McCarthy Cabins
Cozy, affordable, and convenient lodging with easy access to McCarthy and Kennicott.
───────
FAQs
The historic Kennicott Mill Building
Arrival & Check-In
Can we drive to our cabin?
Yes! All cabins are at mile 56.5 of the McCarthy Road. A vehicle is required — we can’t accommodate fly-in or shuttle-only arrivals.
What are check-in and check-out times?
Check-in 4–7 pm (late arrivals 7–8 pm incur a $50 fee). No arrivals after 8 pm.
Check-out 11 am.
Free early check-in may be possible — please ask!
How do I make a reservation?
To check availability or book, please call or fill out our Book Now form. We usually respond within a few hours (and always within 24 hours). For a quick response, texting is the fastest way to reach us.
To confirm your reservation, full payment is required at booking. We accept electronic bank transfers and credit cards through a secure online invoicing system. Credit-card payments incur a 3 % transaction fee.
Cabin Amenities & Policies
Can we cook meals in the cabins?
Yes! Each cabin has a propane stove (no oven) and basic kitchen supplies. Bluff and Meadow have small propane fridges.
Can we have campfires?
Sorry, no campfires. Due to surrounding woodlands and the lack of firefighting capabilities, campfires are prohibited. Flammable bug repellents like mosquito coils or citronella candles are also not allowed. Thanks for understanding!
How should we handle our trash?
“Pack it in, Pack it out.” You must take your trash with you, or pay a $25 fee per 13-gallon bag for disposal. The nearest landfill is a 7-hour round-trip away — thank you for helping keep the area clean!
How can we keep food cold?
Bluff and Meadow have propane refrigerators. Swift Creek guests should bring coolers with ice packs. Please keep all food and coolers inside your cabin or vehicle to avoid attracting bears.
Is there Wi-Fi?
No Wi-Fi at the cabins = a perfect chance to unplug! McCarthy has a Wi-Fi hotspot through Copper Valley Telephone (CVT). Note: Verizon and CVT cell service work here; AT&T does not.
What about water?
We provide limited filtered drinking water and non-potable water for dishes and showers. Water is hauled in from a distance, so please conserve when possible.
Are pets allowed?
Sorry, no pets. Being off-grid makes it difficult to manage pet-related cleaning properly.
What is your cancellation policy?
• 90 + days before arrival: $50 cancellation fee
• 60–90 days: 50% refund
• Less than 60 days: No refund
Getting Here
How long should we stay?
We recommend at least two nights to fully enjoy the area (our minimum) — but three to four nights is ideal, giving you two full days (or more) to explore the area and the magic of Wrangell–St. Elias National Park.
How long does it take to drive to McCarthy?
Anchorage 7–8 hours
Fairbanks 8–9 hours
Denali via Denali Hwy 10–12 hours
Valdez 5–6 hours
Glennallen 3.5–4 hours
The McCarthy Road is 60 miles long and follows an old railroad bed — drive carefully and enjoy the scenery!
Lodging suggestions for breaking up your drive:
If you’re coming from beyond Anchorage, consider overnighting at:
• Sheep Mountain Lodge (Glacier View)
• Glennallen’s Rustic Resort & B&B (Glennallen)
• Copper River Wilderness Princess Lodge (Copper Center)
• Pippen Lake B&B (Kenny Lake)
• Golden Spruce Cabins (Kenny Lake)
Is there a shuttle to Kennicott and McCarthy?
Yes! Local shuttles run throughout the day with pick-up and drop-off at the footbridge, McCarthy, and Kennicott.
It’s just over a half-mile walk from the footbridge to McCarthy and another five miles to Kennicott. We highly recommend taking a shuttle to Kennicott — save your energy for exploring the mill site, hiking the Root Glacier Trail, and more!
Area Activities
There’s so much to do in McCarthy and Kennicott — adventures abound! Explore the historic ghost towns, visit our fantastic local museum, and enjoy delicious local cuisine. Whether you’re enjoying a historic tour, hiking scenic trails, rafting wild rivers, flightseeing over glaciers, or trying ice climbing, there’s an unforgettable experience waiting for you.
Be sure to connect with one of our excellent local guide services — they’ll tailor a world-class adventure just for you and make your visit truly memorable.
Guided Adventures and more!
McCarthy-Kennicott Historical Museum
McCarthy River Tours and Outfitters
Local Fare
Roadside Potatohead aka The Potato
Salmon & Bear and the Golden Saloon
Is there a store in McCarthy?
McCarthy has a small store with some basics. We recommend bringing your supplies with you.