How much does camping cost at Mckinley Lake Cabin?

Camping fees at Mckinley Lake Cabin range from $60/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Mckinley Lake Cabin first-come first-served or reservation?

Mckinley Lake Cabin accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Mckinley Lake Cabin before I book?

Yes! Mckinley Lake Cabin has 6 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Mckinley Lake Cabin?

Mckinley Lake Cabin is open January 01 to December 31. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Mckinley Lake Cabin?

Mckinley Lake Cabin does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Mckinley Lake Cabin have?

Mckinley Lake Cabin has 1 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Mckinley Lake Cabin?

Pets are not allowed at Mckinley Lake Cabin. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Mckinley Lake Cabin?

Mckinley Lake Cabin offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Mckinley Lake Cabin?

Popular activities at Mckinley Lake Cabin include Fishing, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Mckinley Lake Cabin

Q: Can I have a campfire at Mckinley Lake Cabin?

Fire policies at Mckinley Lake Cabin: Don't Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by purchasing firewood near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

2 reviews

PO BOX 280, CORDOVA, AK 99574, USA

Summer Destination

Featured in:Mountain Camping Alaska

Quick Facts

92 ft

Price

$60/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open January 1, 2025...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Cordova Ranger District Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

92 ft

Price

$60/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open January 1, 2025...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Cordova Ranger District Official Website

Get Directions

Mckinley Lake Cabin

$60.00 - $60.00 / night

Campsite Fees

CABIN NONELECTRIC: $60.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

1 (907) 424-7661

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

PO BOX 280, CORDOVA, AK 99574, USA

Mckinley Lake Cabin

PO BOX 280, CORDOVA, AK 99574, USA

Nearby places

Cordova (approximately 10 miles away)

Weather at Mckinley Lake Cabin

Current alerts(12)

All garbage and food must be packed out
Boil or treat all water collected from natural sources
Check out the forest's campground description for specific information to Fish Your National Forest
Contact the Cordova Ranger District at (907) 424-7661 for more detailed information about safety precautions

Best Time to Camp at Mckinley Lake Cabin

Best season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable access, the longest daylight, and the best conditions for the cabin’s core activities: boating, fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing. Expect cool, crisp days generally in the 45–65°F (7–18°C) range with frequent light rains and long daylight hours that make paddling and fishing comfortable and productive. Salmon runs, abundant shore- and forest-dwelling wildlife (bears, moose, waterfowl), and clear views of the spruce-and-hemlock–clad mountains are at their peak, Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: December, January, February, March

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer cited as best season: most daylight, reliable access, peak fishing and wildlife viewing.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 01 to December 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2025.

About Mckinley Lake Cabin

McKinley Lake Cabin sits in Chugach National Forest near Cordova, managed by the Cordova Ranger District. This remote rental cabin offers access to a backcountry lake where visitors fish, paddle, and watch wildlife during the summer season. The setting is primitive, with vault toilets and a wood stove for heat.

McKinley Lake Cabin caters to campers seeking a primitive, off-the-grid experience in a remote Alaskan setting. Accommodations include a rustic cabin accessible only by hiking, canoeing, or float plane.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable access, the longest daylight, and the best conditions for the cabin’s core activities: boating, fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing. Expect cool, crisp days generally in the 45–65°F (7–18°C) range with frequent light rains and long daylight hours that make paddling and fishing comfortable and productive. Salmon runs, abundant shore- and forest-dwelling wildlife (bears, moose, waterfowl), and clear views of the spruce-and-hemlock–clad mountains are at their peak, Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: December, January, February, March

Elevation92 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe cabin overlooks McKinley Lake at 92 feet elevation, where steep mountain walls drop toward water surrounded by spruce and hemlock stands. Sockeye salmon run through the lake during summer. Moose, deer, and bears move through the forest and shoreline. The setting is typical northern rainforest: wet, densely vegetated, and isolated.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe cabin serves as the primary accommodation, featuring wooden bunks, a wood stove for heating, and basic furniture. There is no running water, electricity, or cut firewood provided.

Programs & ActivitiesNo structured cultural or educational programs are offered.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum consecutive stay of 14 nights per visit. Maximum total of 7 nights per year.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Up to six guests.

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are mentioned. The 2.25-mile hike and remote location may pose challenges for individuals with mobility issues.

Site SizeThe cabin is 16-by-20 feet, providing adequate space for up to six guests.

PrivacyThe cabin is surrounded by dense spruce and hemlock forest, offering a high degree of privacy and seclusion.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesBring extra supplies for inclement weather and prepare for a 2.25-mile hike.

Need help booking Mckinley Lake Cabin?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

McKinley Lake Cabin provides basic and rustic amenities suitable for a secluded, wilderness experience. Guests are provided wooden bunks for up to six people, a table, benches, and a wood stove for heat. Additional tools such as a saw, axe, and splitting maul are available for firewood preparation. A rainwater catchment barrel is provided for non-potable water needs. Outdoor facilities include a pit toilet.

Lodging and accommodations

Vault toilets

Cabin Lodging

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

McKinley Lake Cabin offers a variety of recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, hunting, wildlife viewing, and boating. The area is rich in natural and historical features, making it an ideal spot for outdoor enthusiasts.

Fishing

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Flush ToiletsNo flush toilets are available. An outdoor pit toilet serves the cabin.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Fire PolicyDon't Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by purchasing firewood near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.

Trash & RecyclingVisitors are required to pack out all trash and food. The cabin does not have trash or recycling facilities.

Cell CoverageNo information is provided about cell phone service availability. The remote location suggests connectivity might be limited or unavailable.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

0.0

2 reviews

Limited Reviews

Mckinley Lake Cabin has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the cabin's remote beauty and the abundance of natural features but note challenges such as cleanliness and the small size of the wood stove. Seasonal access issues and the need for thorough preparation are common themes.

Review Summaries

Based on 2 reviews

What Campers Love

Users appreciate the cabin's picturesque location, the variety of outdoor activities available, and the opportunity for a true wilderness experience. Wildlife viewing and fishing are frequently...

Based on 2 reviews

Common Concerns

Cleanliness was an issue for some users, with one reviewer stating, 'The cabin is older, very dirty so we did a lot of clean-up before getting comfortable.' Another concern was the small size of the...

Based on 2 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

The cabin itself is the sole accommodation, which users generally find spacious enough for a group of up to six.

Based on 2 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing extra firewood ('wish people stocked wood for the next') and being prepared for variable weather conditions. Packing adequate supplies, including cleaning materials, is...

Based on 2 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the most favored time to visit due to easier access and abundant wildlife and fishing opportunities. Winter and early spring visits are discouraged due to limited accessibility caused by...

Based on 2 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'In late July, we stayed the night at the cabin... watched red salmon spawning all through the lake and especially in view of the cabin.' - Kay 2. 'The hike into the cabin was long (2.25 miles)...

Based on 2 reviews