The Pavilion
The timber-framed Pavilion is the heart of Camp McCarthy, with sweeping views of the Wrangell Mountains and Kennicott River Valley. Inside, you’ll find hot showers (towels provided), handwashing sinks, food storage space, and comfortable seating for gathering or relaxing after a day outdoors.
Outside, gather around the campfire circle with panoramic views, stroll the scenic river trail along the Kennicott River, or challenge your group to a game of cornhole as evening settles in.
For wildlife safety, no cooking is permitted anywhere on the property. Ready-to-eat meals are welcome, and many guests enjoy a light breakfast at camp, pack a lunch for the day, and head into McCarthy for dinner. The Potato is a local favorite and a popular stop after a day of exploring.
The Pavilion is a welcoming place to read, play cards, share stories, or simply unwind to the sound of the river beneath wide Alaska skies.
We practice Pack It In, Pack It Out — thank you for helping keep this valley wild and beautiful.
We look forward to welcoming you!
Easy No-Cook Meal Ideas at Camp
There’s no kitchen at Camp McCarthy, but meals are simple and delicious. Think picnic-style: easy to pack, easy to enjoy, and perfect for long days exploring Wrangell–St. Elias.
Simple Breakfasts
Quick bites before heading out for the day:
Pastries, croissants, or muffins with butter & jam
Yogurt with granola and berries
Bagels with cream cheese (add smoked salmon for an extra special treat)
Hard-boiled eggs, cheese, and fresh fruit
Overnight oats (add milk in the morning)
Granola bars or trail mix
Packable Day-Trip Lunches
Foods that travel well and require no heating:
Sandwiches on hearty bread — turkey & cheese, caprese, smoked salmon
Wraps with hummus, vegetables, or deli fillings
Charcuterie-style snacks: salami, cheese, crackers, olives, dried fruit
Chicken, pasta, or quinoa salad
Fresh vegetables with hummus or ranch
Chips, pretzels, or pita chips
Fresh fruit — apples, grapes, oranges
Campfire Treats
Simple favorites to enjoy by the fire:
S’mores (classic or gourmet)
Pre-cooked hot dogs or sausages
Roasted marshmallows
Evening Snacks & Hot Drinks
Perfect for winding down:
Cheese & crackers
Mixed nuts or energy bars
Cookies or brownies
Coffee or tea (water kettles provided)
Hot chocolate
Instant soup cups
Helpful Tip
Most guests head into McCarthy for dinner (The Potato is a local favorite), so you’ll only need simple breakfasts and easy lunches at camp. A small cooler with ice packs works well — ice is sometimes available in town. The Pavilion has space to store one standard-size cooler per tent.
