Denali National Park is one of those landscapes you must see in person to properly appreciate. The continent’s highest peak rises above the Alaskan Range at a staggering 20,310 feet, and the park’s expanse, three times the size of Yellowstone, offers an unparalleled wilderness experience. Its untamed beauty, with the absence of manicured parking lots and boardwalks, allows you to immerse yourself in nature’s grandeur. A visit will surely gift you excellent wildlife viewing (big and small), with opportunities to see bears, moose, and wolves, and hiking through the park’s diverse landscapes, from the subalpine forests to the alpine tundra, promises an unforgettable adventure. When visiting, you’ll want to stay in the park in one of the five lodges, backcountry camp, or in a nearby Airbnb. With limited options within the park boundaries, there’s a nice selection of Airbnb properties suitable for couples and families or larger groups in nearby towns and communities. Many of these are located between Talkeetna and Trapper Creek, so there’s still a one to three hour drive involved. But those routes are beautiful and these homes make a great base for exploring the region at large. Here are some of the best options near Denali National Park, which have excellent reviews from past guests.
The Most Popular Airbnbs Within Driving Distance to Denali National Park
Authentic Alaskan log home on Talkeetna Village Airstrip
One of Airbnb’s top five percent listings — rated for five-star guest reviews, host reliability and communication, cancellation rates, and quality-related issues that have been reported to Airbnb — this authentic Alaskan log home is on Talkeetna Village Airstrip. This home is perfect for those who have their own plane — stay with me here — as you can fly in and park your aircraft in the front yard. For those out of staters who don’t have wings, the house is around 150 miles from the park entrance, making it a convenient base camp for exploring Denali on wheels. The cozy home has been recently updated from top to bottom, including new appliances, cedar tongue and groove, a sauna, and beautiful furniture. You’ll have sweeping views over Denali and the Alaska Range from the nearby Susitna River’s waterfront trail and can even watch planes taking off and landing from the living room.
Six guests, three bedrooms
Price: $375 per night
Charming spruce lodge on Scotty Lake in Trapper Creek
On Scotty Lake in Trapper Creek under an hour and a half south of Denali National Park entrance at George Parks Highway, is this charming lodge. It can accommodate up to 14 guests comfortably in its spruce log walls. It’s set on five acres with recreational trails, views of Denali, and promises of wildlife encounters. It’s another top five percent home, with past guests saying not only is it a superb rental for the park, but it instantly feels like home. If you get a rainy day, there’s lots to keep the entire family (or group) entertained with a pool table, karaoke, foosball, and other indoor games.
14 guests, five bedrooms
Price: $713 per night
2-story lodge with an eagle’s nest in Trapper Creek
Another lakefront property in Trapper Creek is this two-story lodge with an eagle’s nest for wildlife viewing. It’s a stone’s throw from Ermine Lake and the trailhead, and on a clear day, you get a stellar view of Denali. The cabin has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, and a dry sauna. This is another listing with rave reviews. One guest mentioned that Mike, the owner, baked homemade cookies for them — twice. Here’s hoping that continues.
10 guests, three bedrooms
Price: $425 per night
Secluded cabin between Willow and Talkeetna
This secluded cabin is just 40 miles from the entrance to Denali National Park and around 30 minutes from the nearest town (between Willow and Talkeetna). You’ll be close enough for shopping essentials but far enough away to feel like you’re having an Alaskan adventure. The lodge has a spacious and inviting space, featuring a cozy living room with a wood-burning stove, a fully equipped kitchen, and comfortable bedrooms. Large windows offer panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness, allowing you to immerse yourself in the beauty of the Alaskan landscape. In the summer, you can enjoy hiking, fishing, and exploring the nearby trails. Winter offers opportunities for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling. The local dog mushing community maintains a network of trails, providing endless possibilities for outdoor enthusiasts regardless of the season.
10 guests, three bedrooms
Price: $447 per night
Modern retreat with a sauna and a south-facing deck for summer
I love this cabin, not only because of the price, but because I could imagine my family and I being very comfortable in this modern custom-built three-bedroom. It’s also located in Talkeetna, close to downtown and a quarter mile from the Talkeetna Lakes trail system. It’s on a peaceful acre where you’ll find miles of running, biking, and skiing trails. There’s a six-person sauna, multiple sleeping arrangements, heated tile floors, and a spacious arctic entryway to hang up your skis and gear after hitting the trails. If visiting during summer, you can hang out on the large south-facing deck, and there’s a BBQ and firepit on-site, too.
Nine guests, three bedrooms
Price: $199 per night
Historic family home in downtown Talkeetna
For something a little more rustic, check out this historic home in downtown Talkeetna. It’s a family home and is a stone’s throw from the river, shops, and the Fairview Inn, one of the oldest bars still operating in Alaska. If you’re visiting with a dog in tow, this is a great option as it’s pet-friendly, and the hospitality extends to the garden, where you can help yourself to produce.
Eight guests, three bedrooms
Price: $265 per night
Centrally located Talkeetna 3-bedroom new build
This new build is centrally located in Talkeetna. The main floor features a cozy living room, a well-equipped kitchen, and a spacious bedroom with an en-suite bathroom. Upstairs, you’ll find two additional bedrooms and a shared bathroom. The house is also equipped with a washer and dryer for your convenience. After a day in Denali, you can relax and unwind in the shared outdoor hot tub beneath an Amish gazebo. The outdoor space provides the perfect setting for stargazing, socializing, or simply enjoying the peace and quiet.
Six guests, three bedrooms
Price: $195 per night
Hatchers Pass Cabin in the Woods
This jaw-dropping cabin is in Willow, so it’s a little further out, approximately a two-hour drive from Denali National Park, but this spacious home provides a tranquil base for exploring the Alaskan wilderness south of the park. Surrounded by breathtaking mountain vistas, it’s an ideal starting point for various outdoor adventures. Hiking trails wind through the surrounding landscape, and plenty of nearby outdoor sports, such as four-wheeling, sightseeing flight tours, rafting, fishing, and snowmobiling, are readily available. The spacious cabin offers comfortable indoor amenities if the weather takes a turn. You can relax by the fireplace, curl up with a good book, or enjoy a family meal in the well-equipped kitchen.
Eight guests, three bedrooms
Price: $595 per night
Eco-friendly domes overlooking the Alaska Range and Denali National Park
This eco-friendly lodge is perched high on a ridge overlooking the Alaska Range and Denali National Park. Built in 2023, this family-owned retreat offers a secluded wilderness experience while remaining close to the charming town of Talkeetna. The lodge features three private eco-domes, each equipped with a king-size bed, a futon, a desk, and chairs. Shared amenities include a sauna house and a clubhouse with a kitchen, dining area, and two bathrooms. And if you’d like to take in Denali from the air, the lodge runs helicopter and floatplane tours. 
Three guests, one bedroom
Price: $357 per night