Details
Luxury camping in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park
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 safari-style 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 impressive log-framed gathering space includes:
Hot showers with soap, shampoo, and towels provided
Coffee and tea station with hot water kettles
Bear-safe food storage area (ready-to-eat foods only)
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, never in the 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 marshmallows and s'mores are welcome at the fire pit. For Camp menu ideas, click here.
For wildlife safety, Camp McCarthy is not set up for cooking meals. Portable grills, camp stoves, and cooking raw foods such as hamburgers, sausages, steaks, chicken, fish, or bacon are not permitted.
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 Icefalls.
What to Bring
Weather: Summer temps range from 40s-70s°F. Nights can drop into the 30s in late August and September. Be prepared for sun, wind, and rain - sometimes all in one day!
Clothing:
Warm layers (fleece, wool sweater, jacket)
Rain gear (quality breathable jacket and pants)
Quick-dry shirts and pants (long and short)
Warm hat, gloves, sun hat
Wool socks (not cotton)
Hiking or walking shoes plus slip-ons for in your tent
Essentials:
Bug spray or a Thermacell are welcome (no candles or open flames). Each tent includes a mosquito zapper racket for any bugs that may sneak inside.
Headlamp (essential for August-September)
Daypack for adventures
Camera
Bring your favorite games for downtime at Camp
Leave at home: Guns, fireworks, ATVs, camp stoves, candles, amplified speakers
