For my $0.02, recognizing the lower level of infrastructure, accessibility, etc, I think the Lake Clark area is preferable to the McKinley / Denali area. If there is time in the trip, it would probably still be worthwhile to visit the Denali area, drive in as far as one can, arrange flightseeing from the area, etc.
Camping (or some variant thereof) at Denali State Park can be pretty nice and for views of The Mountain, and the Mountains, there are pretty spectacular views available from the highway and from the road into Talkeetna.
