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It’s my favorite (camping) time of year again. From Labor Day weekend through the month of September, and sometimes well into October, is the best time of year for RVing in Alaska. I realize that the weather is significantly cooler than in the summer months, but it comes with several advantages.
First and foremost, no bugs! By now, our state bird (the mosquito) has been laid to rest. Hikers need not don their deet body spray and can trek the woods with their scent undetected. Strenuous outdoor activity can be accomplished in comfort with a light shirt or jacket and yet, still wearing shorts. The color of the trees begin to turn, providing beautiful landscape for the outdoor enthusiast. But you must be quick because those colorful leaves can be gone in a week or a month… you just don’t know. The month of September is the time to take advantage of exploring the Alaskan outdoors at it’s best.
In September the cool, crisp night air returns. The sky darkens once again. This sets the scene for the perfect night around a campfire. Cooking meals, toasting marshmallows and gathering around the warmth of a fire pit with friends is one of camping’s delights that can’t be fully appreciated during the summer months in the land of the midnight sun.
With the return of the night sky comes the opportunity to view the aurora borealis. Very late (or early morning) on a clear night, you may bear witness to the ribbons of light that dance in our northern sky. I like to head north this time of year to get beyond the city lights and improve my chance to be awe-inspired by their green, red and sometimes blue/violet mystical glow across the star studded sky.
Denali park closes after Labor Day weekend, but a lucky few will win passes to enter the park during a four day event in mid-September. During this time, pass holders will be allowed to travel through the park using their own vehicle for a single day. Those lucky ones will see wildlife roam amongst this luscious landscape and experience the 6 million acre park without limits, lines or having to ride school buses. The Fall is often spectacular in interior Alaska and Denali Park has it all. Lowlands with ample trees and thick brush, highlands with lush colorful tundra, and the majestic mountain that is often seen in it’s glory on a clear autumn day.
Another great benefit is that the campgrounds are no longer crowded this time of year. Most the tourists have returned to their everyday lives around the world. Locals have gone back to their jobs and school. Many of the campgrounds will remain open until the snow flies. They are often completely deserted mid-week and never come close to filling up on weekends (with the exception of Labor Day weekend). This is the perfect time to take the RV out and capture a pristine and commodious site beside a lake, river or amidst another picturesque, uniquely Alaskan vista.
So RVers, don’t be afraid to journey to Alaska outside of those tourist filled summer months. September is awesome and a delightful time to explore this Great Land that I am lucky to call my home.
RVing Alaska 