RV camping through Alaska offers breathtaking scenery, fresh air, and the thrill of adventure — but nature up here isn’t always gentle. Between remote roads, unpredictable weather, and wild terrain, it’s essential to prepare your RV with the right safety items before setting out.

At Frontier Auto and RV Center in Anchorage, we help RVers gear up for rugged, off-the-grid camping all year long. Here’s our breakdown of the top 10 must-have safety items for every rig headed into the Alaskan wilderness.

1. First Aid Kit

A proper first aid kit is your first line of defense in any emergency — whether it’s a minor cut or something more serious.

At a minimum, your kit should include:

• Adhesive bandages (various sizes)
• Gauze pads and wrap
• Antiseptic wipes
• Tweezers and scissors
• Medical tape
• Burn ointment
• Pain relievers (ibuprofen/acetaminophen)
• Antihistamines for allergies or stings
• Emergency blanket
• Latex or nitrile gloves
• Any personal prescriptions

Alaska’s remote locations can mean hours between you and professional medical care. Keep your first aid kit stocked, waterproofed, and stored where it’s easy to reach — not buried in a cabinet.

2. Bear Spray

Camping in Alaska often means camping in bear country. Brown bears, black bears, and even moose can pose threats if you’re unprepared.

Bear spray is a highly effective deterrent — but only if it’s accessible and you know how to use it. Keep it within arm’s reach when outside, such as in a holster or on your belt. Practice removing the safety clip quickly (without deploying it) so you’re not fumbling if a real encounter happens.

Tip: Replace expired cans annually and store them in a temperature-safe, shaded area in your RV to avoid overheating.

3. Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Detectors

A functioning carbon monoxide (CO) detector is absolutely non-negotiable when RVing — especially if your rig uses propane for heating, cooking, or refrigeration.

CO is colorless, odorless, and deadly. A quality detector can alert you to a leak or malfunction before it becomes fatal.

Also install or test your smoke detector before each trip. Fires can start from wiring issues, propane leaks, or cooking mishaps. Ensure both detectors have fresh batteries and are tested monthly.

At Frontier Auto and RV Center, we can check or install these for you during a routine inspection to give you peace of mind.

4. Fire Extinguisher

Every RV should have a Class B/C fire extinguisher — and not just a dusty old one from the original owner. Fire extinguishers expire, and many people forget to check their gauges.

Keep one mounted near the kitchen (inside) and one easily accessible outside the RV. You may only have seconds to respond to a stove fire or engine issue, and having one close could prevent a disaster.

Pro tip: Learn how to use a fire extinguisher correctly (the PASS method — Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep), and show others traveling with you.

5. Emergency Communication Device

When camping in Alaska, it’s common to travel far beyond the reach of cell towers. An emergency communication device becomes your lifeline in these situations.

Popular and reliable options include:

• Garmin inReach (satellite texting + SOS function)
• SPOT devices
• Satellite phones (great for extended trips)

These tools let you call for help, send GPS coordinates, or update loved ones if your trip is delayed. Even if you only camp part-time, the investment can be life-saving.

6. Roadside Emergency Kit

Breakdowns happen — and in Alaska, that could mean being stranded for hours.

Your roadside emergency kit should include:

• Jumper cables or portable jump starter
• Flashlight + extra batteries or crank-powered light
• Reflective triangles or flares
• Tire pressure gauge
• Tow strap
• Basic tool kit (screwdrivers, pliers, wrench set)
• High-visibility vest
• Duct tape
• Emergency whistle

This kit keeps you safe and visible if you’re stuck on the side of a remote road or waiting for assistance in low light or poor conditions.

7. Water Purification System

Clean drinking water is a top concern when RV camping in Alaska, especially if you plan to boondock or camp outside of traditional campgrounds.

Carry:

• A water filter (pump or gravity-based)
• Purification tablets or iodine drops as a backup
• A stainless-steel water bottle or jug to collect and store

Even clear glacial water can carry bacteria or parasites. A good water purification system ensures your supply stays safe when hookups aren’t available — which is often the case up north.

8. Weather-Appropriate Clothing and Gear

Alaska’s weather is unpredictable. A 60-degree afternoon can turn into a 30-degree night — with wind, rain, or snow not out of the question, even in late spring.

Your safety clothing checklist:

• Waterproof rain jacket and pants
• Thermal base layers (non-cotton)
• Wool socks and insulated boots
• Gloves and a hat (even in summer)
• Extra changes of clothing, stored dry
• Sunglasses and sunscreen (UV is stronger at higher altitudes)

Staying dry and warm is key to preventing hypothermia — even in what may feel like mild conditions.

9. Navigation Tools

Relying on GPS or your phone in Alaska can leave you lost and without signal. Every RV traveler should carry physical maps of the region they’re exploring, as well as a compass.

Many popular routes (like those heading into Denali, Wrangell-St. Elias, or McCarthy) lose signal miles before the turnoff. A printed state map or atlas can help you reroute or locate fuel, campgrounds, and emergency services.

Consider downloading offline maps and saving emergency contact info in writing in case your phone dies or becomes damaged.

10. Insect Repellent and Head Net

Alaskan mosquitoes are legendary — and they’re not the only bug you’ll meet.

Include the following in your bug defense kit:

• DEET-based or natural repellent (apply frequently)
• Permethrin-treated clothing (great for longer trips)
• Head net (especially useful when hiking or sitting outdoors)
• Bug zappers or citronella if camping in one place

Keeping bugs away isn’t just about comfort — it helps prevent infections from bites, allergic reactions, and keeps you from scratching all night instead of sleeping.

Stay Prepared with Frontier Auto and RV Center

Whether you’re heading out for a weekend at Eklutna or planning an epic multi-week adventure through the Interior, being properly equipped with the right safety items makes all the difference.

At Frontier Auto and RV Center, we help Alaskans hit the road with confidence. From outfitting your RV with essentials to inspecting propane lines, brakes, electrical systems, and more — our team is your local, trusted RV dealer and auto repair hub in Anchorage.

Need help getting your RV spring-ready? Stop in, give us a call, or schedule your next appointment online. We’ll help you build the perfect safety checklist for your unique setup and travel plans.