Roadtrip with RVshare Anchorage to Moon Lake State Recreation Site

If it is time for some water fun, head out on an Anchorage to Moon Lake State Recreation Site road trip. You can go water skiing, boating, fishing, and more on this trip, and you will love their spacious camping sites. Before you get there, be sure to stop at state parks, like Chugach State Park, and by driving a little further, you can visit Denali National Park. There are also great attractions to see along the Alaska Highway before you get there. While you may not find any big cities to visit, there are fantastic small ones, like Glennallen, that you will want to explore along the Glenn Highway. 

Nearby National Parks

Wrangell-St. Elias National Park  

Wrangell-St. Elias National Park is the largest national park in the U.S., and you will want to spend time exploring each of its four sections. Start at the Copper Center Visitors Center about 10 miles south of Glennallen, where you will want to watch films in the theater and visit the bookstore. Then, head next door to see the Ahtna Cultural Center C'ek'aedi Hwnax 'Legacy House' with its hand-built fish wheel and lots of information on the indigenous people of this area. Take the drive along McCarthy Road, where you can see scenic views of the Copper, Chitina, and Kotsina rivers. Stop and go fishing for rainbow trout in Strelna Lake, which is stocked by the state regularly. Long Lake is the perfect place to try fishing for sockeye salmon. Finally, visit the Kennecott Mines National Historic Landmark before leaving this area. Make driving along Nabesna Road your next adventure at this national park. This road gives you easy access to several hiking trails, and you can see snow-capped mountains and a glacier. You will need to rent a boat or plane to visit the Yakutat area of this national park, which is a beautiful coastal area. 

Nearby State Parks

Chugach State Park  

Covering more than 495,000 acres, Chugach State Park is one of the largest state parks in the United States. This park's western boundary lies just seven miles from downtown Anchorage. There are over 250 miles of hiking trails to explore in this park that starts in the foothills of the Chugach Range. Add summiting a mountain to your lifelong list of accomplishments by hiking to the top of Flat Top Mountain. You can also use many of these trails for biking, ATV riding, and horseback riding. Eklutna Lake is a great place to kayak, and this park's Eklutna Lake Campground has them for rent. Eagle River is the perfect place to go fishing. From April to September, Turnagain Arm is a great place to go whale watching. Even if you do not see a whale, this park offers many other wildlife viewing opportunities, where you may see sheep, goats, moose, porcupines, and marmots. 

Matanuska Lakes State Recreation Area  

Matanuska Lakes State Recreation Area near Palmer is a great place to explore. Landlocked salmon, grayling, stocked and wild trout, and Dolly Varden can be caught in Canoe, Matanuska, Kepler, Irene, and Long lakes. There are over 30 miles of hiking trails to explore running through the Matanuska Greenbelt. Visitors with mobility challenges will find it easy to access the fishing pier at Matanuska Lake, and there is an accessible trail running around the lake. 

King Mountain State Recreation Area  

King Mountain State Recreation Area near Chickaloon is on the Matanuska River’s banks. Late summer is the perfect time to go berry picking at this location. You can also go fishing in the King River. This spot also has a campground, with each site offering picnic tables and fire rings. 

Matanuska Glacier State Recreation Site  

Matanuska Glacier State Recreation Site offers outstanding views of the glacier from a platform. There are interpretative kiosks to help you understand what you are seeing and you can also learn about ice creatures and spruce bark beetles. Several telescopes are available so that you can see the glacier better during the day and enjoy views of the starry night sky. There is an easy one-mile hiking trail. The platform, hiking trail, and telescopes are all easily accessible for those with mobility challenges. 

Along the Way

Anchorage Museum at Rasmusen Center  

Learn Anchorage's multiracial social, political, and cultural history by stopping at the Anchorage Museum at Rasmusen Center. There are marine life tanks so that you can get an up-close look at some of the fish that live in the state. Numerous pieces of artwork are on display, showcasing the state's vibrant people groups and beautiful landscapes. 

Eklutna Historical Park  

Learn about Russian culture in Alaska by visiting the Eklutna Historical Park. See one of the unique spirit houses that were constructed after a person's death at the site of their grave. View Orthodox Christian crosses on each gravesite and see the two Russian Orthodox churches. The staff here are excellent resources to give you a better idea of the local culture groups throughout this region of Alaska, so you will want to be sure to include this stop on your road trip itinerary from Anchorage to Moon Lake State Recreation Site. 

Alpine Historical Park  

The Alpine Historical Park near Sutton is a great place to go for a short stroll on paved trails. The park contains several historical buildings. One of them is used as a community center, so check the calendar for special events occurring during your Anchorage to Moon Lake State Recreation Site RV road trip. 

Caribou Creek Recreational Mining Area  

Located just south of the Caribou Creek Bridge in the Sutton-Alpine area, you will find the Caribou Creek Recreational Mining Area. This can be a great area to try gold mining on your own, so be sure to bring your equipment. You will also want to bring your camera because this area at the confluence of Caribou Creek and the Matanuska River is frequented by Dall sheep, black and grizzly bears, and gray wolves. Note that no bikes or ATVs are allowed in this area, and the trail to the mining area is extremely steep and can be slippery. While you cannot stake your mine here, you are welcome to keep what you find in the public areas. 

Main Cities You Will Pass Through

Palmer, Alaska  

Learn more about how reindeer are raised and see a historical mining community by stopping in Palmer on your road trip from Anchorage to Moon Lake State Recreation Site. Palmer campgrounds include Alaska Big Bear RV Park, where you will adore the mountain scenery. Another great option is the Matanuska River Park, with its easy river access. Palmer RV dump stations are available at both campgrounds. 

Glennallen, Alaska  

You can find great places to go fishing and rafting in the Glennallen area. When looking for campgrounds in Glennallen, consider the Tolsona Wilderness Campground. It is a great campground to stay in as every campsite is on the river. You will also want to consider Dry Creek State Recreation Site, where you will find immaculate restrooms. Glennallen RV dump stations are available at Northern Nights Campground, Glennallen Fuel and Service, and Ranch House Lodge & Camping. 

Chistochina, Alaska  

You can find many things to do in the wilderness surrounding Chistochina, including rafting and fishing. It is a short drive to walk on the Worthington Glacier. Nearby, you can find Chistochina campground options at Grizzly Lake Campground, where you can relax on Grizzly Lake's shores. You may also want to consider Sourdough Lake Campground, where you will find a calm relaxing environment. A Chistochina RV dump station is available at the Christochina Lodge & Trading Post. 

Tok, Alaska  

Stop and fish in the Tok River before staying in a Tok campground for the night. There are great choices available, including Tok RV Village & Campgrounds conveniently located downtown or Tok River State Campground, where you can explore a sandy beach and go for a hike. Tok RV dump stations are available at Tesoro Northern Energy Corp and the Chevron Stations. 

Find Adventure from Anchorage to Moon Lake State Recreation Site

Find your One-Way Rental

When you follow this road trip itinerary from Anchorage to Moon Lake State Recreation Site, you will enjoy historic locations and beautiful scenery along the way. If you want to travel in comfort and style, consider an RV rental from RVshare. From large motorhomes to compact campervans, there is a rig that will meet your travel and budget needs. Once you hit the road, you are protected by our renter guarantee and 24/7 roadside assistance. Find the perfect vehicle for your travel needs in Anchorage or Moon Lake State Recreation Site.