4 Best Hotels in Denali National Park and Preserve, Alaska

The legendary family-owned and -operated Camp Denali and North Face Lodge both offer stunning views of Denali and active learning experiences deep within Denali National Park, at Mile 89 on the park road. Guests can book three-night (that's the minimum), four-night, and one-week stays, which include round-trip transportation, meals, and activities. At Camp Denali, guests stay in one of 18 cabins that include a small wood-burning stove, wall-mounted propane lights, and Alaskan artwork. Guests share bathing facilities, although each cabin has its own outhouse. North Face Lodge is built on a tundra meadow with 15 rooms, each with a private bath. The knowledgeable naturalists on staff offer guided outings while evening programs focus on the natural and cultural history of Denali. Each lodge has its own kitchen and dining room featuring local and organic food, and fresh-baked goods. The lodge can also arrange flightseeing.

Cedar cabins built within the taiga forest have all the basic amenities (including TV and phone), private baths, and shared hot tubs at this complex along the highway 8 miles south of the park entrance. Complimentary shuttle service to the park visitor center is provided. The Prey Bar & Eatery offers an assortment of sandwiches, salads, and desserts. Stays at the cabins can be packaged with a Denali Backcountry Adventure trip, a full-day narrated bus tour along the park road, returning to the park entrance in the evening.

This sprawling 20-acre resortlike property operated by one of the National Park Service's largest concessionaires, Aramark, sits just 7 miles south of the park entrance next to the Nenana River. Denali Park Village brings two of the company's properties (The Lodge and The Cabins) under one name. Dining options include the Gold Rush Dining Room, Lucky Miss Saloon, Quigley's Coffee Cart, and the Shack with fresh donuts and ice cream. There's also a gold rush–themed dinner show, Cabin Nite Dinner Theater. You can also book activities from river rafting to bus tours. There's plenty to do on-site during your off-hours including taking an easy walk on the trails, browsing the gift shop, or just gazing out on the Alaskan wilderness as you warm up with a drink by the deck's fire pit.

Run by the Athabascan Doyon Tourism, this establishment at mile 92 on the park road offers an enriching wilderness getaway. You must commit to at least three nights in an elegant log-cabin duplex or fourplex. The Kantishna Roadhouse, a massive log lodge, is where you'll spend your time when not out on adventures. The Fannie Quigley Dining Room prepares family-style meals with fresh fruits, vegetables, and baked goods. If you plan on a full-day excursion, the kitchen will prepare a sack lunch. Activities range from two- to six-hour guided hikes, mountain biking, dog-mushing demos, gold panning, fishing, and—for an extra cost—flightseeing. Cozy up every night with a cup of cocoa and catch an evening program with guest speakers, artists, or Athabascan elders. If you have a big group, the Dog Musher's Hall can handle 35 people. Nightly rates include all meals and transport.