Lodging - Denali National Park & Preserve (U.S. National Park Service) (2024)

There are no National Park Service (NPS) operated accommodations in Denali other than campgrounds. There are some lodgings located within the boundaries of the park, but they sit on privately-owned land and are not directly affiliated with the NPS. Accommodations are briefly described below in two categories - outside the park boundaries, and inside the park.

Lodging Outside of the Park

Most park visitors stay somewhere outside of the park. The nearest communities are Healy, located about 11 miles north of the park entrance, and Cantwell, located about 30 miles south of the park entrance. Many hotels, motels, B&Bs, etc., exist in those communities and along the highway between them. The highway is interchangeably called Highway 3 or the George Parks Highway (or sometimes just "the Parks Highway". This can get confusing, since the road within Denali National Park is called the Denali Park Road, or sometimes just "the Park Road").

Many businesses list their address as a specific milepost along the highway. To help make sense of that, the park entrance is milepost 237. Mileposts higher in number are north (i.e., towards Healy), and mileposts lower in number are south (i.e., towards Cantwell). So, if a hotel lists their address as milepost 239, they are two miles north of the park entrance.

When choosing your lodging, be sure to consider whether you will have your own vehicle or whether you need lodging that offers a shuttle for their guests. Aside from private shuttles operated by a few lodges, public transportation outside of the park is extremely limited.

To begin your search, a valuable resource for finding a place to stay is the Denali Chamber of Commerce.

Lodging Inside the Park

Within the park, lodging is limited to a handful of privately owned, remote wilderness lodges in the Kantishna area, at the end of the Park Road. These lodges sit on privately owned land (i.e., "inholdings" within the park) and are not operated by the National Park Service.

Due to the Pretty Rocks Landslide, there is currently no road access to Kantishna and these remote lodges can only be accessed by air. No NPS services are currently being provided in the Kantishna area. If you wish to take a bus tour, attend ranger programs, or visit a visitor center, you should look for a lodge outside the park, near the park entrance area.

Contact the lodges individually for more information about visiting:

Lodging - Denali National Park & Preserve (U.S. National Park Service) (2024)

FAQs

How much does it cost to rent a cabin in Denali National Park? ›

Denali National Park Cabin Rentals essential information
Accommodation106 Cabin Rentals
Lowest Price$90
Highest Price$359
1 more row

How many days are enough for Denali National Park? ›

Located far from any airport or large city, Denali is a wilderness park. Reaching the park can take several hours (or even most of a day), so we recommend that you plan a minimum itinerary of 2 nights in the area, which gives you one full day and part of two others.

Can you stay overnight in Denali National Park? ›

Within the park, lodging is limited to a handful of privately owned, remote wilderness lodges in the Kantishna area, at the end of the Park Road.

What is the difference between Denali State Park and Denali National Park? ›

Denali National Park is where the tourists go, although we local backpackers & hikers love it too. It is one of the best opportunities for viewing of wildlife & scenery. In contrast, Denali State Park is accessed mainly for wilderness hiking & backpacking.

Is it worth staying in Denali? ›

Is Denali worth visiting? The short answer is yes! If you are looking for an amazing wilderness adventure, look no further than Denali, Alaska! And if you are looking to travel comfortably and stay wilderness-adjacent, Denali can deliver that too.

Can I drive my own car in Denali National Park? ›

There is only one road in Denali. Private vehicles can drive a small part of it, but most of the road is open only to bus traffic. Bus trips are available only in summer (mid-May through mid-September). All bus trips are operated by a private company with a contract to do so—not by the National Park Service.

What is the best month to visit Denali National Park? ›

Seasons at Denali National Park
  • Mid-May to Early June. Great time to visit Denali. ...
  • June and July. Offers great weather, averaging in the mid-60s and long periods of sunlight. ...
  • August to Early September. Offers warm weather temperatures during the day, but chilly at night.

How many hours is the train ride from Anchorage to Denali National Park? ›

The train takes 8 hours from Anchorage to Denali, and 4 hours from Fairbanks. It's recommended you spend two nights in the park, leaving you one full day to explore. The Whole Line. Spend several days, stopping in Talkeetna, Denali, and Fairbanks.

What not to miss in Denali? ›

From our multiple bus trips up and down Denali Park Road, here are what we think are the top experiences:
  • Spot Alaska's Big 5 (entire drive)
  • Go hiking at Eielson (Mile 66)
  • Stony Hill Overlook (Mile 62)
  • Wonder Lake (Mile 85)
  • Polychrome Pass & Overlook (Miles 44 to 46)
  • Spend the night in Kantishna (Mile 92)
Apr 4, 2024

Are mosquitos bad at Denali National Park? ›

The risk for mosquito activity is extremely high. Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants when spending time outdoors to prevent bites.

Do cell phones work in Denali National Park? ›

Cell phone coverage exists only within three miles of the park entrance. Since there are no phones west of Park Headquarters, emergencies in those areas should be reported to rangers on patrol, campground hosts, bus drivers, or to staff at Eielson Visitor Center or the Toklat Rest Stop.

What Alaskan city is closest to Denali National Park? ›

Getting to Denali National Park

The closest major cities to the park are Fairbanks, 120 miles north of the park, and Anchorage, 240 miles south of the park. There are also several smaller communities near the park with lodging, tours, and other services, including Healy, Cantwell, Nenana, and Talkeetna.

Does Denali National Park have cabins? ›

Nestled among the towering spruce trees along the Nenana River, you'll find The Cabins at Denali Park Village.

Why is Denali Park closed? ›

Denali Park Road not fully reopening until 2026 after bridge construction pushed back a year. The 92-mile road through Denali National Park and Preserve will remain closed near the halfway point for another three years due to newly discovered construction delays in the area of a treacherous landslide.

How much does it cost to camp in Denali? ›

Denali National Park Campground Information
Campground SiteDescriptionRegular
Riley Creek - B SiteUp to a 30' RV, car, or tent$38.50
Riley Creek - C SiteWalk-in tent site. No vehicles at site.$24.75
Riley Creek - Group SitePublic Group Site | 9-20 people$49.00
Savage River - A SiteUp to a 40' RV, car, or tent$49.00
14 more rows

How much is Sheldon Chalet Denali? ›

Sheldon Chalet is a 5-bedroom luxury chalet in Denali National Park. Denali, for the uninitiated, is the highest mountain in North America. Starting at $35,500 (€29,600) per couple for a 3-night minimum stay, the Sheldon family will take care of every element of your visit.

How much does it cost to rent a cabin in Sequoia National Park? ›

Cabins in Sequoia National Park cost from just $126 a night to $336 a night for that something truly special. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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