Roadside Camping: The Glenn Highway

For some, home is where you park it. Having a vehicle that can support an adventurous lifestyle is what some look for when traveling around. Working and living out of a van, even if it is only part-time, is an experience in itself that requires planning. Roadside camping requires more nuanced systems and awareness so that you can have a successful balance of work and play. We want to offer some tips and tricks on how to navigate the figurative and literal roads to this experience.

The Nomadic Journey

Let it be known that the Alaskan wilderness offers space that requires a little more thought and attention. Let’s explore how to be prepared for your Alaska road trip dreams. Navigating the asphalt river that we call the Glenn Highway, through the beauty of the Matanuska Susitna Valley. An ancient migration and trade route that calls to the hearts of those on their own nomadic journey. 

Traveling by Road in Alaska

When it comes to traveling Alaska, being prepared is important to navigating the wilderness of Alaska. You are going to need a deeper level of awareness than your average car camping trip. This is where we can offer some guidance.

From our own experiences, and lessons learned to help you mitigate risk, save energy and resources, and make the most of your time. The Glenn Highway is a popular choice and a highway that connects you to other grandeurs of Alaska easily. There are stops along the way to enjoy and access points for camping and exploring the outdoors.

road trip though Matanuska Valley

The Essentials

Living the van experience and exploring Alaska has some added layers to consider. This kind of trip takes a different set of planning and prepping skills than if you were to be staying at hotels and such. Be aware of the gear you have and how you want your days to go. This way, when it comes to vehicle camping, you can eliminate unnecessary stressors. Here are some tips and pointers for how to simplify, organize, and integrate your resources with your trip plans so that you can make the most of your experience on the road and in the wilderness.

Packing and Planning

You will need things to keep you warm. Pack warm layers; having an extra blankets and clothes is vital. These are always good to have because weather is known to change quickly and abruptly in Alaska.

Being prepared for cold weather and alpine storms will keep you from being miserable in the long run. Having multiple changes of clothing that you can change in and out of will be super helpful. Especially if you plan on doing anything outside where you may need a clean or dry pair of clothing to put on after the activity. Check out the information dial to the right to explore other van camping essentials.

Food
Having air tight and water proof storage containers will be vital to keeping critters out of your space and keeping food fresh. When it comes to keeping items cool, you can keep it as simple as a cooler with ice or as complex as a solar panel system that can convert power to whatever adaptation you need. It all depends on what you want and need for your trip.
Medical
Having a basic first aid kit is of benefit to your overall systems. It's good to have everything from band-aids, to thermal blankets. You can build your own DIY kit or buy already assembled and sterilized ones from reputable companies. Many of them have ratings and descriptions to help you choose what you need.
Clothing
Rain Gear
Layers for outdoor exploration (dependent on adventure of choice)
Layers for days with indoor activities incorporated
Set of clothing and socks for inside van only (comfort)
Emergency and Repair
Having a small selection of tools handy can be the deciding factor of whether or not you can get back on the road if your vehicle breaks down. Small mechanical issues such as a loose battery bolt, or a flat tire, can easily be repaired if you come prepared with the right tools. A few things we would recommend in addition to necessary tools; a simple flat tire repair kit, wheel jack, small back up battery with jumper cables, and a spare tire if possible. Small mechanical issues such as a loose battery bolt, or a flat tire, can easily be repaired if you come prepared with the right tools. Otherwise, you may be stuck for longer than you anticipated, and with extra fees.
Water
We recommend having three days of clean water on hand as you travel if your space permits. This will save you time, energy, and money to not have to fill so often. Having containers that can experience many different temperatures without there being bacteria or material breakdown issues is essential. Having a couple larger containers and smaller water bottles to refill seems to be helpful while traveling.
Cook and Clean Wear
Whether you want to have all cold foods and snacks when it comes to cooking or you are an expert outdoor and stove cook, having some organization will be helpful. Having a small dish washing kit prepared and some containers to store pans and utensils makes meal time way less of a hassle. Take some time to imagine how much time you want to spend on meal making and what kind of set up you might need.

Successful Navigation

First and foremost, it is worth getting whatever vehicle you’re planning to use inspected before heading out to know that you have a reliable vehicle. Personal phones can offer a lot of support when it comes to GPS and navigating. Having some physical copies of maps and other resources like an atlas can be essential at times.

Alaska has many places where you will need to download a map before you travel through due to lack of signal. Download necessary applications to your phone for this and consider having a back-up battery bank to charge your phone and any signaling devices you might have for emergency purposes.

Traveling off Grid

If something does go wrong that you aren’t prepared for, you can often receive help. There are other travelers on this highly trafficked highway that can be of assistance. Be aware that you are traveling in an area with few gas stations or medical facilities for this road trip. Take note of your mileage. And, how far you are going, when service stations are open, and how to meet your needs if there is no cell service. Car or van camping on the Glenn Highway is very rewarding and can be a lot of fun. Being prepared for this trip will make it an even more enjoyable  experience.

Original Writing Credit: Alec Mercier