Every RVer knows that some places in the world are simply more special than others. And for a lot of those places, you have to make sacrifices to get there. And in Alaska, there is a place like that. A place where you can drive your RV, camp along the ocean with glacier views, hike to a massive icefield, watch tidewater glaciers calve into the sea, and gasp as breaching whales perform their aquatic ballet. All within the same U.S. national park: Kenai Fjords.
After a decade of full-time RVing, we finally made it to our 50th U.S. state. With our trusty vintage camper in tow, we spent five months exploring Alaska and western Canada. One of our many life goals has been — and remains — to explore each of the 63 U.S. National Parks. There are 51 to which you can drive an RV. The other 12 parks require a ferry, plane, and/or one heck of a backcountry hike or paddle.
Scenic Drives
Kenai Fjords National Park lies on the edge of a remote peninsula. Uniquely, much of it is only accessible by plane or boat with just one road in and out. While not a traditional park loop road, the drive through the Kenai Peninsula is one of the most picturesque in Alaska. With views of the Cook Inlet, Turnagain Arm, Coastal Range, gorgeous rivers, and alpine glaciers in nearly every direction, the 125-mile drive down the Sterling Highway from Anchorage to Seward offers some of the most amazing scenery Alaska has to offer.
Must-Hike Trails
The park maintains hiking trails within the Exit Glacier area. This includes one of our favorite day hikes in ANY U.S. national park! There are several options to suit any interest, time, and ability.
- Glide Along the Alluvial Plane. Take an easy stroll through the alluvial plane and along the Resurrection River, which is formed by meltwater from Harding Icefield and Exit Glacier.
- Track Glacial Time Travel. A slightly longer trail takes you up to the overlook of Exit Glacier’s current terminus. The view provides a historical timeline of the receding ice.
- Elevate Your Level. A more serious option (this is one of our top 10 hikes) is along the Harding Icefield Trail. This hike takes you on a 9-mile out and back trip with an elevation gain/loss of nearly 6,400 feet. It’s a true stunner from start to finish!
- Take the Tour. Join a ranger-led walk on Exit Glacier. Doing so allows you the unique opportunity to walk on the ice, learn about the geological and climatic forces which shape glaciers, and understand the dos and don’ts of exploring glaciers on your own.
Just outside of the park, Caines Head State Recreation Area offers some gorgeous, moderate hiking trails. These will lead you through the temperate rainforest and down to the shores of Resurrection Bay. There, you’ll be greeted with glacier views and a perfect beach for a picnic.
RV Parks & Campgrounds
While there is only one first-come, first-served tent-only campground in Kenai Fjords National Park, the adorable town of Seward (adjacent to the park) offers RVers everything they need. There are also several options in their Parks and Recreation Department campgrounds. Most even have ocean views and electrical hook-ups. There are also a handful of private RV parks in the immediate area that offer full services, as well as some camping options in the Chugach National Forest.
Camping reservations are probably only necessary during the salmon run (July thru early August) and on summer holiday weekends. If you prefer to keep your plans flexible, any other time of the year will likely offer you numerous first-come, first-served options.
If you are equipped with solar power and up for some off-grid camping or boondocking to save some money and get away from the crowds, check out the iOverlander app for some good options.
Seasonal Advice
The best time to visit Kenai Fjords is June-September, though the months of May and October could offer some unique beauty, and virtually no crowds. This peninsula gets a lot of rain, as it is situated in a temperate rainforest along the ocean. Bring quality rain gear and comfortable muck boots to stay dry when Mother Nature decides to dump!
Insider PRO Tip!
Hands down, the very best way to explore and experience this stunning park is from the water. Whether you choose a fishing charter, wildlife cruise, or kayaking tour, get out on the water into Resurrection Bay and beyond. For boat tours in the early or late part of the season, bring full winter gear along with rain gear if you want to spend time out on the deck of the boat.
Visiting Kenai Fjords was a momentous occasion for us as it was our final (51st) “drive-to” park where we celebrated a decade of full-time RVing. Need we say more? Start planning your 2025 road trip! Check out the abundant resources on our website and YouTube channel for planning your RV road trip to Alaska.
