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HARVEY LAKE CABIN

Petersburg, Alaska · Petersburg County · Campground

Overview Harvey Lake Cabin is open year-round and sits on a beautiful, off-coast freshwater lake and provides access to great boating, fishing and wildlife viewing opportunities. The cabin is accessible by boat or float plane. Visitors arriving by boat must hike a half-mile from saltwater to get to the cabin. It is 18 …

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About HARVEY LAKE CABIN

Overview Harvey Lake Cabin is open year-round and sits on a beautiful, off-coast freshwater lake and provides access to great boating, fishing and wildlife viewing opportunities. The cabin is accessible by boat or float plane. Visitors arriving by boat must hike a half-mile from saltwater to get to the cabin. It is 18 miles from Petersburg by air and 21 miles by boat. Visitors are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities. Recreation The Harvey Lake Trail is an easy half-mile trek leading from saltwater to Harvey Lake, following Harvey Creek. The trailhead can be difficult to locate. It is east of a small islet and south of the private cabins. Look for the red and white trailhead marker on the beach, then walk northward to an opening on the right through woods. The land north of the trailhead is private. Please respect the rights of property owners. The cabin is located near a picnic site with a sandy beach and swimming area. Boating and fishing are also popular activities enjoyed by visitors to the area. A rowboat with oars is available at the cabin; however, life jackets are not provided. Visitors may wish to bring a small outboard motor. Anglers might see cutthroat trout in the lake and coho salmon near the mouth of Harvey Creek in early fall. Hunting in the surrounding hills is also popular among visitors. Be aware of wildlife in the area and learn about bear safety.Facilities The A-frame cabin has two single wooden bunks, a sleeping loft for additional people, a wood stove, a large deck overlooking the lake and an outhouse with a pit toilet. Firewood is generally provided, but is not guaranteed. A broom, dustpan, axe and splitting maul may also be available, but could be missing or damaged. Drinking water is not provided. It is recommended that visitors bring their own water supply, but water can also be collected from the lake or a nearby creek. Any water from natural sources should be treated or bo

How to Get There

By float plane from Petersburg, it is 18 miles. In fall, winter and early spring, this cabin may be inaccessible due to frozen lake surface (float planes cannot land); please contact the Petersburg Ranger District office for information prior to making reservations during these periods. By boat from Petersburg, it is 21 miles, plus a half-mile hike to the cabin. If arriving by boat, there is a red and white diamond-shaped marker at the trailhead. The best boat mooring is 50 yards south of the marker. Boats will go dry at low tide unless anchored in the hole south of the trailhead (local tide tables). Refer to USGS topographic map Petersburg C4. Maps are available online or by calling the Petersburg Ranger District at (907) 772-3871.

Driving directions (Google Maps) →

What to Pack for Your Stay

Tuned to the live forecast for this park.

👔 What to Wear

  • 👕
    Moisture-wicking T-shirt
    Light color, breathable.
  • 🩳
    Lightweight shorts or pants
    Quick-dry preferred — sweat dries fast.
  • 🧢
    Brimmed sun hat
    Better than a cap for back-of-neck protection.
  • 🥾
    Trail runners
    Breathable mesh uppers.

🎒 What to Pack

  • 💧
    Water
    Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
  • 🍫
    High-energy snacks
    A snack for the trail.
  • 🧴
    Sun protection
    Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
  • 🩹
    First-aid kit
    Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
  • 🗺
    Offline map
    Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.

Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.

Plan Your Visit to HARVEY LAKE CABIN

Heading to HARVEY LAKE CABIN? A few things to know before you go:

  • Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
  • Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
  • Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
  • Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
  • Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a reservation for HARVEY LAKE CABIN?

No central reservation system listed for HARVEY LAKE CABIN. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233008) for the latest entry policy and availability.

How do I get to HARVEY LAKE CABIN?

By float plane from Petersburg, it is 18 miles. In fall, winter and early spring, this cabin may be inaccessible due to frozen lake surface (float planes cannot land); please contact the Petersburg Ranger District office for information prior to making reservations during these periods. By boat from Petersburg, it is 21 miles, plus a half-mile hike to the cabin. If arriving by boat, there is a red…

How do I contact HARVEY LAKE CABIN?

You can reach the park at phone: 907-772-3871.