Mckinley Lake Cabin

Star0
2 reviews
PO BOX 280, CORDOVA, AK 99574, USA
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

92 ft

Price

$60/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open January 1, 2025...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Cordova Ranger District site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026
Mckinley Lake Cabin
$60.00 - $60.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The nightly rate for reserving the cabin is $60. Fees do not reflect taxes or discounts. Additional fees may apply for modifications ($10) or...
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Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
1 (907) 424-7661
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What Campers Say

N/A

Limited Reviews

Based on 2 reviews

Most mentioned

location

Some mention

small

"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."

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Campground Map

PO BOX 280, CORDOVA, AK 99574, USA

Mckinley Lake Cabin

PO BOX 280, CORDOVA, AK 99574, USA

Driving directionsAccess to the cabin is by float plane, canoe, or a 2.25-mile hike through dense forest. Hiking access begins at McKinley Lake Trail, a signed trailhead located at Mile 21 of the Copper River Highway. Access by boat or canoe is up Alaganik Slough to McKinley Lake, approximately 2 miles. Float plane access is typically 10 minutes from Cordova.
Road access is limited. The trailhead at the Copper River Highway is accessible via road, but the cabin itself requires a hike, canoe, or float plane for access. Seasonal stream conditions may complicate canoe/boat access.
Nearby places
Cordova (approximately 10 miles away)
Nearby supplies
Cordova offers supplies including groceries, camping gear, and fuel. Visitors must bring all necessary items such as drinking water and firewood to the cabin.

Best Time to Camp at Mckinley Lake Cabin

Summer brings refreshing cool temperatures and gentle rains that keep the forest lush and vibrant—perfect conditions for outdoor exploration. As winter transforms the landscape into a snow-covered wonderland, the cabin becomes a true backcountry experience, with access requiring careful planning and winter wilderness skills as trails disappear beneath blankets of snow and lakes freeze into mirrors of ice.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Summer favored: easier access, abundant wildlife and fishing opportunities.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.0 / 5

Fall likely offers wildlife/fishing value but specific fall info is limited.

Spring(Mar-May)
2.0 / 5

Early spring access limited; seasonal melt and access issues noted.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Winter visits discouraged due to limited accessibility; not recommended for casual visitors.

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

About Mckinley Lake Cabin

Escape to the untamed wilderness at McKinley Lake Cabin, a secluded retreat nestled deep within Alaska's majestic Chugach National Forest. Your adventure begins with a scenic 2.25-mile journey—whether you choose to hike through ancient forests, paddle across pristine waters by canoe, or soar in by float plane. Once there, you'll discover a world of outdoor pursuits: cast your line into crystal-clear waters teeming with fish, explore winding trails through old-growth forest, track game through the wilderness, or simply watch as Alaska's remarkable wildlife goes about their daily routines in this pristine habitat.
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.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Available all day.
Check-out
Standard check-out times apply.
Stay Limit
Maximum consecutive stay of 14 nights per visit. Maximum total of 7 nights per year.

Amenities available

Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
Cabin Lodging

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.
HikingHiking options include the McKinley Trail, which leads to the cabin, and the Pipeline Lakes Trail, branching off from the main trail. These trails pass through muskeg meadows and spruce-hemlock forests, with the McKinley Trail extending to the Lucky Strike Mine ruins.
FishingAnglers can catch cutthroat trout in inlet creeks and gravel shoals near the cabin. The lake also offers coho and sockeye salmon fishing. The Pipeline Lakes Trail features five small lakes with resident trout and Dolly Varden.
BoatingBoating access to the lake is possible via canoe or float plane. Canoeing requires navigating Alaganik Slough, which may have fallen trees and strong currents during glacier melt or rains. Docking facilities are not mentioned.
Wildlife viewingThe area is home to loons, waterfowl, Sitka black-tailed deer, moose, black and brown bears, and sockeye salmon. Wildlife viewing is especially rewarding in spring and summer.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include bears and challenging weather conditions.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Mckinley Lake Cabin

Reviews

0.0
2 reviews
Limited 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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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)...
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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

Accessibility Features

No mentions of accessibility features or reviews related to individuals with disabilities were found.
Based on 2 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No user reviews specifically addressed pet policies or experiences.
Based on 2 reviews

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Last updated February 17, 2026
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