Macs Adventure

Alaska: Camp Denali - 4 days

4 Days & 3 Nights

Stay in a cozy cabin off the grid in the heart of Denali National Park
Choose from a variety of guided hikes led by expert naturalists
Enjoy independent activities including canoeing, biking, and fishing
Savor delicious, locally sourced meals with an Alaskan twist
Revel in direct views of Denali straight from your cabin window

Settle in for a few days at the off-the-grid, backcountry setting of Camp Denali in the heart of Denali National Park. Stay in a cozy cabin that boasts unobstructed views of Denali itself, and partake in a variety of activities such as hiking, biking, fishing, and canoeing. Choose from a variety of guided hikes each day with a professional naturalist guide who is an expert on the region, and spot wildlife such as moose, bears, caribou, wolves, and Dall sheep. Enjoy the flexibility of this “choose your own adventure” style of trip, opting to simply relax by the fire with a good book as you please. After your activities, refuel with fresh, local cuisine with an Alaskan twist in the beautiful main lodge.

What To Expect

Travel Restrictions

Camp Denali has simple, private cabins with clean outhouse and shared bathing facilities with hot water. Think "refined rustic". Great trip for couples, solo travelers, and families alike. Trip listed as "Easy", but there is a and a menu of activities to accommodate all travelers. Activity options range from easy walks to more challenging guided hikes. Optional activities like mountain biking, canoeing, and fishing are available. Single supplement for a private cabin is very reasonable, and willing-to-share solo travelers will likely be paired. Three trip lengths of 4 day (start on Fridays), 5 day (start on Monday), or 8 day (start on Monday or Friday) during the June-September season. Full-day transfer on a bus is led by naturalist guide-driver and takes you into the heart of the Denali National Park. All meals during your stay at the lodges are included to taste the flavors of Alaska.

Tour Style:

Small Group Guided | Benefit from an expert leader and join a group of like-minded adventurers.

Activity:

Walking, Biking, Wildlife Watching, Canoeing | Walking as part of a multi activity trip., Cycling as part of a multi activity trip., Trip includes wildlife watching as part of the itinerary, Canoeing as part of a multi-activity trip

This trip is suitable for:

Solo Travelers, Families, Multi-Generational, Mixed Abilities, Groups > 10, First Timers, Avid Adventurers

As a guide, we would suggest that the minimum age of traveler this tour would be suitable for is: 8 Years

Ideal if you have an interest in:

Wildlife
National Parks & Trails
Mountains
Alpine Hiking

Activity Level & Terrain

This trip is generally easy to moderate as most activities are optional and adjusted based on travelers' interests and ability levels, including more difficult hikes. Guides will discuss the activity options for the duration of the trip to customize experience.

Navigation

Operated in partnership with our local team of Alaskan experts, your professional guides will show you the many cultural and natural highlights of Alaska. Your guides will provide you with a daily briefing of the activities and what the full day entails.

Accommodations

Camp Denali

Located over 90 miles within Denali National Park, Camp Denali is a unique wilderness retreat for those seeking an in-depth experience in the Alaskan wild. Founded in 1951, Camp Denali is Alaska’s original wilderness vacation lodge, which strives to help visitors gain knowledge and appreciation for the natural history of Denali National Park.

Lodging at Camp Denali is in individual cabins with handcrafted quilts, a wood burning stove, and unparalleled views of Denali. In fact, it is the only lodging in the park with views of the mountain. There is an outdoor water spigot with cold running water. A short path leads to a private, meticulously maintained outhouse. Camp Denali defines "refined rustic". Delicious, wholesome meals made with fresh, local ingredients are featured in the dining room. Daily activities have a strong natural history focus including wildlife observations and hikes led by professional naturalists. Canoeing, fishing and biking are also available. Nightly programs focus on various aspects of Denali’s natural and cultural history.

Alcohol at Camp Denali

Camp Denali does NOT sell alcohol or soft drinks; however, travelers are welcome to bring their own. Wine openers and glasses are available.

Meals

Despite the remote setting, Camp Denali cultivates a high standard and commitment to good food. From their greenhouse, staff and guests gather fresh produce for meals. Each day the bakery produces delectable breads, cookies, pastries, and desserts. From the tundra, berries are gathered and preserved for you to enjoy as jams and syrups.

The kitchen plates and serves breakfast at 7:30 am and dinner at 6:30 pm in family-style seating, and lunch is a create-it-yourself sandwich with the option for a picnic lunch for longer day hikes or outings. When notified in advance, the kitchen can accommodate gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian, and vegan diets, as well as most food allergies.

Single Travelers

Single rooms are available for solo travelers or for parties requesting a single room, and single supplements are required. Singles who are willing to share will pay the double occupancy rate if matched with a same-gender traveler.

Included

Accommodations in private cabins
Guided hikes and activities
Round-trip group transportation from the Denali National Park entrance
Park entrance fee
All meals
Equipment for mountain biking, fishing, and canoeing
Alaska state bed tax
Information Pack via your "My Account"
24/7 Emergency telephone support from our UK & US office

Excluded

Travel to/from Denali National Park entrance
Accommodations at the park entrance
Gratuities

Extras

Accommodations at the Denali park entrance
Scenic flights

When To Go

Camp Denali is open from June to early September. The daylight lasts for 21 hours around the time of the summer solstice, providing plenty of time for activities.

Expect a range of weather and temperatures at any point. It can snow during the summer, and rain is a possibility at all times. Fall colors emerge on the alpine tundra in August and early September with winter settling in at the end of September.

Northern lights are possible in late August and September.

Weather and Climate

As weather patterns in Alaska are often unpredictable and can change suddenly, travelers should be prepared for hiking in the rain, mud, and on the rare occasion, snow. Suggested packing lists will be provided. The most reliable advice is to be prepared for any type of weather. Often, temperatures are between 40-60 degrees fahrenheit in the summer, but it could be warmer or cooler (especially in early June and September). It rains in every month of the summer. If you’re here for a week, you should plan for at least one day of rain. The Alaskan summer is akin to spring or fall in other parts of the country.

Getting to the Start

The restricted access road is not open to private vehicles past Mile 15. You will meet the Camp Denali bus at 12:30 pm at the Denali train depot parking area. The bus leaves from the the Denali train depot promptly at 1:15 pm based on the Alaska Railroad arrival from Fairbanks.

By Rail: The Camp Denali transfer 1:15 pm departure is timed with the arrival of the Alaska Railroad southbound trains from Fairbanks. If arriving on a northbound train from Anchorage or Talkeetna, it requires an additional night at the park entrance the day before to meet with the bus transportation. Many hotels offer shuttle services (complimentary or for a fee) from the train station, and there are taxi and ride-hailing services.

By Car: If arriving by car to the Denali National Park entrance, meet the bus at 12:15 pm at the train depot parking lot as you will need some extra time to drop off your luggage and park your vehicle. The lodge staff will direct you to free, long-term parking.

By Air: Weather frequently impacts flights into the park, so arriving by plane is not encouraged as it could shorten your time at Camp Denali. The drive into the park is suggested for the wildlife viewing and an orientation to the park, so consider flying out to culminate your wonderful Denali experience.

Another option is to fly via an air taxi service to the airport located at the park entrance and then join the scheduled bus transfer to the lodge along the Denali Park Road.

Getting from the End

By Rail: The vehicle transfer arrives to the Alaska Railroad train depot around noon for travelers to connect to both the northbound train to Fairbanks or the southbound train to Talkeetna/Anchorage.

By Car: The vehicle transfer will drop you off at train depot near where your car is parked.

By Air: Contact us for details about scenic flights from the Kantishna air strip to fly to the park entrance, Fairbanks, Talkeetna, or Anchorage.

Equipment

Our pre-departure information pack has detailed advice on what to bring. Soft-sided luggage is preferred for loading on the bus. Please note that your luggage will not always be accessible during travel, so bring a day pack for any items that you will want to have at hand at all times. If flying in and/or out of Kantishna air strip, there may be luggage weight restrictions.

Of special note is to make sure you bring a high quality rain suit so that even if it rains, you can stay comfortable outdoors and have an enjoyable experience. Items made of wool or synthetic fabric remain comfortable and warm even when wet.

Mountain bikes and fishing gear are provided at Camp Denali.

Travel Insurance

It is a requirement of booking this tour with Macs Adventure that you have suitable travel insurance that covers you for the activity and emergency evacuation and hospital care.

What will the weather be when staying in Denali National Park?

How long should I stay in Denali National Park?

How long is the drive to Kantishna?

Is Camp Denali rustic?