Road Genius compares campervan and motorhome rentals across Alaska so you can book the right vehicle at the right price. Anchorage is the main pick-up hub, with flights connecting directly to Seattle, Chicago and many international destinations. From here you can drive south to the Kenai Peninsula or head north to Denali National Park. Plan extra time in late summer when salmon runs and the Northern Lights happen at the same time.
Season | Average High Temperature °F / °C | Good time to visit? |
---|---|---|
Winter (Dec–Feb) | 23 °F / -5 °C | Only if you have a winterized vehicle |
Spring (Mar–May) | 45 °F / 7 °C | Shoulder season, some campsites still closed |
Summer (Jun–Aug) | 65 °F / 18 °C | Yes – long days, all services open |
Fall (Sep–Nov) | 50 °F / 10 °C | Short season, best colors in mid-September |
Speed limits are in mph; expect 55 mph / 89 km/h on most highways and 65 mph / 105 km/h on some rural roads.
Fuel stations can be 90 miles / 145 km apart once you leave the city; fill up your tank before driving the Glenn, Parks or Seward Highways.
Winter rules allow studded tires from 16 Sep to 30 Apr; tire chains are rarely required near Anchorage but can be mandatory north of Talkeetna.
There are no toll roads around Anchorage.
Place | Utilities Available | Advantages | Disadvantages |
---|---|---|---|
Ship Creek RV Park (Downtown) | Full utilities | Walking distance to restaurants, summer shuttle to attractions | Urban noise, advance booking required |
Centennial Campground (Municipal) | None | Cheapest in city, forest sites, 30 foot vehicles fit | No utilities, fills quickly on weekends |
Eagle River Campground (Chugach State Park) | Water and Electric | River views, hiking trails nearby | 30 minute drive from city center |
Bird Creek Campground (Turnagain Arm) | None | Good salmon viewing, quick drive to Girdwood | Close to highway, limited spaces for vehicles over 35 feet |
Williwaw Campground (Portage Glacier) | None | Glacier scenery, first-come first-served | No cell phone signal, 1 hour south of Anchorage |
Large store parking lots (Cabela's/Sam's Club) | – | One free night, late shopping | City law prohibits overnight parking 10 pm–6 am elsewhere |
Summer daylight lasts up to 19 hours in June; bring blackout curtains to help you sleep.
Anchorage prohibits street camping between 22:00 and 06:00 outside designated areas.
Call 511 for current road conditions and 911 for emergencies.
Wildfire danger can trigger campfire bans; check the Alaska Division of Forestry map daily.
In the USA, most campervan rental companies require a minimum age between 21 and 25 years old. If you're younger, you might face extra fees or rules. Be sure to confirm the age policy with the rental company you choose.
Just enter your age in our search tool and we'll show you vehicles that fit your criteria.
Many campervan rental companies in the USA are conveniently located at or near major airports. This allows you to easily pick up your campervan right after you land. Some companies even provide shuttle services from the airport to their rental sites.
In the USA, you usually just need a standard car driver's license from home to rent a campervan. Foreign licenses are fine if they're in English or come with an official English translation. If not, arrange for an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to your regular license.
Yes, you can rent a motorhome for a one-way trip in the USA. This means you can collect the motorhome in one city and return it in another. Keep in mind, though, that extra charges might apply for one-way rentals and availability can differ depending on the rental company and location.