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To many people, camping in Alaska means brings one thing to mind, namely bears! This idea is not completely untrue; However, with a little bit of planning, research and preparation it’s easy to camp in the Alaskan wilderness and be completely safe.

Look for parkland campgrounds near the national and state parks throughout Alaska and in many places in the Tongass and Chugach national forests.

One of the most important things to remember while camping in Alaska is that bears like the smell of food. What you don’t want is for them to smell food on you, since that makes you smell a lot like food. This is bad. So, the best precaution you can take is to make sure that you keep your tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping area free from any smells of food. It is best to cook and eat all of your food at least 100 yards downwind of your tent site. Also, be sure to pack your food separately from your tent and sleeping bag, and don’t keep other things that smell interesting like bug spray or toothpaste at your tent site.

There are tons of places to check out if you are thinking of a camping holiday in Alaska, campgrounds are even near downtown of Anchorage and Fairbanks, and a short walk from the downtowns in Seward, Valdez and Homer, Skagway, Haines, Talkeetna, Soldotna and Kenai.

Many people who camp in Alaska carry with them some sort of protection against bears, usually in the form of a firearm or can of bear spray. For years firearms were the only choice for protection against bears, but as time went by it became apparent that many people weren’t comfortable carrying rifles and handguns with them into the woods. Bear spray allows anyone to carry a bear repellant with them, and it’s advisable to do so while camping in Alaska. Though you’re likely never to need it, a can of bear spray can save your life in the unlikely event that you’re attacked by a grizzly bear. Just be sure to point the spray downwind and to leave the area afterwards, as the spices left by the spray days later can be attractive to bears later on.

Many campgrounds in Alaska now have amenities such as shops and showers. Often, the campgrounds are also RV-friendly, with electrical and water connections and sanitary dumps for chemical toilets etc. You will need a good quality tent with an intact mosquito net, rain fly and waterproof bottom, as well as lightweight sleeping mats and sleeping bags.

With a little bit of precaution a dose of protection, camping in Alaska can be done easily and safely. Adventure travel in Alaska is big business. Just remember that the bears aren’t the only danger; changing weather conditions are much more likely to catch campers off guard and unprepared. Remember to pack for any conditions and most importantly, be aware of what is happening around you. Also Keep Alaska’s wilderness pristine. Avoid impact on the enviroment by hiking along rocky or timbered areas, not on fragile vegetation, get rid of every trace of litter and eliminate all signs of fires.

For more info:-

ALASKA CAMPGROUND OWNER’S ASSOCIATION

PO Box 111005
Anchorage, AK 99511-1005

Phone 1: (866) 339-9082
Phone 2: (907) 337-2857
Toll Free: (866) 339-9082
Fax: (907) 339-9082

Resources on where to stay, what to do in Alaska.

Locator Map: Click for Map and Directions
Web Site: http://www.alaskacampgrounds.net
Email: info@alaskacampground.com