Alaska RV & Camping: Time, Dates & Rules (With Examples)

Alaska is a place that we all know about, but most of us never get to experience the unique beauty that Alaska has to offer.

A good way to experience the great outdoors in Alaska? Camping!

So what is the best time to camp in Alaska?

Peak Camping Times:

Peak camping in Alaska is often between May and September, but the weather is the most forgiving in June and July.

There are other considerations that you might want to make when you look into travel dates in Alaska:

1. Daylight:

Alaska is unique in that there are extended periods of daylight and dark hours, depending on the year.

If you are traveling to Alaska between May through July, depending on how far North you decide to visit, you may get a few hours of darkness or no darkness at all.

2. Weather:

No matter what time of year you decide to visit Alaska, you will want to be prepared for all types of weather, no matter what time of year it is.

Some places have pretty reliable weather, but Alaska is not one of these places.

Even in the height of summer in Alaska, you will want to be prepared for the potential of cold or rainy weather.

Additionally, beginning in late August, you can start to see freezing temperatures or snow. This increases in likelihood the farther North you are staying.

3. Northern Lights:

Perhaps one of the most famous natural phenomena, the Northern Lights are a spectacle that everyone should have on their bucket list.

Alaska is one of the best places to view the Northern Lights.

If seeing this natural wonder is something you want to do, the best time to visit Alaska would be at the end of August or in September.

However, to see the lights and be comfortable, prepare to bring plenty of warm clothes!

Can you Go RVing in Alaska Outside these Dates?

You can go camping in Alaska outside of the peak camping season, but you will want to make special considerations.

As previously mentioned, you will want to be very prepared for a large variety of weather possibilities.

This is especially true outside the peak camping season.

Where Can you Camp for Free in Alaska?

There are many places to camp in Alaska. Some for traditional rates, and some for free.

If you are looking to stay in Alaska and get a bargain, you have options!

1. Jumbo Creek Campground:

Located in Wrangell-St Elias National Park, this is a beautiful camping location that you can visit for free.

However, this campsite does not offer an easy route to get there. Multiple hours in the car headed out of Anchorage, a shuttle ride, and a long walk is involved in getting to this campsite.

If you can make the journey, the mounting scenery is spectacular, and you will be able to enjoy the peace and quiet in a highly secluded area.

Make sure you bring everything you will need, as there is no water or other amenities.

It is also suggested that you need to be aware of the mosquitoes and stay safe against bears.

2. Bartlett Cove Campground:

Located in Glacier Bay National Park, this is another spectacular and remote option that you can visit at no charge.

To get here, you need to take a small plane or ferry.

Once you get here, you will enjoy multiple hiking trails, a boat tour, or kayak rentals.

There are more potential amenities here, including showers and laundry. However, prepare for the potential of a fee to use the amenities.

Can You Camp on Public Hunting Land in Alaska?

There are places where you can camp on public hunting land in Alaska.

This is not allowed everywhere, so you will want to research the area you are heading to ensure you will be allowed.

If you do camp on hunting land and you intend to hunt, they require you to drag the bones or leftover meat far away from any camping sites or cabins so that bears are not attracted to the area.

Also, if you intend to camp on the Alaskan ground, make sure that you know the current rules and regulations as they are often changing.

Camping Rules & Regulations in Alaska:

There are many different rules spread across multiple sites in Alaska.

Some general rules apply to most areas, but you will want to be sure that you know the particular rules of the campsite you are staying at.

– Alcohol:

Alcohol is allowed at most Alaskan state parks, but not all.

Make sure you know whether or not alcohol will be allowed where you intend to stay.

– Firewood:

Firewood needs to be purchased or brought to the campsite, and you cannot cut down healthy trees for wood.

The only wood you are allowed to collect is deadwood or fallen down trees that are no longer living.

– Pets:

Pets are allowed at state parks as long as the proper rules and regulations are followed.

These regulations consist of keeping your pet on a leash at all times unless you are in a “back-country” area, but they still must be at a distance that allows you to call them back.

Make sure to always clean up after your pets.

– Firearms:

If you are camping on public hunting grounds, you might be wondering about the regulations involving firearms.

Firearms are allowed, but you cannot use them within a 1/2 mile of any developed area.

– No Souvenirs:

Alaska is a beautiful wilderness area that needs to be preserved and protected.

This means that you can’t take flowers, other plants, rocks, fossils, or anything else you find at an Alaska State Park.

As long as you follow all the rules and regulations, you will have a wonderful, quiet, and awe-inspiring trip to Alaska.