RV camping in Alaska is an amazing adventure that every explorer should have on their bucket list. In an RV, you’re able to stay in the most beautiful parts of the state and really connect with the awesomeness that is Alaskan nature.
But you may need some sort of guide to help you plan your Alaskan RVing adventure. Here, we will share all of our favorite things to do and places to stay. Read on to learn everything you need to know to plan an amazing trip RV camping in Alaska.
Finding Campgrounds
Whether you prefer glamping, urban camping, boondocking, or some other sort of Alaska campground, we can help you find the perfect home base for your trip.
Exploring Public Campgrounds in Alaska
First, let’s look at the public campground options in the state. These include things like national park campgrounds, national forest campgrounds, state park campgrounds, and campsites on land owned by the Bureau of Land Management.
National Park Camping
Alaska is home to 8 stunning national parks. These are:
- Denali National Park and Preserve
- Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve
- Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve
- Katmai National Park and Preserve
- Kenai Fjords National Park
- Kobuk Valley National Park
- Lake Clark National Park and Preserve
- Wrangell-St Elias National Park and Preserve
Of these, only Denali, Kenai Fjords, and Wrangell-St Elias can be reached by car, and only Denali and Wrangell-St Elias offer RV campsites. We do highly recommend camping in both of these parks though, and we recommend seeing as many of the other Alaska national parks as you can. You won’t be disappointed!
National Forest Camping
One alternative to camping in Alaska’s national parks is to find a campsite just outside of the park in one of the state’s many gorgeous national forests. These forests are home to some developed campgrounds as well as plenty of boondocking spots.
Some of our favorite Forest Service campgrounds include the Russian River Campground located in Cooper Landing outside of Kenai Fjord and Porcupine Campground outside of Anchorage.
State Park Camping
Yet another fantastic option is the state park camping in Alaska. The state is home to a huge number of amazing state parks that are well worth checking out.
Chilkat State Park is a beautiful spot and Denali State Park is right by Denali National Park.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Camping
There is quite a bit of land owned by the Bureau of Land Management in Alaska. This government-maintained land has several campgrounds and offers free dry camping opportunities to RVers. We love BLM camping, especially when we’re trying to save money.
Wickersham Creek Trail outside of Fairbanks offers some great dispersed camping, and Sourdough Creek Campground near the Swede Lake Trail offers nice designated campsites.
Exploring Private Campgrounds and RV Parks
Public camping in Alaska is pretty great, but there are also some wonderful private campgrounds in the state. Glamping is available in some places, and almost all private campgrounds offer basic amenities such as electric hookups, restrooms with showers, and dump stations.
Alaska Angler RV Resort is perfect for those who love fishing. Meanwhile, Eagle’s Rest Campground offers a luxury camping experience in the middle of Alaska’s natural beauty.
Boondocking in Alaska
Last but not least, you have the option of boondocking in Alaska. This is actually our favorite way to camp when visiting this incredible state because the place is so full of natural beauty and incredible boondocking campsites.
Some of our favorite boondocking campsites in Alaska include Upper Trail Lake Pullout near Kenai Fjords, Susitna River Dispersed Camping Area for day tripping into Denali, and Tustumena Lake Dispersed Camping Area for an easy-to-reach spot.
Preparing for RV Camping
As you are preparing for RV camping, if you don’t own an RV already, you’ll have to rent one. On top of that, you’ll have to pack the RV before you head into the Alaskan wilderness.
Choosing the Right RV for Your Needs
First, let’s discuss how to find the perfect RV for you and your travel party. Deciding whether you prefer to drive the RV yourself or have it delivered is the first step in this process. If you want to drive the RV, you’ll also have to decide if you want a driveable rig or something you tow—and clearly, if you plan to tow, you’ll need to make sure you own a vehicle capable of towing a trailer.
Once all of that is figured out, it’s just a matter of finding a rig that is within your budget and also offers the floor plan and amenities that you need.
Note: It’s good to keep in mind that big rigs can’t fit in many of Alaska’s campgrounds. A smaller vehicle might be better for RV camping in Alaska.
Packing Essentials for a Successful Trip
Next, you’ll want to make sure you have everything packed that you’ll need for your trip. Fortunately, we have a packing list for every possible camping trip you might be planning. For Alaska specifically, bring plenty of winter gear even if you’re camping in the middle of summer!
Considerations for Camping in Alaska
RV camping in Alaska is different in a lot of ways from RV camping in most other states. For one thing, because of the weather in Alaska, the camping season is quite short. And since it is impossible to reach Alaska by vehicle without driving thousands of miles through Canada first, you will want to plan very carefully to ensure you are in Alaska when the weather is decent, and then leave before it gets too cold.
On top of all that, it’s good to know the state laws surrounding RVs. In Alaska, the total length of any rig should not exceed 65 feet and the width of an RV should never be more than 8.5 feet. Triple towing is allowed in the state, but you will need a breakaway switch on any towed trailer over 3,000 pounds.
Planning Your Itinerary
With a campground booked and an RV chosen, the next thing to do is to plan an itinerary. Fortunately, there is no shortage of amazing things to do in the state. Whether you choose to explore one of the many towns or head to one of the natural areas, you’re sure to have an amazing time.
Features and Attractions in Alaska
One of the best ways to see Alaska? Take a drive on one of the state’s scenic byways. You can plan stops at the most iconic landmarks throughout the state, including the Prudhoe Bay General Store, Salty Dawg Saloon, and the North Pole.
To immerse yourself in even more of Alaska, be sure to visit the many NPS sites scattered throughout the state. These include the national parks, but also many historical parks, monuments, and more. We especially love Sitka National Historical Park.
Festivals, Fairs, and Events in Alaska
You might also want to plan your trip around one of Alaska’s annual events. The Alaska State Fair is a lot of fun, and the Fairbanks Summer Arts Festival is fantastic. We also highly recommend the Summer Solstice Festival in Anchorage!
Exploring Outdoor Activities
Alaska has some incredible natural areas, so it makes sense to add some outdoor activities to your plan. From hiking to fishing, you’re sure to find an activity that suits your fancy, and the amazing wildlife viewing found around every corner is a definite bonus.
Hiking, Biking and Nature Trails
Trails are plentiful throughout Alaska, making it an ideal place for hiking, trail running, and even biking. We highly recommend exploring some of Alaska’s trails while visiting the state, to get up close and personal with the amazing nature found around every corner.
Some of the best hikes in Alaska include:
Looking for biking trails? You might try one of these:
Fishing, Boating, and Water Activities
Water is plentiful throughout Alaska, and it should come as no surprise that there are lots of water-related activities for visitors to enjoy.
We highly recommend taking or renting a kayak if at all possible, as there are many great kayaking opportunities across the state. Not many places have better fishing than Alaska, so taking your fishing gear is another must. We also recommend seeking out the amazing waterfalls and beaches across the state.
Wildlife Viewing and Photography
Of course, you will want to do some wildlife viewing. In fact, it’s kind of hard NOT to do wildlife viewing while in Alaska. Keep your eyes peeled for bald eagles (some say there are nearly as many eagles in the Juneau area as there are people!), and remember to keep an eye out for bears and moose.
Because wildlife is so plentiful, you will want to pack binoculars and keep them on hand at all times. You never know when you might want a closer look!
Family-Friendly Activities and Attractions
Heading to Alaska with kids? You’ll find a number of fantastic things to do with them. Whether you’re exploring Anchorage, checking out Fairbanks, learning in a museum, or having a great time at an amusement park, you and your family are going to treasure your time in Alaska for the rest of your lives.
Historical Sites and Museums
Squeeze a little bit of education into your getaway by taking the kids to one of the many historical sites in Alaska. The history of the state is incredibly interesting, and you and your family can learn all about it at places like Sitka National Historical Park and the Aleutian World War II National Historic Area.
Museums are another great way to add some learning to your travels. Some of the best museums in Alaska include the Anchorage Museum, the Alaska Aviation Museum, the Alaska Native Heritage Center, and the Fairbanks Ice Museum.
Amusement Park, Zoos, and Wildlife Refuges
Amusement parks are always a great way to have a good time with family, and there are some good amusement parks in Alaska. Our favorite is the H2Oasis Indoor Waterpark, which features all kinds of slides and other water fun for families.
Zoos and wildlife refuges are also a lot of fun and provide opportunities for the kids to get close to animals they may not be able to see otherwise. The Alaska Zoo in Anchorage is one great choice for this. Another is the Alaska SeaLife Center in Seward.
Safety and Preparedness when RV Camping in Alaska
Alaska’s often-untamed wilderness means it’s important to take some safety precautions. From natural disasters to wild animal encounters, here’s how to stay safe in the state.
Weather Conditions and Natural Disaster Preparedness
As mentioned before, Alaska is very cold for a good part of the year. In fact, certain parts of Alaska never get that warm even during the summer. It’s important to pay attention to temperature forecasts before heading on outdoor adventures, and always pack an emergency blanket and other items that can keep you warm overnight. Make sure someone knows where you are going before you leave as well.
Besides the cold, Alaska is also very rugged—hence the name, “The Last Frontier.” There are places that cannot be reached by road, and necessities are not always easily available. Make sure to keep plenty of food and water on hand, pack a first aid kit, and always go to remote and potentially dangerous areas with a qualified guide.
Wildlife Encounters and Precautions
It’s a well known fact that Alaska is home to all kinds of incredible wildlife. Here, you’ll find bears, moose, reindeer, otters, and more.
These animals are tons of fun to observe in their natural habitat, but it’s important that you give them their distance. Never approach, touch, or feed a wild animal, and always put food away. Bears have been known to break into cars for food, so you may want a bear box or canister.
It’s also a good idea to make plenty of noise when hiking so you don’t startle bears or other animals. Consider carrying bear spray and make sure you know how to use it.
