The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
Alaska is one of the best states in the US for camping and enjoying other recreation during an RV trip. The state has mountains, forests, lakes, rivers, plains, and other amazing sites of natural beauty. Much of the state is managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), a government agency that protects land for public use. When BLM RV camping, you can typically stay on a particular site for up to 14 days for free or a nominal fee as long as you clean up after yourself and avoid damaging the local environment.
Cache Mountain Loop Trail is managed by the BLM. The trail is known for its hiking, of course, and there are plenty of things to do and see along the way. It's also not far from the city of Fairbanks, which is one of the state's major attractions and a hub for the whole central and interior area. If you go farther south than Fairbanks, you will reach Denali National Park, the gem of the Alaska parks system and home to America's highest peak.
The Cache Mountain Loop Trail is a long and potentially challenging point-to-point trail. Day hikers can spend an afternoon or a full day hiking a portion of the trail, or you can take multiple days to explore the entire path. There are cabins along the way that are available for camping if you want shelter and comfort while in the backwoods.
Length: 22.2 miles each way
Intensity: Difficult
Venturing into the backcountry of Alaska always presents great opportunities for wildlife observation. In addition to the small mammals like squirrels and the various birds in the area, Alaskan trails like this one are potential places to spot large animals such as moose, caribou, bear, Dall rams, and wolves.
The cabins in the Cache Mountain Loop area make for great picnic spots. They have shelter in case the weather turns bad, beautiful views, and a feeling of immersion in nature. When picnicking, be sure to pick up after yourself and always be aware that food and food waste may attract wildlife, which can be dangerous.
RV camping along the Cache Mountain Loop Trail is not possible because the trail is not accessible to vehicles. However, you can enjoy camping in your RV in Fairbanks to the south. It's a major hub with plenty of space and stores where you can buy supplies and eat at restaurants if you want a nice meal. Rivers Edge Resort is an excellent option for RV camping. The RV park offers spacious full-hookup sites along the banks of the Chena River.
If you are experienced and interested, there are places for Bureau of Land Management free camping along the Cache Mountain Loop Trail and in the surrounding countryside, where there are several cabins. Be sure to book them ahead of time so that you can reserve your spot. You can camp in the woods and the plains as well. To find previously used camping spots, try searching online for "BLM camping near me" when in the Fairbanks area.
The Cache Mountain Loop Trail is in the interior of Alaska north of Fairbanks, so it is very far north. However, because it is far from the coast, it isn't the coldest part of the state. The region's weather is unpredictable and cell service is rare, so be prepared for all kinds of adventures and be sure to always have lots of fuel and food. The road conditions in the area can be tricky. Road surfaces are destroyed by winter's ice and snow, so every summer the roads are rebuilt. This means you might be stuck in a construction zone, so account for this when calculating travel times.
Alaska's wild interior is one of the most beautiful areas in North America, and it makes for some truly rugged and wild experiences when you venture out onto BLM land. While in the backcountry, be very mindful of wildlife. Always carry bear spray and other protective gear anytime you leave your car. Keep in mind that bears can run extremely fast, and if you can see them without binoculars, they are too close.
Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
Whenever you are on BLM land, it is required that you follow a "leave no trace" policy. That means you cannot leave any trash or waste behind you when you leave. This is especially true when you are out in the wilderness. Any tiny amount of trash from campers or other visitors to BLM land is not only unsightly, but it can also harm local wildlife. While exploring, it's also important to tread lightly and stick to established trails and previously used camping areas.
To reach Cache Mountain Loop Trail, head north from Fairbanks on the Elliot Highway until you reach the trailhead at mile 57.1. It's a shorter drive than some others in Alaska, but keep in mind that road conditions may be a problem in any season. Getting to Bureau of Land Management campgrounds near Cache Mountain Loop Trail in winter can be particularly difficult.
Ready to visit Cache Mountain Loop Trail? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day exploring, you’ll have your RV to return to for the night where you’ll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here’s a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.
