Plan your Alaska RV or car adventure with routes, season tips, campgrounds, safety essentials, and a packing checklist—everything you need for an unforgettable drive.
Longest daylight, most services open, and easiest driving. Shoulder months (May/Sept) are cooler with fewer crowds.
Stunning scenery but slower travel: snow/ice and short days. Add buffer time and check road status daily.
Turnagain Arm views, Girdwood, Exit Glacier, Kenai Fjords day cruises.
Talkeetna detour, Denali viewpoints, ranger programs (in season).
Matanuska Glacier pullouts, Worthington Glacier, waterfalls into Prince William Sound.
Seward + Homer combo: fishing charters, fjords/wildlife cruises, hikes.
Denali Highway or Dalton segments for experienced drivers; plan fuel and permissions.
Don’t cram miles—choose 2–3 regions and leave time for “wow” stops.
Mix state parks, national sites, and private RV parks. Peak towns fill fast—reserve ahead; many others are first-come.
Arrive earlier in the day for first-come sites. Keep a backup campground option.
Connect coastal towns by ferry for variety. Schedules can sell out—plan ahead and confirm vehicle rules.
Consider day flights or tours from hubs (scenic flights, cruises) to reduce driving miles and still see highlights.
Slow at dawn/dusk; keep distance. Never feed wildlife. Maintain safe following distance on gravel.
Some gravel highways or ferries may require written approval—always confirm your rental terms before planning.
Check live conditions, incidents, and cameras before you go and each morning.