Montana Creek Campground

The Great Outdoors

When you rent a camper near Montana Creek Campground, it’s a given that you’ll be visiting Denali National Park. Covering an area the size of Massachusetts and housing North America’s tallest mountain, Denali is one of America’s greatest natural wonders. Unlike most national parks though, Denali has almost no trails to speak of – you’re encouraged to choose your own path through the wilderness. Also, don’t worry about taking your RV rental on Denali’s narrow roads – they’re not open to any passenger vehicles; all visitors are required to ride the park’s shuttle bus to reach its interior.Denali can be quite intimidating for those unfamiliar with the ruggedness of Alaska; so for those looking for a milder experience, head to Talkeetna Riverfront Park. This little green space at the confluence of the three branches of the Talkeetna River is an excellent spot for a family picnic or a stroll with your loved ones. And if you get hungry, there are loads of great places to eat just a few steps away.For the thrill-seeker, consider taking a rafting or kayaking trip down the whitewater section of the Susitna River to the east of Denali National Park. Outfitters in Talkeetna can get you set up with the right equipment or serve as river guides if you need some extra help. Rapids in the Devil’s Canyon region can exceed Class V, so only go it alone if you’ve got significant whitewater experience.

Exploring the City

Outside of Anchorage and Fairbanks, city experiences are hard to come by when you’re motorhome camping in Alaska. One of the closest towns with amenities is Talkeetna, considered the gateway to Denali. It’s about 20 minutes' drive north when you’re RV camping at Montana Creek Campground and can be a welcome change from the largely rural landscapes.When you book an RV in Matanuska-Susitna, it's important to consider the distance between towns and service stations. It's probably best to fill up your fuel tank and empty your sewage when you have the chance. There’s a gas station off Highway 3 near the southern end of town, and it's one of the only options between the campground and the Denali wilderness.Given how many tourists visit the park each summer, it should come as no surprise that Talkeetna has a fairly good selection of bars and restaurants. With everything from wood-fired pizzas to vegan cafes, Talkeetna has something for just about anyone’s tastes. Alaska is passionate about their beers too, so make sure you stop in at the local brewery when renting an RV here.Talkeetna’s past is a fascinating mix of an indigenous culture dating back centuries, a foolhardy pioneer spirit among its Gold Rush settlers, and careful conservation work to preserve the fragile Alaskan wilderness. To learn more about that history, stop in at the Talkeetna Historical Society Museum, which features exhibits on the Alaska Railway, the first ascent of Denali, and early settler history.There are also several art galleries worth checking out when you get a campervan rental near Talkeetna. They sell everything from Native American crafts to high-end jewelry and vibrant textiles. With so much natural beauty surrounding the artisans, it’s no wonder they’re inspired to create these amazing works.