BlueWater BaseCamp: The Perfect Eklutna Lake Cabin Escape
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Experiencing the Alaskan wilderness doesn’t have to mean giving up the comforts of home. I’ve never been a lover of camping, but I often find myself yearning for that type of experience, so I made finding the perfect lodging a priority for my recent trip to Alaska.
I wanted to stay somewhere that made you feel like you’re in the great outdoors, without sacrificing those boutique-style luxuries that I love so much… and guess what? I found it!
Tucked away in the Chugiak Mountains just about an hour from downtown Anchorage, BlueWater BaseCamp offers cozy chalets that feel like cabins but with thoughtful upgrades and a modern design. My recent trip to Alaska was for 9 days, and of all the places I called home, this was by far my favorite!
The Perfect Eklutna Lake Cabin Experience
When most travelers picture Eklutna Lake lodging, they imagine either a rustic spot tucked into the woods with just enough comfort to unwind after a day of exploring or pitching a tent and camping. BlueWater BaseCamp takes that vision and makes it even better.
BlueWater BaseCamp currently has eight chalets on the property, ranging from cozy single-room layouts to larger chalets designed for families or groups. Some are pet-friendly, so you don’t have to leave your pup behind, and a few are ADA-accessible, which I really appreciated seeing. They even provide an all-terrain wheelchair so that everyone can enjoy the Alaskan outdoors without barriers, something I haven’t seen at other accommodations. It’s details like these that make this place feel so thoughtful and unique.
Arriving was simple but scenic. From the Anchorage airport, you’ll spend most of the drive on the highway before winding down a narrow road that gets you deeper into the forest. The speed limit is slow, but it gives you time to soak in the scenery. A clear sign marks the property, and parking is right off the gravel driveway. From there, you’ll check in at the office near the lot, grab a luggage cart, and roll your bags down to your private chalet.
We stayed in the Bashful Peak chalet, a single-room option perfect for two travelers. It had that “brand-new” feeling, and was spotless, full of natural light, and designed to make you feel like you’re camping without losing the luxuries of a hotel. The chalets come with kitchens (something I wish I had realized before, so definitely plan to bring groceries), private decks, and clever design details like fold-up dining tables that convert into shelving.
Even though the property has multiple chalets, it always felt like we had our own little slice of Alaska to ourselves. Mornings spent sipping coffee on the deck were so relaxing - I kept glancing at the tree line, hoping to spot a moose wandering by.
Each chalet feels incredibly private, and the property itself is quiet and peaceful. We ended our evenings by the fire pit, chatting with the owners under the stars. Although we visited right before the kick-off of the northern lights season, this is a wonderful place to experience the aurora!
Amenities That Make the Stay Special
What makes BlueWater BaseCamp shine is how much thought has gone into the little details. From the moment you check in, you’ll notice touches that make the experience feel warm and personal.
Each chalet has a welcome basket waiting for you inside, filled with hot cocoa packets, snacks, and a chocolate bar from a local artisan. That chocolate bar was my favorite part of the basket; it was so delicious and such a thoughtful way to highlight other Alaskan small businesses.
The property also has shared spaces designed for connection and relaxation. There’s a fire pit, an open area to play games, and the recent addition of a beautiful cedar sauna. A second, larger sauna is on the way, and I’m already excited to visit again to try it out! It’s just another example of how the owners are always looking for ways to make the property even more special.
For travelers searching for cabins near Anchorage, BlueWater BaseCamp offers more than just a place to sleep. It’s a boutique stay that combines the rustic feel of being close to nature with the amenities you’d expect from a thoughtfully designed retreat.
Eklutna Lake
Location: A Convenient Home Base Between Anchorage and Palmer
One of the biggest perks of staying at BlueWater BaseCamp is the location. It’s tucked into the Chugiak Mountains, just far enough from the city to feel like a true escape, but still close enough to make travel easy.
Here’s how close you’ll be to some of the main spots in the area:
Anchorage Airport: about 1 hour
Downtown Anchorage: about 40 minutes
Palmer: about 30 minutes
Eklutna Lake: less than 10 minutes
This makes it the perfect midpoint if you’re planning to explore both Anchorage and Palmer. Instead of moving hotels every couple of nights, you could easily use BlueWater BaseCamp as your home base. You’ll be close enough to city amenities but still surrounded by mountains, forest, and the kind of quiet you come to Alaska for.
For anyone searching for places to stay near Palmer or wondering about the drive from Anchorage to Eklutna Lake, this spot checks all the boxes.
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Who BlueWater BaseCamp is Perfect For
Part of what makes BlueWater BaseCamp so unique is how versatile it is. No matter what kind of trip you’re planning, there’s a chalet that will fit your needs.
Couples: The single-room chalets are cozy, private, and perfect for a romantic getaway.
Families: Larger chalets, kid-friendly touches, and open spaces make it easy to bring everyone along.
Pet Owners: Some chalets are pet-friendly, so your dog can join the adventure.
Accessibility Needs: With ADA-accessible chalets and an all-terrain wheelchair, everyone can enjoy the outdoors here.
Adventurous Travelers: If you want to experience the crisp Alaskan wilderness without giving up comfort, this is your spot.
Groups & Events: You can even rent the entire property for weddings, retreats, or group gatherings. With eight chalets and shared amenities, it’s a stunning venue that blends comfort with the wild beauty of Alaska.
Things to Do Near Eklutna Lake and in Palmer
One of the best parts of staying here is how close you are to Eklutna Lake. It’s less than a 10-minute drive away, and it’s the perfect place to spend a morning or an afternoon.
Kayaking Tours: Paddle across turquoise water surrounded by mountains. Guided tours are available if you want to explore more of the lake, or simply rent your own.
Hiking: There are plenty of trails around the lake, from easy shoreline walks to more challenging treks.
Picnicking: Pack a meal from your chalet’s full kitchen and enjoy it by the water. I kept imagining how perfect it would’ve been to bring a bottle of wine and watch the sun dip behind the peaks.
During our stay, we drove to the lake one evening for a walk along the shore, and the views were breathtaking. Next time, I’ll definitely book a kayaking tour to see the lake from a different perspective.
Palmer is also just 30 minutes away, and it’s full of incredible outdoor experiences that pair perfectly with a stay at BlueWater BaseCamp. Some of my favorites include:
Kayaking with Adventures by True North: Paddle with views of the Knik Glacier in the background - it’s one of the most scenic spots I’ve ever kayaked.
Hike + Brewery Tour with Revel Treks & Tours: A unique way to spend the day, combining outdoor adventure with a local craft beer reward at the end.
Glacier Paddle Boarding with Outbound Heli Tours: This bucket-list experience takes you by helicopter straight onto the glacier, where you’ll paddle through surreal ice channels.
With both Eklutna Lake and Palmer at your doorstep, you’ll have no shortage of adventures to fill your days before coming back to the comfort of your chalet.
Tips to Make Your Stay Even Better
After spending time at BlueWater BaseCamp, there are a few things I’d recommend keeping in mind to make the most of your stay.
Bring groceries: Each chalet has a full kitchen, which is such a bonus, but restaurants are about 25–30 minutes away. Stock up before you arrive so you can cook meals and enjoy them on your private deck.
Take advantage of the welcome basket: The hot cocoa packets are perfect for a cozy night in, and the local artisan chocolate bar is a treat you’ll wish you had more of.
Make time for the fire pit: We spent an evening here, and ending a day around a fire is one of my favorite things to do. You can even buy s’mores supplies at Twin Peaks Treats down the road.
Soak in the mornings: Coffee on the deck is pure magic. I found myself glued to the view, hoping to see some wildlife pass by.
Plan ahead for activities: With Eklutna Lake so close and Palmer just 30 minutes away, you’ll want to leave space in your itinerary to kayak, hike, or take a day tour.
Of all the places we stayed during our Alaska trip, BlueWater BaseCamp was the one I didn’t want to leave. It struck the perfect balance between wilderness and comfort, with modern chalets that felt private, serene, and designed with so much intention.
What made it even more memorable were the thoughtful touches from the owners. You can tell they care deeply about creating an experience that goes beyond just a place to sleep. BlueWater BaseCamp truly gives you a taste of “real Alaska” without sacrificing the comforts that make travel enjoyable.
If you’re planning a trip to Southcentral Alaska, I can’t recommend this spot enough. It’s the perfect home base between Anchorage and Palmer, with Eklutna Lake right around the corner and so many adventures within easy reach. Whether you’re dreaming of kayaking, hiking, or just relaxing in a beautiful chalet, BlueWater BaseCamp makes it all possible.
Looking for more inspiration while planning your trip? Check out my guides to 1 day in Anchorage, The Best Place to Eat in Anchorage, and Exploring Matanuska Glacier. And if you’re curious about Palmer, stay tuned for my upcoming posts on kayaking, hiking, and brewery tours in this charming Alaskan town.
Happy travels!
-Tess
Looking for more information about Alaska? Check out these articles!
Tess Arnold
Hi! I’m Tess, founder of TravelingTessie.com, and not only do I love to travel, but I love immersing myself in new places and finding off the beaten path experiences wherever I go! I’ve lived in 4 different states & traveled to 13 countries and counting. I believe that tourism is meant to benefit both visitors and locals alike—and I want to bring that idea back into the travel industry by highlighting companies run by locals such as tours, hotels, restaurants, and more. On Traveling Tessie you can find hidden gems in top destinations around the world, travel tips, detailed city guides, and tons of inspiration for your next trip! If you love travel as much as I do, then please join me on this journey! I hope you enjoy my content as much as I enjoy providing it for you!