FAQ

Camp Denali is a wilderness lodge located in the heart of Denali National Park. Family owned and operated since 1952, Camp Denali has been coined "refined rustic" and offers guests a true Alaskan adventure.

The 19 guest cabins are hand-crafted, well-appointed, authentic, and each has a picture window view of Denali. Quilts made by our 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 three- to seven-minute walk uphill from your cabin leads you to the Camp Denali dining room, a shared, modern shower facility, and our historic log lodge on Nugget Pond with an inviting wood stove, cozy seating, library, and unparalleled views of Denali and the Alaska Range.

Mountain weather is unpredictable. Throughout our operating season, from early June through early September, temperatures can vary from lows around freezing to highs in the mid-80s. We experience warm, sunny days when shorts, T-shirt, and a dip in Nugget Pond are in order, and wet, blustery periods when you'll want to curl up with a book next to a warm fire. We have known Denali to stay hidden for nine consecutive days and have had the massif in full view for three straight weeks. We have seen snow every month of summer, yet have sunbathed in May and September.

Camp Denali sits on a ridgeline above at 2100 feet.

Operating as a fly-in lodge these past few years has required us to reduce our guest count, and though it is coincidental, our more intimate guest experience has been favorable for social distancing indoors and generally reducing the risk of illness coming to and spreading around Camp Denali. Nonetheless, we are aware of our remote location, and we will always strive to ensure the safety of our guests and staff.

In light of recent changes to CDC guidance and federal policy about COVID-19, we have updated our health and safety guidelines, which we encourage you to review here.

The best time to visit depends on your interests. June is the most exhilarating time of the sub-arctic year. Warming temperatures and 24-hour daylight quickly melt winter snow. From early June the park is alive with the activities of breeding birds, newborn lambs, moose and caribou calves, and grizzly cubs. Mountain slopes and meadows are studded with wildflowers.

Throughout July, we find caribou nursery bands in high alpine meadows. Moose are often seen feeding on aquatic vegetation in tundra ponds. Fledgling waterfowl and young Golden Eagles add interest to the days' observations. By late July the summer-green tundra grows rich with blueberries, embellishing the grizzly's diet.

Shorter days and cooler temperatures in late August and early September transform the tundra into a brilliant tapestry. "Termination dust," the first snow of oncoming winter, often blankets surrounding hills. Moose and caribou complete their yearly antler growth. Stars are visible for the first time since April, and the aurora borealis may be seen on clear nights.

We offer active learning adventures each day. You can explore Denali National Park with a naturalist guide on a leisurely naturalist foray, moderate hike, or strenuous hike. We are also happy to assist you in planning independent outings, including biking, canoeing, and fishing. The library and Natural History Resource Center are always available for reading and relaxation. Each evening after dinner, we feature programs to further enrich your understanding of the sub-arctic and arctic regions. Click here for additional information about our activities.

You'll need to make independent arrangements for arrival to the Denali Park Entrance area. From there, we will book flights on your behalf to and from Kantishna, where Camp Denali is located. Please see our Travel Logistics section for additional information.

Camp Denali has been family-owned and operated for over 70 years. The Cole/Hamm family resides year-round in the Denali National Park community and brings a lifetime of experience to running Camp Denali. We are the only lodge in the park with direct views of Denali, and also the only lodge allowed to moor canoes at Wonder Lake. Our Historic Operator status with the National Park Service gives us the exclusive ability to travel through the park and lead naturalist-guided hikes in the wilderness heart of Denali.

Yes, we live with them, and toward late summer, other biting insects follow. Regular-strength repellent, long sleeves, and loose pants provide adequate protection. Insects are not as abundant here as in some areas of Alaska. If you are particularly affected by them, however, you may wish to reconsider visiting Interior Alaska. We do have bug head nets available to borrow.

Sturdy, over-the-ankle, well-broken-in hiking boots, warm layers, and lightweight rain pants and jacket are essential. Linens, towels, soap, shampoo, and conditioner are provided for guests. For a more comprehensive suggested packing list and information about gear available to borrow, click here.

Our rates are all-inclusive of your time at Camp Denali. There is a separate cost for your round-trip flight to and from the park entrance. Retail purchases, gratuities, and optional flightseeing tours are not included.

We do not provide alcohol or soft drinks during your stay. Guests are welcome to bring their own, or place an order ahead of time for advance delivery to Camp Denali. Please call our office for additional information.

No, we do not offer any laundry facilities for guest use due to our remote location and the fact that we generate our own power. We are able to provide use of our tub sink and clothesline, as well as drying racks that are provided in each cabin.

We do not have cell service or internet access. Camp Denali has a courtesy telephone for outgoing calls. In case of emergency, incoming calls should be directed to our office at 907-683-2290. Do not plan to send or receive faxes or email. Mail days are Mondays and Fridays.

Yes, we have portable lithium CPAP battery packs, with 110 volt power inverters, for use in the cabins. Bring them to your hosts to be recharged as needed. Be sure to tell our reservations staff if you require a CPAP when making a reservation.

Alaska Geographic is a good source for books, maps, and field guides about Alaska's natural and cultural history. Visit their website at www.alaskageographic.org.