Where to Stay in Denali National Park, Alaska 

When you’re in the middle of the challenging-yet-beautiful wilds of Alaska, you’ll need somewhere that wraps you up like a warm blanket at the end of a rewarding day in the drama-packed hinterland. What a relief, then, to arrive at Denali Backcountry Lodge. Near the former gold-mining settlement of Kantishna, you’ll experience the best creature comforts via cozy private cabins in a wild landscape. You’ll return from your adventures (guided trail-free hikes, cycling, fishing and more) to fresh and seasonal cuisine, a snug fire and a spa-studded haven under the Northern Lights.

A journey to Alaska is the trip of a lifetime, so you’ll want your experience to be enhanced by the best hospitality around. Happily, the rustic cabins of Kantishna Roadhouse provide a blanket-like base in the heart of the backcountry. Your stay includes private bus transportation and there are a variety of daily activities available. They include hiking opportunities and the chance to observe wildlife in the breath-snatching scenery of Denali National Park. You can even pan for gold if you’ve forgotten your credit card.

This resort on the banks of the Nenana River is less than 2mi (3.2km) from the entrance to Denali National Park. With shuttle services to and from the park entrance, you’re never far away from the wild action, while the tasteful and bright rooms offer views aplenty. Maybe you’ll even spot some wildlife from your very own balcony. The sociable Denali Square complex includes a courtyard with fire pits, regular live music, the Karstens Public House, and views of the nearby mountains.

Don’t let the name mislead: they don’t let out rooms to grizzly bears here. Still, you’re in the middle of the wilds at this resort, which offers hotel accommodation, cabins, or even an RV and campsite. The rustic rooms overlook the nearby river. Dine at the food-truck court – served by Denali Thai, Mariachi Moose and others, with plenty of outdoor seating – or head off on one of the many local tours (river rafting, ATV adventures, hikes, and more).

It’s called the overlook for a reason: the elevated views over the surrounding forests and mountains are spectacular. Designed around the impressive window-lined and fire-warmed Great Room, the accommodation is spacious yet cozy (thick rugs and natural woods), with stunning vistas everywhere you look. In the winter, there’s access to cross-country skiing, snow-machining and snowshoeing.

Offering a personal and friendly touch, this lodge on the edge of century-old-trading-post-turned-adventure-centre Talkeetna is a peaceful retreat. However, it’s also a prime spot for discovering all the high-octane activities on offer at the park. After days spent zip-lining, salmon fishing, dog-mushing, and bear-viewing, slump back in the rooms and cabins, with names such as Snoozin’ Moose, where cuteness and comfort coalesce.

Denali Park Hotel has all the trappings of a classic US motel, moved to the middle of the Alaskan wilderness. You’ll be surrounded by striking natural scenery – including moose roaming freely – at this small-town base in Healy. It has everything you need for a comfortable base; it’s only 10mi (16.1km) from the park itself, with convenient access to shops and restaurants, yet plenty of adventures on your doorstep.

One for those who truly like to be at one with nature… except with heating, and a bed and running water. The owners aim to provide you with a comfortable, affordable and relaxing stay. They successfully tick every box. The refurbished cabins provide an ideal foundation on which to build your own Alaskan adventure, with BBQ facilities and a cozy communal lodge. There’s also easy access to Montana Creek for some brilliant fishing and wildlife-viewing.

In the midst of the adventure, but away from all the crowds, is Alpine Creek Lodge – a lodge where you can sleep under the canopy of the Northern Lights, if you’re lucky. The cabins are almost Scandinavian in their light, pared-back design. There’s no running water, but there are more regular suites available, too, with breakfast (and water) included. With bird-watching, a fly-fishing school and gold-panning, you’ll never run out of activities at this Alaskan stay.