Centennial Park sits tucked behind a quiet residential area—not far from downtown and the Glenn Highway—and it’s one of those places that feels practical without feeling sterile. The campground has 84 sites (electric and non-electric RV sites, tent sites, and group areas), a dump station, fresh water fill, bathhouses with flush toilets and showers, and even an office housed in a historic log cabin.
On the road with
Gypsy Louise and Me
Anchorage Alaska – Regrouping and Planning More Alaskan Adventures
June 13–17, 2025 | 5 Days / 4 Nights
After exploring the Kenai Peninsula for more than a week, I spent five days in Anchorage, Alaska regrouping before heading deeper into the Interior toward Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. What started as a practical RV stop quickly became a mix of scenic drives, wildlife encounters, mountain views, and planning future Alaska adventures toward Kodiak Island and beyond.
Anchorage surprised me. I expected it to be little more than a resupply stop between adventures, but instead it became one of the most grounding parts of my Alaska trip—a place to pause, breathe, regroup, and realize just how massive this state really is.
Rolling Back Into Anchorage After the Kenai Peninsula
After spending ten incredible days exploring the
Kenai Peninsula, I headed back north on the
Seward Scenic Byway — that jaw-dropping 127-mile ribbon hugging the Chugach Mountains and Turnagain Arm. No matter how many times I drive it, this stretch never gets old. Wind, water, clouds, and light change constantly, making every mile feel different.
I rolled into Anchorage and set up camp at Centennial Park Campground, which turned out to be the perfect regrouping spot after days of exploring farther south.
I snagged an RV site with electricity for $40 a night, which felt like a steal for Anchorage. Laundry got done at a nearby laundromat, groceries were restocked, and I had a moment to breathe and reset before starting my adventure into the interior of Alaska. One heads-up: don’t blindly trust your GPS to get to this campground — mine tried to send me down an alternative route that definitely wasn’t the way to get there.
Is Anchorage a Good Basecamp for Alaska Adventures?
One of the unexpected highlights of this Anchorage stop was getting to meet up with my nephew and his girlfriend for dinner. He’s been living here since college, and it was such a treat catching up on his Alaska life and hearing about his own adventures. Anchorage has that way of blending everyday life with big wilderness energy—it’s not just a stopover, it’s a real place people build lives.
That dinner also gave me fresh ideas for things to do in Anchorage before continuing north—sometimes the best tips come from locals, not guidebooks.
Hiking at Eagle River Nature Center, Chugach State Park
The next day I headed to Eagle River Nature Center, located within Chugach State Park. This area is close enough to Anchorage to be easy, yet wild enough to remind you you’re still very much in Alaska.
Albert Loop Trail
I started with the Albert Loop Trail, a roughly 3-mile loop that begins at the Nature Center and winds through rich forest habitats before reaching the banks of the Eagle River. Depending on rainfall and beaver activity, sections can be muddy—but that’s part of the experience.
This trail is seasonally closed from early August through October to allow bears uninterrupted access to salmon streams, which is something I genuinely appreciate. It’s a reminder that we’re visitors here.
About halfway through the hike, I nearly walked right past a moose standing less than 50 yards from the trail. Perfectly camouflaged. Completely unconcerned. That moment alone made the hike unforgettable.
I didn’t see any bears, but I did spot fresh bear paw prints in the mud—another gentle (and not-so-gentle) reminder to stay alert in Alaska’s wilderness.
Reaching the Eagle River, I took some time to sit, listen, and contemplate all that I had experienced in less than a month on this adventure. The sound of the rushing river somehow made the surrounding wilderness feel even quieter. Sitting there, surrounded by mountains, forest, and endless open space, it really hit me just how massive Alaska truly is. No photo or map can fully prepare you for the scale of this place until you’re standing still in the middle of it.
Rodak Nature Trail
After finishing the Albert Loop, I wandered onto the Rodak Nature Trail, a short ¾-mile interpretive loop with benches, signage, and access to both the Beaver Viewing Deck and Salmon Viewing Deck.
From the Salmon Viewing Deck, I spotted another moose casually wading through the water, enjoying the day far more than any of us humans ever could.
After my hikes, I headed back to camp for a quiet dinner—tired in the best way possible.
Back at camp I worked on my travel plans, realizing that I had not factored in the flights to/from Kodiak Island, along with accommodations to stay over there for a few nights. This, along with more exploring Southcentral Alaska, are things I will most definitely be including in my next trip to Alaska.
A Day Trip to Girdwood and Mount Alyeska
The next day I drove less than 50 miles south to Girdwood, home to Alyeska Resort. I took the tram up Mount Alyeska, soaking in sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and Turnagain Arm.
At the top, I explored the Roundhouse Museum, which shares the history of the resort and the Seward Highway corridor. Unfortunately, snow was still lingering, and the hiking trail to the rope bridge wasn’t open yet. Large patches of snow still covered parts of the mountain, and the trail leading to the walking bridge hadn’t been cleared yet for the season. Even in mid-June, Alaska has a way of reminding you that summer arrives on its own schedule. That one’s officially on my “next time—later summer” list.
After heading back down, I wandered through Girdwood itself. I didn’t notice any obvious camping options, but I also wasn’t looking too hard. File that under: future Alaska research.
If your Anchorage RV travel plans include heading south toward the Kenai Peninsula, don’t miss my guide to spending three slow, scenic days in Cooper Landing, Alaska.
Bore Tides, Wind, and Long Summer Evenings
Driving the Seward Highway is always a gamble. Winds may howl. Tides may surge. And if you time it just right, you might catch surfers riding the bore tide along Turnagain Arm. On this particular day, the tide was low.
A bore tide is a wave formed when incoming seawater collides with outgoing tidal flow—Turnagain Arm’s massive tidal range makes it one of the best places in North America to witness this phenomenon. The day I passed through, it was low tide. One thing they warn you about is going out into the bay during low tide, you sink into the mud so far that you can’t get out!
Back at Centennial Park, I wrapped up the evening with another peaceful dinner and lingered outside as the sun refused to fully set. Anchorage summer light feels endless—in the best possible way.
That evening, I worked through travel plans for the next stretch of my Alaska adventure, realizing I had underestimated the time and logistics needed for places like Kodiak Island. The more I researched flights, lodging, and transportation, the more I realized some parts of Alaska deserve trips entirely of their own.
Anchorage ended up being far more than a simple stop between destinations. It became a place to regroup, reflect, and appreciate just how much of Alaska I still had left to explore. Somewhere between the long daylight hours, quiet evenings at camp, mountain views, and moments alone beside rushing rivers, this stop reminded me that not every part of the journey needs to be rushed.
Next stop – Wrangell St Elias National Park and Preserve near Glenallen, Alaska!
Sample 5-Day / 4-Night Anchorage-Based Itinerary
Day 1:
Arrive, set up camp, groceries, laundry, downtown dinner
Day 2:
Eagle River Nature Center hikes
Day 3:
Seward Highway drive → Girdwood → Alyeska Tram
Day 4:
Anchorage museums or flightseeing / planning day
Day 5:
Depart for Glenallen or Kodiak flight connections
When Is the Best Time to Visit Anchorage, Kodiak & Alaska’s Accessible Islands?
Visiting in mid-June gave me long daylight hours, cool hiking temperatures, and lingering snow at higher elevations—something to keep in mind if certain trails are on your bucket list.
- Anchorage: June–August for hiking, festivals, and long daylight hours
- Kodiak Island: Late June through September for bear viewing, fishing, and flights
- Alaska Peninsula & Aleutian Islands: Summer months only; weather windows matter
- Shoulder Season (May & September): Fewer crowds, cooler temps, unpredictable weather
Where Are The Best RV Campgrounds In & Around Anchorage?
- Centennial Park Campground – Ideal city basecamp, full amenities
- Ship Creek RV Park – Walkable location near downtown and trails
- Eklutna Lake Campground – Scenic, more rustic, great for paddling and hiking
- Public Lands Nearby – Limited boondocking options exist but require research and awareness of local regulations
Frequently Asked Questions About Anchorage Alaska
Where should I stay in Anchorage with an RV?
Municipal campgrounds like Centennial Park are ideal; nearby state recreation areas offer rustic alternatives.
Is Anchorage a good basecamp for Alaska adventures?
Absolutely—especially for excursions to the Kenai Peninsula, Kodiak Island, and flight connections to remote regions.
What are the best hikes near Anchorage?
Eagle River Nature Center, Flattop Mountain, and trails within Chugach State Park offer options for all levels.
Can I access Kodiak or the Aleutian Islands from Anchorage?
Yes—Anchorage is the primary hub for flights to Kodiak and parts of the Alaska Peninsula and Aleutian chain.
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