FAQs
Lodging at Camp McCarthy, Alaska
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should we stay?
We require a minimum of two nights, but we think three nights is perfect. This gives you two full days to:
Explore the incredible history and scenery of Wrangell–St. Elias
Relax and enjoy the peaceful vibe at Camp
Meet some of our friendly local residents
After the long journey here, slowing down lets you truly soak in the magic of Camp McCarthy and the Wrangell St Elias National Park.
Can I Take a Rental Car?
Yes, but not all companies allow travel here. Confirm with your rental company that travel on gravel roads like the McCarthy Road is permitted. Some companies that have allowed McCarthy Road use in the past include:
A1 Car Rental
GoNorth
Levi (quirky but affordable)
Turo (check individual listings carefully)
Important: Always double-check policies before booking to avoid issues.
How long does it take to drive to McCarthy?
Approximate travel times to McCarthy from:
Anchorage: 7–8 hrs
Fairbanks: 8–9 hrs
Denali via the Denali Highway: 10 hrs
Valdez: 5 hrs
Glennallen: 3.5 hrs
The McCarthy Road itself takes about 2 hours from Chitina — only 60 miles, but it’s built over an old railroad bed and is best driven slowly. Stop for photos and enjoy the waysides along the way.
Travel Tip
If you’re coming from Seward, Denali, or anywhere beyond Anchorage, consider breaking up the long drive with an overnight stop along the way. This lets you enjoy the McCarthy Road at a relaxed pace — and still have time to settle into Camp before heading into McCarthy for the afternoon or evening.
Recommended stopovers:
Sheep Mountain Lodge (Glacier View)
Glennallen’s Rustic Resort and B&B
Copper River Wilderness Princess Lodge (Copper Center)
Pippen Lake B&B (Kenny Lake)
Golden Spruce Cabins (Kenny Lake)
If you stay nearby, ask us about a free early check-in — when possible, we’re happy to welcome you in ahead of schedule at no extra charge. We love early check-ins when possible!
When and where do we check-in?
From the McCarthy Road, turn right onto Kennicott River Road at Mile 59. Drive just over one mile, and you’ll see Camp McCarthy on your left.
Check-in / Check-out:
Check-in: 3 pm – 6 pm (includes short tour & “how-tos”)
Late arrival (6–7 pm): $50 fee
No check-ins after 7 pm, thank you for understanding!
Free early check-in available if you stayed nearby the night before — please ask!
Check-out: 11 am
Food & Cooking
Can we cook meals at Camp McCarthy?
Camp McCarthy is not equipped for cooking hot meals. Cooking is not allowed anywhere on the property. Please feel free to bring snacks and ready-to-eat or cold-prep foods such as:
Fresh-baked muffins or pastries
Gourmet sandwiches or wraps
Crunchy granola with fresh fruit
Cheese and charcuterie boards
Yogurt parfaits with berries and nuts
Instant oatmeal or hearty dehydrated meals (just add hot water)
Campfire classics like hot dogs and s’mores
For full, hot meals, McCarthy and Kennicott have fantastic restaurants to choose from. Great eats you won’t want to miss!
Why no cooking? Cooking odors attract wildlife. Bears live in the area and guest safety is our top priority.
Where should we store our food and personal items?
For everyone’s safety — and to keep bears and other wildlife away — all food, beverages, and scented toiletries (like toothpaste, shampoo, lotion, bug spray, etc.) must be stored in the Pavilion’s designated storage area. Thank you!
Space is provided for one standard-sized cooler per tent.
Pack it In, Pack it Out
Camp McCarthy follows a strict Pack it In, Pack it Out policy — nothing gets left behind. Guests are responsible for taking out everything they bring in, including their own trash.
Why?
There is no landfill in the McCarthy/Kennicott area.
All trash must be hauled out, burned, or buried — the nearest landfill is a 7-hour round trip drive!
If you’d rather not haul your trash, we can dispose of it for you at $25 per 13-gallon kitchen bag.
Water & Utilities
Water:
Berkey Water Filter for drinking water, handwashing, dish, and shower water are provided in the Pavilion.
All water is hauled 4 miles — conserving as best you can is greatly appreciated.
WiFi & Cell Service:
Camp McCarthy is WiFi-free — it’s a great time to unplug!
WiFi hotspots are available in McCarthy via Copper Valley Telephone (CVT).
Cell service works with CVT or Verizon only.
Are tents heated?
No built-in heat, but each tent has ultra-warm down comforters, thick blankets, and hot water bottles for a cozy stay.
Optional portable heater rental: $20 (Big Buddy heater + two 1 lb propane cylinders, ~3 hrs each).
Are pets allowed at Camp?
Sorry, we love them but pets are not allowed.
Local Info
Is there a gas station in McCarthy?
Regular unleaded and diesel fuel is usually available near the end of McCarthy Road, but to be safe, we recommend topping off your tank in Glennallen or Kenny Lake before heading in.
Is there a store in the area?
There is a small general store in McCarthy offering basic items you may need.
What activities are offered close by?
There’s many adventures to choose from! You can:
Explore history – Tour the towns of McCarthy and Kennicott, or visit the area’s fantastic museum.
Get outdoors – Hike scenic trails, raft wild rivers, ice climb, or take a flightseeing tour over Wrangell–St. Elias.
Learn & connect – Attend naturalist talks or book a custom adventure with a local guide service.
Savor the local flavors – Enjoy delicious meals at McCarthy and Kennicott’s restaurants.
Right at Camp – Walk our private nature trail, enjoy a campfire, play a game of cornhole, or unwind with a good book.
Whether you’re in the mood for exciting adventures or simply want to relax and soak in the scenery, you’ll find plenty to enjoy here!
What is your Cancellation Policy?
With our intimate size, short season, and remote location, cancellations significantly affect us. Because of this, we adhere to the following cancellation policy.
90+ days: $50 cancellation fee
Between 90 and 60 days: 50% refund
60 days or less: 100% penalty applies
We recommend purchasing travel insurance.
What Should We NOT Bring?
Guns or fireworks
ATVs, dirt bikes, or any off-road vehicles
Camp stoves, candles, mosquito coils, or any open flame
Amplified speakers
Camp Etiquette:
Quiet time: 10 pm – 8 am
No smoking
Clean up after yourself
Keep food and scented items in the Pavilion storage area or your vehicle
Pack it In, Pack it Out — leave no trace
Be respectful and kind to fellow guests
Enjoy your stay!
