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Helm Bay Cabin in Alaska
Hard to BookNational Forest

Helm Bay Cabin

Tongass National Forest, Alaska

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As of October 2026, Helm Bay Cabin is a campground in Tongass National Forest, Alaska with 1 campsite. Helm Bay Cabin is booked through Recreation.gov.

  • PermitSnag checks Helm Bay Cabin for availability and tells alert holders when a site opens up.
  • Helm Bay Cabin is located at 55.6283ยฐ N, 131.9772ยฐ W.
people allowed on each site
8

Helm Bay Cabin reservations and next available dates

October 2026

open, tap to book on Recreation.govsold outin your alert

Next Available Dates

Oct 5 (1 site)Oct 6 (1 site)

1 site open on Oct 5 at Helm Bay Cabin. Book one now, or pick your dates above and get an alert when a site opens.

As of 30 September 2026, 09:20 UTC.

Campsites at Helm Bay Cabin

  • Cabin 1

Amenities

  • restrooms
  • potable water

At a glance: Setting: Mountain.

Things to do: fishing, boating, swimming, wildlife, photography.

All sites at Helm Bay Cabin, as listed by Recreation.gov

Every site is in the AREA HELM BAY CABIN loop.

SiteTypeSleeps
K06Cabin8

About Helm Bay Cabin

Overview

Helm Bay Cabin is located on the west shore of Helm Bay behind Forss Island. This rustic retreat is open year-round for relaxation and recreational use in Alaska's beautiful

Inside Passage.

The site can be accessed by float plane, boat or kayak, depending on conditions. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring

several of their own amenities.

Recreation

Helm Bay is especially known for excellent crabbing, as well as saltwater fishing for salmon, halibut and red snapper. Tide tables should be consulted before taking

a boat out on the bay to fish. Sea kayaking is also

possible.

Facilities

This 16-by-20 ft. three-room (pan-abode style) cabin has four single bunks and two double bunks, to sleep up to eight people. A covered deck extends from the front of the cabin. It is also equipped with a table and benches, wood stove, splitting maul, broom and an outhouse. Bring your own firewood as it cannot be guaranteed.

A floating dock is located nearby, which is maintained by the state and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Water and electricity are not provided. Water is available from an adjacent creek, but guests should be sure to treat water before drinking or cooking with it (water safety tips). It is recommended that guests bring their own water supply.

Other items to pack include sleeping bags, sleeping pads, lanterns or flashlights, cookware, plates, utensils, food, toilet paper, garbage bags, a fire extinguisher and matches, among other necessities. Guests are expected to pack out trash and clean the cabin before leaving (click herefor more cabin details).

Natural Features

The cabin sits at sea level, near a large saltwater tide flat, surrounded by an old-growth rainforest of Sitka spruce and western hemlock. A beach is revealed in

front of the cabin at low tide. Guests have views of Helm Bay and the gentle, forested slopes that surround the area.

The area is home to black and brown bears, Sitka black-tailed deer and mountain goats (bear

safety information). Seals, whales and other marine mammals may be seen in Helm Bay.

Rules and notices at Helm Bay Cabin

Recreation.gov does not date these notices. We last read them on September 29, 2026. Check Helm Bay Cabin on Recreation.gov

Notices from Recreation.gov

This facility is located in an extremely remote and wild area; before making a reservation, become aware of bear , water , and weather safety (including cold )

Recreating in Alaska can present both obvious and hidden dangers; please be aware of your surroundings and be prepared for extended stays due to occasionally poor weather

Tides affect access to the cabin

Water is not available at the cabin; guests must bring their own water supply

Please pack out all trash and food

Please do not confuse this cabin with Helm Creek Cabin,located on the other side of the bay

Use of this cabin by a commercial operator, such as an outfitter or guide, is not allowed

High levels of Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning ( PSP ) have been reported in this area

Click here for more information about Tongass National Forest

Don't Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by purchasing firewood near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.

The invasive European Green Crab (EGC) has been found in southern Southeast Alaska and is suspected to be in more locations on the Tongass National Forest. Please actively look for and report EGC to help map the distribution and contribute to management.

Helm Bay Cabin FAQ

How hard is it to get a campsite at Helm Bay Cabin?

Helm Bay Cabin is rated "Hard to Book" based on historical demand. This campground is popular and often books out weeks in advance. Your best strategy is to monitor cancellations.

How do I find last-minute availability at Helm Bay Cabin?

Cancellations happen frequently at Helm Bay Cabin, especially 1-2 weeks before check-in dates. PermitSnag monitors availability 24/7 and sends instant alerts when sites open up due to cancellations. This is often the best way to snag popular campsites.

How many campsites does Helm Bay Cabin have?

Helm Bay Cabin has 1 campsites.

More campgrounds in Tongass National Forest

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