When visiting Wrangell-St. Elias National Park you can't spend all of your nights in the back country. There are several options for overnight accommodations in McCarthy and Kennicott.
McCarthy
In McCarthy, the nicest rooms are at Ma Johnson's Hotel. A few years ago it was remodeled and the interior is quite nice. There are lots of antiques and furnishings from bygone days giving it a cozy, old-world ambience that will make you feel right at home.
The Lancaster Hotel and backpacker's hostel offer economically priced alternatives for those who require less space or comfort. You can get more information about all these place at the McCarthy Lodge web site where year-round Alaska resident Neil Darish will be happy to answer your questions and book your reservations for your stay in McCarthy. Make reservations early, especially if you plan to arrive on the Fourth of July holiday when things get pretty well sold out. Most of our guests at Trek Alaska stay at Ma Johnsons - it's a nice place to stay and very convenient since you are walking distance from the grocery store, bar and places to eat.
McCarthy Vicinity
The Kennicott River Lodge is located a short distance from the footbridge and is about a mile from the center of McCarthy. Nice cabins and a range of options.
There are several B&Bs in the area and The Shidner family operates Currant Ridge Cabins located just a few miles from McCarthy off the McCarthy road. These are not your grandfather's log cabins. These well-appointed cabins include all the comforts and a few amenities you don't usually find in Alaskan cabins.
Kennicott
The Kennicott Glacier Lodge is the place to stay if you want to spend the night up the road in Kennicott. Sit out on the covered porch with a hot cup of java and watch the sun set over the Root Glacier.
Glacier View Campground, a commercial campground is situated just before the footbridge across the Kennicott River. At present their are no camping areas on the McCarthy side of the river, although the Park Service is looking at plans to establish one.