Kenai Peninsula RV Park Finds New Life as a Food Truck Destination
Contributed by Aaron Conradt
Moose Crossing Food Truck Park & Campground in Sterling, AK has been reimagined into a roadside attraction bustling with new energy and a laidback vibe.
Yes, it’s true, people don’t typically associate food trucks with camping and most people don’t think of RV parks when they think about where to find local food trucks. To be honest, it was a combination we had not considered until we found ourselves looking for a permanent location for our two food trucks. Completing our third season of operation in 2021, my partner and I felt that the next logical step was to put down some roots and find a more permanent location. A spot where our customers could easily find us when we were not operating at an organized event, but also a place where we could welcome customers to relax and stay a while instead of eating in their cars on the go. If you take a moment to think about it though, it really makes perfect sense. A food truck is a mobile kitchen with the same infrastructure needs as an RV. We require water, power, and a place to empty the holding tanks.
We found exactly what we needed without knowing we needed it. At first, I scrolled right past the listing without giving it any consideration because it was so far outside the realm of what we thought we were looking for. We were intending to buy vacant land and install our own water hookups, a septic system, run power to both food trucks and build a small building with storage and public restrooms. This property offered all those things and so much more.
The park at that time was mostly hidden from the view of the Sterling highway and sat largely unnoticed for many years. If you did not already know it was there you were unlikely to notice it in passing. The original sign, a deteriorating wooden frame with a sagging, sun faded vinyl banner that read “RV Park and Espresso”, was less than inviting and suggested that the park’s glory days had come and quietly gone like one of Alaska’s famously short summers. Tucked behind the thick row of overgrown trees and unkept landscaping we found a hidden treasure in the heart of the Kenai Peninsula. While our realtor and our families thought we were quite possibly crazy, we could see nothing but opportunities and possibilities. The park itself was nicely laid out with 32 RV sites and offered all the amenities that travelers expect. Each site offered full hookups, water, power and septic and the main building included restrooms, showers, and laundry facilities. All that was needed was a little inspiration and a lot of determination.
Fast Forward through a year and a half of sorting out financing, coupled with months of hard labor and coordinating contractors, you’ll find Moose Crossing Food Truck Park & Campground ready to serve hungry visitors, weary travelers, and weekend warriors. 2023 was our first season of operation and it was a whirlwind of adventure filled with plenty of lessons and connections with visitors from around the world. We hosted groups from Israel and China to New Zealand and even Ukraine. Perhaps the most surprising guests were those from various parts of Alaska that had previously stayed at this park. These guests were thrilled to see that new life had been ushered in to this formerly neglected spot.
Our vision was to create a place for locals and visitors alike to take a break and enjoy some good food, good vibes, and good people. New this summer we will featuring some guest food trucks from around the state. Stop by and find your new favorite spot on the Kenai!
Moose Crossing RV & Food Truck Park is located at 33190 Sterling Hwy in Sterling. For the best RV rates book online at www.moosecrossingpark.com or call (907)740-0292 for more information.