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).
Being a small business with a tiny crew, McCarthy Cabins has a set check-in window of 3-6pm. We’ll escort you to your cabin, give you a brief tour, and show you some basic How-Tos (such as lighting the wood stove and/or propane lights).
Check in: 3pm – 6pm*
Check out: 11am
*There is a $50 late check-in fee for arrivals between 6-7pm. Arrivals between 7-8pm there is a $75 late check-in fee. There are no arrivals after 8pm (unless prior arrangements have been made). If you are staying nearby the night before (Glennallen, Copper Center, Kenny Lake), and will be arriving before 3pm, please feel free to inquire if an early check-in is possible. I’m happy to accommodate if so!
How long should we stay?
With so much to do and see, I recommend at least a two-night stay at McCarthy Cabins (our minimum), but three nights is perfect. This allows visitors two full days to explore the area, take in the incredible scenery, relax in your cabin, and meet local residents. After the long trek here - give yourself the time you deserve to discover the magic of Wrangell St Elias. It’s a very special place!
Can we cook meals?
Ready-to-eat foods such as sandwiches, cereal, snacks such as crackers and cheese, etc., are the easiest but the cabins are also great for preparing basic, simple meals. Each cabin has a propane cook-top (no oven) and basic cooking supplies (pot/pans/dishes/silverware). Bluff and Meadow Cabins have a small propane refrigerator. Remember, guests need to pack out what they pack in, so keep that in mind when planning your meals and stay. Avoiding items packaged in glass is recommended. There are also fantastic restaurants in McCarthy and Kennicott offering a variety of wonderful meal options.
What happens to our trash? Pack it in, pack it out.
Pack it In, Pack it Out means guests are responsible for packing out everything they packed in, including their own trash. There isn’t a landfill in the McCarthy/Kennicott area making trash a big obstacle for local businesses and residents alike. All trash in the valley needs to be hauled out, burned, or buried. The nearest landfill is a 7-hour round-trip drive! If you prefer not to take out your own, there is a trash disposal fee of $25 + (i.e. $25 per one 13-gallon sized kitchen trash bag).
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 vehicle or cabin, not stored anywhere outside. Note: ice is not always available in McCarthy, so bring plenty!
Do the cabins have WiFi?
The cabins offer guests a great opportunity to unplug and are without WiFi, however, McCarthy and Kennicott have WiFi hotspots provided by Copper Valley Telephone (CVT). Also, if you have CVT or Verizon cell service, your data plan should work well in the area. CVT and Verizon are the only cell providers that work in McCarthy and Kennicott.
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 1/4 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.
How long does it take to drive to McCarthy?
It’s a minimum of a 7-8-hour drive from Anchorage, 8-9 from Fairbanks, 5-6 from Valdez, and 3.5 from Glennallen. Plan on more if you like to take your time. The McCarthy Road alone is 2-hours from Chitina. Although just 60-miles, the road was built over the old railroad bed. Plan to go slow, take your time, and enjoy the drive! Be sure to stop for photos and to read the historical information signs at the waysides. Remember! The set check-in window is 3-6pm. Please plan accordingly.
Tip! If you like to take your time and/or are driving from Denali or another location beyond Anchorage, breaking up the long days’ drive by staying a night somewhere along the way is highly recommended. That way, you can take your time driving the McCarthy Road and after settling into your cabin, head to McCarthy for the afternoon/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?
For the first time this season, there is gas available near the end of the McCarthy Road. Being new, it’s still best to top off your tank in Glennallen and/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 you may 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. The shuttle will pick-up and drop-off at the footbridge, McCarthy, and Kennicott. It's a half-mile+ walk from the footbridge into McCarthy and five-miles further to Kennicott. Taking the shuttle to Kennicott is highly recommended — save your energy for touring the mill site, hiking the Root Glacier trail, etc!
Can we have campfires?
Sorry! No campfires. Because of the surrounding woodlands and lack of firefighting capabilities, campfires are not allowed at McCarthy Cabins.
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 (full payment only) and credit card payments through our online invoicing system. There is a 3.3% transaction fee for credit card payments.
Being a small business with a tiny crew, McCarthy Cabins has a set check-in window of 3-6pm. We’ll escort you to your cabin, give you a brief tour, and show you some basic How-Tos (such as lighting the wood stove and/or the propane lights). If you will arrive after 6pm, you must let us know so we can arrange to be available after the regular check-in hours.
Check-in window: 3pm – 6pm*
Check out: 11am
*There is a $50 late check-in fee for arrivals between 6-7pm. Arrivals between 7-8pm there is a $75 late check-in fee. There are no arrivals after 8pm (unless prior arrangements have been made). 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. For more information, visit: CampMXY.com
Camp McCarthy - McCarthy’s new glamping destination!