McCarthy Cabins. A cozy and convenient lodging option with easy access to McCarthy and Kennicott.
Frequently asked questions
Can we drive to our cabin?
Yes! The cabins are located at Mile 56.5 on the McCarthy Road. Guests staying at McCarthy Cabins must have a vehicle (not flying or taking a shuttle in).
What time can we check in?
Being a small business with a tiny crew, McCarthy Cabins has a set check-in window of 3-7pm. There is a $50 late check in fee for arrivals between 7pm - 8pm. Sorry, there are no check-ins after 8pm.
Check in window: 3pm – 7pm
Check out: 11am
Early Check In: If you are arriving before 3pm, please feel free to inquire if an early check in is possible. If so, I’m happy to accommodate!
How long should we stay?
With so much to see and do, we recommend at least a two-night stay at McCarthy Cabins (our minimum), but three nights is ideal. This gives you two full days to explore, enjoy the stunning scenery, relax in your cabin, and meet the locals. After your journey here, take the time you deserve to experience the magic of McCarthy Cabins and Wrangell St. Elias—it’s truly a special place!
Can we cook meals in the cabins?
Yes! For easy meals, ready-to-eat foods like sandwiches, cereal, and snacks are perfect. The cabins also have a propane cook-top (no oven) and basic cooking supplies (pots, pans, dishes, silverware). Bluff and Meadow Cabins include a small propane fridge. Please remember to pack out everything you pack in, and consider avoiding glass packaging. There are also great restaurants in McCarthy and Kennicott with delicious meal options!
What happens to our trash? Pack it In, Pack it Out.
"Pack it In, Pack it Out" means you're responsible for taking out everything you bring, including trash. There’s no landfill in the area, so trash must be hauled out, burned, or buried. The nearest landfill is a 7-hour round-trip drive! If you'd prefer not to take your trash, there’s a $25 disposal fee per 13-gallon bag. Thanks for helping us keep the area clean!
How can our food be kept cold at the cabins?
Bluff Cabin and Meadow Cabin have a small propane refrigerator — they are a luxury in McCarthy! For Swift Creek Cabin, coolers with ice and cold packs work great. Bears live in the area so all coolers with food and/or beverages must be kept inside your cabin or left in your vehicle, not stored anywhere outside. Note: ice is not always available in McCarthy, so bring plenty!
Do the cabins have WiFi?
The cabins don’t have WiFi, offering a great chance to unplug. However, McCarthy and Kennicott have WiFi hotspots through Copper Valley Telephone (CVT). If you have CVT or Verizon service, your data should work well here, as they’re the only providers with coverage in the area. AT&T does not work in the valley.
What about water at the cabins?
At McCarthy Cabins, drinking water as well as non-potable water for dishes and showering is supplied in limited quantities. Water has to be hauled approximately 1/2 mile so conserving as best you can — short showers and other conservation methods — is greatly appreciated. Feel free to bring some of your own to compliment what we have to offer.
Do you allow pets?
While we love pets, we unfortunately cannot accommodate them. Being off-grid without traditional electricity makes it difficult to properly clean pet fur and other pet-related messes. Thanks for understanding!
How long does it take to drive to McCarthy?
It’s a 7-8 hour drive from Anchorage, 8-9 hours from Fairbanks, 5-6 hours from Valdez, and 3.5-4 hours from Glennallen. If you like to take your time, plan for a bit longer. The McCarthy Road is 2 hours from Chitina, and while it’s only 60 miles, it’s built over an old railroad bed, so take it slow and enjoy the journey. Be sure to stop for photos and read the historical information signs along the way. Don’t forget! Check-in is between 3-6pm, so please plan accordingly.
Tip! If you’re coming from Denali, Seward, or another location beyond Anchorage, consider breaking up the long drive by staying overnight somewhere along the way. This way, you can enjoy the drive along the McCarthy Road at a more leisurely pace and still have time to relax in your cabin before heading to McCarthy for the afternoon or evening. Lodging recommendations include: Glennallen’s Rustic Resort and B&B , Copper River Wilderness Princess Lodge, or Pippen Lake B&B. If you stay nearby the night before, feel free to inquire if an early check-in is possible!
Is there a gas station in McCarthy?
There is usually unleaded fuel available near the end of the McCarthy Road, but it’s best to top off your tank in Glennallen, Kenny Lake, or Chitina before you drive the McCarthy Road.
Is there a store in the area?
There is a small general store in McCarthy offering basic items but it’s a good idea to bring what you need!
What activities are there?
There is a ton to do in McCarthy and Kennicott. Adventures abound! Tour historic the historic ghost towns, visit our fantastic museum, eat local (amazing!) fare, hike, raft, flight-see, ice climb, explore, and the list goes on. Be sure to inquire with one of our incredible local guide services and have them take you on a world-class experience — one that's just right for you.
Guided Adventures and more!
McCarthy River Tours and Outfitters
Local Fare
The Roadside Potatohead aka The Potato
Salmon & Bear and the Golden Saloon
Is there a shuttle to Kennicott and McCarthy?
Yes, there is a shuttle that runs throughout the day, with pick-up and drop-off at the footbridge, McCarthy, and Kennicott. It’s a little over a half-mile walk from the footbridge to McCarthy and 5 miles further to Kennicott. We highly recommend taking the shuttle to Kennicott so you can save your energy for exploring the mill site, hiking the Root Glacier trail, and more!
Can we have campfires?
Sorry, no campfires. Due to the surrounding woodlands and limited firefighting resources, campfires are not permitted at McCarthy Cabins. For safety reasons, flammable bug repellents like mosquito coils and citronella candles are also not allowed. Thanks for understanding!
How do I make a reservation at McCarthy Cabins?
To check availability and confirm a stay, please call or fill out the Book Your Stay form. Once we receive your request, we will typically get back to you within a few hours (or within 24), to let you know if your dates are available. To make a reservation and confirm your stay, full payment is due at the time of booking.
Reservations are not guaranteed without payment.
We gladly accept electronic transfers and credit card payments through our online invoicing system. There is a 3% transaction fee for credit card payments.
Being a small business with a tiny crew, McCarthy Cabins has a set check-in window of 3pm-7pm. There is a late arrival fee of $50 between 7pm and 8pm. Sorry, there are no arrivals after 8pm.
Check-in window: 3pm – 7pm
Check out: 11am
Arriving before 3pm? Feel free to ask if an early check-in is possible!
2025 Season: May 23 - September 9
NEW! Camp McCarthy, a glamping (glamorous camping) destination on the bank of the Kennicott River. Camp McCarthy features safari-style canvas tents with a cozy touch of home. Located at Mile 1, Kennicott River Road, this special place is just a two-mile drive to end of the McCarthy Road and the footbridge to McCarthy and Kennicott. Reservations required. For more information, visit: CampMXY.com
Camp McCarthy - McCarthy’s new glamping destination!