Alaska Adventure Car and Camper Van Rental: Review and Tips

Are you dreaming of an epic Alaska road trip? Choosing the right rental vehicle is key to a successful adventure. For 30 days, Chris and I explored Alaska with a Jeep pop-top camper from Alaska Adventure Car and Camper Van Rental. In this honest review, we’ll share our firsthand experience with their 4×4 camper rental from Anchorage. Whether you’re looking for an Alaska Jeep rental or planning a rugged road trip, this guide will help you decide if they’re the right choice for your adventure.

This article may contain affiliate / compensated links. For full information, please see our disclaimer here.

Our Rental Experience in Alaska

Planning an Alaska trip can feel overwhelming, especially when choosing the right car rental. The right vehicle can make or break your adventure. Chris and I have been exploring Alaska for years, road-tripping in our own car, RV, and various rentals.

We’ve rented RVs twice and regular cars many times, always choosing locally owned companies to support Alaskan businesses. For example, we had a great experience with Alaska Auto Rental in Fairbanks for our Dalton Highway trip. However, those rentals were typically 10 to 14 days long.

Alaska travel is famously pricey. When you’re dreaming of a more extended adventure or travel on a budget, finding an affordable solution is crucial. This time, I planned a 30-day, 30-night road trip—a full four weeks of exploring. For such a long journey, we needed something cost-effective and practical.

We’re experienced in camping with a tent in Alaska, which is the cheapest way to travel. However, planning a trip from mid-May meant camping on the ground might be too cold.

After researching online, I discovered Adventure Car and Camper Van Rental in Anchorage. Their Jeep Wrangler with a roof-top tent seemed like the perfect solution.

We decided to go for it—and now, we’re sharing our detailed opinion on this local rental and whether it’s worth your consideration for your Alaska adventure.

Our Experiences with Alaska Adventure Car and Camper Van Rental

Alaska Adventure Car and Camper Van Rental helped us explore the Last Frontier in comfort, style, and on a budget. For 30 unforgettable days and nights, Chris and I rented their Jeep pop-top camper, a Jeep Wrangler with a roof-top tent, for our mid-May to mid-June road trip.

This review is based on our firsthand experience. We paid for the rental ourselves—this is not a sponsored post. You’ll find an honest and detailed account of what it’s like to rent from Alaska Adventure Car and Camper Van Rental.

Whether you’re searching for adventure Alaska car rentals, 4×4 camper rentals, or an Alaska Jeep rental, this guide is here to help.

We’ll cover every detail—from booking to driving, camping, and returning the vehicle. Our goal? To give you all the insights you need to plan your perfect Alaska road trip. If you’re looking for a reliable rental company to explore Alaska’s rugged beauty, keep reading!

Agnes’ Advice: If you plan an Alaska road trip you might be interested in our related articles:
Tips for Renting a Car in Alaska
Guide to Renting an RV in Alaska
10-Day Alaska Road Trip Itinerary
14-Day Alaska RV Itinerary
10-Day Alaska Winter Itinerary
7-Nights Alaska Northern Lights Itinerary
30-Day Grand Alaska Loop Road Trip Itinerary with a roof-top tent and the best camping spots (coming soon)

About Alaska Adventure Car and Camper Van Rental

Alaska Adventure Car and Camper Van Rental is a locally owned company based in Anchorage. They specialize in providing adventurous travelers with reliable vehicles perfectly suited for exploring Alaska’s rugged terrain.

Whether you’re planning to drive the scenic highways, camp under the midnight sun, or venture off the beaten path, this company offers a range of vehicles designed to handle Alaska’s unique challenges.

Surprise: If you decide to book your car with Alaska Adventure Car and Camper Rental, be sure to mention the Alaska Itinerary blog when making your reservation! Let them know you found them through our recommendation, and you’ll receive a 5-10% discount—the exact amount depends on the type of vehicle and rental duration. It’s a great way to save some extra cash for more unforgettable Alaska adventures! Contact them for a quote.

The Fleet

Their fleet includes options like 4×4 camper vans, Jeeps with roof-top tents, and standard rental cars, catering to different travel styles and budgets.

• The standout option, and the one we chose, was the Jeep Wrangler with a roof-top tent—ideal for those seeking a combination of comfort, mobility, and affordability for longer trips.
• They also offer “Budget SUVs with pop-tops,” which give an even more cost-effective way to travel around Alaska. Most of them are Jeep Patriots with an upgraded roof tent.
• Moreover, they also have cars, trucks, and mini-vans. The Mini-Vans are a big hit for 3-4 people going fishing since it is budget-friendly, and they also fold down the seats to make sure there is plenty of room for luggage, gear, and boxes of fish that people haul back from their trip.
• And if you travel in a bigger group, ask them about their passenger vans.

What sets Alaska Adventure Car and Camper Van Rental apart is their focus on flexibility and customer convenience. Their vehicles are equipped with camping essentials, giving you the freedom to explore without the hassle of finding accommodations every night.

By renting from a local business like this, you’re not only supporting the community but also ensuring you’re working with people who truly understand Alaska and the needs of its travelers.

Their office is conveniently located in Anchorage, making it easy for visitors to pick up their rental and hit the road. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or an extended road trip, they strive to provide a seamless experience tailored to adventurers.

How Does Alaska Adventure Car and Camper Van Rental Score? Our Honest Ranking

Booking Process

The booking process with Alaska Adventure Car and Camper Van Rental was straightforward and user-friendly. I started by exploring their website, which provided clear descriptions of their vehicle options, pricing, and what’s included with each rental. The site is well-organized, making it easy to find the right vehicle for our needs. After researching, I decided on the Jeep Wrangler with a roof-top tent—a perfect blend of mobility and comfort for our 30-day adventure.

Alaska Adventure Rentals Contact Details: Phone: 1-877-227-0650; Cell: 1-907-299-2250; e-mail: alaskarental@gmail.com; physical location: 3710 Spenard Road, Anchorage, AK 99503. Official website: https://alaskarentacar.net/

Before finalizing the booking, I emailed the company to ask if they offered any discounts for longer rentals. To my delight, they replied promptly, confirming that they could provide a discount for such an extended rental period. This flexibility and willingness to work with customers made a great first impression and helped reduce our overall costs.

Making the reservation online was simple. The booking form allowed me to select our travel dates, vehicle, and any additional gear or options we wanted. I appreciated the transparency in pricing—there were no hidden fees, and I could clearly see the total cost.

Once I submitted the booking, I received a confirmation email with all the necessary details. The communication from the company was excellent. They promptly answered my follow-up questions about the vehicle and camping gear via email. Their friendly and knowledgeable customer service team provided helpful advice for our trip.

Pickup Experience in Anchorage

Picking up our Jeep Pop-Top Camper from Alaska Adventure Car and Camper Van Rental was straightforward and efficient. The office is conveniently located at 3710 Spenard Road, just a short drive from Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport. Whether you’re arriving by car, cab, or rideshare, the location is easy to find, with plenty of parking available nearby.

When we arrived, the staff greeted us promptly and were friendly and professional throughout the process. The check-in didn’t take long, and the paperwork was straightforward. They reviewed the rental agreement with us in detail, ensuring we understood the terms and conditions.

Once the formalities were completed, they walked us through the vehicle. They provided clear instructions on operating the Jeep and setting up the roof-top tent. They also showed us included camping gear.

Vehicle Overview: Jeep Pop-Top Camper

The Jeep Wrangler with a roof-top tent, also known as the Jeep Pop-Top Camper, was the perfect choice for our 30-day Alaska road trip. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the vehicle and its features:

Condition and Maintenance

The Jeep was in excellent condition when we picked it up. It was clean, both inside and out, and everything worked as expected. The vehicle felt well-maintained and reliable—a crucial factor for exploring Alaska’s remote areas and rough terrains.

Roof-Top Tent Setup

The roof-top tent was one of the highlights of the vehicle. It was:

• Spacious: Comfortable for two people with room to stretch.
• Easy to Set Up: Took just a few minutes to unfold and secure.
• Comfortable: The built-in mattress provided decent support, much better than ground camping.
  Being elevated off the ground kept us warm and dry, even during chilly May nights and light rain.

Included Camping Gear

The vehicle came equipped with essential camping items, making it a ready-to-go option for adventurers. Here’s what was included:

• Compact Stove: Perfect for cooking simple camping meals.
• Utensils and Cookware: Basic but sufficient for two people.
• Cooler: Great for storing perishable food items during the trip (it was perfect for our halibut fishing adventure in Homer).
• Storage Box: Helped us keep our personal belongings organized and secure.
• Camping chairs.
• Two pillows and two sleeping bags. While the provided sleeping bags were convenient, we found they weren’t quite sufficient for the chilly mid-May nights in Alaska. Thankfully, we had packed additional sleeping bags, which provided the extra warmth we needed. Without them, the cold could have made sleeping uncomfortable.

Agnes’ Advice: If you don’t have room to pack sleeping bags in your luggage, don’t worry! You can easily purchase inexpensive sleeping bags at Walmart when you arrive in Alaska. After your trip, consider donating them to a local shelter to avoid waste and help others in need. It’s a practical and thoughtful solution that works well for travelers.

Off-Road Capabilities

This Jeep Wrangler is built for adventure. With four-wheel drive, it handled gravel roads, steep inclines, and uneven terrains with ease. It was a fantastic choice for exploring more remote spots off the beaten path.

If you’re planning to drive more remote roads, such as the McCarthy Road to Kennecott or the Denali Highway, it’s essential to discuss your travel plans with the rental office.

Driving certain roads, like the Denali Highway, incurs an additional fee (around $200), but it’s not a significant cost for the added adventure. Be sure to ask about this during pickup to ensure everything is properly arranged for your trip.

Size and Practicality

The Jeep’s compact size made it easy to drive and park, even in crowded campgrounds or at busy viewpoints. While it lacked the interior space of larger RVs or camper vans, it offered excellent mobility and flexibility—ideal for a two-person adventure trip.

Cons: Minor Issues with the Vehicle

One downside we noticed was a small damaged window, commonly referred to as the quarter window or vent window, on the Jeep. We noticed this issue during the vehicle inspection at pickup and pointed it out to the staff. While they acknowledged the damage, they reassured us it wasn’t a problem and told us not to worry about it.

Although this didn’t impact the overall functionality or performance of the Jeep, it’s something to be aware of. For peace of mind, we recommend thoroughly documenting any pre-existing damages and ensuring they are noted in your rental agreement. This way, you can avoid any potential disputes during the return process.

Customer Service and Support During the Trip

Customer service is a key aspect of any rental experience, and Alaska Adventure Car and Camper Van Rental impressed us with their responsiveness and professionalism. During our 30-day trip, we encountered a minor issue in Palmer when the Jeep’s battery stopped working. Fortunately, this happened in a safe location within the city, just an hour from Anchorage.

The problem turned out to be minor—a loose battery cable that caused the vehicle to stop. After calling the rental office, they immediately dispatched a service technician to assist us. Within less than two hours of our phone call, help arrived to check the Jeep and ensure everything was in working order. The technician fixed the loose cable quickly and reassured us that the issue was resolved. They even offered to swap the car if we felt uneasy, though it wasn’t necessary.

This experience highlighted the company’s dedication to their customers. Their quick response and proactive approach turned what could have been a stressful situation into a minor inconvenience. Knowing we had reliable support gave us added confidence for the rest of our trip.

Agnes’ Advice: If you encounter any issues during your trip, don’t hesitate to contact the rental office right away. Keep their contact information handy, and remember that even small issues like ours can be resolved quickly with the right support.

Camping Experience with the Roof-Top Tent

Camping in a roof-top tent was one of the highlights of our Alaska adventure. It was fun, adventurous, and a completely unique way to experience the beauty of the Last Frontier. While I plan to write a detailed article about camping in a roof-top tent, including tips and our ready-to-go 30-day itinerary, here’s a brief overview of our experience:

Ease of Setup

The roof-top tent was easy to set up and pack away, even for beginners. It only took a few minutes to unfold and secure everything in place, which was a huge time saver after long days of exploring.

Sleeping Space

The tent provided just enough room for two adults to sleep comfortably. However, it’s not ideal for individuals with obesity or those needing extra space, as the interior is compact. While it was cozy, there was no room for storing gear or personal belongings in the tent itself—it’s strictly for sleeping.

Access and Nighttime Adventures

You enter the roof-top tent through a hole in the floor, accessed via the back seat of the Jeep. This design added to the adventurous vibe but also came with some challenges. For example, if you needed to step out at night to use the restroom, you had to lift and move the mattress to open the access hole. This meant waking up your partner to help you. It was also inconvenient on cold or rainy nights.

Packing Considerations

The Jeep Wrangler is not a large vehicle, so packing efficiently is key. We had to be strategic with our luggage to make everything fit, but with compact packing, we managed just fine for 30 days and nights. It’s all about prioritizing essentials and being organized.

Overall, camping in a roof-top tent was an extraordinary experience. It brought us closer to Alaska’s stunning nature and added a sense of adventure to our trip. While it wasn’t without its challenges, it was a memorable way to travel.

Agnes’ Advice: If you’re planning a similar trip, pack light and compact, and be prepared for the unique logistics of sleeping in a roof-top tent. Stay tuned for my upcoming article with a detailed guide and a 30-day itinerary to make your trip easier!

Return Process

Returning the Jeep to Alaska Adventure Car and Camper Van Rental was quick and easy. The office at 4219 Spenard Road in Anchorage was convenient to access. The staff conducted a fast inspection, checking the vehicle and camping gear for condition and completeness.

Since we returned the Jeep clean and with a full tank of gas, the process was smooth. The team was friendly and interested in our feedback. There were no hidden fees or surprises.

Agnes’ Advice: Clean the vehicle, refill the tank, and double-check the gear before returning to ensure a hassle-free experience.

Conclusion: Is Alaska Adventure Car and Camper Van Rental Worth It?

Absolutely! Alaska Adventure Car and Camper Van Rental is an excellent choice for exploring the Last Frontier. From their well-maintained vehicles to their responsive customer service, they provide everything you need for a memorable and hassle-free adventure.

The Jeep Pop-Top Camper was a reliable and fun way to travel, offering the freedom to explore Alaska’s breathtaking landscapes at your own pace. While there were minor inconveniences, like the compact sleeping space and extra care needed for packing, these were far outweighed by the benefits of mobility, affordability, and adventure.

For those planning a trip of any length, especially a longer journey, this company offers great value, flexibility, and support. Plus, by choosing a locally owned business, you’re directly supporting the Alaskan community.

If you’re looking for an adventurous, cost-effective, and unique way to experience Alaska, Alaska Adventure Car and Camper Van Rental is worth considering. It made our 30-day road trip unforgettable, and we’d happily rent from them again.

Plan camping in Alaska? Check out our favorite campgrounds and read related articles:

• Camping in Denali National Park
• Camping in Seward
• Camping in Homer
• Camping in Valdez
• Car rental in Seward
• Camping in Whittier
• Camping in Talkeetna

Do You Like It? Pin It For Later!