Alaska is a stunning vacation destination thanks to the unique range of activities and adventures it offers. Nicknamed ‘The Last Frontier’, Alaska is the last great wilderness in the US, and its landscape, wildlife, and general character are a testament to this status.
Exploring Alaska is an amazing adventure for any type of traveler. From grizzled backcountry veterans to young families, there are plenty of ways for almost anyone to discover the natural beauty and outdoor activities that the 49th state offers. From fishing in frozen lakes and camping atop majestic glaciers to hiking through deep snow-covered forests and gazing at a sky full of the Northern Lights, Alaska has it all.
There are many great ways to explore Alaska. Just exploring the cities is enough for many, with Anchorage, Juneau, and Seward offering great cultural attractions and excellent dining options. But the real joy of Alaska is in the wilderness, beyond the city limits. You can rent a car and discover the Alaska Highway, one of the most famous roads in America. You can jump on the Denali Star and journey along the Alaska Railroad, seeing the countryside from the rails. You can even hop on board a ship and explore the rugged coastline and picturesque islands before you leave Alaska on a cruise.
However, for a genuinely special and exciting way to travel around this magnificent state and experience Alaska like a local, you might like to consider renting a camper van and getting out into the wild under your own steam, self-sufficient and adventurous. Here are four of the best ways you can explore Alaska by camper van.
Drive the Alaska Highway
The Alaska Highway, also known as the Alcan Highway, is one of the most iconic and exciting roads to drive in the entire US. Originally built during the Second World War to connect Alaska to the contiguous United States via Canada, it runs for 1,500 miles straight through the gorgeous, rugged heart of the state. Driving the Highway in a camper van is one of the best ways to get up close and personal to the ‘real’ Alaska, giving you the opportunity to take your time and explore the beautiful landscapes and wildlife at your own pace, and stay overnight wherever you want to!
Camp on the Kenai Peninsula
The Kenai Peninsula is one of Alaska’s most picturesque spots. Jutting out from the southeastern coastline of Alaska, Kenai is home to some of the most beautiful scenery in the state, as well as the full range of astonishing wildlife that the Last Frontier has to offer. Exploring the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge in a camper van is a sure-fire way to get up close to the remarkable creatures that call the peninsula home, and gives you a unique point of view on some of the most exciting attractions of the state.
Explore Denali National Park
In the shadow of the vast bulk of Mount Denali, the highest mountain peak in North America, Denali National Park is a pretty spectacular place to visit. One of the best places in the state to get a feel for the vast wilderness that covers most of Alaska, exploring Denali National Park in a camper van gives you easy access to the park as well as convenient backcountry camping, leaving you free to explore the park’s natural beauty.
Renting a camper van provides the freedom and flexibility to explore the state at your own pace and experience the wilderness in a unique and authentic way. It offers a truly unique perspective and is a great option for an Alaskan vacation.
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