Campground

Alava Bay Cabin

Tongass National Forest · KETCHIKAN/MISTY · Alaska — managed by USDA Forest Service

Books out fast — sampled nights are already sold out
Alava Bay Cabin campground
Photo: Recreation.gov · USFS

Weekend availability at Alava Bay Cabin

Live from Recreation.gov · checked Nov 5, 9:24 PM PT

Sold out 2 of the next 6 weekends — exactly when cancellation alerts earn their keep.

  • Fri, Nov 6
    Sold out
  • Fri, Nov 13
    Sold out
  • Fri, Nov 20
    Limited
    1/1 sites
  • Fri, Nov 27
    Limited
    1/1 sites
  • Fri, Dec 4
    Limited
    1/1 sites
  • Fri, Dec 11
    Limited
    1/1 sites

Friday + Saturday nights, sites bookable both nights. Counts come from a rotating sweep and can lag a cancellation by up to a day — alerts watch your exact dates within minutes.

How booked is Alava Bay Cabin?

as of November 6

Sites are open right now — we found space out to Jan 2027. That changes fast at a campground. We check Alava Bay Cabin around the clock, so the moment your dates fill up and a cancellation reopens them, you'll be first to know. Even midweek is filling — 1 of the 3 weekdays we checked are gone.

Weekends (Saturday night)

Nov 14Open
Dec 12Open
Jan 2Open
Jan 30Open

Weekdays (Wednesday night)

Nov 11Sold out
Dec 23Open
Jan 27Open

Availability checked directly against the reservation system, out to 3 months ahead.

Campsites & amenities

Site-level details from Recreation.gov's official catalog.

Campsites
1
Cabin No Hookup

About this campground

Overview Alava Bay Cabin was built in 1974 and sits on Revillagigedo Island on the southwest side of Alava Bay. This secluded retreat is open year-round and offers opportunities for relaxation, sightseeing and a variety of recreational activities within the Misty Fjords National Monument Wilderness. The site can be accessed by floatplane, boat or kayak, depending on conditions. Visitors are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.Recreation The bay and surrounding area can be explored by kayak, but visitors must bring their own equipment. Navigating the waters here poses a challenge due to tides, merging currents and exposure to open ocean waters ( local tide charts ). Opportunities exist for saltwater fishing, hiking and beachcombing. Hunting for Sitka black-tailed deer and black bear is a popular pastime.Facilities This 12x14-ft. pan-abode style cabin sleeps six and comes equipped with two single bunks, two double bunks, a table and benches, broom, wood heater and an outhouse. The cabin has a front deck and receives plenty of sunshine on clear mornings. A mooring float is available, but it is not for the exclusive use of cabin visitors. Water and electricity are not provided. Bring your own firewood as it cannot be guaranteed. Water is available from a nearby creek, but must be treated before being used. It is recommended that visitors bring their own water supply. Other items to pack include sleeping bags, sleeping pads, food, cookware, plates, utensils, lanterns or flashlights, toilet paper, garbage bags, a fire extinguisher, axe, and fire starter. Visitors are expected to pack out trash and clean the cabin before leaving. Click here for more cabin details. Natural Features The cabin is backed by old-growth rainforest with a rocky beach nearby. The surrounding landscape features gentle slopes and dense forest. Visitors can look out over Alava Bay from the front deck of the cabin. A small island is nearby, situated between the bay and Behm Canal. This is often a stop for those exploring Misty Fjords, an area known for its unusual rock formations, steep fjord walls and quiet inlets. Black and brown bears, wolves, moose, bald eagles and Sitka black-tailed deer are common to this area. Misty Fjords is home to a variety of marine mammals, including orcas, humpback whales, harbor seals and sea lions.

Getting there

The cabin is approximately 20 air miles southeast of Ketchikan on Revillagigedo Island. Accessible by floatplane, kayak or boat with mooring buoy. Navigation is challenging due to tides, merging currents and open ocean waters. Please check tide tables in advance. Refer to USGS Ketchikan A-4.

Elevation
32 ft
Contact
907-225-2148

Activities

  • WILDLIFE VIEWING
  • HUNTING
  • HIKING
  • FISHING
  • CAMPING

Nearby federal campgrounds

Never miss an opening at Alava Bay Cabin

Popular Alaska campgrounds book out months ahead — but cancellations happen every day. We watch Alava Bay Cabin around the clock and alert you the moment a sold-out site reopens for your dates, so you don't have to keep refreshing Recreation.gov.

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We'll email you if Alava Bay Cabin opens up for a weekend you pick. No account needed.

Details from Recreation.gov's official RIDB catalog. Conditions change — confirm with the managing office or on Recreation.gov before you go. Not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.