McCarthy Cabins — cozy lodging in McCarthy, Alaska.
Your perfect home away from home.
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Why Us
Historic hand-pulled tram in McCarthy, Alaska — a glimpse of local history near McCarthy Cabins.
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“What an amazing stay! The cabins are the perfect mix of wilderness and comfort.” ”
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About Me
Hi, I’m Denise! I first came to McCarthy in 1993, and from the moment I arrived, I knew this was my favorite place on Earth. That first summer, I worked at the McCarthy Lodge doing a little bit of everything — housekeeping, bartending, serving meals, even unloading freight in the middle of the night. By the end of the season, I’d saved enough in tips to put a down payment on my Swift Creek property.
In 1995, I co-founded the much-loved Roadside Potatohead (The Potato) — a tiny eatery at the end of the McCarthy Road. A few years later, I moved it across the Kennicott River into “downtown” McCarthy. I sold The Potato in 2004, and the current owners have since grown it from a humble food truck into the full-service restaurant you can still enjoy today.
While running The Potato, I built two cabins at Swift Creek for nightly rentals — one of the first West Side lodging options. After selling the restaurant, I spent several years living and working year-round in Homer. Missing McCarthy, I returned and expanded McCarthy Cabins by adding Bluff Cabin and Meadow Cabin. In 2022, I also opened Camp McCarthy — a cozy glamping spot on the banks of the Kennicott River.
Today, McCarthy Cabins and Camp McCarthy are run by me, amazing year-round resident Megan Rivard, and my two furry family members: Penny Peanut and Ohney. Together, we’re proud to offer warm, comfortable, and unique places to stay while you explore McCarthy and Kennicott.
Whether you’re here for adventure, relaxation, or a little of both — we’d love to share this special corner of Alaska with you.
— Denise Jantz, Owner, McCarthy Cabins & Camp McCarthy
Hello from Alaska!
The awesome Megan Rivard with McCarthy Cabins’ furry family member, Penny Peanut. Megan is instrumental in helping take care of McCarthy Cabins and Camp McCarthy.
Penny Peanut is a 6-year-old terrier mix and a 100% goofball.
Meet Ohney! After spending her first year scared and hungry on the streets of Mazatlán, Mexico, she’s now happy to have a loving home and family in Alaska. Here we are up the Bonanza Mine Trail above Kennicott. Ohney says hola!
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