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Where to Stay

If you can afford the price tag, it’s worth it to book your stay at a wilderness lodge within Denali, like Camp Denali and North Face Lodge or the Kantishna Roadhouse.

Fodor’s Choice | Camp Denali and North Face Lodge.
$$$$ | RESORT | The legendary, family-owned-and-operated Camp Denali and North Face Lodge both offer stunning views of Mt. McKinley and active learning experiences deep within Denali National Park, at Mile 89 on the park road, past where most of the park buses stop at Wonder Lake. At Camp Denali, an inholding that predates the formation of the park, guests stay in one of 18 cabins that include a small wood-burning stove, wall-mounted propane lights, Alaskan artwork, and quilts crafted by members of the staff. Guests share bathing facilities, though each cabin has its own outhouse. Camp Denali is largely run on renewable energy. North Face Lodge is a north country–style inn built on a tundra meadow. It has 15 rooms, each with private bath. The knowledgeable naturalists on staff offer guided outings during the three-, four-, or seven-night stays. Evening programs focus on the natural and cultural history of Denali. Each lodge has its own kitchen and dining room featuring local and organic food, and fresh-baked goods. Rates include round-trip transport to the park entrance on custom buses, all meals, guided activities, and recreation gear such as canoes, mountain bikes, and fishing tackle. The lodge can also arrange flightseeing. Pros: only in-park lodge with a view of Denali; access to canoes; strong emphasis on learning; attention to detail; dedicated staff. Cons: credit cards not accepted; rates start at $1,545 per person; alcohol is BYOB; not advisable for families with children under eight; Camp Denali cabins lack private baths (but you can’t beat the view from the outhouse). TripAdvisor: “incredible view,” “pretty good food,” “best way to experience Denali.” | Rooms from: $1545 | Mile 89, Denali Park Rd. | 99755 | 907/683–2290 | www.campdenali.com | 18 cabins (Camp Denali) with shared shower, 15 rooms (North Face Lodge) | No credit cards | Closed mid-Sept.–early June | All-inclusive.

Tent and RV Camping in Denali

If you want to camp in the park, either in a tent or an RV, there are five campgrounds, with varying levels of access and facilities. Two of the campgrounds—Riley Creek (near the park entrance, essentially no scenery at all) and Savage River (Mile 13; on a very clear day, you might be able to see the mountain from here, but not much of it)—have spaces that accommodate tents, RVs, and campers. Visitors with private vehicles can also drive to the Teklanika campsite (Mile 29; check for rules about minimum stays, which help keep traffic down), but they must first obtain park-road travel permits; in recent years no tent camping has been allowed at Teklanika, but visitors should check with park staff for updates. Morino Backpacker Campground (Mile 1.9, about the same as Riley Creek, but tents only), Sanctuary River (Mile 22, the smallest campground in the park, ideal if you want to be alone but can’t backpack), Igloo Creek (Mile 43, comparable to Sanctuary River), and Wonder Lake (Mile 85, the cream of the crop in Denali camping—best views of the mountain and great easy hikes) have tent spaces only. The camper buses offer the only access to these sites.

Visitors to the Sanctuary and Igloo Creek campsites should come prepared: both campgrounds lack treated drinking water. All campgrounds have vault toilets and food lockers. Individual sites are beyond sight of the park road, though within easy walking distance.

Fees for individual sites range from $16 to $28 per night. Campsites can be reserved in advance several ways: online, through the Denali National Park website (www.reservedenali.com); by faxing a reservation form (form available at www.nps.gov/dena | 907/264–4684); by calling the reservation service (800/622–7275 or 907/272–7275); or by email to reservedenali@aramark.com. Reservations can also be made in person at the park. It’s best to visit Denali’s website before making reservations, both to see the reservation form and to learn whether any changes in the reservation system have been made.

Kantishna Roadhouse.
$$$$ | RESORT | Run by the Athabascan Doyon Tourism, this establishment at Mile 95 on the Park Road offers an enriching wilderness getaway. You must commit to at least two nights in an elegant log-cabin duplex or fourplex. The Kantishna Roadhouse, a massive log lodge, is where you’ll spend your time when not out on adventures. The Fannie Quigley Dining Room prepares family-style meals with fresh fruits, vegetables, and baked goods. If you plan on a full-day excursion, the kitchen will prepare a sack lunch. Activities range from two- to six-hour guided hikes, mountain biking, dog-mushing demos, gold panning, fishing, and—for an extra cost—flightseeing. Cozy up every night with a cup of cocoa and catch an evening program with guest speakers, artists, or Athabascan elders. If you have a big group, the Dog Musher’s Hall can handle 35 people. Pros: guided hikes with naturalists; all rooms have private baths; home to the only saloon in the Denali backcountry; transport from the train station is provided. Cons: no connection to the outside world besides a phone booth; lacks a direct view of Denali. TripAdvisor: “peace and quiet in beautiful surroundings,” “super hospitality,” “wonderful remote location.” | Rooms from: $450 | Mile 95, Denali Park Rd. | 99755 | 800/942–7420 | www.kantishnaroadhouse.com | 32 rooms | Closed mid-Sept.–early June | All-inclusive.

McKinley Creekside Cabins & Creekside Café.
$$ | HOTEL | This nice spot sits on 10 acres along Carlo Creek. There are creekside and mountain views of the Alaska Range. The property is pretty much surrounded by hiking trails. Most rooms include a refrigerator, microwave, and coffeemaker; some have large decks. Family cabins, which accommodate up to six people, are also available. Picnic tables and Wi-Fi add to the property’s attractions. Pros: great location by the water. Cons: no TV may lead to withdrawal symptoms in some. TripAdvisor: “awesome family place,” “great cabin experience,” “nice place to chill between Denali adventures.” | Rooms from: $169 | Mile 238.5, Parks Hwy. | 99755 | 888/533–6254 | www.mckinleycabins.com | 32 cabins | Mid-May–mid-Sept.

Backcountry Camping

If you’re camping overnight in Denali’s wilderness, you need to get a special permit (free of charge) from rangers at the Backcountry Information Center. This must be obtained in person. Advance reservations are not accepted. Only experienced backpackers should try this option. At the center you can look at descriptions of different areas in the park to decide where you want to go. Denali’s backcountry is divided into 87 units, and only a limited number of campers are allowed each night in most units. The most desirable units are near the middle of the park, in areas with open tundra and wide-open vistas. These fill up faster than the low-lying areas, many of which are moist and full of mosquitoes in summer. To get time in the best backpacking areas, arrive a couple of days early, stay at one of the facilities near the park entrance (or at the Riley Creek Campground), and check in at the backcountry desk early each morning until your desired unit opens up. Before heading out into the park’s wilderness, check the park’s website in advance (www.nps.gov/dena) and read up on bear and wildlife safety, clean camping, river crossings, and proper food storage (bear-proof canisters are required in many units; you can borrow them, free, from the Backcountry Information Center); when you’re at the park, talk with the rangers and tap into their local knowledge. For $31.50 you may ride a camper bus for the duration of your stay.

Mountain House.
$ | B&B/INN | For the true Denali wilderness experience, book an overnight here. Built by legendary bush pilot Don Sheldon in 1966, the Mountain House is high up on a spur of rock overlooking the Great Gorge and the flanks of Mt. McKinley. The only way in is to fly in and then climb a considerable distance or to take a really long hike. This is an option only for the very fit. Two sleeping platforms accommodate four people, and a fifth can take the floor. Bigger groups can pitch tents on the flat outside. There’s a small woodstove, but that’s it: any other gear, from sleeping bags to pots and wood for the stove, you need to bring. Remote, disconnected, and bare-bones, the cabin offers the chance to have the world to yourself in one of the most beautiful spots in Alaska. Bring extra food in case your plane gets delayed by weather. You need to book this one early, as much as a year in advance. Contact the cabin for information. Pros: the single best view from a bed anywhere near Denali National Park. Cons: the final hike up, carrying your food and gear. | Rooms from: $135 | 907/733–1016 | www.climbalaska.org/mountain-house.html | 1 house | Closed mid-July–mid-March. | In the Park | No meals.

Outside the Park

Along the George Parks Highway

Hotels, motels, RV parks, campgrounds, and some restaurants are clustered along the highway near the park entrance, which is at Mile 237.3. You can judge distance from the park by mileage markers; numbers increase northward and decrease southward.

Denali Education Center.
$ | HOTEL | Situated on 10 acres of forest across from Denali National Park, this nonprofit offers something for everybody. You can rent a cabin with a shared bath or take part in intensive learning experiences that range from a variety of all-inclusive weeklong Road Scholar programs to weeklong youth programs, including hands-on research in conjunction with the National Park Service or backpacking trips for high schoolers. The center is open to both individuals and groups, although there are times when it’s blacked out for groups, so check well in advance if you plan to stay here. On the first weekend of August the center sponsors the Fundraising Auction. The festival draws in hundreds of people and thousands of articles for sale, all for a fantastic cause. New for 2012 is a “Denali Bug Camp” for budding entomologists. Pros: located on 10 acres; nature trail where you can search for owls; quality educational and immersion experiences. Cons: bare-bones and outdated cabins with a summer-camp feel. | Rooms from: $95 | Mile 231, Parks Hwy., Box 212 | 99755 | 907/683–2597 | www.denali.org | 12 cabins | Closed mid-Sept.–mid-May.

Denali Crow’s Nest Log Cabins.
$$$ | HOTEL | These individually crafted log cabins 1 mile north of the park entrance are on a forested hillside with river and mountain views. Each has two double beds and its own bath, and a 180-degree view of the park entrance area. The Overlook Bar and Grill features Alaskan seafood and steaks; it claims to have the largest beer selection in northern Alaska, with 24 taps and 70 varieties in bottles. There’s also a courtesy park shuttle from the train. Pros: best variety of beers and burgers around; above the hustle and bustle of the highway and Glitter Gulch. Cons: cabins are close together; some complaints of intermittent hot water; older property. | Rooms from: $189 | Mile 238.5, Parks Hwy. | 99755 | 907/683–2723, 888/917–8130 | www.denalicrowsnest.com | 39 rooms | Closed mid-Sept.–mid-May | No meals.

Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge.
$$$$ | RESORT | This humongous lodge lies along the Parks Highway in the Glitter Gulch community a mile north of the park entrance. Unlike the lodges at Kantishna, in the heart of the park, this one features rooms with TVs and telephones in case you want to catch up with the outside world. There is also a high-ceiling two-story main lodge with tour desk, sitting areas, gift shop, café, and dining room. Views from this hotel take in the Nenana River, and rich forest colors in rooms mimic the surroundings. Complimentary shuttle service is provided to the park and railroad station. The large King Salmon Dining Room offers an estimable view and fine dining featuring Alaskan seafood, and a dinner theater combines a meal with a musical comedy that recounts the first ascent of Mt. McKinley. If these don’t suit your tastes, there are a variety of other eating venues within the lodge property. Pros: most grandiose lodge in Denali; gym and gift shop on-site. Cons: with more than 600 rooms, too big to feel intimate; killer views from the right parts of the lodge, though. TripAdvisor: “good accommodation,” “great food,” “beautiful location.” | Rooms from: $299 | Mile 238.5, Parks Hwy., 1 mile north of park entrance | 99755 | 907/683–2282, 800/426–0500 reservations | www.princesslodges.com | 656 rooms | Closed mid-Sept.–mid-May | No meals.

Denali River Cabins and Cedars Lodge.
$$ | HOTEL | The cabins, clustered along the glacially fed Nenana River, are next to McKinley Village Lodge, 7 miles south of the park entrance. A boardwalk connects the cedar-sided log cabins, most with double beds, and leads to spacious sundecks, as well as to the river. Cedars Lodge has standard, fully furnished hotel rooms and a restaurant open for breakfast and dinner. The management operates park excursions and a courtesy shuttle service to and from the train depot. There is nothing fancy about this lodging, but it’s inexpensive for the area and it puts you near the action. Pros: river views and Finnish sauna; propane grills available. Cons: cabins crowded together; property situated near other resorts. TripAdvisor: “cabins are nice,” “rustic,” “perfect people.” | Rooms from: $159 | Mile 231.1, Parks Hwy. | 99755 | 800/230–7275, 907/374–3041 year-round, 907/683–8000 June 1–Sept. 15 | www.seedenali.com | 48 rooms, 54 cabins | Closed mid-Sept.–late May | Breakfast.

Healy

Denali Dome Home.
$$$ | B&B/INN | A 7,200-square-foot modified geodesic dome houses this year-round B&B. One room has a sauna and two rooms have jetted tubs. An inviting common room has a TV, a fireplace large enough for logs 3 feet long, and Alaska-related books and videos. Sit by the fireplace to take in spectacular views of nearby mountains through the tall windows. Rooms come equipped with any amenity you might need, and they’re the only place around where you get a full cooked-to-order breakfast. Airport pick-ups from Fairbanks can be arranged for a cost. Pros: thoughtful and knowledgeable owners; unique architecture; attention to detail; DVD and VCR collection. Cons: anyone with dog allergies should beware of two Scottish terriers; anyone squeamish about animal hides should be warned that the house is decorated with a few prize trophies. TripAdvisor: “wonderful lodging,” “very comfortable,” “Alaskan hospitality at its best.” | Rooms from: $175 | 137 Healy Spur Rd. | Healy | 99743 | 907/683–1239, 800/683–1239 | www.denalidomehome.com | 7 rooms | Breakfast.

EarthSong Lodge.
$$ | B&B/INN | Above the tree line at the edge of Denali National Park, EarthSong has views of open tundra backed by peaks of the Alaska Range. Each of a dozen hand-built cabins has a theme (Denali, Sled Dog, Mountaineering) and private bath, a rarity in such small cabins in remote settings. lIn winter Earthsong Lodge is one of two concessionaires permitted to lead multiday dog-mushing tours into Denali. The restaurant, Henry’s Coffeehouse, named after a beloved sled dog, serves breakfast and espresso drinks and makes sack lunches. It has a great homey atmosphere with a living room, dining room, and library. Browse the made-in-Alaska gifts next door at the Divas in Denali gift shop. Slide shows of Denali through the seasons and dog-sledding expeditions are a nightly treat; tours of the sled-dog kennel are offered as well. Pros: each cabin has unique character, as well as hypo-allergenic bedding in a totally smoke-free environment; the owners offer a wealth of knowledge. Cons: a 17-mile drive from the park entrance; some people might not like the “shoes off” policy in the cabins, but it really does help keep things cleaner. TripAdvisor: “quaint and comfortable,” “a real taste of Alaska,” “such a special place.” | Rooms from: $155 | Mile 4, Stampede Rd. | Healy | 99743 | 907/683–2863 | www.earthsonglodge.com | 12 cabins | No meals.

Motel Nord Haven.
$$ | HOTEL | Five wooded acres protect this motel from the road, providing a secluded feeling that other accommodations along the George Parks Highway lack. There’s wood trim throughout, and rooms have one or two queen-size beds. Rooms with two queen beds can sleep up to five people at no additional cost. For a minimal charge, box lunches can be prepared to carry along on your explorations. No breakfast is served in winter (September–May). Pros: reading and puzzle area with comfy couches; meeting–dining room with large deck and fireplace; one of the least expensive options in the area. Cons: lacks character; no stovetops in kitchenettes. TripAdvisor: “big rooms and wonderful location,” “this is why I love Alaska,” “comfortable and quiet.” | Rooms from: $142 | Mile 249.5, Parks Hwy. | Healy | 99743 | 907/683–4500, 800/683–4501 | www.motelnordhaven.com | 28 rooms | No meals.

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