Load up the RV for fun times

MAT-SU — With more than 23,000 square miles of ground to cover, there is plenty to explore in the outdoors in the Mat-Su Valley. For those who like the creature comforts of home, an RV is the perfect way to do it.

The Valley teems with camping opportunities for those who wish to stay on the road system, and who would rather have an oven and a shower instead of a tent and a backpack. From traditional campgrounds to state park facilities, there are great places to take the RV no matter which corner of the Valley you are targeting.

A complete list of campgrounds that cater to RVers can be found at the Mat-Su CVB website, alaskavisit.com. Another great resource for finding campgrounds and information for statewide travel is the Alaska Campground Owners Association’s website at alaskacampgrounds.net.

Owning an RV can be a financial hurdle for many people, but you don’t have to sink a ton of money into getting out and enjoying the outdoors in the Valley. Several companies rent motorhomes by the day or week, giving you plenty of options for your Mat-Su staycation.

When renting a motorhome, take into consideration that while you are on the road, you won’t have to pay lodging and you can cook all your own meals in the vehicle. That cuts down dramatically on the cost of spending a weekend exploring the Valley — and makes the renting option an affordable one.

By renting a motor home, you also don’t have to worry about all the amenities, because they come with the vehicle. Pots, pans and the essentials are included in the rental price at most companies.

Once you have your RV ready to go, it’s time to head out. For starters, try heading north on the Glenn Highway Scenic Byway, stopping to marvel at the majestic views along the way. Roadhouses along the highway serve excellent lunches if you are going to eat out, and there are numerous pull-outs if you want to stop to have lunch on your own. Matanuska Glacier and Lake Louise are ideal summer destinations.

Going the other way, take the Parks Highway north for a bevy of options. From Big Lake to Willow to Talkeetna and beyond, there are countless places to RV. For an extended weekend trip, try going to Denali State Park and then taking the Denali Highway, which isn’t paved all the way.

Casey Ressler (casey@alaskavisit.com) is the Mat-Su CVB marketing and communications manager.