Denali National Park

Back in 1951 Camp Denali’s founders climbed to a commanding view of Mount McKinley and the Alaska Range mirrored in a small, nugget-shaped pond. Just outside the boundary of Denali National Park near the end of the park’s only road, they homestead the 67-acre site and constructed a few wall tents on wooden platforms which defined Camp Denali’s first accommodations the following year. Today that spectacular location lies in the heart of the expanded boundaries of Denali National Park and is the only one of two places to stay deep inside the park with a view of Mount McKinley. The other is nearby sister facility North Face Lodge.

The Cole family became Camp Denali’s second owners in 1975. Tent frame cabins were gradually replaced with log and timber-frame structures. Multi-day stays featuring naturalist-guided hikes, field trips and evening programs became the heart and soul of the Camp Denali experience. A Special Emphasis Series, with experts in various fields of the natural sciences, the Far North’s cultural and geopolitical history, and the arts provided additional insights for visitors. The Coles’ son-in-law and daughter, Simon and Jenna Hamm, have now assumed the reins. Their efforts to enlist more renewable energy technologies and to utilize more locally grown and organic foods have opened the next chapter in Camp Denali’s long held stewardship commitment.

Author Christine Barnes in her 2008 book and recent PBS documentary, Great Lodges of the National Parks, selected Camp Denali as one of four spectacular and historically significant national park destinations. Unlike other classic lodges, she described Camp Denali’s unique heritage as a "self-contained, perfectly maintained, and creatively operated wilderness retreat" that "snubs the idea of resort living."

There’s no TV and no bar (byob), just the quiet of surrounding wilderness and simple, sustainable amenities for around 38 guests that have remained true to the founders’ conviction to maintain a light touch on the land. Rustic guest cabins, each of which claims a unique view of Mount McKinley, sleep from two to six people. Water is piped to nearby each cabin, and each has wall-mounted propane lights, a propane hot plate for heating water, a small woodstove for heat, and a private, well-maintained outhouse. Patchwork quilts, hand-crafted by staff and complemented by carefully selected work of Alaskan artists, demonstrate an abiding attention to detail that is notable throughout the facilities. The compound of main buildings, including the dining hall, shower facility with private showering rooms for men and women, a hand-hewn log lodge for relaxing and reading, and a natural and cultural history exhibit space are all a three to seven-minute walk from the privately situated guest cabins.

Good food, artfully prepared with quality ingredients has always been fundamental to the Camp Denali experience. Logistics are still challenging, but long gone are the days of dependence on canned meat and vegetables. Fresh halibut, antibiotic-free meats, and locally grown, organic produce, including that raised in the on-site greenhouse, contribute to today’s artisan cuisine.