Best Equestrian Camping near Elmendorf Air Force Base, AK
Eklutna Lake Campground is located 45 minutes from Anchorage in Chugach State Park, offering access to extensive trails suitable for horseback riding. The campground features tent sites, RV spaces, and cabin accommodations set in wooded areas with adequate spacing between sites. Large trailers can be accommodated in the big-rig-friendly layout. The campground maintains fire pits, picnic tables, and toilets with no size restrictions for horse trailers in the parking areas. Most riders note the campground serves as an excellent basecamp for accessing the 12-mile lakeside trail, which permits horses from April through November with specific regulations.
The lakeside trail provides riders with scenic views of the glacier-fed lake and surrounding mountains. Horses are permitted on the trail Sunday through Wednesday only during designated seasons. The trail extends to Serenity Falls with multiple creeks and rivers along the route for water access. Trail conditions include a mix of dirt paths with moderate terrain changes. Riders should practice proper bear awareness as wildlife is common in the area, including moose, bears, and mountain goats. The campground operates seasonally from May to September with no horse corrals on site, so riders must bring portable containment systems. Water access from the lake allows horses to cool off after rides, though the water remains extremely cold year-round due to glacier runoff.
