Ranch House Lodge RV Campground

Fishing for peaceful hols away from the crowds? Point tyres towards Ranch House Lodge RV Campground, a family-friendly park 15 minutes’ drive from the Alaskan settlement of Glennallen.

This is a top place to stop overnight when touring the Alaskan wilderness, but longer stays come highly recommended. It’s in the stunningly scenic Copper River valley and there’s plenty nearby to make at least a few days worthwhile: there’s hiking, biking, berry picking, boating and aurora borealis viewing 40 minutes away at Lake Louise, salmon fishing on the Klutina and Gulkana rivers within half an hour, and grayling and trout fishing in the Tolsona Creek, which runs along the edge of the park.

If that’s not enough time in the great wide open, a slightly longer car journey will bring you to the edge of Wrangell-St Elias National Park and Reserve. At 13.2 million acres, it’s the largest national park in the US (roughly the same size as Switzerland). It’s particularly remote and there aren’t too many trails to follow, so be well prepared if venturing in and consult with the park rangers before wanders begin.

That’ll build up some hefty appetites, so luckily there’s a historical roadhouse tavern on site. It was built in the late 1940s, but the food is much fresher… Order up a homemade meal or some baked goods, and be sure to try the award-winning chilli. Drop into the Ranch House liquor store on the way back to home base to pick up some drinks for the evening, and unwind under the stars.