About POLK CAMP
Overview Polk Camp is a three bedroom cabin located in Polk Inlet on Prince of Wales Island in southeastern Alaska. The site offers recreation, relaxation and a unique lodging experience in the Tongass National Forest.Polk Camp once served as a remote administration camp for the Craig Ranger District and is now a recreation cabin with limited amenities. The cabin is accessible by vehicle, boat or floatplane.Although the site is not as remote as others in the area, visitors are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities. Recreation Anglers will find that Dog Salmon Creek, which flows into the inlet, has an excellent run of coho, chum, sockeye and pink salmon, cutthroat trout, rainbow trout and Dolly Varden. Crabbing, beachcombing and wildlife viewing are popular in the area as well. Dog Salmon Fish Pass is noted as a popular bear viewing site in August. A system of roads for off-road enthusiasts is also in the vicinity. Hunters can take advantage of the long hunting seasons in the surrounding national forest. Bear season occurs during spring and fall, while deer season begins in late summer and lasts through late fall. Polk Inlet also has a rich logging history. Log landings and log transfer facilities can be found on the nearby shoreline, but are not visible from the cabin.Facilities The Polk Camp has a large kitchen with a fully functional propane stove and oven, a sink (NO RUNNING WATER), and plenty of counter and cupboard space. There are three bedrooms with two moveable beds in each room. Running water is currently inavailable. Please bring your own water. There is a large gathering room, a great deck and exquisite views. Polk Camp is a wonderful spot for a family reunion, a wedding or a weekend with your friends. Natural Features The cabin is nestled in a canopy of young Sitka spruce and western hemlock. There are plenty of places to explore in the Polk Inlet area, including an estuary just south of t
How to Get There
Polk Camp is located 15 miles from the Hydaburg Road turnoff, approximately 45 miles from Craig. From Craig take the Craig/Klawock-Hollis Highway toward Hollis. Turn right on the Hydaburg Road (State Route 913) and travel for 8 miles. Turn left onto Forest Road 21 (Polk Inlet and Twelvemile Road). Follow Forest Road 21 for 14 miles, then turn left toward Polk Inlet. The cabin parking area is about 1.5 miles ahead on the left. All roads are marked and the cabin is accessed through a locked gate at the end of the road.
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 POLK CAMP
Heading to POLK CAMP? 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 POLK CAMP?
No central reservation system listed for POLK CAMP. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/120890) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to POLK CAMP?
Polk Camp is located 15 miles from the Hydaburg Road turnoff, approximately 45 miles from Craig. From Craig take the Craig/Klawock-Hollis Highway toward Hollis. Turn right on the Hydaburg Road (State Route 913) and travel for 8 miles. Turn left onto Forest Road 21 (Polk Inlet and Twelvemile Road). Follow Forest Road 21 for 14 miles, then turn left toward Polk Inlet. The cabin parking area is about…
How do I contact POLK CAMP?
You can reach the park at phone: (907) 826-3271.
References & Official Resources
