Where to Stay
WRANGELL-ST. ELIAS NATIONAL PARK
The towns of McCarthy and Kennecott offer several lodging options
KENNECOTT
Lodging in Kennecott is very limited
Kennicott Glacier Lodge
Built in 1987, this family-owned lodge is the only lodge in Kennecott and is modeled after one of the historic buildings from the copper mining days of the early 1900s.
The lodge provides comfortable and charming amenities in the middle of the Alaska wilderness. Rooms in the Main Lodge are decorated with historic mining artifacts and photos. And the sunrise and sunset views from the front deck of the Kennicott Glacier and Mt. Blackburn are absolutely stunning!
MCCARTHY
Most lodging options and the nightlife for visitors to the park are in McCarthy
McCarthy Guesthouse
Looking for lodging in McCarthy that has full amenities and is quiet and comfortable? Well, look no further.
McCarthy Guesthouse has two independent units, one upstairs and one downstairs. Each unit is equipped with hot showers, internet and the only in-suite bathrooms in town. The upstairs unit even has a fully functional kitchen.
It’s located only “one block” away from downtown providing easy walking access to dining options.
Ma Johnson’s Hotel
Located in “downtown” McCarthy, the lodge is a former boarding house from the old copper mining days of the early twentieth century.
It provides full amenities with a cozy atmosphere, internet and even has an ATM on property. Decorated with historic artifacts and photos it is like staying in a living museum of Alaska’s copper mining boom a century ago.
ADDITIONAL OPTIONS NEAR MCCARTHY
Personal Vehicle Access: NO
Blackburn Cabins
Comfortable, rustic cabins with hot showers and free bicycles to use.
Personal Vehicle Access: YES
Currant Ridge
Luxurious Alaskan-style log homes with full amenities located only a few miles from the end of the McCarthy Road.
McCarthy Cabins
Cozy cabins with no utilites, a separate showerhouse and outhouse located 3.5 miles from the end of the McCarthy Road.
Kennicott River Lodge
Private cabins with a separate main lodge containing bathroom and shower facilities. Located just before the end of the McCarthy Road next to the Base Camp Kennicott campground.
McCarthy Bed and Breakfast
Bed and Breakfast located approximately 1/2 mile from the end of the McCarthy Road.
CAMPING
Base Camp Kennicott
This is the only campground in the valley. It has several paid spaces that accommodate both tent and RV camping.
Located on the west side of the Kennicott River at the end of the McCarthy Road, it is a short walk or shuttle ride to McCarthy.
Paid parking is also available for day visitors to the park.
Pro Tip: Not sure where to camp? As you have probably noticed, finding specific location information on primitive campsite options is limited. My advice is to not be shy. McCarthy is a small, remote town with a very friendly community. Talk to locals when you get there to get their recommendations or favorite camp spots. Or call or stop into a local guide service to get their expert information on where you can, cannot or should not camp.
Primitive Camping
Primitive camping is available in the park on a first-come-first-serve basis. While there are a handful of established sites along the Root Glacier Trail most camping options are simply in unmarked wilderness. No permits or reservations are required for camping in the park.
Please practice Leave No Trace Principles to keep this pristine wilderness beautiful!
NOTE: Do not camp within the town limits of McCarthy and Kennecott. Like any town they consist largely of privately owned property.
Likewise, the 60-mile long McCarthy Road contains many privately owned residences. Although camping is permitted along the McCarthy Road please do not camp on private property.
Contact the National Park Service for park-specific requirements and for more camping information about Wrangell-St. Elias
NABESNA
Nabesna sees very few visitors compared to McCarthy/Kennecott so lodging and activities are very limited
Devils Mountain Lodge
Established in the 1950s this delightful Bed and Breakfast offers comfortable, true Alaskan hospitality with comfortable rooms, hot showers and delicious food. It also serves as a hunting lodge with experienced guides on staff.
The lodge is located in the lesser visited northern part of the park making it a much quieter option compared to McCarthy and Kennecott. Options for activities include flightseeing, backpacking, mountaineering and packrafting.