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Accommodations in Alaska, particularly in the sparsely populated areas, can be quite rugged. You will find a lot of establishments have only shared bathrooms, and amenities such as a coffee pot, television, and Internet access are scant, although the latter is beginning to find its way even into remote villages. In the most rural of places it is not entirely unheard of to find no bathrooms in the establishment, but rather an outhouse or "honey bucket" out back. If such things are important to you, it's wise to inquire in advance.
Four public-use cabins are in Denali State Park, along the shores of Byers Lake. One cabin is on a gravel road, a mile from the highway, and the other three are accessible by canoe or by a half- to 1-mile trail. Cabins are equipped with bunks that sleep six, a wood stove, a table, and benches. You can reserve up to seven months in advance online.
One of Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge's lesser-known wonders is its collection of nine fantastic cabins scattered throughout the refuge. If you've ever wanted to be off alone in the Bush but still have a roof over your head, this is the way to go. The cabins are accessible by floatplane or boat, and available for up to seven days in summer and for longer the rest of the year. Set along the coast and on inland lakes, the cabins are bare-bones but do include bunks (which do not come with mattresses), kerosene heaters (you bring in your own kerosene), tables, and benches. Most cabins hold six or eight people. Although they usually book up six months in advance, if you get a sudden impulse, it's always worth checking to see if one is available. The cabins on inland lakes are usually not accessible in winter, and it's important to remember that any time you fly into remote Alaska you should come prepared for delays getting back out. Pack extra food and supplies, just in case.
