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Camper Van Rentals in Alaska: The Ultimate Guide

Top 5 Road Trip Destinations in Alaska

Welcome to the last frontier! Alaska's wild and untamed beauty is best explored on wheels, and a camper van offers the perfect mix of freedom and comfort. Let’s dive into some of the most popular road trip destinations in and around the state, each promising unforgettable adventures.

Denali National Park: A trip to Denali is like stepping into a nature documentary. With six million acres of wild land, it’s home to North America’s tallest peak, Denali. Imagine driving through vast landscapes where grizzly bears roam, caribou graze, and the Northern Lights dance above. Hiking, wildlife viewing, and photography opportunities abound. Don't miss the Denali Park Road, a scenic drive offering breathtaking views.

Kenai Fjords National Park: Kenai Fjords is where land meets the sea in dramatic fashion. Glaciers, fjords, and abundant marine wildlife define this park. Take your camper van down to Seward and hop on a boat tour to see glaciers calving into the ocean and whales breaching nearby. The Harding Icefield Trail offers a challenging but rewarding hike with panoramic views.

Glacier Bay National Park: This UNESCO World Heritage site is a marine wilderness brimming with glaciers, fjords, and a rich diversity of wildlife. While the park is more accessible by boat, you can drive to nearby Gustavus in your camper van and embark on a guided boat tour. Keep your eyes peeled for humpback whales, sea otters, and puffins.

Mendenhall Glacier: Located just a short drive from Juneau, Mendenhall Glacier is easily accessible and spectacular. Park your camper van at the visitor center and explore the various trails, including the Nugget Falls Trail for an up-close view of the glacier. Kayaking and ice cave exploration are also popular activities here.

Wrangell-St. Elias National Park: This is America’s largest national park, roughly six times the size of Yellowstone. It's a paradise for adventurous souls with its towering mountains, glaciers, and historic mining sites. Drive your camper van along the McCarthy Road to the historic town of McCarthy and then explore the Kennecott Mines and Root Glacier.

5 Best RV Parks in Alaska

After a day of adventure, you’ll need a cozy spot to park your home on wheels. Here are some of our top RV park recommendations:

Denali Grizzly Bear Resort: Denali Grizzly Bear Resort, a family-owned establishment since 1968, offers a range of accommodations including cabins, a Cedar Hotel with river views, and RV and tent sites. The resort provides various amenities such as a general store, gift shop, and laundromat, and is located near Denali National Park. Visitors have praised the spacious, comfortable rooms with scenic views, and the resort's proximity to the park's entrance makes it an ideal base for exploring the stunning Alaskan wilderness. Notably, the resort received the Alyeska Award for excellence in the Alaska travel industry.

Homer Spit Campground: Homer Spit Campground, operating from May 8th to September 3rd, offers beachside and hookup campsites with amenities such as hot showers, restrooms, laundry facilities, and free WiFi. Located near Kachemak Bay, guests can easily access local restaurants, galleries, and gift shops. Known for its exceptional service with over 40 years of experience, the campground serves as a perfect base for exploring the area's attractions, including its renowned halibut fishing.

Seward Waterfront Park: Situated along the shores of Resurrection Bay, this park offers scenic camping spots and is just a short walk from downtown Seward and the Alaska SeaLife Center. Seward Waterfront Park offers a variety of campsites that can accommodate RV’s, campervans, and tent. 

Chena Hot Springs Resort: For a relaxing soak, head to Chena Hot Springs Resort. The RV park here provides a unique opportunity to enjoy hot springs, aurora viewing, and even an ice museum. The resort, located 60 miles northeast of Fairbanks, continues to attract visitors worldwide, renowned for its healing waters rich in sulfate, chloride, and bicarbonate of sodium.

Teklanika River Campground: Teklanika River Campground, known as Toch'edha Nik'a in the Lower Tanana dialect, is located at Mile 29 of the Denali Park Road and is open from May 20 to mid-September. This campground offers 53 sites and allows campers to drive their vehicles or RVs past the usual turn-around point at Savage River, requiring a minimum three-night stay. Amenities include seasonal potable water, vault toilets, and food storage lockers, but no hookups, showers, or laundry facilities. Campers must use transit buses for sightseeing and adhere to strict wildlife and fire policies to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

What to Pack for a Road Trip in a Campervan

Now that you’ve planned your ultimate Alaska road trip, it’s time to pack for your adventure! Packing smart is essential to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable journey. Make sure to cross-check the comprehensive list below with what your host provides to avoid overpacking. Be advised that some of these items may not apply to you depending on your itinerary. 

Essential Documents and Navigation

• Permits and Licenses: Ensure you have all necessary permits and licenses for camping and activities.

• Identification: Driver’s license, insurance, and registration.

• Compass and Map of Area: Reliable navigation tools, especially in remote areas.

• Travel Itinerary: Including reservations and contact information.

General Safety and First Aid

• First Aid Kit: A well-stocked kit for minor injuries and emergencies.

• Emergency Contact Information: Important phone numbers and addresses.

• Bear Spray: Important for safety in bear country.

• Flashlight and Extra Batteries: Essential for nighttime visibility.

• Fire Extinguisher: Safety first for your campervan.

Comfort and Convenience

• Sleeping Bags and Blankets: Ensure a cozy night’s sleep.

• Pillows: For added comfort.

• Camping Chairs: Comfortable seating around the campfire.

• Quick-Dry Towel: Handy for drying off after water activities or showers.

• Venture Wipes: Convenient for freshening up on the go.

• Refillable Water Bottle: Stay hydrated throughout your trip.

Clothing and Personal Items

• Weather and Activity-Appropriate Clothing: Layers, wool socks, dri-fit clothes, and swimming attire for all conditions.

• Hat with a Brim: Protect yourself from the sun.

• Sunglasses: Shield your eyes from glare.

• Lip Balm: Prevent chapped lips, especially in dry or windy conditions.

• Sunscreen: Protect your skin from harmful UV rays.

• Bug Spray: Keep insects at bay.

• Personal Hygiene Items: Toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, and hand sanitizer.

Kitchen and Food Supplies

• Portable Cooler: Keep your food and drinks fresh.

• Cooking Utensils and Equipment: Pans, pots, spatula, and cutlery.

• Reusable Plates and Cups: Eco-friendly dining options.

• Camping Stove and Fuel: For cooking delicious meals outside your rig.

• Portable Grill: Perfect for BBQ nights under the stars.

• Trash Bags: Keep your campsite clean and pack out what you pack in.

• Quick and Filling Healthy Snacks: Keep energy levels up with nutritious snacks.

• Condiments and Spices: For flavoring your meals.

• Water Cleaning Method: A portable water filter or purification tablets.

• Firewood and Fire Starters: For warmth and cooking (check local regulations).

Recreational Gear

• High Quality Backpack: A sturdy pack for hiking and day trips.

• Hiking Boots: Durable and comfortable footwear for trail adventures.

• Hiking Sticks: Provide support and stability on uneven terrain.

• Binoculars: For bird watching and enjoying distant views.

• Kayak/Canoe/SUP/Surf Board: Depending on your water activity preferences.

• Rock Climbing Gear: For those looking to scale some rocks.

• Fishing Gear: Enjoy some angling in Idaho’s pristine waters.

• Motorized Toys: ATVs or dirt bikes for off-road excitement.

• Life Jackets: Necessary for water sports like kayaking or paddleboarding.

• Helmets: Essential for biking, climbing, and other adventurous activities.

• Books or Games: Entertainment for downtime.

• Camera: Capture memories of your amazing road trip.

Technology and Connectivity

• Solar Charger: Keep your devices powered up using the sun.

• Portable Power Bank: Backup power for your electronics.

• Mobile Hotspot: Stay connected in remote areas.

• GPS Device: In case your phone loses signal.

Miscellaneous

• Swiss Army Knife: A versatile tool for various tasks.

• Notebook and Pen: For journaling or note-taking.

• Repair Kit: Basic tools and supplies for minor fixes.

• Dry Bags: Keep your belongings dry during water activities.

Note: When packing your food, we highly recommend packing dry goods to save space for items that need to be chilled. Most campervan rentals will have a built-in refrigerator, but space will be limited. Great dry-good examples include cereal, oatmeal, protein bars, trail mix, bread, pasta, chips, and canned goods. For an additional fee, your host may even be willing to accept a grocery delivery order (Instacart, UberEats, AmazonFresh, etc.) in advance of your trip and pre-load your food in the vehicle!

Campervan Rentals Near Me

Ready to embark on a bucket list Alaskan adventure? We offer camper van rentals in Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau, Sitka, Ketchikan, and all surrounding communities. Whether you’re planning a one-way campervan rental, need RV delivery services, or are looking for pet-friendly options, we’ve got you covered. Our fleet includes a wide array of options ranging from luxury to budget campervans that are perfect for a short-term or long-term getaway.

Explore the wild, breathtaking landscapes of Alaska with the freedom that only a campervan can provide. Book your adventure today and start making memories on the open road!