McCarthy Cabins. A cozy and convenient lodging option with easy access to McCarthy and Kennicott.
Frequently Asked Questions
Arrival & Check-In
Can we drive to our cabin?
Yes! All cabins are at Mile 56.5 on McCarthy Road. A vehicle is required; no shuttle or flying-only arrivals.
Is there a shuttle to Kennicott and McCarthy?
Yes, a shuttle runs throughout the day with pick-up and drop-off at the footbridge, McCarthy, and Kennicott. It’s about a half-mile walk from the footbridge to McCarthy and 5 miles further to Kennicott. We recommend taking the shuttle to Kennicott to save your energy for exploring the mill site, hiking the Root Glacier trail, and more!
What time can we check in and out?
Check-in: 4–7 pm (late arrivals 7–8 pm incur a $50 fee). No arrivals after 8 pm.
Check-out: 11 am
Early check-in may be possible — just ask!
How do I make a reservation?
To check availability and book, please call or fill out our Book Your Stay form. We usually respond within a few hours or up to 24 hours. Full payment is required at booking to confirm your reservation.
We accept electronic transfers and credit cards via online invoicing. Credit card payments incur a 3% transaction fee.
What are the cabin rental dates for 2025?
The season runs May 23 through September 15.
Cabin Amenities & Policies
Can we cook meals in the cabins?
Yes! Each cabin has a propane cooktop (no oven) and basic kitchen supplies. Bluff and Meadow have a small propane fridge.
Can we have campfires?
Sorry, no campfires. Due to surrounding woodlands and limited firefighting resources, campfires are prohibited. Flammable bug repellents like mosquito coils and citronella candles are also not allowed. Thanks for understanding!
How should we handle our trash?
“Pack it In, Pack it Out.” You must take your trash with you or pay a $25 fee per 13-gallon bag for disposal. The nearest landfill is a 7-hour round trip away. Thanks for helping keep the area clean!
How can we keep food cold?
Bluff and Meadow have propane refrigerators. Swift Creek guests should bring coolers with ice packs. Please keep all food and coolers inside your cabin or vehicle to avoid attracting bears.
Is there WiFi?
No WiFi at the cabins, giving you a chance to unplug. McCarthy and Kennicott have WiFi hotspots via Copper Valley Telephone (CVT). Verizon and CVT cell service work here; AT&T does not.
What about water?
We provide limited filtered drinking water and non-potable water for dishes and showers. Water is hauled in from a distance, so please conserve where you can.
Are pets allowed?
Sorry, no pets. Being off-grid makes it difficult to manage pet-related cleaning properly.
Location & Getting Here
How long does it take to drive to McCarthy?
Anchorage: 7–8 hours
Fairbanks: 8–9 hours
Valdez: 5–6 hours
Glennallen: 3.5–4 hours
The McCarthy Road is 60 miles long and follows an old railroad bed, so drive carefully and enjoy the scenery.
Where can we shop locally?
McCarthy has a small general store with basics. We recommend bringing what you need in advance.
Lodging suggestions for breaking up your drive:
If you’re coming from beyond Anchorage, consider stopping overnight at:
Sheep Mountain Lodge (Glacier View)
Glennallen’s Rustic Resort and B&B (Glennallen)
Copper River Wilderness Princess Lodge (Copper Center)
Pippen Lake B&B (Kenny Lake)
Golden Spruce Cabins (Kenny Lake)
Policies & Recommendations
How long should we stay?
We recommend at least two nights to fully enjoy the area, with three nights ideal for exploring and relaxing.
What is your cancellation policy?
90+ days before arrival: $50 cancellation fee
60–90 days: 50% refund
Less than 60 days: no refund
Area Activities
There’s so much to do in McCarthy and Kennicott—adventures abound! Explore historic ghost towns, visit our fantastic local museum, and savor amazing local cuisine. Whether you want to hike scenic trails, raft rivers, flight-see glaciers, or try ice climbing, there’s an experience waiting for you.
Be sure to connect with one of our incredible local guide services—they’ll tailor a world-class adventure just for you, making your visit truly unforgettable.
Guided Adventures and more!
McCarthy River Tours and Outfitters
Local Fare
The Roadside Potatohead aka The Potato