A Weekend Family Adventure with Alaska Overlander

We’d been looking forward to this weekend for months. With two small kids, ages three and five, camping trips take planning and the right conditions, and we finally felt ready for a new kind of adventure. We’ve known about Alaska Overlander since they first opened their doors in 2020. Over the years, we’ve watched travelers from all over the world explore Alaska in their incredible rigs, and as locals, we’d been eager to experience it for ourselves. This August, the stars finally aligned, and we borrowed the Kennicott for a family weekend at Williwaw Campground in Portage Valley.

Turnagain Magic, and Only a Few ‘Are We There Yets?’

We picked up the Kennicott, a 2024 Toyota Tundra Off-Road built for Alaskan terrain, at Alaska Overlander’s Anchorage location on a rainy Friday afternoon. The team walked us through every detail—how to open the rooftop tents, use the fridge, manage the awning, and more. By the time we left, we knew exactly what we were doing, and that confidence made all the difference.

We hit the Seward Highway around four o’clock with two excited kids in tow. The drive south along Turnagain Arm is one of Alaska’s most beautiful, no matter how many times you’ve done it. Dramatic tides, waterfalls spilling down cliffs, and mountains rising straight from the water kept all of us captivated. Our kids scanned the cliffs for Dall sheep, and took in the views of the mountains and water. No screens needed—though music is always a must—and the Tundra’s sound system handled our family playlist perfectly.

Setting Up Our Rooftop Tree Forts

We reached Williwaw Campground just after 5:30 p.m. The rain was steady, but the air smelled like spruce and wet earth, that unmistakable Alaska freshness. Like many parents, we’ve learned that excitement often brings a bit of chaos, but setting up camp was surprisingly easy.

While my husband kept the kids entertained—our campsite had a small trail that led to a creek, the perfect place for them to indulge in a favorite outdoor activity, throwing rocks into the water—I got to work unfolding the rooftop tents. The Kennicott has two iKamper Skycamp 3.0 tents, one with a king-size bed and another with an extra-long double. They opened in minutes, ladders extended, bedding already inside with fitted sheets, down duvets, and pillows.

By the time I had everything cozy, the tents felt like small treehouses perched above the truck. The rain intensified as evening set in, but inside, it stayed warm and dry. When we finally climbed in for the night, the sound on the tent roof wasn’t a soft patter—it was a full-on downpour, like someone had turned on a rain machine set to “Alaska.” Even so, the kids slept soundly, and once I drifted off, I did too. It’s not something I can always say after a night of camping.

Rainforest Walks, Glaciers, and Salmon Streams - Oh My!

Saturday morning, the storm eased to a steady sprinkle, so we decided to explore. One of the best parts about Williwaw Campground is its direct access to the Trail of Blue Ice, a family-friendly path that winds through rainforest, over boardwalks, and past kettle ponds that reflect the mountains. Even with the gray skies, the trail was busy with families, cyclists, and hikers in rain gear—all determined to make the most of a wet Alaskan weekend.

We walked for about half an hour, stopping for snacks and small adventures, before reaching Portage Lake, our turnaround point. There, an iceberg floated near shore, a small, magical reminder of how close we were to Portage Glacier.

Later, we visited the Williwaw Fish Viewing Platform, where salmon were spawning in the clear, cold stream. Watching them flash beneath the water’s surface, and explaining to our kids why they’d returned to this very spot, was one of those classic Alaska moments.

Back at camp, we spent the afternoon under the Kennicott’s wraparound awning, which created a wide, dry space where we could cook, hang wet gear, and play. The included kitchen setup—stove, table, chairs, and cookware—made meals simple, and the Dometic fridge in the truck bed kept everything fresh. Even with the kid’s scooters, boots, and rain gear, there was still plenty of organized storage space.

Breaking Camp, But Keeping Memories

Sunday morning came too soon. We lingered over breakfast and coffee under the awning while the kids splashed through puddles. Packing up was just as simple as setup. The tents folded down easily, ladders tucked away, and the awning zipped back into its case.

On the drive back to Anchorage, the clouds broke just enough to reveal patches of blue sky over Turnagain Arm. The kids were already asking when we could go again. When we returned the rig, the Alaska Overlander team greeted us like friends, eager to hear about our weekend and make sure everything went smoothly.

As parents, we’re always balancing adventure with practicality. The Kennicott made both possible. It’s built for rugged exploration but perfectly suited for families too—proof that with the right setup, even the rainiest Alaskan weekend can become an unforgettable one.

About Alaska Overlander

The Kennicott from Alaska Overlander is a 4x4 Toyota Tundra equipped with two rooftop tents, a full kitchen setup, fridge, awning, and dual battery system. It’s designed for off-grid comfort and built for Alaska’s terrain. The company operates a fleet of 16 vehicles, including Toyota 4Runners and Tacomas, with configurations that sleep between one and five people. Unlike many motorhome rentals, Alaska Overlander rigs come with no road restrictions, meaning you can take them from the city to the Denali Highway, McCarthy Road, or Dalton Highway and truly explore Alaska on your own terms.