Alaska Glamping at Eklutna Lake (A Weekend Itinerary)

Glamping is one of the most unique experiences you can have in Alaska, and it's the perfect way to experience the wild beauty of this state without having to prepare or pack your own camping gear. I recently tried glamping for the first time here in Alaska, and I could not recommend it more for a quick weekend getaway or for a camping experience that you don't have to prep and pack for.

My Essential Alaska Travel Resources :
There are a lot of travel companies out there, but some are better than others. These are my favorite websites and resources to help plan an incredible trip to the 49th State.

For flights, I recommend using WayAway or Hopper to compare the cheapest dates to travel to Alaska.

Car rentals, arguably the best way to see Alaska, are best through Discover Cars!

I always use AGODA for hotels. They have an easy-to-use platform where you can compare the best rates.

To keep cell phone service if you're traveling internationally, I always use Airalo’s easy to purchase eSIM’s (no installation required).

For fun things to do, I recommend Viator to find the best tours in the area, otherwise Klook also does the trick.

Just in case, Safetywing is the insurance I always use for travel insurance.

Lastly, my Alaska packing list for your travels to the Last Frontier.

What to Know About Glamping in Alaska

Although there are a handful of glamping options throughout the state, Eklutna Lake is a recreational area that is fairly close to Anchorage - and therefore I recommend stopping here if you're wanting to include a glamping experience in your Alaska itinerary. Located just over one hour from Anchorage, it's also a great location for locals wanting to get away for a weekend - if you're interested in other locations, I recommend checking out Alaskan Glamping!

If this is your first time glamping, then I recommend checking the glamping location's website to double check what you'll need to pack for your trip. Luckily, Eklutna Lake Glamping has all the basic necessities - towels, sheets and blankets, and kitchen essentials - so all you really need to bring are your own change of clothes, toiletries, and food that you're planning to cook or eat onsite. (Which, as a reminder, needs to be properly stored for bear safety.) No matter the season, when you're glamping in Alaska I highly recommend dressing in plenty of layers and being prepared for any kind of weather. It's also important to review your bear and moose safety, and maybe bring a can of bear spray with you just in case. I also always recommend bringing some games to play when going camping! (Especially at Eklutna Lake since there's no cell phone service.)

My Favorite Tours in the Anchorage Area :
- Matanuska Glacier Tour
- Alaska Railroad Roundtrip to Seward

Weekend Glamping Itinerary

Day 1 (Friday) :
​On your first day, I recommend getting to your site, setting up, and getting everything organized and properly stored at your glamping location. Depending on how much time and daylight you have, you might want to try out the Twin Peaks hike at Eklutna Lake. However, this hike is fairly steep and can be very muddy depending on recent rainfall. This 2.5 mile trail climbs about 1800 feet of elevation. If you cook dinner, make sure to clean up properly as there are always bears around.

Day 2 (Saturday) :
​On your one full day, I recommend heading out to enjoy Eklutna Lake! Although Paddleboards, Kayaks and Canoes are allowed - there's actually no swimming in Eklutna Lake since it's a watershed that leads to the city of Anchorage. If you don't have your own gear, you can rent some right onsite at Lifetime Adventures, located near the trailheads for Twin Peaks and Eklutna Lakeside Trail.

If you're not up for an adventure on the lake, then I recommend heading out on the Eklutna Lakeside Trail - a flat and easy trail that follows the lake about 12 miles long. Afterwards, I recommend visiting Twin Peaks Treats just up the road - a shop serving sweet treats like ice cream and coffee.

Day 3 (Sunday) :
​On your last day glamping at Eklutna, I recommend taking it slow after your full day yesterday. Sleep in, have a nice breakfast (think pancakes with fresh berries if you were able to pick any yesterday!) and prepare your things to be ready to check out at 11 am.

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Other Alaska blog posts you might be interested in : 
-> 24 Hours in Anchorage Alaska
- E-Biking the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail
- Matanuska Glacier Tour, A Review

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