RV Rental Alaska, AK

RV Rental Alaska: Motorhome, Camper, and Trailer Rentals AK

Whether you're a new or seasoned RVer, one can't-miss destination in America is Alaska. It's the largest U.S. state and is known for its inescapable beauty. Alaska features a number of islands as well as mountain ranges and glaciers. Tourists are drawn to wild landscapes such as Denali National Park and areas where the northern lights are visible.

RV rental in Alaska is easy and very accessible. There are plenty of state and national parks as well as private and public campgrounds to set up camp. RVing in Alaska is also affordable. Alaska RV rentals are cheaper than an all-inclusive cruise or trips that require airfare, hotel stays, and car rentals. 

But the biggest lure is the independence you get with an RV. You're the navigator, so you decide where you go and how long you stay. And you can stop anywhere along the way, for as long as you like.

Popular RV Destinations in Alaska

National Parks

There are eight national parks in Alaska. In addition to the aforementioned Denali National Park and Preserve, another excellent option is Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, which—at 13.2 million acres—is the largest national park in America. It's chock full of wildlife, glaciers, and mountains. 

The best time to go is in the summer. It's warmest in June and July, where temperatures can reach 80 degrees. 

The other six national parks in Alaska are the Bering Land Bridge National Preserve, Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve, Katmai National Park and Preserve, Kenai Fjords National Park, Kobuk Valley National Park, and Sitka National Historic Park.

Fairbanks

There are several RV parks and campgrounds in Fairbanks and a lot to do there while you're visiting. The University of Alaska Fairbanks Museum of the North has more than one million historical artifacts and items, including Alaskan art, archaeological objects, and fossils. Other museums include the Fairbanks Community Museum, Pioneer Air Museum, Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum, and Tanana Valley Railroad Museum.

Fairbanks also has a thriving art community, and many artists are motivated by their natural environment. If you like walking tours, the city has several, such as the Fairbanks Gold Rush Town Walking Tour and Fairbanks Downtown Art Tour. You can also visit Running Reindeer Ranch, where you can interact with and pet the animals as long as you reserve a tour spot in advance.

Anchorage

Anchorage is in close proximity to a variety of national parks and hiking spots, so it's a great home base if you want to explore surrounding attractions. But the city itself also has a lot to offer. The best thing about the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, for example, is that it's free. 

The 11-mile paved path is perfect for walking, biking, or skating. If you're lucky, you may even see some beluga whales at Cook Inlet.

The Alaska Native Heritage Center is a great place to learn about the state's indigenous people. You will learn about their customs and culture through artifacts as well as live dance and storytelling performances. The museum also features several traditional dwellings that provide insight into the tribes of Alaska.

Other Anchorage attractions include Potter Marsh, a coastal wildlife refuge; Kincaid Park, which features a variety of trails and an abundance of wildlife; the Alaska Aviation Museum, Chugach State Park, a simple 20-minute drive away; and the Alaska Zoo.

Alaska Railroad

One of the state's most popular attractions is the Alaska Railroad, which offers a variety of day trips that appeal to RVers. You can travel from Anchorage to Seward and take a cruise before returning the same evening. Another option is visiting the Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop for rafting or a nature walk. The area is only accessible by train.

The railway easily gives you access to the backcountry and Last Frontier. Onboard you will see forests, glaciers, and the ocean. You also have the option of taking extended guided tours, which include the Arctic tundra, Prince William Sound, and Spencer and Denali glaciers.

Events and Entertainment in Alaska

Fairbanks Summer Art Festival 

The Fairbanks Summer Arts Festival takes place every July and is nationally recognized for its contributions to the arts. Artists from around the world participate in the yearly event, which includes 200 workshops and 100 events each season. The festival includes a variety of performances, including music and dance, and also features theater, visual arts, and culinary arts.

Hundreds of volunteers are responsible for organizing the community event, whose mission is to tap into people's inner artist. It's also about connection: Professional artists work with aspiring artists, and they share their passion with one another.

Anchorage First Fridays

If you like art, then you'll enjoy the first Friday evening of every month in Anchorage. The city's art galleries and other businesses stay open longer than usual, drawing large crowds in the downtown area. The event has been going on for two decades and has grown exponentially over the years.

First Friday shops usually stay open until 9:00 p.m., although hours vary. It's also easy to participate in the art crawl because most of the galleries are clustered around each other. In addition to the visual arts, music and dance performances are also common. Note: Some venues may charge for admission.

Alaska State Fair

The Alaska State Fair takes place at the end of August through early September and has been going on for more than 75 years. It's a way for locals and tourists to celebrate the end of summer before the long winter sets in. The fair is the largest annual event in the state and draws hundreds of thousands of visitors.

Fairgoers can attend concerts, play games, go on rides, and sample food and buy items from hundreds of vendors, including special Alaskan-made pieces. Locals also exhibit their wares, quilts, and livestock. The 12-day event has a lot to offer, and many entertainment options are free with admission.

Seward Fourth of July Celebration

Seward takes Independence Day to a whole new level. More than 40,000 people visit the town of 2,500 each July to participate in the festivities. Main Street is closed off to traffic, and people from all over travel there to take part and gaze at the gorgeous scenery. Others get in shape by entering the Mt. Marathon Race.

The day kicks off with fireworks on the waterfront at 12:01 a.m. Street vendors sell a variety of toys, souvenirs, and other items to patriotic festival goers. There's also a parade and a whole lot of food to sample, including local delicacies.

Campgrounds and Parks in Alaska

Alaskan Angler RV Resort & Cabins

This is a great place to hunker down if you love fishing. This 8-acre campground is located in Ninilchik on the Kenai Peninsula, which is a prime spot for fishermen. The campground has 229 RV sites as well as cleaning tables and a fish smoker.

The campground prides itself on providing large level sites and support facilities (such as a 24-hour store and laundromat), all of which are located near rivers and beaches. The staff is friendly, and you will be enthralled by the views of waterfalls and the mountainside. And if you're itching for a day trip, the town of Valdez provides glacier tours, helicopter rides, and rafting options.

Eagle's Rest RV Park & Cabins

Eagle’s Rest RV Park & Cabins in Valdez is surrounded by the Prince William Sound as well as stunning mountain peaks and waterfalls. Its name is derived from the eagles who frequently fly around while hunting for food. Every site is equipped with electricity, water, sewer, and cable connections. Wi-Fi is also widely available.

As for Valdez, it has a museum, quaint little harbor, and a variety of gift shops. You can also hike or bike local trails or book a day trip with one of local outfitters. Just keep in mind that it gets busy in July, so advanced reservations are a good idea.

Stoney Creek RV Park

This 15-acre campground is located six miles from Seward and is a great place to relax after a long day of sightseeing or fishing. Each site is 30-feet wide and as much as 50 feet long. Big rigs with slide outs are welcome. All sites have power, water, and satellite TV, while several have sewer hookups and fire pits as well.

The campground is nestled near Kenai Fjords National Park, where you can see glaciers, whales, and porpoises. Enjoy the scenery while eating at your site's picnic table or spend some downtime at the creek. It's really a beautiful place to set up for a night (or two or three). 

RV Storage and Dumpstations in Alaska

At some point, you may need to store your RV for a short period of time. Fortunately, there are many storage options. The following facilities securely protect your motorhome.

• CJL RV Storage, Anchorage
• RV Concierge, Wasilla
• Birchmere Boat & RV Storage, Sterling
• Schiff's RV/Boat Storage, Seward
• Firelake RV Storage, Eagle River
• Alaska Recreational Storage, Anchorage
• Stedi RV Park and Storage, Kenai
• Tikaani Lodge RV Park and Storage, Anchor Point

If you need to find a place to take your grey water, Alaska has numerous RV dump stations, including:

• Big Bear Campground & RV Park in Palmer
• Anchorage Ship Creek Landing R.V. Park
• Denali RV Park and Motel
• Alaska Chevron in Fairbanks
• Spruce Meadow RV Park in Juneau
• Public RV Dump Station in Wrangell,
• Tesoro in Valdez 

FAQs:

1. What are RV rentals?

When you rent an RV, you don't have to worry about paying for the RV itself or its maintenance. You simply rent the camper for a designated amount of time just like you would a rental car or hotel room.

2. How much are RV rentals?

Most camper vans and small trailers cost between $75 and $150 per night. Larger RVs and motorhomes can cost $100 to $250 per night. However, you can save a lot of money if you rent for longer periods. For example, a week or month-long rental may cost as little as $60 per night.

3. Do I need to be a certain age to rent an RV in Alaska?

You need to be at least 25 years old to rent an RV in Alaska.

4. Do I need insurance when I rent an RV?

Yes. If you don't have your own insurance, you can often purchase insurance from the RV rental company.

5. Do I need to return my rental RV with a full tank?

That depends on the rental agreement. Check with the rental company so you know if you need to return the camper with a full tank.

6. Are RVs pet-friendly in Alaska?

That depends on the rental company. Some do allow pets; however, it may cost extra or you may be required to leave a deposit.