Ultimate Guide for RVing to Alaska 2024 (By An Expert)
Considering RVing to Alaska? Well, it is simple to say but not easy to do. Our good friend and nature enthusiast, Kevin Dolan, has first-hand experience that he will share with you about selecting the right RV, planning the trip, dealing with wildlife and key destinations to visit while RVing to Alaska.
Several years ago, my wife Carol and I dreamed of driving to Alaska from New Jersey in a Recreational Vehicle (RV). Driving to Alaska caught our imagination. In the summer 2023 our dream became a reality – a seven-week road trip to Alaska.
We originally owned a pop-up trailer, so we knew something about RVing. RVing suits us. It provides opportunities for exploring, mobility, flexibility and being uncommitted to a location.
If the location or weather did not meet our expectations, RVing allows us to move down the road without a lot of hassle. Plus, another benefit is that the RV is our little home. We don’t have to pack, unpack, carry bags in and out and so on. The RV can provide the essential comforts of home while away from home.
RVing in Alaska is a gateway to untamed nature. The wilderness unfolds with striking landscapes, featuring glaciers, snow-capped mountains, and numerous waterfalls. Rivers, expansive valleys, and vast, boat-free lakes contribute to the unspoiled scenery. Our RV journey became a living National Geographic experience as we encountered diverse wildlife, including moose, black bears, grizzlies, caribou, eagles, and whales.
Guide for RVing to Alaska
If you’re eager to RV to Alaska, this guide will assist you in preparing for the trip, navigating the Alaskan wilderness, and identifying key destinations to visit.
Planning is essential for success, so before we load up the RV and head West, we need to decide a few things.
Selecting the Right RV
The biggest part of the planning to drive to Alaska from New Jersey is selecting the right RV. We visited RV shows in New Jersey and Virginia. After the shows we visited a dealership. I did not want to visit a dealer first since I hate to shop and I might buy something without taking a look at the shows and countless YouTube videos.
There are many types of RV’s, which can make the decision-making process difficult. It is like a Diner’s menu with too many options. Plus, there are various types of places to go with an RV and different types of RV campgrounds.
The type of RV purchased can determine the type of campgrounds, the routes, and the destinations. For example, the length of the RV will restrict where you can go and stay. We wanted to drive in towns and be able to street park. So, we needed something less than 25 feet.
We also wanted to travel confidently up a mountain on muddy, rocky, dirt roads in nasty weather so we needed four-wheel drive. Based on our requirements, a truck camper started to make sense.
Truck Camper for RVing to Alaska
A truck camper offers the advantage of being removable from the truck, providing us with added versatility. Now that we decided on the type, we had to decide which one. There are many different types of truck campers and several major brands.
We wanted a four-season truck camper to fit on a single-track truck with a well-appointed interior, a wet bath, a kitchen, a queen size bed, a heater, and an air conditioner. Plus, it had to be durable, comfortable and one we could live in without water or electrical hook ups for at least 4 days.
Additionally, truck campers offer the opportunity to go places where there are neither towns, resorts, hotels nor restaurants. We wanted remoteness.
The primary consideration for a truck camper is payload capacity and height. The payload capacity has to be obeyed or else you will damage your truck. The bed has to fit the length of the camper too. The height will restrict you traveling on roads with low overpasses. You don’t want to hit an overpass! And installing air bags on the rear axle helps prevent the truck pointing up a little in the front.
Our truck is the GMC AT4 HD, one-ton six-foot bed and the camper is the Northern Lite. It’s hard to believe you can get a queen size bed, an alley kitchen with stove and microwave, a dinette, a wet bath, and closets in the back of a six-foot pick-up truck.
We did get the Duramax 6.6 Liter diesel with the 10 speed Allison Transmission. The diesel added some weight over the gas engine, which took away from the payload capacity. Yet, the added torque for acceleration and the 13 mpg made it worthwhile. It is truly a man’s truck.
Planning the RVing to Alaska Route
I used Google Maps for route planning and distance calculations. The mileage data obtained from Google Maps was inputted into an Excel spreadsheet. This spreadsheet facilitated tracking the distance to the next evening’s accommodation, allowing me to create a tentative itinerary for the seven-week journey.
The two primary influences on the route were the destination and where our family lived in North America. After that, the route was based on National Parks, Providential Parks, National Forests, and places of interest that we wanted to visit.
Key Locations
Our first stop was the Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dokata since the topography and wildlife is so different from the Midwest and east coast. Next was Glacier National Park, which was very crowded. After that, the Icefields Parkway that goes through the Canadian Rockies is a must. These three locations were of interest to us.
Then the immense wilderness along the Alaskan Highway and Klondike Highway of the Yukon is an experience. The Top of World Highway from Dawson City to the Taylor Highway was beautiful. The road from Tok to Valdez is not to be missed. We were unaware of these roads and glad we found them.
Since Alaska is a state that can be seen by the water, we also wanted to take two ferry rides on the Alaska Marine Highway. One ferry ride was for six hours from Valdez to Whittier and the other ferry ride was for four nights from Haines, Alaska to Bellingham, Washington along the intercoastal.
On the route back to New Jersey we saw family in Washington, Idaho and Montana. And we visited Mount Rainier and Granite Pass in Wyoming.
In our article Epic Alaska Road Trip from New Jersey – 2024 RV Planning Guide, we provide details about each destination and things to do and see.
When to Visit Alaska
For this type of adventure, May through October is a good time to go RVing in Alaska. We watched a lot of YouTube to have a good idea of where to go and when to go. June tends to be more crowded, so we started our trip from New Jersey in early July. We did have some bad weather and wildfire smoke, but most of the time, the weather was nice.
Required Documentation
Since we would be driving through Canada, we brought our passports. While in Canada we used our credit card. Certain credit cards do not charge a fee for the exchange or fees for international currency. The few times while in Canada cash was required, the Canadians gladly accepted US currency since it has 35% premium. We notified our credit card carriers where we were going to make sure we did not have any issues.
Reservations
We prefer spontaneity with a general itinerary than a strict time schedule. We made a few reservations while RVing to Alaska. The first reservation was at Savage Campground in Denali National Park. If you want to stay in the park, which you do, you need to make reservations six months in advance.
For the ferry from Haines, Alaska to Bellingham, Washington, we also made reservations in advance. We wanted a berth, so we made this reservation six months ahead of time. You want a berth with a private bath if you are on the ferry for four nights.
We also made reservations at Glacier Jet Ski Adventures in Whittier and the ferry from Valdez to Whittier. Except for these reservations, we kept a loose itinerary to give us the most amount of flexibility. We did have other reservations for campgrounds, but ironically, we either canceled them or cut them short. If we had a big RV, reservations would have been a requirement.
While we didn’t book in advance our visit to Katmai National Park’s Brooks Falls, we were fortunate to get in. Witnessing the Grizzlies at Brooks Falls turned out to be a highlight of the trip. I strongly advise making reservations ahead of time for a visit to Brooks Falls.
Budgeting for the RVing to Alaska Trip
Regarding money, plan on spending 20% more than you think. This will give you more flexibility and won’t freak you out. With this mindset we were under budget when we got home. I learned this kind of budgeting from watching our elected officials.
Fuel is the biggest expense. While sitting down, divide the total google maps projected miles by your mpg to arrive at the total gallons needed. Then multiply the total gallons needed by the cost per gallon of fuel. Boom, you have just arrived at your biggest expense.
Food, well, you must eat anyway. Unless you have superpowers, you will end up eating out more than you think you will.
Include some money for hotels. Campgrounds run from zero to $80.00 per night. If you are over 65 get a National Parks and Federal Recreation Park Seniors Lifetime Pass. This pass will cost you close to $100.00, but it will save you a lot. Using this pass at a typical Federal campground, our cost was under $10.00. The pass expires when you do, so you can use it year after year until that day.
Of course, include tolls from the east to the mid-west. Don’t forget to budget money for gifts and fun excursions such as jet skiing, fishing, plane tours, and etc…
Essential Gear and Supplies
If you want to able to be to go to remote places where there are no hook ups (power or water) then you need batteries, solar panels, and a freshwater tank on the rig. Our camper had the ability to be off the grid for at least 4 days without any hook ups. We also purchased weBoost, which we never used. WeBoost takes a one bar cellular signal and increases it to three bars. I am glad we have it, and I am sure someday I will use it.
I suggest bringing a net for your head to keep bugs off your face and out of your hair. Also bring bug spray and bug repellent for clothing. We used the bug nets several times and bug spray, but not the repellent for the clothes. Like the weBoost, I am sure I will eventually use the bug repellent for the clothes.
We have waterproof and wind proof coats and pants. This should be on the top of the list. Appropriate layering underneath these items for the temperature is the approach we took. We planned on 40-degree F to 100-degree F weather.
Hiking boots, sandals, water shoes and running shoes are sufficient. A small day pack with a water bladder for when you go hiking. Bring your favorite hiking stick too. As in the lower 48, when you go hiking in the mountains be prepared for weather changes.
Our kitchen was set up to serve two people. We kept things simple and as minimalist as possible. Why bring it if it is not going to be used?
Bring paper maps with you. We brought a road atlas. Plus, if you have a GM, pay for the OnStar® subscription in case you need help.
We did bring two bikes and a gazebo tent, which we did not really use. One important recommendation is when you find a good bakery, stock up for a few days.
Tips for Driving Safely in Alaska
Since it is a long drive, you will need an oil change and air filter change. The ALCAN and Klondike Highways are in constant repair and in need of repair due to frost heaves. The road conditions change quickly so pay attention and do not speed.
The wilderness is reclaiming the roads. Don’t expect AAA to be able to help you out if you run out of fuel. Fill up on fuel when you see the opportunity. I think we went 750 miles with only 5 places to get fuel. If you are in trouble people will stop to help you.
Dealing with Wildlife Encounters
You will have encounters with wildlife. While we were at Liard Hot Springs in the Yukon, Black Bears shut down the hot springs. The Liard Hot Springs is a half mile walk into the woods outside the Liard River Hot Springs Campground, which is gated and surrounded by an electric fence. The Liard Campground is Mile 475 on the ALCAN and about an hour’s drive from Muncho Lake.
There are no buildings between the campground and Muncho Lake, only wilderness. We were so excited with anticipation to have a bath in the hot spring, that we went through the gate forgetting our bear spray. Bear in mind, outside the electrical fence we were also vulnerable to wildlife. Remember your bear spray!!!
A Bear Story
It was a gorgeous morning as we walked along the boardwalk through the forest to the hot spring. Then, suddenly, we encountered a black bear. The bear was no more than 25 feet off the boardwalk. Bear or no bear, after dealing with all the Yukon dust we went for a swim in that hot spring.
After we took pictures of the bear, he slowly scooted off into the forest. Carol and I then went for our hot bath. The hot spring is about 250 feet long, 25 to 30 feet wide. Beautiful spot. There is decking on one side with changing rooms. There were about 15 people in the spring. Carol and I thoroughly enjoyed the hot spring. It rejuvenated us.
After 45 minutes in the hot spring, we decided it was time to go. Then the Park Official came and announced that the hot springs were being closed because of bears. Everyone got out of the pool. Sorta like lightning at the community pool, but this bear threat would last for days until they cleared the area of bears.
Less than 12 hours earlier, the Park Official shot a bear with bear spray and used a banger to make the bear go away, but the bear rose on its hind legs to challenge the Official. Was that the bear we met on the boardwalk?
Because of this and other bears in the area, the Park Official shut down the hot spring and everyone had to retreat to the other side of the electric fence. Carol and I were very grateful we got our hot spring bath.
The Park Official made a prudent decision to shut down the hot spring. In August 1997, two people were killed and third person mauled by a black bear at the Liard Hot Springs. Yes, they look so warm and cuddly, but black bears are dangerous.
Understanding Remote Areas and Limited Services
We wanted to be immersed in the wilderness. In the Yukon there was no sign of humans for many miles. In a 750-mile stretch, there are only five places to get fuel, so fuel up when you can.
Groceries in this stretch were difficult to come by too, so stock up. Sorry, good pastries may be hundreds and hundreds of miles apart. In these wilderness areas check the expiration date on the package before buying.
One reason for wanting to go to the wilderness was to get away from cell service and the all-consuming internet. To say cell service was very limited is an understatement. Cell service was nonexistent.
Since we did not have internet access for a large portion of the trip, we could not use Google Maps, so we used our GPS and National Geographic Road Atlas. The atlas was very helpful giving us a bigger view of where we were going instead of a digital screen. When we needed the internet, we could find it in most towns.
Must-Visit Destinations
Some of the key places to visit while RVing to and from Alaska are highlighted below. Please refer to our article on the Epic Alaska Road Trip from New Jersy – RV Planning Guide (link) for details on each site.
The adventure did not really start until we reached Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota. After North Dakota we traveled through Glacier National Park in Montana, British Columbia, Icefields Parkway in Alberta, the vast wilderness of the Yukon and entered Alaska via Top of the World Highway.
We visited National Parks and Provincial Parks on our way to Alaska and on the way home. But the biggest surprise was the Yukon. In the Yukon, wilderness and beauty abounds along the Alaskan Canadian Highway and the Klondike Highway.
The Top of the World Highway from Dawson City along Taylor Highway to Tok is beautiful. The road from Tok to Valdez is a must, don’t miss it. On the road there are tremendous views of ice capped Mount Wrangle and as you approach Thompson Pass Worthington Glacier looks like it is spilling into the road.
Anchorage is a disappointment. Denali National Park is more than I expected and a must see. Plan at least 4 nights there and inside the park use the shuttle buses (green) and not the tour buses (tan) – reservations are required. You will need to make reservations six months in advance for a campsite inside the park.
The road from Tok to Haines Alaska is also a must. The Yukon is so beautiful and the road dropping into Haines is unforgettable. In Haines we took a nearly 500-mile 4-night ferry boat ride to Bellingham WA. We thoroughly enjoyed the ride. Don’t expect cell service or access to the internet.
On the drive east of Bellingham, Washington, we found Mount Rainier National Park quite remarkable, and its beauty was a big surprise. I highly recommend it.
Safety Tips and Considerations for RVing to Alaska
For security, employ common sense measures. Lock the RV when in crowded campgrounds and avoid displaying cash. Only in Anchorage did we feel the least bit vulnerable, but wherever we were, we remained vigilant about our surroundings. As for health insurance, ensure you’re covered by checking with your health insurance carrier.
Let family or friends or both know your itinerary. Be aware that accidents do and will happen. I fell off the back of my truck camper and dislocated my right ring finger. With help, I was taken to the Haines Clinic where Nurse Practitioner Becky fixed my finger. The Haines Clinic was not far from my fall, but if the clinic was far away my turmoil could have been worse. The Haines Clinic Staff is excellent.
So, if you get hurt, get hurt in Haines, Alaska and say hi to Becky for me. The 1,905 people of Haines can be proud of their clinic. Shout out to PA Becky and to Monica Scott for being cool headed, patient and knowing what to do. If these people are what Alaskans are like, we need more Alaskans.
Final Thoughts: Ultimate Guide for RVing to Alaska
RVing, in general, gives you the opportunity to be in control of the itinerary. You are not beholden to flight schedules, canceled flights, flight delays, never ending crowds, lines, and the need to make reservations. The journey is determined by you, no standing in line.
You choose how long, where, and when. If that interests you, RVing might be for you. We could not have driven to Alaska with the flexibility and wilderness immersion experience without a truck camper RV.
Consider that Carol and I approach RVing not as a vacation but as a form of comfortable camping. Our travels take us to places filled with wonder, awe, and beauty, all the while exposing us to the unpredictability of the environment. In this lifestyle, various challenges are inevitable, making the constant movement demanding and exhausting, disrupting our regular daily routines. It’s worth noting that the amenities, such as Pit Toilets, don’t quite measure up to Marriott standards.
If you want to know more about RVing to Alaska, please check out our recent article, Epic Alaska Road Trip from New Jersey. And our new book is coming out soon “Making Night Dreams Day Realities, A Travel Journal, Episode 4, Fifty-one Days from the Garden State to Alaska and Back.”
If you would like assistance in planning your road trip to Alaska, we would be happy to help. Please refer to our Travel Planning services for further information or send us an email.
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