Mckinley Trail Cabin

Star4.15
13 reviews
PO BOX 280, CORDOVA, AK 99574, USA
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

131 ft

Price

$75/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Year-round

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 Trail Cabin
$75.00 - $75.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The nightly rate for the cabin is $75 throughout the year. This fee does not include discounts, taxes, or incremental charges. Additional reservation...
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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

4.15

Satisfactory

Based on 13 reviews

Most mentioned

clean

Some mention

small

"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."

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Campground Map

PO BOX 280, CORDOVA, AK 99574, USA

Mckinley Trail Cabin

PO BOX 280, CORDOVA, AK 99574, USA

Driving directionsAccess to the cabin is by motor vehicle and a short walk from the McKinley Trail trailhead. From Cordova, drive 21 miles east on the Copper River Highway. The trailhead for the cabin is located at mile 21. The cabin is approximately 80 yards from the road on the McKinley Lake Trail.
The cabin is accessible via the Copper River Highway, a two-lane dirt road that sees between 10 to 75 vehicles per day. The trailhead is just off the highway, providing straightforward access by motor vehicle and a short walk.
Nearby places
Cordova (21 miles, approximately 30 minutes by car depending on road conditions).
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies, including food, fuel, and camping supplies, are located in Cordova, approximately 21 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Mckinley Trail Cabin

Summer brings the gentle side of Alaska's temperament, with comfortable temperatures hovering between 49°F and 57°F. The region's signature mist and rain create an ethereal atmosphere as clouds drift through the towering spruce and hemlock, painting the landscape in countless shades of green. This moody weather adds to the mystique of your wilderness adventure, making rain gear as essential as your sense of wonder.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Summer offers swimming, salmon spawning, berry bushes and comfortable temperatures.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Late-summer/fall coho runs are a draw for fishing; strong seasonal wildlife activity.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Spring is transitional with mist and rain; fewer highlights cited vs summer/fall.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.0 / 5
Top 22% in AK

Open year-round with snowshoeing and skiing reported, but harsher weather and access issues exist.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: January 1 - December 31.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open year-round.
  • Current Alerts: User reviews indicated road construction noise near the cabin, which might affect the camping experience.

About Mckinley Trail Cabin

Hidden deep within the Chugach National Forest, the historic McKinley Trail Cabin offers an authentic Alaskan wilderness experience in a cozy 12-by-14 log structure. This year-round retreat sits along the scenic Copper River Highway, serving as your gateway to the vast Copper River Delta's untamed beauty. Whether you're casting lines into pristine waters, tracking wildlife through ancient forests, or simply soaking in the solitude, this rustic cabin accommodates up to six adventurers with comfortable bunkbeds and a crackling wood stove that transforms chilly evenings into memorable gatherings. An outdoor pit toilet maintains the cabin's backcountry charm while providing essential amenities.
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.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
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Stay Limit
Maximum stay of 14 consecutive nights and up to 7 nights total per year.

Amenities available

Picnic tables
Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
Cabin Lodging

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.
HikingHiking opportunities include the McKinley Trail leading to McKinley Lake Cabin and Pipeline Lakes Trail. Highlights include exploring the Lucky Strike Mine site and scenic muskeg meadows. Trails range from 0.25 miles to 2.25 miles and cater to varying skill levels.
FishingFishing is available at nearby Alaganik Slough and other spots. Seasonal coho salmon fishing peaks in late August and September when salmon move upriver to spawn. Reviews highlight salmon sightings in waterways near the cabin.
SwimmingVisitors can swim in McKinley Lake during summer. The lake is accessible via the McKinley Trail.
BoatingBoating is possible on the lakes near the cabin, with user reviews describing boating experiences on nearby rivers.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing includes sightings of Sitka black-tailed deer, moose, waterfowl, and both black and brown bears. Spring offers prime bear viewing opportunities on south-facing slopes.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include encounters with bears, mosquitos, and inclement weather that may cause extended stays. Visitors should prepare for additional supplies and practice wildlife safety.
Active AlertsUser reviews indicated road construction noise near the cabin, which might affect the camping experience.
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 Trail Cabin

Reviews

4.2
13 reviews
Satisfactory
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...
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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

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...
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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...
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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

Accessibility Features

No specific reviews addressing accessibility for visitors with disabilities.
Based on 13 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No specific reviews addressing pet policies or experiences.
Based on 13 reviews

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Last updated February 17, 2026
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