Alaska RV, Motorhome & Campervan Rental

You don’t need a special license for the typical RV, and today’s vehicles come with automatic transmission, power brakes, and power steering. All that most people have to get the hang of, at first, is the length—and remembering that you can’t go through some shorter clearances, such as fast-food drive-thrus. Most RVs are pretty user-friendly: Just the push of a button will indicate what onboard may need attention. Still, be sure that you have the owner’s manual in hand before you head out, in case you need a cheat sheet on how to work the appliances, how to hook up the rig at a campsite, or how to fold out beds. Most rental companies will give you a thorough orientation before you drive off the lot, but make sure there’s someone you can call if you run into a problem.

“Class C” motorhomes are popular RV rental models, usually available in sizes ranging from 22 to 29 feet. Besides beds and seating, a Class C will have a stove, refrigerator, kitchen sink, hot-water heater, furnace and bathroom with toilet and shower. The size of your party is probably the best gauge of how big an RV you’ll want:

• 20- or 21-foot RVs are good for 2 adults
• 22- to 24-foot RVs are for 2 adults and 2 children
• 28- to 30-foot RVs are ideal for parties of 4 adults and 2 kids

When you pick your operator or vehicle, think about how often you will want to stop (or not stop) at campgrounds. If your RV doesn’t have its own generator, you’ll need a “hook up” at campgrounds to make the appliances and lights work. Some companies have RVs that are powered by propane, double batteries, and a generator, so that you can stop anywhere for the night and still have all of your appliances humming along.

Many RV renters start in Anchorage and then head up to Fairbanks, stopping at Denali along the way, and then heading back south to the Kenai Peninsula. But a good operator can help you plot your own course, talking about driving distances and good places to stop. Check out our RV itinerary PDF for suggestions!

Companies will charge you based on a day rate or by the mile. If you’ve only come to Alaska to fish in Homer and do a few detours along the way, a mileage plan might be the best deal for you. But otherwise, look for unlimited mileage plans—they may be higher, but for most people they’re a better value. Paying $200 or $250 a day may sound steep, but you’d be paying that or more for any hotel during the summer, too. In your budgeting remember that you're responsible for things like gas, propane, and, of course, food.

Rental prices tend to increase during peak season and can decrease, perhaps by 20 percent, during the early and late part of the season—“early” meaning May (and sometimes even into June), and “late” usually being late August and early September. You can save even more during the winter, or by doing one-way trips that relocate RVs (sometimes to or from the Lower 48) for the company. February and March are usually the busy months for people to reserve their summer rentals, so book early enough, too.

Some companies will rent you extras for your trip, such as lawn chairs, fishing equipment or BBQs. But look out for any extra charges for things that are basic, such as linens, towels and kitchen utensils. Some companies even charge for those per person, which can add up fast on a family trip. Two other common extras: Insurance coverage (your car coverage won’t count on an RV) and cleaning up after you return the RV. Deposits are generally required to book an RV rental, but many companies have strict cancellation penalties, especially if you cancel within a month of your trip. Most companies charge for damages so before you leave the lot, so be sure to check the body, windshields, and inside conditions of the RV, so you don’t get stuck paying more than you expect.