Q: My wife and I are planning rent an R.V. to see all the sights south of Anchorage. I would also like to drive up the Richardson to see some sights we’d missed on our last trip. What's your opinion of parking the R.V. on the side of the road when we get tired, or should we always use an R.V. park? —Larry

A: Larry, renting an RV is a great way to see Alaska: You get a lot of freedom in terms of how you pace your trip and how much money you spend on food (most RVs come with fully-loaded kitchenettes and perhaps even fishing gear or a BBQ grill). And, of course, there’s no stress in ever finding a restroom along the highway.

In Alaska, you also have a lot freedom when it comes to parking that RV for the night. RV campgrounds are relatively plentiful (expect to pay anywhere from $15 to $40 a night), but you can also park almost anywhere else, as long as the road is not marked with a sign for No Camping or No Trespassing.

RVers have been known to park in pull-offs on the side of the road that truckers might otherwise use. (I’ve done that myself). I asked the folks at rental company ABC Motorhome if they had any other tips and they told me that if you’re in a town, RVers are always welcome to park at a local school parking lot (schools actually encourage this, assuming you’re not making noise or a mess). Or, lacking more scenic options (or if you need to stock on supplies in the morning), you can also park at a Wal-Mart or other shopping-center parking lot.

If you’re not yet set on a rental agency, check out our pages on Alaska.org for information on the Pros and Cons of Renting an RV, Comparing RV Rental Companies, or planning your route with our Transportation Guide.