Eklutna Lakeside Backcountry Sites

The feel

These are free hike-in and bike-in backcountry campsites strung along the Eklutna Lakeside Trail in Chugach State Park, near Chugiak. The trail follows the north shore of a glacier-carved lake that runs 7 miles long, with canyon walls, waterfalls and Eklutna Glacier in view. Three remote campgrounds sit along it: Bold Airstrip near mile 8, Eklutna Alex at mile 8.8 and Kanchee at mile 11.

Each campground has a latrine, and every site has a picnic table and a fire ring. There are no hookups and no water, so you carry in what you need and carry it out again. The valley is moose, bear, ptarmigan, mountain goat and Dall's sheep country, and the trail is a multi-use route, so expect the occasional ATV on the way in.

What to expect

Layout and setting

Dispersed backcountry sites in three campgrounds along the north shore of Eklutna Lake, each with a latrine, picnic tables and fire rings.

Check-in and stay

First come, first served. Camping is limited to 15 consecutive nights.

Crowds and best time

ATVs are allowed on the Lakeside Trail Sunday through Wednesday, April 1 to November 30.

Parking and rig size

The trailhead is at the end of Eklutna Lake Road, off the Glenn Highway Eklutna exit at milepost 26.5. A daily parking fee applies.

Fees and reservations

Camping is free. Sites are not reservable.

Hazards

Moose, brown bears and black bears live in the valley. Wind from the south can raise whitecaps and sizeable waves on the lake.

Bathrooms and water

Vault toilets at the backcountry sites. No water, so bring your own.

Season and access

June to September. The trail is 12.7 miles one way with 300 feet of elevation gain.

Mingo says

Plan your trip for June through September, when the sites are open. Motorized traffic follows a weekly schedule, so choose your days with that in mind. Check the wind before you commit to the shoreline.

Before you go

• Pack all your drinking water, since the sites have none, and plan to pack everything out.
• Pay the daily parking fee at the trailhead at the end of Eklutna Lake Road.
• Call State Parks at (907) 269-8400, or the Eklutna Ranger Station at (907) 688-0908.
• Want a roof instead? Yuditnu Creek Cabin at mile 3 and Serenity Falls Hut at mile 12 can be reserved.

Written October 2026. Sources are listed at the end of this page.