For many RVers, Alaska isn’t just another stop – it’s the dream destination. The call of the wild, endless summer daylight, towering peaks, and abundant wildlife draw thousands north each year. And for Workampers, it’s a place where adventure and opportunity truly meet.
From volunteering in state parks to helping guests at rustic lodges or exploring the vast wilderness between assignments, Workamping in Alaska delivers unmatched scenery, meaningful work, and memories that last a lifetime.
This guide shares what makes Alaska such a special Workamping destination – plus real stories from Workampers who have lived their dream in the Last Frontier.
Why Alaska Tops the Workamper Bucket List
Alaska’s wild beauty is impossible to overstate. You’ll find mountains larger than imagination, glaciers that glow blue in the sun, and wildlife that seems straight from a nature documentary.
Beyond the scenery, Alaska offers a sense of freedom few other places can match. Many employers hire Workampers seasonally from May through September – perfect for escaping the lower 48’s summer heat while earning money and exploring rugged, remote destinations.
Jobs can range from campground hosting and maintenance to gift shop, tour, and hospitality positions. Many roles include perks like discounted or free access to local attractions, tours, and national park excursions – making it easier to enjoy everything Alaska has to offer.
Getting To Alaska by RV
The journey north is an adventure in itself. Most travelers take one of two primary routes along The Alaska Highway – starting in Dawson Creek, British Columbia, and stretching more than 1,300 miles to Delta Junction, Alaska.
You can approach from Montana through Alberta and the Canadian Rockies, or from Washington north through British Columbia and the Yukon. Each offers a unique mix of scenery and services.
Before crossing the border, check current travel requirements for RVers through the U.S. State Department and Government of Canada.
For route details, The Milepost guidebook remains the definitive planning resource, packed with maps, fuel stops, attractions, and camping options – invaluable for navigating the remote stretches of the Yukon and Alaska.
Popular Workamping Jobs in Alaska
Most Workampers in Alaska find jobs in the outdoor hospitality industry – RV parks, resorts, fishing lodges, tour companies, and retail or visitor centers near major attractions such as Denali and the Kenai Peninsula.
Some Workamping opportunities also exist along the Inside Passage (in towns like Juneau, Sitka, and Ketchikan), but reaching these areas with an RV typically requires traveling by ferry on the Alaska Marine Highway System – a scenic but more expensive option to consider when planning your route.
Others volunteer with state and national park programs, trading a few hours of service for a full-hookup site in spectacular locations. Some employers even provide free tours or local experiences so Workampers can share recommendations with guests.
Because many jobs run just a few months, Alaska is ideal for those seeking seasonal or “bucket list” positions – the perfect blend of work and wonder.
Stories from the Road: Real Workampers Share Their Alaska Adventures
We asked our members to share their Alaskan journeys for the Nov/Dec 2017 issue of Workamper News magazine. The following are real Alaskan RV adventures from some of our Workamper members. You can read their full stories in this issue available to members in the Online Magazine Archive.
A Journey to Alaska
Workamper Joanne Sommer
Joanne and her husband made the 13,000-mile round trip from Pennsylvania to Alaska – twice! And every mile was worth it. From glaciers and wildflowers to whales, moose, and bears, she describes the journey as “a thousand memories of sweeping vistas and wow moments.” Even the cracked windshields and mosquitoes couldn’t dull the magic. For Joanne, Alaska is a place where every turn holds a story and a thousand photos.
An Alaskan Flight
Workamper Ed Hester
Ed and his wife left New Mexico for a hotel/motel Workamping assignment near Denali National Park, determined to experience Alaska firsthand. Beyond the usual duties of mowing, painting, and guest service, they were rewarded with unforgettable perks – like discounted tours and the once-in-a-lifetime thrill of landing on the Kahiltna Glacier at Mount Denali. Ed recalls his wife’s comic timing during takeoff (“Wait! I think I dropped my sunglasses!”) as a highlight of a season filled with cool temperatures, spectacular scenery, and friendly coworkers.
Dreaming of Alaska Since 5th Grade
Workampers Kelly & Bill
Kelly first dreamed of Alaska after a fifth-grade report. Decades later, she and her husband Bill finally made it there – crossing into Canada with their fifth-wheel and finding Workamping jobs at Renfro’s Lakeside Retreat on the Kenai Peninsula. Their unique schedule – seven days on, seven off – let them hike glaciers, spot moose, and photograph Alaska’s ever-changing beauty. “It’s the same mountain,” Bill would tease, and Kelly would reply, “It looks different today.” The summer exceeded every expectation.
An Alaskan Caravan Adventure
Workampers Bob & Jane White
Taking a break from their usual Workamping roles, Bob and Jane joined a 63-day, 5,500-mile RV caravan from Montana through Alaska and back to Canada. Alongside 20 other rigs, they explored glaciers, rode gondolas, saw grizzlies, and even fished for halibut and salmon. Nightly campfires, potlucks, and s’mores built lasting friendships with their “extended RV family.” Jane managed to fit in a stop at every quilt shop along the route, proving that Alaska truly offers something for everyone.
Tips for a Successful Season in Alaska
- Plan early. Jobs fill fast, especially in popular regions like the Kenai Peninsula and Denali.
- Budget wisely. The journey north is expensive – plan for fuel, maintenance, and higher grocery costs.
- Stay flexible. Weather and road conditions can change quickly, so keep backup plans for routes and jobs.
- Embrace the long days. With nearly 24 hours of daylight in summer, you’ll have endless time to explore.
- Join the community. Many Workampers return to Alaska year after year; there are some great Facebook groups you should join if you decide to make this bucket list trip.
Resources for Planning Your Adventure
- Workamper.com Job Listings – Find Alaska employers seeking Workampers now.
- The Milepost – The classic guidebook for planning your route north.
- Alaska State Parks Volunteer Camp Host Program – Details on volunteer campground host positions.
Ready to Go!?
For many RVers, the lure of Alaska never fades. It’s a place of vast beauty, quiet strength, and unforgettable moments. Whether you’re greeting guests beneath Denali’s shadow, leading tours along the Kenai, or simply chasing the midnight sun, Alaska promises an experience like no other.
Ready to start planning your own adventure? Search current Workamper job listings and learn how to begin your journey at Workamper.com – your guide to living, working, and thriving on the road.
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