Best RV Rental Anchorage: Motorhome, Camper, & Trailer Rentals AK

What could you do with more time? Anchorage, Alaska, gives you 22 hours of daylight in the heart of June. This means you can do more with your days and explore more of Alaska. Just imagine, you could have a tee time for 10 p.m., and it’s still light out! 

Anchorage RV Rentals

RV rentals in Anchorage let you explore both this beautiful city and the surrounding parks. Time your visit during the summer, and you can take your RV rental into the heart of the parks and camp right on the grounds. Or visit during the winter and experience some of the city’s most famous events, the Iditarod sled dog race or the running of the reindeer. 

Anchorage in the summer is the ideal place to hike, fish, and bicycle. With hundreds of miles of trails, you could take a different path every day during your visit. This gives you plenty of opportunities to see both land and sea wildlife. 

Popular RV Destinations in Anchorage

Alaska Native Heritage Center

There are eleven recognized indigenous groups in Alaska. You can visit this heritage center to learn about them and their culture. You’ll be able to see six traditional buildings that surround Lake Tiulana. 

Take in the many demonstrations of traditional arts, dance, and games. There are knowledgeable guides on hand to answer questions and explain the rich cultures and traditions. This is your chance to learn about these peoples and the challenges these communities face as they look to the future. 

Stop by the shop for clothing, hats, books, and jewelry. Bring a piece of this beautiful heritage home with you. 

Tony Knowles Coastal Trail

Are you ready to get out there and experience Alaska for yourself? Hike or bike this 11-mile trail that will take you along Anchorage’s shoreline. You’ll start your journey southwest of downtown near the historical Oscar Anderson House. 

You’ll then make your way by Earthquake Park. Keep your eyes sharp throughout the entire trail; wildlife sightings are common. Maybe you’ll see a moose making his way through the trees or a beluga whale playing in the waves. 

Look in the distance, and you’ll see America’s highest peak, Mount McKinley, also known as Denali. The trail finishes at Kincaid Park, where you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the mountains. 

Chugach State Park

This is one of the largest state parks in the entire U.S., covering 700 square miles or 495,000 acres. You’ll find all kinds of terrain, from mountains and glaciers to fields with rivers and lakes. This is the ideal place to do some wildlife watching with bears, beavers, moose, wolves, and lynx, all calling the park home. 

There are four campgrounds within the park; you can stay just steps away from the beauty of nature. You’ll want to check the different campgrounds before you decide on one. They have varying RV size limits, night limits, and amenities offered. 

All of the campgrounds give you access to fishing and trails. But for the most activities, head to the Eklutna Lake Campground for fishing, trails, hiking, biking, horseback riding, boating, and ATV riding. 

Events and Entertainment in Anchorage

Iditarod Sled Dog Race

Did you know that the world’s most famous sled dog race has a ceremonial start in downtown Anchorage? Thousands of spectators gather along the city streets for the first mile and a half of the race. The next six miles of the race is through city streets and bike/ski paths. 

While you’re in town for the race, you can visit the kennels of the mushers. Talk with the mushers and learn about their teams and tricks for how they manage their dogs. 

There’s a race banquet that gives you a chance to eat and talk with the mushers. This is the gala where the racers will draw their start number. 

Slam’n Salm’n Derby

This is one of those annual events that locals and visitors can participate in. So if you love to fish, head to Anchorage in June and try your hand at angling a prize-winning king salmon. If you don’t have your own equipment, that’s OK—you can rent it. 

The fishing competition is open all day, but most people make their attempt three hours before or after high tide. There’s also a youth division for those 15 and under. 

If you want to participate, be sure to get a fishing license as they’re required. The event is a ton of fun for spectators, too, so head to the bridge overlooking the creek and cheer the competitors on. 

Running of the Reindeer

Get ready for the wackiest foot race you’ve ever seen. This annual event happens in the dead of winter and can only be described as a truly modern Alaskan cultural event. Combine reindeer, a foot race, and costumes, and you have this 14-year tradition. 

You could choose to run in one of four “herds” of guys, gals, couples/groups, and tourists who literally run with the reindeer. You’ll need to sign a waiver to participate. 

Even if you don’t want to join in the running, it’s worth going to spectate. As wacky as this event is, it’s for a good cause, as it raises funds for Toys for Tots. 

Campgrounds and Parks in Anchorage

Anchorage Ship Creek RV Park

You will love the view of the city you’ll have while staying at this campground. It’s a few blocks from the city and has the perfect perspective to give you a perfect view each morning when you wake up and step out of your camper. Then walk downtown and enjoy the shopping and restaurants. 

The pull-through sites feature full hookups. You’ll have access to a gift shop, Wi-Fi, restrooms, and showers. There are also 120 miles of paved bicycle trails that feature breathtaking scenery. 

You can book tours and purchase tickets to the latest attractions from the reservation center onsite. 

Golden Nugget RV Park

This park is conveniently located just outside of Anchorage and is the perfect peaceful getaway. Relax at the campground and enjoy live music, standup comedy, dancers, and karaoke. During the day, you can head downtown and go shopping or play a few holes at the nearby golf course. 

There are a total of 215 sites with 34 pull-through sites and 87 back-in sites, which gives them the ability to accommodate rigs of all sizes. During your stay, you’ll enjoy heated restrooms and free hot showers. Other amenities include Wi-Fi, a gift shop, picnic tables, and complimentary coffee or tea daily. 

Portage Valley Cabins & RV Park

If you’re looking to immerse yourself in nature, then this is the campground for you. The grounds are surrounded by breathtaking views of the mountains and glaciers. This campground may be on the smaller side, but it makes up for it in amenities and available activities. 

There are plenty of opportunities for fishing, biking, and hiking. You’re also about an hour from Anchorage, which makes it close enough for a day trip. 

There’s no plumbing or bathrooms onsite, but it does have a dump station. You can sit around the community campfire in the evenings and socialize with your fellow nature-loving campers. 

RV Storage and Dumpstations in Anchorage

Don’t assume that because Alaska is less populated, you’ll struggle to find a dump station. There are several options throughout the city of Anchorage. You’ll find the majority of them are at gas stations, storage facilities, and state parks. This makes them convenient and affordable. 

  • 76th Park & Store 
  • A Sentry Mini Storage
  • A-1 Park & Store 

You may find that you want to spend some time in downtown Anchorage for one of their many events. You’ll need a place to store your RV. There are several places in Anchorage that will keep your RV safe and secure. 

  • Holiday Gas Station
  • 2-Go-Marts-Tesoro Gas Station
  • Holiday Gas Station

FAQs

1. What are RV Rentals?

An RV rental in Anchorage enables you to experience the natural beauty of Alaska and its vast landscape and wildlife. Renting means you can easily fly to Anchorage and enjoy more of your time while on vacation. 

2. How much are RV Rentals?

Smaller RV rentals in Anchorage can cost $75 to $150 per night. Larger motorhome rentals in Anchorage can cost $150 to $250 per night. Longer rental periods can reduce the nightly rate. 

3. Do I need to be a certain age to rent an RV in Anchorage?

Yes, you need to be at least 25 years old to rent any vehicle. If you’re underage, you can still find a trailer rental in Anchorage, but it might be more challenging. You may also need to pay an additional deposit. 

4. Do I need insurance when I rent an RV?

You should always have insurance when you rent a vehicle. It will protect you in the event of an accident or if any damage happens to the RV while it’s in your possession. 

5. Do I need to return my rental RV with a full tank?

It’s always best to ask the owner what their policy is for returning the RV. If they don’t have one, then it’s considered common courtesy to return the RV with a full tank of gas. 

6. Are RVs pet-friendly in Anchorage?

You should have no problem finding a pet-friendly camper rental in Anchorage. You may have to comply with size or weight restrictions and pay a pet deposit. 

7. Are there RV rentals with unlimited mileage?

Most RV owners include mileage limits with their rental agreements. You’ll have a set number of miles allotted for your rental and anything you drive over that you’ll pay for on a per-mile basis. 

8. How many people can sleep in an RV?

The number of people that can sleep in an RV depends on its size. Smaller trailers and campervans can sleep two to four people. Mid-sized campers or RV rentals can sleep four to six people. The largest motorhomes can sleep 10 to 12 people.