Joe Thompson Cabin
Lake Clark National Park & Preserve
Come walk in the footsteps of an early 20th century trapper, prospector, and local woodworker with a stay in the Joe Thompson Cabin on the shores of Lake Clark in Lake Clark National Park.
The cabin is rustic and accommodates up to three people. It is equipped with a wood stove, table and chairs and an outhouse nearby. Sleeping accommodations include wooden bunks -- with two twin size beds (bring your own pads). There is no electricity or running water at the cabin. Fresh water is available in the lake but must be treated. The cabin is equipped with a fire extinguisher and smoke detectors. There is no cell phone coverage at the cabin. There are no mooring buoys at this location.
The cabin does not offer trash service; nor does the nearby community of Port. Alsworth. Air taxis may accommodate visitor trash for a fee in Anchorage or other surrounding communities.
Need to Know
Dogs are allowed at the cabin.
Please use wood sparingly in the cabin for heating purposes only.
The park will enforce the maximum consecutive stay limit of 5 nights for a limit of 21 nights in a calendar year.
The cabin is only accessible by floatplane or boat; water taxis are available from Port Alsworth.
You are responsible for bringing your own cook stove, lighter, utensils, sleeping pads, bedding, toilet paper, drinking water, and/or means to treat drinking water.
Park regulations require all food, garbage, and other scented items be secured inside the cabin or bear resistant food storage locker or canister at all times because bears frequent this area. Food storage violations could result in immediate termination of the cabin reservation in addition to a fine.
Pack out all your trash and remaining food. Lake Clark National Park and Joe Thompson Cabin do not offer trash service. Port Alsworth is a rural Alaska community without a public waste or trash system.
No smoking inside the cabin. All cigarette butts must be packed out with other garbage.
Help conserve firewood! Use only when necessary. Report any problems with the woodstove to park staff.
The park highly recommends that backcountry travelers carry a means of communication and file a trip plan with someone they know.
Travel plans in this area are frequently affected by weather. The park recommends that travelers carry extra supplies and allow some flexibility in your schedule.
This facility does not receive cleaning between groups. Guests are strongly encouraged to clean surfaces before and after use.
Natural Features
The Joe Thompson Cabin sits on the shore of Lake Clark, approximately 14 miles (22.5 km) north of Port Alsworth, Alaska. The cabin is set back in the forest with views of the lake. Streams and a developed trail are neearby.
Nearby Attractions
This is a remote backcountry cabin with the closest amenities available in Port Alsworth. The Portage Creek Trailhead is adjacent to the cabin.
Recreation
The cabin is an ideal location for kayaking, boating, fishing and wildlife viewing. Please refer to Alaska Department of Fish and Game for fishing regulations and license requirements. A trip up the nearby Portage Creek trail takes you above the treeline into the highcountry west of the lake for stunning views of the Aleutian and Alaskan Ranges.
Changes & Cancellations
If I book this reservation today, what are my options to change or cancel?
Please remember that reservations at these facilities prevent other visitors from using these sites. Planned changes to your stay should be made as far in advance as possible. You can make changes to your reservation ahead of your arrival date iin your Recreation.gov account in "My Reservations."
Changes
If your new stay dates are completely different from your original stay dates, there is a $10 change fee. There are no additional fees for adding or removing nights to your stay. Balances will adjust based on your new stay's nightly rate.
Cancellations
You may cancel the reservation any time before the date of your scheduled arrival. You will receive a refund for your stay, minus the following fees:
- $10 cancellation fee
- Any reservation fees (only if paid when booking)
- Any previous change fees
Late cancellation penalties may also apply:
What is “Late”?
For cabins, a late cancellation applies starting from midnight 14 calendar days or fewer before your scheduled check-in.
Late Fee
In addition to the fees listed above, a late cancellation will also subtract your first night's recreation use fee from any refund owed. As of the expected check-in day, cancellations or changes to your stay are not possible through your account. It is at the facility's discretion to support additional Late Cancellations, No Show, or Early Departure updates – on-site personnel may not be able to assist. These changes carry penalties and may forfeit recreation use fees. For additional details, please visit the Rules and Reservation Policies page .
Contact Information
Mailing
240 West 5th Ave, Suite 236 Anchorage AK 99501
Phone Number
For campground inquiries, please call: Anchorage (907) 644-3626 Port Alsworth: (907) 781-2218
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving Directions
The cabin is 120 air miles from Anchorage and 14 miles from Port Alsworth. Visitors must arrange their own transportation. This cabin is accessible by float plane, water taxi, or private vessel. Kayakers with advanced skills can reach the cabin from Port Alsworth. There are no mooring buoys at this location.
