Anchorage makes an ideal starting point to explore the Alaskan wilderness and the beauty of the northernmost US state. With plenty of must-see attractions, a rich history and unique culture, you’ll want to spend your time getting acquainted with the city.
When you decide to venture outside Anchorage and discover the other places that make Alaska a one-of-a-kind region, a motorhome rental from one of motorhomebookers.com's trusted partners is just the ticket.
Read on to understand what makes the city and its surrounding area so desirable for a camper van trip.
If you want to learn more about the city and state before exploring it for yourself, the Anchorage Museum is a natural fit. Dedicated to the art and history of Alaska, the museum has several permanent collections and galleries as well as temporary exhibitions throughout the year that detail the diversity of Alaska Native cultures.
Located south of the city’s core, Chugach State Park is the third-largest state park in the US, covering over 2,000 square kilometres. You can explore the park at your own pace with trails for hiking and backpacking. The Lakeside Trail along Eklutna Lake is particularly convenient in summer when you can travel by mountain bike or horseback for stunning mountain views.
Home to hundreds of different species, Alaska Wildlife Conservation Centre is a non-profit sanctuary dedicated to preserving Alaska’s wildlife through research, education and animal care. Surrounded by the Chugach Mountain Range and Turnagain Arm Inlet, you’ll get a chance to see different animals along the AWCC’s 1.5-mile loop while also taking in the beautiful landscape.
A visit to Anchorage will give you a taste of Alaskan living but to truly experience the northernmost state, a motorhome excursion beyond the city limits is unbeatable.
Regularly ranked the number one attraction for tourists visiting Alaska, Denali National Park makes a great destination for a trip outside Anchorage. Just shy of 450 miles north of the city, the drive to Denali is full of beautiful views and photo opportunities. Once there, experience the park by way of river rafting, hiking and fishing, with the largest peak in the US as your background.
When travelling south from Anchorage, a drive of just over two hours will lead you to Kenai Fjords National Park. Even before you arrive, you’ll experience the beauty of Alaska on the Seward Highway, designated a National Forest Scenic Byway for its incredible scenery. At the park, discover ice fields, glaciers and fjords that contrast with the city.
For a trip closer to Anchorage, Portage Glacier is just an hour-and-a-half drive southeast of the city and is regarded as one of Alaska’s most accessible glaciers. The popular attraction on the Kenai Peninsula can be reached by boat, and cruises on Portage Lake offer one-hour tours explaining the history of the glacier and sharing stories of the Portage Valley.
If you’re planning an RV adventure starting from Anchorage, you must be at least 25 years of age with a valid driver’s licence. You’ll also require a major credit card to qualify for a rental.
Because of its popularity as a destination for motorhome holidays, you’ll find many campgrounds and RV parks in or near Anchorage. Camping is also permitted on all Alaska State Trust lands, but only with a purchased land permit. Permits are issued for a single day, week, month or year. Regardless of the length of the permit, camping is limited to 14 days per site.
Although Alaska may be referred to as The Last Frontier, its largest city is the first step on an incredible motorhome journey. Anchorage offers travellers sights and sounds of Alaskan city life and a place where they can rent a camper van for an even more memorable experience on the road.
To book your own adventure from Anchorage, visit motorhomebookers.com to find RV makes and models, flexible dates, prices and depot locations. Make your motorhome holiday one to remember.