McKinley Creekside Cabins & Cafe'-The Carlo Guest Cabin

Nestled just 15 minutes south of Denali National Park, McKinley Creekside Cabins, Café & Bakery along with their three house rentals; The Carlo House, Carlo Guest Cabin, and Carlo Loft offer a unique blend of authentic Alaska hospitality, comfortable accommodations, exceptional dining, and unforgettable wilderness experiences. Since opening in 1997, the property has grown from a small roadside stop into one of Denali's most beloved independently owned lodging and dining destinations.

Owned and operated by best friends and business partners Holly Slinkard and Tracey Smith, Creekside was built on a shared passion for hospitality, community, and creating meaningful experiences. Together, Holly and Tracey have spent three decades welcoming guests from around the world, focusing on personalized service and the belief that every guest should feel at home.

The property features comfortable cabins, lodge rooms, vacation rentals, and gathering spaces designed to help guests connect with nature while enjoying modern comforts. Set among spruce trees and overlooking a rushing mountain creek, guests enjoy a peaceful setting away from the crowds while remaining close to all of Denali's adventures.

The award-winning McKinley Creekside Café & Bakery has earned multiple "Best of Denali" awards and is known for its made-from-scratch breads, pastries, desserts, hearty breakfasts, and fresh Alaska seafood. Fresh halibut and salmon are delivered throughout the season, and everything is prepared with care, reflecting the property's commitment to quality and hospitality.

Guests can relax Creekside, gather around the campfire, enjoy the surrounding wilderness, or simply unwind in a setting that celebrates the beauty and spirit of Alaska.

More than a place to stay, McKinley Creekside Cabins, Café & Bakery is a labor of love built on friendship, hard work, and a genuine commitment to hospitality. As Holly and Tracey often say, it's a place "where guests become friends."

Located in the beautiful Carlo Creek area of Denali, just 13 miles south or a 15 minute drive to Denali National Park. Home of Mt. Denali the highest peak in North America towering at 20,310 ft. This six million acre park has abundant wildlife (grizzly bears, moose, caribou, wolves, foxes, Dall sheep and more!)

We are a AAA approved property with 2019 Best in Housekeeping and Location. As hospitality professionals we take great care to provide not only the essentials but thoughtful consideration for the details.

The Carlo Property rentals offer all the features and amenities of home. Denali is an amazing place where one can explore the park and surrounding areas for a lifetime and never see it all. We try our best to take care of the details and provide the essentials that can make a house rental enjoyable and easy (basic spices, foil, plastic wrap, paper and glass ware, cooler, wood for the firepit)

The Carlo Property is a beautiful and well cared for property nestled in the woods with amazing panoramic mountain views and all the comforts of home and a great location that is close to the park.

We would be honored to host your stay in this amazing place we call home.

The Carlo Guest Cabin offers a rare combination of privacy, comfort, and location that is difficult to find in the Denali area. Situated on a secluded three-acre wooded property just 15 minutes south of Denali National Park, it provides guests with the opportunity to experience Alaska's wilderness while enjoying the conveniences and space of a private home.

Unlike traditional hotel rooms or cabins, the Carlo Guest Cabin was designed for families or couples traveling together who want room to gather, relax, and create memories together. With two bedrooms, two full bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, laundry facilities, living areas, guests can settle in and truly make the property their home away from home.

One of the most unique features of the Carlo House is its balance of seclusion and accessibility. Guests enjoy a peaceful setting surrounded by spruce forest, yet remain just a short five-minute walk from McKinley Creekside Cabins, Café & Bakery. This allows visitors to enjoy the privacy of a vacation home while still having convenient access to award-winning dining, fresh baked goods, espresso drinks, and local expertise from the Creekside team.