year-round rv parks Haines to Palmer

I appreciate all the feedback. I have made this drive many times over the years, but never very late in the fall or winter.Just wanted to get an idea of what my options were. I'll be prepared. Passed by Border City lodge in August heading south and was disappointed to see the fuel pumps closed. They have always been my first and\or last stop when coming or going.

As noted, the only "year round RV parks" you're going to encounter between now thru April are pretty much a year round roadhouse or some hotel-motel establishment providing an outdoor electric outlet.

Talbot Arm in Destruction Bay (other than getting windsheared most of the time) would be a nice overnight stop in my opinion for a typical winter drive from Haines in order to get a fresher start taking on the long frost heave stretch on the way to Tok.

I always have liked the staff at the Talbot Arm as I make that place my designated mandatory 15 to 30 minute stretch break from driving in either direction.

Once heading out of Tok along the Tok Cutoff and Glenn Hwy. route towards Palmer, there are hardly any establishments that cater to travelers during the winter as mentioned.

I would like to point out one important factor to be aware of while commuting between Haines Junction and Tok :

Depending on the type of rig one is commuting with (or towing) during the winter months, along with depending how cold the temperature will be upon noting a reduction of 20% to 40% in typical fuel mileage compared to fuel mileage during the summer months, there are currently only two fuel stops in between Haines Junction and Tok right now, which are Destruction Bay-Burwash Area and Beaver Creek.

As of 6 weeks ago, Destruction Bay fuel price at Talbot Arm for regular was at $1.449 per litre, and Beaver Creek fuel price at 1202 Inn was at $1.889 per litre, comparing Whitehorse fuel price across the board was at $1.399 per litre.

Important Note : Border City Lodge has not sold any fuel since Mid August and is under new ownership, as the new owner mentioned to me he was optimistic upon selling fuel once again with a target date of spring 2014......the lodge and café are still operating.

I was told by the new owner that the previous owners left the business a mess as they ran it in the ground, while another source in Canada mentioned to me later on that the oil company that supplied the fuel for the lodge got stiffed by the previous owners and will not do business with the new owners until a significant substantial deposit is met.

While stopping at Border City Lodge in late August, I had two individuals ask me if I had any spare fuel to sell them so they can make it to Tok.

The only other prospect for fuel 40 miles away would be Northway Junction, however you can't always count on them supplying fuel.

Although my old camper rig can make the Tok to Whitehorse stretch 95 percent of the time during the summer months with my dual fuel tanks (unless there is too much rain or moisture and or very low barometric pressure), if I were ever to drive this Tok to Whitehorse stretch during the winter in my camper rig without refueling - there would be no way I could make it without stopping for additional fuel along the way.

Do plan accordingly for fuel supply upon travel between Destruction Bay and Tok.

Try Talbot Arms in Destruction Bay. Gary might let you plug in electric only. Guess it all depends if he'll keep some sites plowed out.

In Haines Junction ... try the Alcan Motor Inn. They don't have an RV park but might let you plug in to the block heater plugs.

When we travelled in winter, we usually asked at lodges or gas stations if we could plug in the block heater for the night. Most were accommodating, some charged $5-$10 for the night. You might also be overnighting in a busy noisy parking lot if it is a weekend and the spot has a pub/bar.

On the other hand, one News Years Eve we were invited in to a private party and fantastic moose roast dinner. No charge ... the lodge owner told us if we were crazy enough to be RVing in winter, we were more than welcome at his place!

The only place I can think of on the Tok Cutoff would be the Mentasta Lodge, about 50 miles out of Tok. Don't know of any of the Glennallen campgrounds that would be open unless the Boardwalk RV would be. It is a basic type place, run on the honor system there in Glennallen and I think it is owned by the same folks that have the water delivery service next door to the campground. there are a few of the road houses, such as at Nelchina on the Glenn that are year around but don't know if they have any plug ins to rent for the night.

The Gakona RV Park might be worth giving them a call to see. The couple that owns the CG appear to live there as well. They are locals so they might have some electric only sites available.

Other than what AK49er suggested, I don't think you'll find any RV park open for the winter. And if you do find someone with 110 that will let you plug in for the night (depending on how cold it is) you might be better off plugging in the truck block heater than the camper. If you do plug in the camper and use an electric heater, keep it on low so that you don't pop their breaker and then you won't have an electricity at all until they open up the next morning.

Bill

Some of the hotels have plug-ins for block heaters that you may be able to use/rent overnight. If your looking to camp you are probably out of luck that late in the year, also check with the few gas stations along the way. Don't forget your 110v adapter. Stay warm!