Question 1

What is your cancellation/deposit policy?

Accepted Answer

Creekside Cabins: We require a one nights deposit at booking, with the remaining balance collected 15 days to arrival. Refundable up to 16+ days to check in date less a $25.00 per room/cabin cancellation/processing fee. Within 15 days it is non refundable. No-shows are charged in full.  We recommend getting Travel Insurance.
 Deposit/Cancellation Policy for the Carlo House and Carlo Guest Cabin:  A one-night deposit is due at booking and the balance will be charged 45 days prior to arrival. A 61+ day notice is required for a refund minus a $75 cancellation fee, 45-60 days for a refund minus a $150 cancellation fee. Cancellations within 44 days are non-refundable. We highly recommend travel insurance. Carlo House Reset Fee: A $149 reset fee is applied to the Carlo house rental. To avoid an additional $125 cleaning fee, we ask that you, remove all trash to dumpster. Kitchen/dishes are to be left in the manner in which it was given; clean counters, stove, fridge, microwave, coffee maker, and all dishes washed and put away.Carlo Guest Cabin Reset Fee: A $125 reset fee is applied to the Carlo Guest Cabin rental. To avoid an additional $125 cleaning fee, we ask that you, remove all trash to dumpster. Kitchen/dishes are to be left in the manner in which it was given; clean counters, stove, fridge, microwave, coffee maker, and all dishes washed and put away.Deposit/Cancellation Policy for the Carlo LOFT: A one-night deposit is due at booking, balance collected 15 days prior to arrival. The deposit is refundable up to 16 days prior to check-in less a $25 per room/cabin cancellation processing fee. Within 15 days of arrival, the reservation is non-refundable; no-shows and early departures are non-refundable. We highly recommend travel insurance. Carlo LOFT Reset Fee: A $39 reset fee is applied to the Carlo LOFT rental.  To avoid an additional $75 cleaning fee, we ask that you, remove all trash to dumpster. Kitchen/dishes are to be left in the manner in which it was given; clean counters, stove, fridge, microwave, coffee maker, and all dishes washed and put away.

Question 2

When should I book my park tours?

Accepted Answer

You can start booking your park tour December 1st.  We highly recommend booking year as space is limited and fills fast. We also highly recommend booking your other tours – ATV, Rafting, etc. early. Nothing is due until 15 days before check-in and all tours can be cancelled up to 72 hours in advance without penalty.Having a hard time deciding what to do? Call 907-683-2277 to chat with a local expert, knowledgeable about activities and the area.

Question 3

I booked my tours through you. How do I know where to go?

Accepted Answer

We will send a confirmation email with some details about your tour at the time of booking. At check-in our front desk staff will give you a voucher, directions and let you know what to bring and expect on your trip.

Question 4

I have a park pass; can I apply that to my park tour?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We need a copy of your photo id and park pass to issue a credit. Please email it to info@mckinleycabins.com and we will apply a $15 credit to your account.

Question 5

How many activities can I fit into one day?

Accepted Answer

We offer tours of varying lengths so depends on what you choose. There are short tours 2-4 hours (rafting, Husky, ATV Trailblazer and Cabin Nite, etc.), half day options (Tundra Wilderness Tour, Denali Hwy Jeep Tour, fly fishing, Traverse Alaska’s guided hike) or full day Denali HWY Backcountry Adventure tours (10 hours!). Most guests choose to spend the majority of one whole day exploring the park and then their second day doing one or two additional area activities.

Question 6

Where are you located?

Accepted Answer

We are located at Mile Marker 224 off George Parks Hwy- 13 miles south of the Denali National Park Entrance. Look for the Creekside sign on the side of the road.

Question 7

How far are you from Anchorage?

Accepted Answer

We are between 4.5 hours north of Anchorage. Most of our guests fly into Anchorage and drive a rental car down the scenic George Parks Hwy.

Question 8

What stops should I make along the way?

Accepted Answer

We recommend stopping for lunch in Talkeetna- a cute little mountain town with restaurants, breweries, artisan gift shops, and incredible views of the South Face of Denali when visible. Let the views be your guide!

Mt. Denali is visible in many places on the drive up. Stop at Mile 135 the south view point has incredible views and a nice bathroom area.

Question 9

How far are you from the park?

Accepted Answer

13 miles south/15-20 minutes from the entrance to Denali National Park.

Question 10

What precautions are you taking for COVID?

Accepted Answer

We utilized top industry standards for cleaning and sanitation of our guest rooms and throughout our property.

Question 11

Where are the nearest gas stations?

Accepted Answer

There is a gas stations 14 miles in either direction- Cantwell is 14 miles south of us on the drive back to Anchorage. There is also a gas station in the “Canyon Area” – a busy area one mile north of the Park Entrance with shops, restaurants a gas station and small grocery store.

Question 12

Do we need a car?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Our property does not include or provide transportation and there is no shuttle service to and from entrance to Denali National Park. We highly recommend renting a car in Anchorage for the best price, however, if you are coming in on the train there is a local car company called Keys to Denali that provides curbside pick-up for the train depot. There is a NO reliable taxis or other ride shares (UBER/LYFT) available in our remote area.

Question 13

How long is the park road?

Accepted Answer

*The park road is under construction and open to mile 42. We recommend the East Fork Transit Bus*

Question 14

How can I order lunches to-go?

Accepted Answer

Lunches to-go can be ordered at the front desk anytime before 9pm for the following day. We are happy to accommodate dietary restrictions and offer gluten-free and vegetarian options. To pre-order click here.
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Question 15

Does my cabin have a kitchen?

Accepted Answer

All our room/cabin rentals have microwaves, mini refrigerators and coffee makers.  Uur housing rentals (Carlo Loft, Carlo Guest Cabin and Carlo House) have full kitchens and are stocked with some basic spices, oils, and pots and pans available for your use.

Question 16

Are there groceries available?

Accepted Answer

A small grocery store (Sled Dog Liquor/Great One Grocery) is located in the Canyon, 14 miles north of us. It has all the necessities but sell them at a premium price. We recommend purchasing groceries on your drive in from Anchorage, there are several large grocery stores (Carrs/Safeway, Fred Meyers, Walmart) on the side of the hwy. We also have 3 Bears (similar to a Walmart or Fred Meyer) located in Healy, a 25–30-minute drive from Creekside.
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Question 17

What other restaurants are in the area?

Accepted Answer

Panorama Pizza pub and The Perch Restaurant are within walking distance.  Moose-Aka’s is another excellent restaurant that serves incredible Serbian food. For fast and casual we recommend Denali Doghouse (both located in the Canyon approx. 20 minutes north of McKinley Creekside Cabins).

Question 18

How are the mosquitoes?

Accepted Answer

Mosquitoes are jokingly referred to as the Alaska state bird. They are prevalent but there are precautions you can take – wearing loose fitting clothing and no scented lotions or perfumes. We also sell mosquito repellant.  Deep Woods Off bug spray. Mosquitoes are often worse on the hiking trails or fishing (remote areas where you are the only warm-blooded creature around).
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Question 19

What clothes should I pack?

Accepted Answer

In Alaska we say don’t let the weather dictate what you do, just how you dress! Layer is key.  We recommend sturdy walking/hiking shoes, a waterproof rain jacket. Wool socks are a bonus too! Bringing binoculars and a good camera if you have them to view and capture the incredible views.

Question 20

What are my Laundry Options?

Accepted Answer

There are not laundry facilities onsite, but there are some at the park entrance at the Riley Creek Mercantile (turn onto Denali Park Road and continue about 0.25 miles (about 1–2 minutes) on your left), so you can do laundry either before or after your park tour.  We have courtesy laundry pods available for guests, just ask at the front desk.

Question 21

How far can I drive my own vehicle into Denali National Park?

Accepted Answer

You can drive your vehicle the first 15 miles of the National Park to Savage River. To really experience Denali, we highly encourage a bus tour to see more of the park.

Question 22

Are the Northern Lights visible? What time of year is best to see them?

Accepted Answer

The Northern Lights are just starting to become visible at the very end of our season-late August and September. The front desk keeps an eye on the Aurora Forecast and will have high visibility nights posted. We recommend checking the forecast and setting your alarm. Ultimately it just comes down to luck if you get a chance to see them!

Question 23

Where is a good viewing spot of Denali?

Accepted Answer

Many spots on the George parks highway on your drive up.  Stop at the southern view point pull out at mile 134.8 on the George Parks Hwy.  You can drive your vehicle to Mile 9 of the park – that is the first and easily accessible spot that if Denali is visible you will see from there. The views get better and better the further into the park you go. Don’t worry, your driver will make stops for great viewing.

Question 24

When will I get the best weather?

Accepted Answer

Because weather is so unpredictable in Alaska it is not recommended to make your plans based on weather. Peak Season is from Mid-June to the End of August. However, each part of the season brings its own beauty, and even in the peak season we can have rainy and cloudy stretches.

Have Questions About Your Upcoming Trip to Denali? Check Out Our FAQ Below.