
www.recreation.gov 24 hours/day

You may come into selected Forest Service Visitor Centers and district offices to make your reservations in person.

You can cancel or change your reservation the same three ways. A $10 service fee will be assessed for processing refunds or changes. If you are using the reserveusa.com site, you can go to the cabin of your choice, click on the sites link and from there click on What's available to check the cabin's availability on your preferred dates.

There is a limit of one change per reservation on all public Forest Service cabins.

You may use your credit card for an instant confirmation over the phone or Internet. On the phone, you may get a tentative reservation without payment, then get a confirmation if your payment (cashier's check or money order) is received at the National Recreation Reservation Service Call Center within 10 days. If you make your reservations at a Forest Service office, you may use credit card, cash, cashier's check, or money order.

Cabin reservations may be made up to 180 days in advance of the first day of requested use. Reservations are confirmed instantly on a first come-first served basis.

Please call (907-743-9500) or e-mail us for details. We want to ensure you have all the information you need to use the reservation system and enjoy the recreation cabins and campsites in Alaska's National Forests.

What You Will Find

Forest cabin designs include: A-Frame, Modified A-Frame, Pan-Abode, Hunter, and Alpine, each sleeping at least four people. A-Frame cabins have an additional second floor sleeping loft. The Alpine cabin is a hunter cabin modified to provide a sleeping loft and placed on a raised foundation to allow use during heavy snow accumulation.

Each cabin includes table, benches, plywood bunks (without mattresses), wood and/or oil heating stove, axe/maul where appropriate, broom, and outhouse. The cabins do not have electricity, bedding, or cooking utensils. It is wise to take a gas or propane stove for cooking, your own sleeping bags, pads, pots, pans, plates, utensils, toilet paper, garbage bags, fire starter and insect repellent.

Be sure to check the specific stove information on the cabin you want. The Forest Service does not provide stove oil for cabin users. Be sure to check whether the oil stove takes No. 1 oil; 5-10 gallons will burn about a week, depending on the time of year and the weather. Firewood is not provided at cabins with wood stoves. If you must have an outdoor fire, please gather firewood using already downed material, not standing trees. Please make sure your fire is "dead out" before you leave the cabin.

Drinking water is not provided. Water taken from lakes or streams, no matter how clear, should be boiled at least 5 minutes or treated to make it safe for drinking.

Weather may affect the length of your stay. Unsafe boating or flying conditions can occur at any time of year. Always prepare for the possibility of bad weather and an extended stay. Rain gear and warm clothing are essential; waterproof boots and extra food and clothing are recommended.

Boats and oars are furnished at some cabins, usually on lakes. Boat users must provide a U.S. Coast Guard approved flotation device for each passenger aboard the boat.

Safety

Be cautious in bear country. Bear Facts will provide more information. Clam diggers should be cautious of Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning. We recommend taking local maps, a compass, flashlight, waterproof matches, a strong knife, a first-aid kit, a space blanket, candles, flares, and personal protection such as a gun or bear repellent if you wish. A handheld VHF radio may be useful to summon help in the event of an emergency.

Camping Etiquette

Cabin users are requested to: PACK OUT all garbage including unused food and fuel; PACK OUT empty fuel cans, and leave a supply of firewood. A permit day begins at 12 noon on the assigned day and ends at 12 noon the following day. (Gear should be packed and out of the cabin for the next group.) Please leave a clean cabin so the next users will also enjoy their stay.

Know Before You Go

Copies of fishing and hunting regulations may be obtained from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.

How You Get There

Getting there can be half the fun. It can also be a challenge. Very few cabins can be reached without the use of a boat or an aircraft. Many require a hike.

Give special attention to the tide information provided for each saltwater cabin. The lower the tide, the longer the walk to the cabin, sometimes as much as 2 miles. Some cabins are inaccessible by boat or plane at low tide. Tide information is also extremely significant.

PLEASE NOTE: Check with the local district office for the correct tide table to use for the cabin of your choice.