Where to Stay When Visiting Alaska's Denali National Park
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With moose grazing in the river valleys, meadows festooned with fireweed and lupine wildflowers, forests thick with aspen and spruce trees, and expansive views of “The Great One” at Wonder Lake, the natural beauty of Denali National Park and Preserve is truly beyond imagination.
It’s the third-largest national park in the United States at 6.1 million acres (larger than the state of Massachusetts!), meaning there is no shortage of ways to explore and be delighted by everything the area has to offer. And though the park is open year-round, the vast majority of its visitors come between Memorial Day and Labor Day—making finding a place to kick off your hiking boots quite a challenge, especially if you’re not familiar with the nearby towns (or don’t know the handful of places to stay deep within the park).
Below, you’ll find a list of our all-time favorite Airbnbs, cabins, and hotels near Denali National Park, from rustic cabins to over-the-top mountain retreats.
FAQ
What area should you stay in near Denali National Park?
Denali National Park is notably absent of a traditional gateway town, a characteristic that sets it apart from many other national parks. The National Park Service's focus on preserving the park's natural state has led to policies that limit large-scale development and urbanization. The best areas to stay in include spots directly on the mountain; in Kantishna, a bustling gold mining hub situated 90 miles into the park; and a smattering of good hotels, resorts, and Airbnbs between Healy (about 11 miles north of the park entrance) and Cantwell (approximately 30 miles south of the park entrance). You can also choose to stay in Talkeetna, about a two-and-a-half hour drive from the entrance roughly halfway between Anchorage and Denali.
Sure, there’s “The Canyon” (otherwise known as “Glitter Gulch,” the hub for tourism just outside the park, with various services, tour companies, shops, and restaurants catering to visitors), but it’s an area that exists almost exclusively for tourism—people don’t live there.
Keep in mind that if you plan to head to Kantisha, with the closure of the Denali Park Road beyond mile 43 until at least summer 2027 due to the Pretty Rocks Landslide, the only way to get to there is currently by bush plane or helicopter, providing guests with rare, near-exclusive access to the park’s wild interior.
To better navigate your next hike, download the AllTrails app—the new Peak membership includes trail traffic data, custom routes, and trail conditions.
Bed and bath: 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom
Top amenities: Views of Denali, a clubhouse and sauna, e-bikes and paddleboards available for rent
Best for: Those with a rental carDespite Denali’s size, there aren’t many hotels where you can see it from your lodging—there are too many other mountain ranges in the way. However, on clear days, it’s possible to see the mountain from bed (or the wood-paneled sauna) at these fun eco-domes. The property features three domes, each equipped with a king-size bed, a Snowpeak futon, and a desk and chairs. The bathroom is located in the clubhouse, which also houses a communal family room and kitchen. The owners can arrange a variety of activities, including helicopter flightseeing tours (with helicopters taking off on-site), pack rafting trips, and visits to a sled dog kennel.
It’s worth noting that Talkeetna is roughly a two-and-a-half-hour drive from the entrance of Denali National Park, and while long summer days around the summer solstice mean you can pack a lot in, staying here would mean a lengthy day on the road. That said, it’s roughly halfway between Anchorage and Denali, so it makes for a good stop for those looking to see both.
Bed and bath: 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
Top amenities: Free laundry room, Wi-Fi, full kitchen, blackout curtains
Best for: Families seeking quiet solitudeThis colorful, globally-inspired Airbnb is a solid option 10 minutes south of the park (giving it easy access to local favorites including Panorama Pizza and Creekside Cafe, as well as the southern trailhead of the stunning and little-trafficked Triple Lakes Trail). It features two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a full kitchen, a living room (with a sofa bed), a complimentary laundry room, and picture windows with expansive views of the surrounding forest and mountains. The host has also stocked the house with tons of helpful gear for exploring the park, including bear spray, water bottles, and binoculars.
Bed and bath: 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom
Top amenities: Cozy living space, complimentary coffee, access to a variety of local businesses
Best for: Couples or small families looking to avoid the crowdsAlthough this two-bedroom, one-bathroom rental is attached to the owner’s primary residence, it has its own entrance and feels private. There are two bedrooms (one with a queen bed and another with two twins), a living room with soaring ceilings and exposed beams (the original owner was a talented local carpenter who built the house), and a small kitchen with a mini-fridge, microwave, and a handful of other appliances.
Bed and bath: 1 bed, 1 bathroom
Top amenities: Screened-in porch, full kitchen, Wi-Fi
Best for: Those who don’t mind roughing it…a littleLocated in Healy, this charming cabin sits on five heavily wooded acres and features a cozy loft with a king-size bed, a living area with a sofa bed festooned in plush throw pillows, and dreamy fairy lights. There’s also a screened-in porch for spotting moose and willow ptarmigan (Alaska’s official state bird)—a particularly nice amenity in early summer, when mosquitoes (Alaska’s unofficial state bird) are fierce. And though there’s a full kitchen with a refrigerator, gas range, microwave oven, coffeepot, and water kettle, it’s also quick access to the original 49th State Brewing Company, an excellent brewpub where there’s often live music. It’s worth noting that the shower is outdoors (don’t worry, the water is hot) and the toilet is of the outhouse variety (though it is very nice by Alaskan standards).
Bed and bath: 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom
Top amenities: Full kitchen, hot tub, firepit
Best for: Self-caterersThough it is located on the same property as the Denali Moose Cabin, also included on this list below, this handcrafted Douglas-fir-log abode feels like a private hideaway in Healy. And considering it has three queen-size beds (one in a private bedroom and another two in a loft), a full kitchen, one bathroom, and a covered porch, it makes for a good basecamp for families, especially those who plan to make their own picnics to take into the national park (and luckily it’s also walking distance to Three Bears, the largest and most reasonably priced grocery store in the area). And after a long day of hiking (or riding the park service’s buses on the unpaved park road), there’s a private hot tub to soothe sore muscles.
Bed and bath: 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom
Top amenities: Blackout curtains, full kitchen, barbecue area, Wi-Fi
Best for: Woodsy couples or small familiesUsually, when an accommodation in Alaska describes itself as “rustic,” it really means “old” or “bare bones.” However, that’s not the case at this newly built cabin 20 minutes from the park entrance, with its elevated summer-camp vibes. Surrounded by spruce trees, the two-bedroom (each with a queen-size bed) cabin features a private porch, cozy living room (with an additional sleeper sofa), full kitchen, dining area, and one bathroom. Though there are moose antlers above the picture windows, traditional snowshoes mounted to the wall, and a canoe hanging from the ceiling, the decor doesn’t feel cheesy—it provides a sense of place.
Sheldon ChalethotelSheldon Chalet
$$$Bed and bath: 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom
Top amenities: Unmatched views, personalized itineraries, gourmet meals
Best for: Luxury seekersSituated on a nunatak just 10 miles from Denali's summit is the Sheldon Chalet, arguably the most remote accommodation in the country. Don Sheldon, a pioneering Alaska bush pilot, acquired the five-acre plot where the luxury hotel now stands under the Homestead Act in the 1950s (before the park's boundaries extended to include its namesake peak), with plans to build a lodge there eventually. Though he passed away in 1975, his children later found his original blueprints and built the current chalet, which was completed in 2018. Designed with Nordic-inspired aesthetics, each of the five elegantly appointed guest rooms offers panoramic views of Denali and the surrounding peaks. The two-story hexagonal structure includes spacious common areas, a Finnish sauna, and an observation deck that doubles as a helipad (the only way to get to the chalet is by air…or a very long hike). The all-inclusive service includes personalized itineraries with activities such as glacier trekking, ice climbing, and aurora viewing.
Denali Backcountry Lodge by Pursuit / Frank P. FlavinDenali Backcountry Lodge
Bed and bath: 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom
Top amenities: Riverside spa, barrel saunas, full-service bar, free Starlink Wi-Fi
Best for: Wonder Lake viewsLocated just a stone's throw from the famed Wonder Lake, where crystal-clear waters reflect the great mountain’s snow-capped peaks, Denali Backcountry Lodge features 42 cedar cabins, each equipped with king-size pillowtop beds or two full XL beds, private bathrooms, and blackout curtains. Meals are prepared in-house and feature seasonal Alaska ingredients, such as Copper River king salmon and low-bush cranberries that the chef team foraged. Guests can partake in guided hikes along berry and wildflower-lined trails, mountain biking on old mining roads, fly-fishing in Moose Creek, paddling around Wonder Lake, and even try their hand at gold panning. Each night, naturalists give presentations on topics ranging from the importance of permafrost to the wolf packs of Denali. After a day of adventuring, guests can use the hot tub and barrel saunas (maybe doing a cold plunge in the river, if they’re feeling brave) or get a deep-tissue massage in the riverside wellness studio.
earleliason/GettyKantishna Roadhouse
Bed and bath: 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom
Top amenities: All-inclusive, including meals, alcoholic drinks, and activities
Best for: History lovers going off the gridThe original Roadhouse, built around 1920, is the oldest building in Denali National Park. Over the years, it has served various roles, including a private residence, community center, post office, and inn. Since then, the guest experience has come a long way. Now, guests of Kantishna Roadhouse stay in the neighboring duplex-style log cabins, each with one king or two queen-size beds, a private bathroom with a shower, and a porch. For meals, post-hike beverages, and nightly presentations, they use the (much more modern) lodge of the same name. The only Indigenous-owned lodge within the park, this property offers all-inclusive packages (guests can choose between two, three, four, and seven-night stays), which include food, Alaskan beer and wine, and activities ranging from fishing to Alaska Native cultural presentations. Note: There is no Wi-Fi or cell phone reception, so prepare to unplug.
Courtesy Holland America Denali LodgeHolland America Denali Lodge
Bed and bath: 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom
Top amenities: Multiple dining concepts, complimentary shuttles, Wi-Fi
Best for: Those also doing a cruise in Southeast AlaskaLocated in the heart of “The Canyon,” Holland America Denali Lodge is a popular trip extension for those also doing a southeast Alaska sailing with the cruise line. However, anyone can stay there—with 582 rooms spread across 28 chalet-style buildings tucked amongst the spruce trees, there’s plenty of space. Accommodations range from standard rooms to upgraded deluxe and Denali suites, the latter offering private balconies (some with views of the Nenana River), in-suite refrigerators, and Pendleton blankets. At the center of the resort lies Denali Square, a lively gathering spot featuring firepits, nightly live entertainment, a handful of shopping venues, and a studio for the Artist in Residence (who changes weekly). There are also a variety of dining options—guests can enjoy meals at Karstens Public House and Canyon Steak House, or grab a quick bite at Grizzly Grind Espresso. For a unique (and perhaps a little kitschy) experience, the Music of Denali Dinner Theater offers an Alaskan-themed performance accompanied by a feast of salmon and prime beef.
Denali Cabins by PursuitDenali Cabins
Bed and bath: 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom
Top amenities: Free shuttle, sauna, quick access to nature
Best for: A classic Alaskan cabin experienceDenali Cabins offers a quiet retreat just eight miles south of Denali National Park's entrance, providing a peaceful alternative to the busier accommodations near the park. The 46 cabins range from basic accommodations for two to deluxe family suites with a separate living area (accommodating up to six guests), making them suitable for couples, families, and groups. Guests can enjoy meals at the on-site Prey Pub & Eatery, which serves classic pub favorites with an Alaskan twist (think a bison BLT or local cod fried in a batter of Midnight Sun Brewing Company’s Puffin Pale Ale), or get a coffee and a picnic lunch from Mount Hunter Coffee Co. The lodge also offers amenities such as outdoor hot tubs, a wood-fired sauna, firepits, and a picnic area. Denali Cabins provides complimentary shuttle services to Denali National Park and the nearby train station, making it convenient for guests to explore the park's vast wilderness without the hassle of driving.
For more places to stay in Alaska, check out our favorite Airbnbs in Anchorage and hotels in Alaska.
