Camping trips in the nation's largest state can provide lifetime memories as visitors can enjoy majestic sights and sleep at the foot of the largest mountains in North America. From Denali to the Arctic, travelers can choose from expeditions like overnight sea kayaking trips among glaciers to extreme sports adventures in high altitudes.
Sea Kayaking Camping Trips
The waters of Prince William Sound provide spectacular views of pristine glaciers and mountain ranges on sea kayaking camping trips. Visitors can paddle out to islands in the sound while catching views of sea lions, seals, otters and whales. Campsites are on Glacier Island and at state parks like Sawmill Bay and Shoup Bay. Companies like Pangea Adventures offer overnight camping trips for up to eight days with meals, tents and sleeping kits included in the price of the trip.
Family Camping
Tour companies offer camping trips geared to families so youth can join in experiencing Alaska's breathtaking scenery. Activities like light hiking trips, biking and fishing can be arranged in guided expeditions or do-it-yourself trips at state and national parks. Park websites list activities, campsites and amenities so vacationers can determine the best location to travel with kids. Alaska Outdoors offers a seven-day family tour that includes five nights of camping and visits to five parks including Denali, the home of North America's highest peak.
Extreme-Sport Camping Trips
For adventurists in excellent physical condition, Alaska offers plenty of opportunities to test the limits of endurance and strength. Extreme-sport camping trips combine challenging ice climbing, glacier trekking, backpacking, sea kayaking and mountain climbing into multiday camping trips. Tour companies like Exposure Alaska rate their trips by challenge levels so active vacationers can gauge the right type of trip for their level of fitness.
Arctic Camping
For a truly remote camping expedition, book a trip to the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. The pristine area has areas to camp, hike and view polar bears. The Arctic may be vast, but it is fragile and the federal government has guidelines for visitors who camp in the area. There are rules on group size, waste disposal and wildlife interaction. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service maintains the refuge and publishes helpful information on low-impact, environmentally friendly trips on its website.
Fishing Trips
Take a fishing camping trip to catch and enjoy a meal of the many species of salmon, trout, rockfish and char in the state's lakes and rivers. Organize your own fishing expedition by choosing a region with a state park or national park that has fishing facilities and campsites. You can buy your equipment from the numerous outfitters in the state before heading into the wilderness. Of course, there is a seemingly endless number of fishing tour companies available if you want to let someone else do the planning for you. The Alaska Department of Fish & Game's website has detailed information on fishing limits and licensing.
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