Frequently Asked Questions
Planning Your Stay
How long should we stay?
A 2-night minimum is required. We recommend 3 nights (or even 4) to have at least two full days to explore Wrangell–St. Elias and enjoy the magic of this special place.
How do I get there?
Camp McCarthy is 2 miles from the McCarthy footbridge on Kennicott River Road (turn right at Mile 59 of McCarthy Road).
Drive times:
Anchorage: 7-8 hours
Denali via Denali Hwy: 10-12 hours
Fairbanks: 8-9 hours
Glennallen: 3.5 hours
Valdez: 5 hours
The McCarthy Road itself takes ~2 hours from Chitina (60 miles of gravel). Drive slowly and enjoy the incredible scenery.
Tip: Break up long drives with an overnight in Glennallen, Glacier View, or Kenny Lake, then ask about free early check-in!
Can I take a rental car?
Yes, but confirm your rental company allows gravel roads. Companies that have permitted McCarthy Road use: A1 Car Rental, GoNorth, Levi, and some Turo vehicles. Always verify before booking.
Check-in & Check-out
When is check-in?
Standard: 3-6pm (includes brief tour)
Late check-in: 6-7pm ($50 fee)
No arrivals after 7pm
Early check-in often available (free) - just ask!
Check-out: 11am
Food & Cooking
Can we cook at Camp?
No cooking allowed due to bears. Bring picnic-style foods: sandwiches, wraps, cheese boards, granola, yogurt, pastries, instant oatmeal, dehydrated meals. Hot dogs and s'mores welcome at the campfire.
Hot water available for coffee, tea, and instant meals.
Where do we eat hot meals?
McCarthy and Kennicott have excellent restaurants: Roadside Potatohead, Glacier View Grill (1 mile away), Meatza Wagon, Golden Saloon, and Salmon & Bear.
Where do we store food?
All food, drinks, and scented items (toiletries, bug spray, etc.) must be stored in the Pavilion. There is space for one standard-sized cooler per tent.
Camp Basics
Are tents heated?
Each tent has a portable propane heater with fuel (two 1 lb cylinders included), plus ultra-warm down comforters and hot water bottles for an extra cozy stay.
Is there WiFi?
No WiFi at Camp (great time to unplug!). WiFi hotspots available in McCarthy. Cell service: Verizon only.
Is there water?
Filtered drinking water provided. All water is hauled 4 miles - please conserve as best you can.
Are there showers?
Yes! Hot showers with soap, shampoo, and towels in the Pavilion.
Are pets allowed?
No pets, sorry.
Local Info
Is there gas nearby?
Limited fuel sometimes available near the McCarthy Road end. Recommend filling up in Glennallen or Kenny Lake before driving in.
What activities are nearby?
Hiking, rafting, flightseeing, glacier tours, historic mine tours, museums, naturalist talks, ice climbing, rafting, and excellent restaurants. Plus our scenic nature trail, campfire, and cornhole at Camp.
Policies
Pack it In, Pack it Out:
Take all trash with you. There’s no landfill in the McCarthy area. Trash disposal is available for $25/bag if needed. Thank you for helping to keep this special place clean!
Cancellation Policy:
90+ days: $50 fee
60-90 days: 50% refund
Under 60 days: No refund
Travel insurance recommended.
What NOT to bring:
Guns, fireworks, ATVs, camp stoves, candles, amplified speakers
Camp Etiquette:
Quiet hours: 10pm-8am
No smoking
Ages 10+
Be kind to all fellow guests and enjoy!
