Alaska By Van? Your Guide to Renting a Campervan in Anchorage
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If you want to explore Alaska’s scenic highways and wilderness, renting a van is a must!
Not only does a campervan rental provide transport, but it also doubles as your accommodation.
And what better way to wake up than surrounded by Alaska’s peaks and glaciers in between locations or near a remote town?
While campgrounds are fun, there’s something extra special about being 100% self-sufficient with a campervan.
You can sleep in the middle of nowhere while enjoying all your creature comforts (especially heating!).
The views from our window or campervan’s sliding door in the mornings were breathtaking (and I don’t mean the chilly September/October air!).
There are many reasons I’m in favor of van life Alaska.
Ultimately, renting a campervan for an Alaska road trip brings the best of comfort, convenience, and flexibility, allowing you to immerse yourself fully in Alaska’s iconic landscapes at your own pace.
I’m a vintage van girly by heart (having owned a 1990 Dodge Ram Roadtrek!), but I can assure you that the luxury vans mentioned below equipped with heating are best for an epic Alaskan adventure.
In this guide, I’ll list some of the top van rental companies out of Anchorage to book with and offer tips on what to consider before renting.
Guide to Renting a Campervan in Alaska
What to Look for & Consider When Planning Your Alaska Van Road Trip
I wanted to mention a few considerations since we’ve had personal experience booking with a van rental company in Alaska.
Step 1: Plan a realistic itinerary based on Alaska’s seasons
Alaska, being so vast and wild, isn’t “doable” in one trip. I highly recommend narrowing down your itinerary to one region.
Where you go and what you do will mostly depend on the season you visit, so keep that in mind!
Also, note that most van rental companies require a minimum number of days (e.g., a two—or four-night booking minimum) plus an additional fee for extensive mileage.
Knowing your itinerary will help you plan your van rental and maximize your money.
For tips on where to go and what to do, read my 7-day Alaska road trip itinerary, which details a classic loop (Anchorage to Fairbanks) that is directly informed by our own road trip in late September/early October. 🚐
Step 2: Choose a properly outfitted van
The van rental companies I’ve listed below include vans with features tailored for remote conditions, such as solar panels, portable toilets, and extra storage for gear.
If you plan to travel off the main roads, a 4WD or AWD vehicle is highly recommended to handle Alaska’s rugged terrain, so you should know the “type” of traveling (off-roading or not) you’d like to do.
There were a few instances when we could’ve gone to a cool and remote boondocking spot (free/wild camp spot) but didn’t have the off-road ability to navigate through potholes or over small creeks.
Look for features that will keep you comfortable, like a reliable heating system (especially for shoulder season and winter travel), an insulated interior, and a well-equipped kitchenette with cooking essentials.
Step 3: Prep for van life
Finally, prep mentally and physically for a week of road-tripping by van! Sometimes, the adjustment isn’t as easy as you may think.
Without planned showers and meals, figuring out “your routine” can take a day or two. Just know it’s worth it!
Although boondocking is possible in Alaska, thanks to its many public lands for dispersed camping, regulations vary, and some areas have restrictions.
Research designated campgrounds, particularly near popular destinations like Denali National Park or the Kenai Peninsula, as they can fill up quickly in the summer.
Additionally, many campgrounds close in late fall, so always check availability. Apps like iOverlander help find campsites but be prepared for limited facilities in some remote areas.
Also Read: The Complete Guide to Visiting Alaska in the Fall
Step 4: Practice responsible recreation
No matter who you rent with, please be a mindful camper and van renter.
- Use biodegradable soap,
- Properly dispose of your sink water—not in wilderness areas but at designated RV dump stations (which you can find for free on the iOverlander app),
- Leave no trace,
- Stay on marked trails,
- Pack out trash,
- And be mindful of wildlife on the road! 🫎
The Top Campervan Rentals in Alaska for Off-Grid Adventures
You have options whether you’re looking for an off-road jeep, large RV, or campervan rental for your Alaska road trip.
The below companies are all top-rated and operate primarily out of Anchorage:
- River Wild Campervans
- Vanderlust Vans
- Alaska Camper Van Rentals
- Last Frontier Westys Campervans
- Explore Alaska RV
Note: I would generally avoid large chains such as Indie Campers or Cruise America. The above companies are locally owned and are great alternatives!
Read more below for details of each!
River Wild Campervans
If you’re looking for a van that will give you maximum freedom to explore Alaska’s wilderness, check out River Wild Campervans. We rented with them (hosted) for our one-week Alaska road trip, and it was epic!
The entire River Wild fleet includes several decked-out Ram Promaster campervans plus outfitted Jeep Wrangler campers.
We enjoyed exploring Alaska with Taiga, one of River Wild’s white vans, for the week.
Each van comes equipped with electricity and heating (solar-powered), local artwork, memory foam beds, and kitchenette essentials, which include a step-powered sink and disposal jug.
Waking up warm and cozy among the mountains (thanks to the heating!) was a much-welcomed luxury.
The only possible downside was having to exit said warmth to make coffee or breakfast outdoors (as no cooking setup is inside). But that also made for epic sunrises among snow-capped peaks, so we can’t complain too much there!
If you rent from River Wild, all your needs will be met and exceeded!
Here’s a glance at their pricing:
Camper Vans:
- Peak Season (June 1 – September 30): $290 per night.
- Fall & Spring (October & May): $215 per night.
- Winter (November – April): $175 per night.
Jeep Campers:
- Peak Season: $230 per night.
- Winter/Spring Rate: $175 per night.
They also offer discounts for extended rentals: 5% off for rentals of 7+ nights and 10% off for rentals of 21+ nights.
Remember that a 3-night minimum and a $1,500 refundable security deposit are required. Additionally, there is a $0.50 per mile charge for additional miles beyond the 200-mile daily average.
Extra services and optional add-ons, such as toilets or firewood (even pets!), can be included at an additional cost.
Overall, River Wild is definitely a top choice for adventurous couples and solo travelers.
Vanderlust Vans
Should River Wild be sold out or unavailable for your dates, consider Vanderlust Vans. They are another Anchorage-based van rental company offering customized Mercedes Sprinter and Ford Transit vans with fully outfitted kitchens and showers.
We opted for showers at Planet Fitness every few days throughout our road trip (seasoned van lifers here!), so we didn’t need showers. However, VV would be a good option if you’re craving a road trip with all your comforts from home.
Vanderlust Vans rates start at around $280 per night, with premium models reaching up to $349 per night. These rates are on the higher end but align with the luxurious amenities (e.g., showers) offered.
AlaskaVans
If you’re looking for a Ram Promaster that’s a bit more rugged around the edges (and easier on the budget), you might also consider AlaskaVans.
One perk of these vans is that they outfit the beds length-wise to accommodate taller folks over 6 feet!
For families needing a larger RV, Great Alaskan Holidays, Alaska Family Motorhomes, and Alaska RV Rentals might be alternatives to smaller unit campervans.
Final Thoughts on Choosing a Van Rental in Alaska
Renting a van for your Alaska road trip is hands-down one of the best ways to explore the Last Frontier.
With a campervan, you’re not just getting a ride—you’re gaining a mobile home where you can fall asleep under the stars (or northern lights) and wake up to scenic mountain views, all from the cozy comfort of your own space!
Whether glaciers, dense forests, or quiet mountain towns, a van allows you to stay as close to nature as you want without sacrificing comfort.
The best part? Campervans are mid-size and the ultimate choice for off-grid luxury (compared to clunky RVs, in my opinion!).
And while campgrounds are fun, there’s something magical about being fully self-sufficient, pulling off at remote locations, and still enjoying all the creature comforts (like heating!). This is especially the case in Alaska’s shoulder seasons.
In any case, it’s not just about the practical side of things—renting a van is about the experience! Right?
There’s a special thrill in planning your route, deciding where to sleep, and knowing that you’re truly “winging it” as you go.
With options like River Wild and Vanderlust Vans, you’ve got choices that cater to your vibe and budget. Whomever you rent with, you’ll be well taken care of, but we loved our Taiga!
Now, you only need to pack snacks and slap on a road trip playlist!