Camp Denali Adventure

Located on 67 acres of sweeping ridgeline, Camp Denali and its 19 guest cabins reflect the spirit of Alaska with a presiding sense of open space and natural surroundings. Camp Denali was a pioneer in conservation and its history is intertwined with the preservation of Denali National Park. Since 1952, Camp Denali’s focus on natural history education, stewardship and hospitality combined with the extraordinary setting inside Denali National Park has inspired people from around the world.

Why Stay at Camp Denali

Camp Denali guests are people who want to be close to the land. After three generations, Camp Denali's philosophy remains the same: stay small, maintain a minimal footprint and provide comfortable hospitality that allows visitors to experience the wild nature of Denali National Park.

Choose Camp Denali for the finest experience available for travelers seeking to visit Denali National Park. The historical connection to the National Park here means you'll experience more activities inside park boundaries, rather than being confined to private land in Kantishna. Plus, the staff of naturalist guides, some of whom have worked here for over a decade, are superior to any lodge or tour available.

We suggest you book early and work with an Adventure Specialist to coordinate a visit to Camp Denali in conjunction with your small ship cruise or custom Alaska package. We have years of insight from booking travelers and staying at this lodge ourselves. Read Camp Denali reviews written by our specialists and travelers who've been. We can help you compare the Camp Denali guest cabins with other adventure lodging and Alaska land tours.

History at Camp Denali

Camp Denali is grounded by history and tradition, following the wisdom of the founders who said that in building Camp Denali the land “told us what we should be.” When founders Celia Hunter, Ginny Wood and Morton (Woody) Wood arrived in Denali in 1951, they were seeking land to homestead within view of “The Great One.” Their dream was to build a simple, rustic lodge and cabins where park visitors could come and “savor the vigor and freshness of this young country and absorb its spacious tranquility.” Friends and visitors alike helped haul logs, hack out a road and build. The original founders ran Camp Denali for 25 years, forging a livelihood out of ingenuity, hospitality and love of the land.

Today, the owners live by the same commitment to be careful stewards of this special place at the edge of Denali’s wilderness. Some 30 seasonal staff members join in that mission and provide exceptional hospitality and customer service to guests. Each year at least 75% of these individuals return to work another summer. This high return rate of such dedicated and knowledgeable staff allows Camp Denali to provide the best quality experience for guests in a setting that is beyond compare.

Design & Sustainability at Camp Denali

Camp Denali is a wilderness lodge that offers guests a true Alaskan adventure. It is situated near treeline, providing access to native tundra and boreal forest habitats right from your door. The hand-hewn log lodge, built by the founders in 1954, still offers up hospitality at the heart of Camp Denali, while guest cabins are set along an ascending ridgeline to take best advantage of the surrounding views. A new dining hall, a natural history resource collection, a modern shower and bathroom facility and other public spaces radiate out from the lodge. The newer buildings and facilities complement Camp Denali’s rich history and reputation as one of the first wilderness lodges in Alaska.

Living lightly on the land with a focus on building, fixing, sewing and cooking things from scratch is a way of life for Camp Denali. Cabins are built and remodeled on site by capable staff and old friends willing to lend a hand. Each spring is spent sewing curtains, duvet covers and quilts. Alaskan artwork is displayed in every room and building, portraying the beauty of wild Alaska. Blueberries are picked from the tundra surrounding the ridgeline and are turned into delicious jam and syrup. If it isn’t handmade on site, it is sourced from responsible suppliers. Camp Denali uses its purchasing power and consumer choice to support companies dedicated to organic and sustainable production; from cleaning products and guest amenities to napkins and towels.

Camp Denali continually works to minimize its impact on the land and on the earth as a whole. A few examples of sustainable practices include:

• Purchase of Alaska-grown meat and produce, including wild fish, pork, elk and reindeer products.
• Their newly completed 90kW solar array powers 96% of Camp Denali's electrical needs.
• Camp Denali operates an organic greenhouse for the majority of salad greens, cherry tomatoes, herbs, cucumbers, edible and cut flowers.
• All bread flour, grains, beans, eggs, butter and milk are organic.
• Dog-friendly food scraps feed sled dogs living near the Park’s entrance.
• A solar hot water system preheats all domestic hot water coming into the Camp Denali kitchen and dining room.
• Camp Denali practices Leave No Trace principles when hiking in Denali’s backcountry.
• A little extra elbow grease is mixed with cleaning products that are gentle on the earth, non-toxic, concentrated and purchased in bulk.
• Soil for the growing operation is made from composted food and yard scraps; waste heat from the generator helps this process.
• Items not reused or consumed on site are recycled at the Park’s entrance.

Dining at Camp Denali

A gourmet culinary experience is totally unexpected at the end of the 92-mile Denali Park road, and 350 miles away from Anchorage. Guests may not be in pursuit of a unique and memorable eating experience when they book a stay at Camp Denali, but that is exactly what they get. The name of the dining room at Camp Denali, “Potlatch,” evokes a Native Alaskan tradition of sharing food in a community. Camp Denali incorporates a wider Alaskan community through a commitment to sourcing locally grown and organic ingredients.

The produce not grown on site in the greenhouse is purchased from organic farms just north of Denali National Park. Fish is obtained from farmed or wild-caught sources in Alaska. Barley cereal and flour comes from Delta in eastern Alaska, and honey travels from a family homestead just north of the Park. Chefs use the region’s best flavors and ingredients to deliver a fantastic dining experience. The final product is a work of art, served in the heart of Denali’s wilderness.

Activities at Camp Denali

Camp Denali specializes in learning adventures and hiking vacations for travelers. Through daily guided outings and evening programs, their naturalist guides share the Park's rich natural and human history–its landscape, scenery, history and wildlife. Naturalist-led outings offer options from strenuous hiking to leisurely strolls. There is something to suit the interests of everyone while exploring Denali’s trail-less terrain and observing wildlife.

Evening programs feature staff naturalists or guest speakers who are experts in a wide range of Alaskan and natural history topics. The special emphasis series of guest speakers not only enhances the guest understanding but also provides continued training for naturalist staff further lending to their knowledge and experience. They also offer independent activities such as canoeing on nearby Wonder Lake, biking along the secluded park road, or fishing.

Camp Denali Location

Camp Denali's location between the park's wilderness boundary and the historic Kantishna Mining District is the essence of what makes the lodge special - it is the only guest lodge inside the park with direct views of Denali. When Denali National Park and Preserve was established in 1980, the homesteaded land of Camp Denali became islands of private land surrounded by the national park. Learn more about how to visit Denali National Park, and what sets Camp Denali apart with our expertise.

The Guest Experience

“Denali at your doorstep” characterizes Camp Denali in the heart of Denali National Park. Camp Denali is more than a wilderness hideaway with views of North America’s highest peak. As the sole commercial operator of naturalist-guided hiking in Denali’s designated wilderness, the lodge features learning experiences for active travelers who want more than an introduction to Denali National Park. At Camp Denali, active learning and community combine to create a wilderness experience without parallel.

Camp Denali guests explore the tundra and learn about the Park’s natural history from professional naturalists and guest experts. Mealtimes emphasize camaraderie and feature fine dining with food made on site from quality, local and organic ingredients. You don't have to be capable of scaling Denali to enjoy your time at Camp Denali; all that is needed is an enthusiasm for exploring, rain or shine, and a spirit of adventure.

Accommodations at Camp Denali

Each of the 19 guest cabins has a picture window view of Denali and offers privacy throughout your stay. The cabins are hand-crafted, well-appointed and authentic. Quilts made by staff adorn the beds, a wood stove provides cozy warmth and propane lamps light the cabins. A short path leads to a private, meticulously maintained outhouse, and a sink basin inside allows washing up. Drinking water comes from a spigot just outside and may be heated on your cabin's propane hot plate for a morning coffee or afternoon tea. A 3- to 7-minute walk uphill from your cabin leads you to the dining room, a modern shower facility and the historic log lodge with an inviting wood stove, cozy seating, library and unparalleled views. Camp Denali is the epitome of the wilderness tradition that exemplifies what the founders envisioned for park visitors–a place that doesn't insulate you from the wilderness you come to explore.

Camp Denali Outhouses

Each cabin comes equipped with its own private outhouse, or opt to use flush toilets in the shared main bathhouse (where showers are located). Take a flashlight (or use the near-24-hour daylight) for 10-40 steps along a maintained trail to access your regularly cleaned restroom. Note that the bears Alaska is known for, prefer to avoid humans. Alternately, the staff can provide a chamber pot in your cabin. Most outhouses offer a spectacular view of Denali; those that do not, offer more privacy.

The Denali cabins sit 8 miles south of the Denali National Park entrance, on a quiet property tucked just off the Parks Highway. Arrive by car, bus or the Alaska Railroad and settle into a classic Alaskan property with rustic charm.

Complimentary shuttles regularly stop at the bus depot, rail depot/visitor center and the Denali boardwalk. Return each evening to a warm fire, onsite hot tubs, a friendly pub featuring a menu of comfort foods, and your cozy private Denali cabin for some respite between outdoor explorations.

Amenities & Activities

The Denali Cabins property offers two outdoor hot tubs, open daily from 4:00pm to 10:00pm. Souvenirs are available from the onsite gift shop. From the Denali Cabins, adventure is at your doorstep, with easy access to explorations that Denali National Park and the surrounding area is known for: hiking, biking, historical tours, jet boat tours, dog sledding, whitewater rafting, flightseeing, ziplining, panning for gold, visiting Wonder Lake and wildlife tours.

Dining

Receive a warm welcome at the onsite Prey Pub & Eatery. This charming and rustic restaurant and bar offers breakfast, (pre-ordered) boxed lunches and hearty dinners, including vegetarian and gluten-free options. Breakfast is made to order with options such as pancakes, local meats, eggs, avocado toast, granola and yogurt.

For dinner, enjoy an Alaskan twist on dishes including mac n' cheese, fish n' chips, burgers, soups, salads and sandwiches. Then sit by the stone fireplace and make new friends over a cold Alaskan beer, glass of wine or specialty cocktail. Also at Denali Cabins is the Mount Hunter Coffee Co, offering healthy grab-and-go snacks, light meals, tea and coffee drinks.

Accommodations

The Denali Cabins property offers 46 private cedar cabins with options for two, four and six guests, as well as accessible cabins. Each cabin is equipped with heat, a private bathroom with shower, one or more extra-long full-sized beds (or one king-sized bed for accessible cabins), blackout curtains, complimentary WiFi, telephone and a TV.

Beautifully renovated in 2019, this downtown Anchorage hotel is a convenient 10-minute drive from Ted Stevens International Airport and within walking distance of the Alaska Railroad Depot and Anchorage Convention District. The hotel features mountain views, an on-site restaurant and bar and a modern fitness center with indoor pool and steam room. Enjoy a comfortable stay in a stylish guest room featuring thoughtful amenities at one of Alaska's longest standing hotels. Get the best views of the city from the tallest hotel in Anchorage, plus views of Cook Inlet and the Chugach Mountains with the waterfront just a short walk away.

Common Areas at Hilton Downtown Anchorage

The lobby of the Hilton Downtown Anchorage features an extensive collection of Alaskan art and is also offered as part of a short walking tour, if time allows. Take advantage of the 24-hour business center and free WiFi in all public areas. Stay active with an energizing workout in the fitness center or refreshing swim in the indoor pool before unwinding in the steam room. The fitness center, also recently renovated, includes free weights, Precor fitness machines, steam rooms and a sauna.

Dining at Hilton Downtown Anchorage

The Hooper Bay Cafe, in-house restaurant at the Hilton Downtown Anchorage, serves authentic Alaskan and American cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Dine in this inviting and casual dining area for the breakfast buffet, and ask for Alaska crab or salmon to be added to your omelette. The hotel also features Bruin's Bar, an open-air, nonsmoking lounge where you can unwind and catch the news or the latest sports games and highlights. Take a seat at this welcoming hotel bar and sample an Alaska microbrew or specialty cocktail. For a pick-me-up look no further than the Kaladi Brothers Coffee kiosk; an Alaska owned and operated coffee company.

Nearby Attractions to Hilton Downtown Anchorage

Located in the heart of downtown Anchorage, the hotel is a quick 10-minute ride from the airport and a short walk to the Alaska Railroad Depot for your departure or arrival from Denali National Park. Within three blocks are the Egan and Dena'ina convention centers, 5th Avenue Mall, Anchorage Market and the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts. From the Hilton Downtown Anchorage explore popular attractions like the Alaska Museum of History and Art, the Ulu Factory, as well as other city shopping, restaurants and bars.

Accommodations at Hilton Downtown Anchorage

Wake up to the spectacular views from rooms designed to make you feel at home. The 600 rooms at the Hilton Downtown Anchorage are spacious and newly renovated with pillow top beds, granite counter tops and tables, and elegant bathrooms. Rooms offer WiFi, flat-screen TVs with cable channels and other added amenities like an alarm clock, MP3 docking station, coffee maker and designer bath products. Rooms offer views of the Chugach Mountain Range, Cook Inlet or city of Anchorage.

Set on the shore of Lake Spenard, The Lakefront Anchorage offers modern décor accented with classical hints of Alaska. Nearby is Lake Hood, the largest and busiest base for seaplanes on the planet with roughly 250 floatplanes arriving and departing daily.

Amenities at The Lakefront Anchorage

With a free 24-hour shuttle from the Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport just a mile away, and downtown Anchorage four miles out, The Lakefront Anchorage ensures convenience at every level. Additional features like the Ask Alfred Children Program and daily flightseeing and fishing pickups from the hotel dock add to its upscale amenities.

Dining at The Lakefront Anchorage

The onsite Flying Machine Restaurant and Fancy Moose Lounge enhances this Last Frontier experience with delicious meals, rich wood and wildlife trophies. Classic American fare with an Alaskan twist is served, with options like a bison burger or jumbo king crab legs.

Dining is accompanied by the unique experience of viewing the floatplanes coming and going off the hotel’s dock every day, as well as the serenity of Lake Spenard with the majestic Chugach Mountains behind. Step outside the restaurant and lounge to enjoy a front row seat to the floatplane action on the Deck at Lake Hood.

Accommodations at The Lakefront Anchorage

Every clean and modern room features a high-end Alaskan lodge feel with natural earth tones and classic wood accents. A private bathroom with tub, plus smart TV, WiFi, coffee- and tea-making facilities and in-room safe are available in every room.

Deluxe Room / Deluxe Lake View Room

A thoughtfully furnished 350-square-foot room available with either one king bed or two queen beds. Lake View rooms offer stunning views of Lake Spenard.

ADA Deluxe Room (Bath or Roll-In Shower)

A 350-square-foot room with modern ADA features to accommodate guests with accessibility needs. This room features an oversized bedroom and specialized bathroom facilities, plus a separate living area. Available with two queen beds.

Anchorage Suite / Mt. McKinley Suite

A 740-square-foot room featuring separate living and dining areas, refrigerator, gas fireplace and lakeside views. Available with one king bed and couch or two queen beds.

ADA St. Elias Suite

A 740-square-foot, spacious room with modern ADA features, such as an oversized bedroom and specialized bathroom facilities. This room features separate living and dining areas, refrigerator, gas fireplace and lakeside view. Available with one king bed and couch.

Set on the shore of Lake Spenard, The Lakefront Anchorage offers modern décor accented with classical hints of Alaska. Nearby is Lake Hood, the largest and busiest base for seaplanes on the planet with roughly 250 floatplanes arriving and departing daily.

Amenities at The Lakefront Anchorage

With a free 24-hour shuttle from the Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport just a mile away, and downtown Anchorage four miles out, The Lakefront Anchorage ensures convenience at every level. Additional features like the Ask Alfred Children Program and daily flightseeing and fishing pickups from the hotel dock add to its upscale amenities.

Dining at The Lakefront Anchorage

The onsite Flying Machine Restaurant and Fancy Moose Lounge enhances this Last Frontier experience with delicious meals, rich wood and wildlife trophies. Classic American fare with an Alaskan twist is served, with options like a bison burger or jumbo king crab legs.

Dining is accompanied by the unique experience of viewing the floatplanes coming and going off the hotel’s dock every day, as well as the serenity of Lake Spenard with the majestic Chugach Mountains behind. Step outside the restaurant and lounge to enjoy a front row seat to the floatplane action on the Deck at Lake Hood.

Accommodations at The Lakefront Anchorage

Every clean and modern room features a high-end Alaskan lodge feel with natural earth tones and classic wood accents. A private bathroom with tub, plus smart TV, WiFi, coffee- and tea-making facilities and in-room safe are available in every room.

Deluxe Room / Deluxe Lake View Room

A thoughtfully furnished 350-square-foot room available with either one king bed or two queen beds. Lake View rooms offer stunning views of Lake Spenard.

ADA Deluxe Room (Bath or Roll-In Shower)

A 350-square-foot room with modern ADA features to accommodate guests with accessibility needs. This room features an oversized bedroom and specialized bathroom facilities, plus a separate living area. Available with two queen beds.

Anchorage Suite / Mt. McKinley Suite

A 740-square-foot room featuring separate living and dining areas, refrigerator, gas fireplace and lakeside views. Available with one king bed and couch or two queen beds.

ADA St. Elias Suite

A 740-square-foot, spacious room with modern ADA features, such as an oversized bedroom and specialized bathroom facilities. This room features separate living and dining areas, refrigerator, gas fireplace and lakeside view. Available with one king bed and couch.