With its vast expanse of untamed wilderness and breathtaking landscapes, Alaska is an unparalleled destination for camping enthusiasts. From towering mountains to expansive tundra and from icy fjords to dense forests, the Last Frontier offers abundant natural beauty to explore. Planning a camping trip to Alaska is an adventure like no other, offering the chance to immerse oneself in the raw magnificence of nature and experience true wilderness.
When it comes to planning your Alaska camping trip, timing is key. Understanding the best times of year to visit can make all the difference in your experience. Each season offers unique charm and outdoor adventure opportunities, from the midnight sun of summer to the tranquility of late spring and early fall.
Additionally, consider flight options into Anchorage, which can help streamline your travel plans and ensure a smooth start to your camping expedition. Alaska Stoke Vans offers van rentals from middle of May through the middle of September annually.
In this guide, we’ll delve into the optimal times to camp in Alaska, explore flight opportunities into Anchorage, and introduce you to Alaska Stoke Vans.
Exploring the Best Times to Camp in Alaska
Alaska’s rugged terrain and diverse ecosystems mean that the optimal time for camping can vary depending on your preferences and interests. Here’s a breakdown of the best times to visit:
Summer Months (June to August):
- With long daylight hours and relatively warmer temperatures, summer is the peak season for camping in Alaska.
- Ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing, and kayaking.
- All seasonal businesses/parks/ranger stations are open.
- Popular parks and campgrounds may experience higher visitor numbers during this time, so early booking is recommended.
Late Spring (May) and Early Fall (September):
- Late spring and early fall offer quieter camping experiences with fewer crowds and lower accommodation prices.
- May provides opportunities for witnessing the transition from winter to spring, with landscapes coming to life with the hope of blooming wildflowers and migrating wildlife.
- September offers stunning fall foliage and opportunities to see the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) as the nights lengthen.
When planning your Alaska camping trip, consider your preferred activities and weather preferences, and choose the season that best suits your interests and travel plans.
Check out our blog about the best camping in Alaska here, which includes some top locations to visit and the different ways to camp in the north.
Getting Here: Flight Opportunities into Anchorage
Alaska’s vastness may seem daunting, but reaching the gateway city of Anchorage is easier than you think. Several airlines such as Alaska, United, Delta and American (all four offer year round flights), and Jet Blue, Frontier (offer summer seasonal flights), into Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport, providing convenient access to the main road system of Alaska. From major cities across the United States and internationally, travelers can find direct or connecting flights to Anchorage, making it a feasible starting point for their Alaska camping expedition.
Photo by Simon Hurry on Unsplash
Before booking your flight, consider factors such as departure city, travel dates, and budget. Additionally, watch out for seasonal flight deals or promotions, which can help save money on your travel expenses. Finding a round trip flight for around $500-$600 (or less) is a deal, scoop it up quickly! Once you’ve secured your flight into Anchorage, you’ll be one step closer to embarking on an unforgettable camping adventure in Alaska.
You’ve decided on your activities and the time of year you’re visiting and started investigating flights. Now, you’ll need to decide on your camping accommodations!
This is when we come in, Alaska Stoke Vans. Your adventure junkies.
Alaska Stoke Vans offers a unique way to experience the wonders of Alaska’s wilderness with ease and comfort. We specialize in camper van rentals and provide adventurers with the perfect mobile base for outdoor excursions. Our fleet of meticulously maintained camper vans is equipped with all the essentials for a memorable camping trip, ensuring you can focus on soaking in the beauty of your trip without worrying about logistics.
Choosing Alaska Stoke Vans as your camping partner also ensures your transportation from the airport as your adventures begin. Eric and Randee will pick you up at your destination of choosing within the city of Anchorage so you can settle into your van and prepare for the open road. We can almost always accommodate your request although at times we may ask for you to meet us at our residence. This will be communicated well in advance.
Meet The Camper Vans: Rosie, Balboa & Apollo
Alaska Stoke Vans boasts three fully stocked Ram Promaster 1500, 136″ WB “dry” (no flowing water) cargo camper conversion vans. They are custom-built with simplicity and comfort in mind, helping you get outside and explore Alaska.
Amenities and features include but are not limited to:
- Cozy full-size bed
- Plates, bowls, knives, cooking utensils and pot/pans
- Sheets, blankets, and pillows
- A 75 Qt. Cooler
- A small propane bottle and camp chairs
- Small cutting board and Coleman cook stove
- Tea kettle and pour-over kit
- Foldable camp table and Alaska road atlas
- Fishing and hiking book and bear safety handbook
- Recreational state parking pass
- Bear spray for safety
- Spare sleeping bag/blanket, jumper cables, and spare tire/changing tool kit
- Miscellaneous items such as toilet paper, paper towels, spices, cooking oil, rags, cleaning spray, hand sanitizer, and baby wipes
Additionally, you’ll find an auxiliary battery that powers 12v LED lighting in the back, a four-port USB charging station, and an exhaust fan for cooling and ventilation during cooking. The auxiliary battery is wired separately from the main battery, ensuring no risk of draining the main battery.
Note that each van may have a slightly different setup and list of amenities and features. Learn more about the vans, Apollo, Balboa, and Rosie.
Pros and Cons of Camper Van Rental
While camper van rental offers unparalleled flexibility and convenience for exploring Alaska, weighing the pros and cons before deciding is essential. Here’s a breakdown:
Pros:
- Freedom to explore locations off the beaten path.
- Comfortable sleeping quarters and amenities on the go.
- Flexibility to adapt travel plans based on weather and personal preferences.
- It is a cost-effective option compared to traditional RV rentals or cabin stays.
Cons:
- Limited space compared to larger RVs. Although for their smaller size, Alaska Stoke Vans utilize the space very well.
- Requires basic knowledge of operating and maintaining a camper van.
- Depending on local regulations, there are potential limitations on where you can park and camp.
If you are looking for the slightly more rustic elements of camping but the comforts of hard sides, a camper van rental is perfect! It flirts along side the glamping (glorified camping) category.
Why Choose Alaska Stoke Vans
Alaska Stoke Vans stands out as the premier choice for camper van rentals in Anchorage. Here’s why you should book with us:
- Exceptional Customer Service: Our team is dedicated to ensuring a seamless rental experience from start to finish, providing personalized assistance every step of the way.
- Local Expertise: As locals, we possess insider knowledge of Alaska’s best camping spots, scenic routes, and hidden gems, helping you make the most of your adventure.
- Well-Maintained Fleet: Each of our camper vans undergoes regular maintenance checks to guarantee safety and reliability on the road.
- Flexible Rental Options: Whether you’re planning an extended weekend getaway or an long road trip, we offer flexible rental durations and packages to suit your needs.
Commitment to Sustainability: We prioritize environmentally responsible practices, minimizing our ecological footprint while maximizing your enjoyment of Alaska’s natural wonders.
Embark on Your Alaska Adventure
With the perfect blend of natural beauty, outdoor adventure, and unparalleled freedom, planning a camping trip to Alaska is an experience like no other. From selecting the optimal time to visit and booking your flight to Anchorage to choosing the right camper van rental company, every step of the journey contributes to creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Trust Alaska Stoke Vans to be your partner in adventure as you explore the untamed wilderness. Pack your bags, hit the road, and let the adventure begin!
Traveler Testimonials
But don’t take it from us; take it from our guests:
Less expensive than renting a car and hotel rooms
“We had a great experience with Alaska Stoke Vans! We got to meet Eric and Randee personally and they were very friendly and gave some excellent advice on what to do during our stay. They are clearly very knowledgeable about Alaska travel. The van comes with everything you need for a simple trip and works great for a couple. Overall, the van was less expensive than renting a car and hotel rooms. We would be very happy to rent front them again.” —Nolan
Drives like new
“Apollo was the perfect van for our 8 day trip. It drives like new and had everything we needed. Randee and Eric met us on time close to the airport. Easy drop off and pickup. Our van got over 19mpg. They are extremely efficient if you drive conservatively. We would not hesitate using stokes vans again. Thumbs up!” —Eric
Alaska Camping FAQs
- Are camper van rentals in Alaska suitable for families with children?
- Since camper vans are usually designed for 2 people, this is not an ideal family vacation for 2+, unless you are traveling solo with a child. Create a father/son or mother/daughter experience of a lifetime. Dogs considered.
- What are the essential items to pack for an Alaskan camper van trip?
- Warm clothes (layers), good walking shoes, raincoat, and charging cables for your devices. ASV has you covered for much of what you’ll need for a great, safe time. Refer to the list above for other packing musts.
- Is it safe to encounter wildlife during camper van travels in Alaska?
- Wildlife encounters are inherently dangerous as animals can act erratically when faced with human interaction. That said keeping a watchful eye, maintaining a safe distance, and not approaching wildlife are all good first steps towards having a good encounter with the many animals that roam these parts!
- Do camper van rental companies in Alaska offer one-way rentals?
- There are some companies that offer this service however ASV is not one of them.
- Do camper vans offer a comfortable and safe place to sleep?
- Yes, camper vans offer full-size and queen-size bedding to keep you well-rested along your journey. Coupled with an epic adventure, they might offer the best sleep of your life.