Many RVers have Alaska on their bucket lists. If you don’t already have an RV, you can look into an Alaska RV rental to start your Alaskan adventure. Let’s find out how.
Table of Contents
- Why Should You RV in Alaska?
- When Should You Visit?
- How Much Does It Cost to Rent an RV in Alaska?
- Things to Look Out for When Renting an RV
- What Route Should You Take?
- Where to Rent Your RV From
- The Benefits of Renting an RV in Alaska
- The Challenges of Renting an RV in Alaska
- Is Renting an RV in Alaska Worth It?
Why Should You RV in Alaska?
Alaska is full of rugged landscapes, roaming wildlife, and majestic mountains. Experiencing this incredible place with an RV is a great choice. You’ll have the opportunity to spend both your days and nights right in the heart of nature. Plus, you’ll have everything you need right there with you, helping you to explore in comfort.
Alaska is large enough to fit 19 other states inside of it. Even with an Alaska RV rental, you won’t see it all, but you will cover more territory than by flying into a city and staying local. An RV will allow you to get out to as many destinations as possible.
When Should You Visit?
The best time for visiting Alaska is from mid-May to mid-September. The peak season goes from mid-June to mid-August. Summer brings seemingly endless daylight. In fact, on June 21, Fairbanks can see up to 22 hours of daylight. These summer days are perfect for exploring Alaska, as the temperatures are comfortable and the extra hours of sunlight provide more hours for adventure.
How Much Does It Cost to Rent an RV in Alaska?
The cost of an Alaska RV rental will depend on how you choose to rent. The main cost of RVing comes from the daily rental fees. A standard RV can range from $100 to $250. Prices vary based on location and demand.
RVs can have a mileage surcharge, meaning each mile you travel comes with a fee. However, it’s possible to find some rentals with mileage included.
Keep in mind that you have to pay for the fuel for your Alaska RV rental. Fuel costs can quickly add up, especially when you’re trying to cover a lot of ground.
Don’t forget you’ll need to budget for food as well. Luckily, if you’re renting an RV, there’ll be places to store food. You can also use the RV to prepare food and avoid eating out.
Things to Look Out for When Renting an RV
Be careful to get a breakdown of your RV rental cost. Some RV rentals include linens and additional items such as fishing gear, outdoor seating, and grills. Other companies charge you daily for these items.
Be mindful of your mileage if you didn’t get an RV with unlimited miles. It can be easy to rack up fees without realizing how far you’ve driven.
Learn your RV’s capabilities. Not all RVs can go off-road. Additionally, check your contract for restrictions on where you can travel.
What Route Should You Take?
There are many great routes you can take on your trip. One option is to choose a few of the national parks and travel between those. Some popular routes include the Alaska Highway from Dawson Creek, British Columbia, and the Denali Highway (Alaska 8) to Denali National Park.
Guidebooks might help you plan your perfect route. Knowing what you want to see can be a great starting point for plotting your path.
Where to Rent Your RV From
If you prefer to rent from an individual, sites like Outdoorsy and RVShare let RVers share their rigs. Renting from an individual can be a great choice if you’d prefer to avoid the “big name” rental companies.
Bigger companies such as Cruise America have locations almost everywhere, including Alaska. Or try an Alaska RV rental company such as Great Alaskan Holidays. This company not only rents out Class C RVs but also provides trip planning help as well. The company offers sample itineraries to help you make the most of your trip.
Pro Tip: If you plan to depart from Anchorage, check out the 6 Best RV Rental Companies in Anchorage, Alaska.
The Benefits of Renting an RV in Alaska
Alaska RV rental allows you to experience Alaska to the fullest. Plus, you’ll have everything you need with you at all times. You’ll save money by making your meals on the go versus paying for restaurants, too.
RVing in Alaska offers a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. You’ll be able to travel from destination to destination, sleeping wherever your heart desires. You won’t have to worry about booking a hotel each night, either.
The Challenges of Renting an RV in Alaska
No travel option is perfect. While seeing Alaska in an RV is a great choice, it isn’t for everyone, and it isn’t without its challenges. As those miles add up, so does the cost of fuel. The cost of fuel could hinder your ability to roam too far if you haven’t budgeted enough.
Some might feel more restricted in an RV. Staying in a hotel allows you to leave the room and your belongings behind. When you’re RVing, the room is always right there with you. While this can be a good thing, it can also restrict your travels. RVs often can’t go on those rugged off-road adventures. Unless you rent a small RV or truck camper, the RV will likely limit your experiences.
Is Renting an RV in Alaska Worth It?
If you want to dig deep into the heart of Alaska, renting an RV in Alaska is worth it. Those who want to take in as much of the state as possible will appreciate the versatility of an RV. If you prefer to stay in one location with a few side excursions, an Alaska RV rental may not be your best option.
Alaska is an incredible place that many long to experience. You’re bound to leave with a lifetime of memories you’ll cherish forever.
Do you think an Alaska RV rental is something you’d consider? Let us know in the comments below!
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