Details
Backcountry Glamping in Wrangell-St. Elias
Camp McCarthy sits on 10 acres along the Kennicott River, just two miles from the footbridge to McCarthy and Kennicott. Four private canvas tents on raised platforms offer a comfortable basecamp for exploring America's largest national park.
Your Tent
Each spacious canvas tent features:
Queen bed (or queen + twin in Spruce Camp) with premium linens and ultra-warm down comforter
Portable propane heater with fuel (two 1 lb. cylinders included)
Hot water bottle for extra comfort
Small table and chairs
Covered deck with seating and epic mountain views
Solar lighting and power station for charging phones and small devices
Fully screened windows and door
The Pavilion (Shared Space)
Our log-framed gathering space includes:
Hot showers with soap, shampoo, and towels provided
Coffee and tea station with hot water kettle
Bear-safe food storage area (ready-to-eat foods)
Seating and games (cornhole, board games)
Campfire ring with firewood provided
Clean, well-maintained outhouses nearby
Meals & Food
Camp McCarthy is in bear country, so no cooking is allowed on-site for everyone's safety. All food must be stored in the Pavilion, not in tents.
What to bring: Picnic-style foods like sandwiches, wraps, cheese boards, granola, yogurt, pastries, instant oatmeal, or dehydrated meals (hot water available). Campfire classics like hot dogs and s'mores are welcome at the fire pit.
Restaurants nearby: McCarthy and Kennicott offer excellent dining options including Roadside Potatohead, Glacier View Grill (1 mile from camp), Golden Saloon, and Salmon & Bear.
Good to Know
Check-in/Check-out:
Check-in: 3-6pm (free early check-in when available)
Late check-in 6-7pm available for $50
No arrivals after 7pm
Check-out: 11am
Policies:
2-night minimum (3 nights July 4th weekend)
Ages 10+ (exceptions for exclusive buyouts)
No pets
Pack it in, pack it out (trash disposal available for $25/bag)
Quiet hours: 10pm-8am
Full payment due at booking
Accessibility: Guests should be comfortable with stairs and walking on natural, uneven terrain.
Power: Small devices only (phones, cameras, headlamps). No CPAPs or high-draw equipment.
Scenic nature trail on-site with views of Kennicott Glacier and Stairway Icefall.
What to Bring
Weather: Summer temps range from 40s-70s°F. Nights can drop into the 30s in late August/September. Be prepared for sun, wind, and rain - sometimes all in one day!
Clothing:
Warm layers (fleece, wool sweater, jacket)
Rain gear (quality jacket and pants)
Quick-dry shirts and pants (long and short)
Warm hat, gloves, sun hat
Wool socks (not cotton)
Hiking shoes and slip-ons for quick trips
Essentials:
Bug spray or Thermacell (mosquitoes are real!)
Headlamp (essential for August-September)
Daypack for adventures
Camera
Games for downtime
Leave at home: Guns, fireworks, ATVs, camp stoves, candles, amplified speakers
