How much does camping cost at Mckinley Trail Cabin?

Camping fees at Mckinley Trail Cabin range from $75/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

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

Mckinley Trail 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 Trail Cabin before I book?

Yes! Mckinley Trail Cabin has 7 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 Trail Cabin?

Mckinley Trail 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 Trail Cabin?

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

Can I have a campfire at Mckinley Trail Cabin?

Fire policies at Mckinley Trail 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.

How many campsites does Mckinley Trail Cabin have?

Mckinley Trail 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 Trail Cabin?

Pets are not allowed at Mckinley Trail 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 Trail Cabin?

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

What activities can I do at Mckinley Trail Cabin?

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

Mckinley Trail Cabin

4.15

13 reviews

PO BOX 280, CORDOVA, AK 99574, USA

Top 13% in AKWinter

Summer Destination

Featured in:Swimming Camping Alaska

Quick Facts

131 ft

Price

$75/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Cordova Ranger District Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

131 ft

Price

$75/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Cordova Ranger District Official Website

Get Directions

Mckinley Trail Cabin

$75.00 - $75.00 / night

Campsite Fees

CABIN NONELECTRIC: $75.00. 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 Trail Cabin

PO BOX 280, CORDOVA, AK 99574, USA

Nearby places

Cordova (21 miles, approximately 30 minutes by car depending on road conditions).

Weather at Mckinley Trail Cabin

Current alerts(10)

All garbage and food must be packed out
Before making a reservation, become aware of bear , water , and weather safety (including cold )
Contact the Cordova Ranger District at (907) 424-7661 for more detailed information about safety precautions
Forest Order (10-04-00-14-47) that limits occupying/renting a public use rental cabin for more than seven consecutive days by any group or person

Best Time to Camp at Mckinley Trail Cabin

Best season: summer. Summer offers the most comfortable weather and longest daylight—typical daytime highs hover between about 49°F and 57°F—making it ideal for hiking the Pipeline Lakes Trail, boating or fishing on nearby waters, and extensive wildlife viewing across the Copper River Delta. Trails thaw and water access are at their best, so you can kayak, cast for salmon, or take long day hikes without deep snow or icy approaches. Expect mist and frequent rain showers, so pack waterproof layers and expect active gn Peak months: July, August, June, September

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer listed as best season; long daylight, swimming, boating and salmon runs highlighted.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 01 to December 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.

About Mckinley Trail Cabin

McKinley Trail Cabin sits in Chugach National Forest near Cordova, operated by the Cordova Ranger District as a remote rental cabin at low elevation. This primitive shelter serves as a base for hiking the Pipeline Lakes Trail, fishing and boating on nearby waters, and wildlife viewing across the Copper River Delta. The cabin includes a wood stove, vault toilet, and picnic table, with trail traffic passing nearby.

McKinley Trail Cabin is a single lodging option best suited for groups of up to six guests. It serves as a base for primitive camping and recreational activities in the surrounding national forest.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the most comfortable weather and longest daylight—typical daytime highs hover between about 49°F and 57°F—making it ideal for hiking the Pipeline Lakes Trail, boating or fishing on nearby waters, and extensive wildlife viewing across the Copper River Delta. Trails thaw and water access are at their best, so you can kayak, cast for salmon, or take long day hikes without deep snow or icy approaches. Expect mist and frequent rain showers, so pack waterproof layers and expect active gn Peak months: July, August, June, September

Elevation131 ft above sea level

Natural Features and ScenerySpruce and hemlock forest surrounds the cabin on steep mountainous terrain. The nearby Pipeline Lakes Trail cuts through this forested landscape toward the Copper River Delta, a broad wetland shaped by glacial processes. Wildlife sightings include Sitka black-tailed deer, moose, black bears, and brown bears. Waterfowl congregate in the delta during migration seasons. The forest canopy stays thick enough to create shade, though trail traffic passes within view of the cabin during the day.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe cabin itself serves as lodging, accommodating up to six guests with bunkbeds and basic facilities. Visitors must bring their own firewood and other supplies.

Programs & ActivitiesNo explicit mention of cultural or educational programs.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay of 14 consecutive nights and up to 7 nights total per year.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Up to six guests allowed per site.

Groups

No group sites are specified for this facility.

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 explicit mention of accessibility features for people with disabilities.

Site SizeThe cabin measures 12-by-14 feet, offering space for up to six guests.

PrivacyMixed privacy. While the cabin is in a dense forest, user reviews mention daytime traffic on the trail and occasional visitors attempting to enter the cabin.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesBring extra firewood, bear safety gear, mosquito repellents, and supplies for extended stays. Consider visiting in late August to watch red salmon spawning in the nearby lake.

Best CampsitesThere's only one site: the cabin itself. Reviews mention the wood stove works well despite being small, and the vault toilet stays clean. Mosquitoes sometimes get inside, so bring repellent. Trail hikers occasionally try the door during the day, which cuts into privacy. Road construction noise has been an issue, though this may vary by season.

Need help booking Mckinley Trail 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

The cabin does not have running water, electricity or cut firewood. Visitors must bring their own supply of drinking water and firewood.

Picnic tables

Lodging and accommodations

Vault toilets

Cabin Lodging

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

McKinley Trail Cabin offers a range of recreational activities including hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing, hunting, boating, and camping. The trail connects to nearby lakes and historical sites, such as the Lucky Strike Mine. Specific seasons offer unique opportunities, such as bear viewing in spring and salmon spawning in late summer and autumn.

Hiking

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 ToiletsFlush toilets are not available; the cabin is equipped with a clean outdoor pit toilet.

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.

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

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.2

13 reviews

Satisfactory

Mckinley Trail Cabin is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviews for McKinley Trail Cabin highlight its convenience, natural surroundings, and historical significance. Positive sentiments include easy access to trails, wildlife encounters, and comfortable facilities. Common complaints include issues with cleanliness, maintenance, and noise from nearby road construction.

Review Summaries

Based on 13 reviews

What Campers Love

Users appreciate the clean pit toilet and wood stove, proximity to trails, and wildlife viewing opportunities. 'Perfect quaint night with nature' and 'great cabin if you're looking for easy access...

Based on 13 reviews

Common Concerns

Some guests report noise from road construction and lack of privacy due to trail traffic. Maintenance issues, such as a broken stove floo, are also highlighted.

Based on 13 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific reviews frequently mention campsite C07 in the McKinley Trail Cabin area, praising cleanliness and accessibility. However, road construction noise is noted.

Based on 13 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring mosquito repellents. Consider stocking dry wood for the next visitors. User advice includes packing extra supplies and being prepared for weather changes.

Based on 13 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews often mention salmon spawning, swimming, and berry bushes around the cabin. Winter reviews focus on snowshoeing and skiing, with some users recommending extended stays due to weather...

Based on 13 reviews

Camper Quotes

'The cabin is older, very dirty so we did a lot of clean up before getting comfortable.' (Kay) 'Very noisy, with a generator and pump running all night.' (Michele S) 'The cabin was amazing! Very...

Based on 13 reviews