Camping in Alberta
Towering mountain peaks, rolling foothills, vast prairies, awe-inspiring prehistoric wonders and an eclectic mix of urban and traditional experiences comprise Alberta's physical and cultural landscape, making for one-of-a-kind travelling opportunities. Those seeking intimate encounters with nature will not be disappointed, especially if the lodging of choice is a tent or a fully equipped RV. Hundreds of camping choices await visitors to Alberta, ranging from rustic backcountry sites to full-service family resorts to semi-primitive front-country options. Sites in national parks, provincial parks, recreational areas and independent and municipal campgrounds are available to visitors, each catering to specific camping styles and recreational preferences, and all offering an invigorating escape from the everyday.
NORTHERN ALBERTA
Expansive wilderness, magnificent rivers, sprawling lakes and a scattering of booming oil-field towns characterize Alberta's north, where camping enthusiasts can be at one with nature at its best. Extending north of Edmonton, this vast region includes communities like Grand Prairie, Fort McMurray, Peace River and Slave Lake. Lakeside campgrounds, isolated backcountry sites, mixed-use provincial recreational areas and full-service RV parks are just a few of the options available in the remote north, where rustic and comfortable camper-style preferences are equally satisfied. Situated in the far north on the border of the Northwest Territories, Wood Buffalo National Park features diverse and impressive landscapes and ideal opportunities for canoeing, wildlife viewing and fishing. Visitors can expect basic, rustic campsites at the park, perfect for those seeking the ultimate in wilderness camping.
THE HEARTLAND
With the bustling city of Red Deer at its core, the Heartland region offers a great blend of urban amenities and tradition—most evident in the lush, rolling agricultural crops, operational ranches and expansive prairie vistas of its physical landscape. Extending across the central portion of the province from the eastern slopes of the Alberta Rockies to the Saskatchewan border, the region caters to all styles of camping, whether roughing it at a rustic backcountry site or kicking back in luxury in a travel trailer. RV resorts are abundant throughout this region, where lakeside settings and family-oriented campgrounds cater to leisure travellers in search of convenient amenities, relaxation and kid-friendly activities. The communities of Sylvan Lake, Alberta Beach and Pine Lake are good choices for families seeking fun in the sun. Beach anglers will appreciate campgrounds in Lac La Biche, where the town's namesake lake and other surrounding lakes and waterways provide ideal canoeing and fishing opportunities.
SOUTHERN ALBERTA
Prehistoric landscapes and vast prairies best exemplify the striking terrain of the south. Sitting at the heart of First Nations culture and dinosaur discoveries, the region is replete with opportunities to explore heritage and tradition, including the chance to visit three UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Nestled in a canyon in the hoodoo-filled badlands, Drumheller features a great choice of campgrounds to choose from, including rustic, riverside retreats and amenity-filled family resorts near popular dinosaur attractions. The larger centres of Lethbridge and Medicine Hat provide a great blend of municipal choices, perfect for those looking for a semi-urban getaway. Recreational areas abound in the foothills of the south, especially in Crowsnest Pass and Pincher Creek, where mountain adventures and secluded camping provide the ultimate backwoods experiences.
ALBERTA'S ROCKIES
Alberta's beloved natural attraction, the Rocky Mountains are the gem of the province; towering, rugged peaks, glacier-fed rivers and lakes, charming hamlets and towns and superb recreational opportunities result in an unmatchable vacation destination. The national parks of Jasper, Banff and Waterton offer some of the most spectacular camping opportunities, ranging from semi- and fully serviced sites in and near village centres to secluded alpine locales perched amongst the pines. Kananaskis Country, the Icefields Parkway Region and Lake Louise each provide one-of-a-kind adventures in the midst of untouched wilderness.
GREATER CALGARY
Calgary and its surrounding areas provide a great blend of traditional western hospitality and eclectic urban experiences and are ideally oriented near the attractions and activities of the Rockies. A handful of family-style campgrounds complete with modern amenities are available in the immediate Calgary area, and the nearby communities of Cochrane and Okotoks provide camping opportunities as well. An array of recreational parks comprise the camping scene in the quaint hamlet of Bragg Creek and the surrounding Elbow River Valley, where primitive and semi-primitive choices are plentiful. McLean Creek provides direct access to hiking and fishing and is in operation year round.
EDMONTON AREA
Sitting at the heart of the province's geographical and political core, Alberta's capital city, Edmonton, caters to every interest. Whether it's extreme shopping and entertainment at West Edmonton Mall or exploring the expansive surrounding parkland, the region provides experiences sure to please all ages. Families will appreciate the camping amenities at area municipal parks, which include conveniences like guest laundry, indoor recreation centres, wireless Internet access, camp stores and play spaces for children. Nestled within an urban park and just minutes to golf courses, restaurants, shops and attractions, Rainbow Valley Campground is a popular choice for its excellent blend of tranquility and modern amenities.
SAFETY & BOOKING CONSIDERATIONS
Prior to heading out for an intimate wilderness sojourn, campers are best advised to enquire about any public safety information that may adversely affect a camping experience. Fire bans, flooding, avalanches, wildlife concerns, construction reports and other emergency site closures are possible concerns to be aware of before setting out. While amenity-filled front-country locations are widely available across the province, many of Alberta's campgrounds and recreational areas cater to backcountry-style or rustic camping. Potable water, showering facilities and toilets are not typically available at rustic or semi-rustic sites, so preparation is key when venturing on a backcountry adventure. To avoid disappointment, it is also advised to book campsites well in advance, where applicable. Most national and provincial parks utilize an online reservation system, but some campgrounds operate solely on a first-come, first-served basis. The mountain parks are some of the most visited, so a back-up accommodation plan is essential.
NORTHERN ALBERTA
Expansive wilderness, magnificent rivers, sprawling lakes and a scattering of booming oil-field towns characterize Alberta's north, where camping enthusiasts can be at one with nature at its best. Extending north of Edmonton, this vast region includes communities like Grand Prairie, Fort McMurray, Peace River and Slave Lake. Lakeside campgrounds, isolated backcountry sites, mixed-use provincial recreational areas and full-service RV parks are just a few of the options available in the remote north, where rustic and comfortable camper-style preferences are equally satisfied. Situated in the far north on the border of the Northwest Territories, Wood Buffalo National Park features diverse and impressive landscapes and ideal opportunities for canoeing, wildlife viewing and fishing. Visitors can expect basic, rustic campsites at the park, perfect for those seeking the ultimate in wilderness camping.
THE HEARTLAND
With the bustling city of Red Deer at its core, the Heartland region offers a great blend of urban amenities and tradition—most evident in the lush, rolling agricultural crops, operational ranches and expansive prairie vistas of its physical landscape. Extending across the central portion of the province from the eastern slopes of the Alberta Rockies to the Saskatchewan border, the region caters to all styles of camping, whether roughing it at a rustic backcountry site or kicking back in luxury in a travel trailer. RV resorts are abundant throughout this region, where lakeside settings and family-oriented campgrounds cater to leisure travellers in search of convenient amenities, relaxation and kid-friendly activities. The communities of Sylvan Lake, Alberta Beach and Pine Lake are good choices for families seeking fun in the sun. Beach anglers will appreciate campgrounds in Lac La Biche, where the town's namesake lake and other surrounding lakes and waterways provide ideal canoeing and fishing opportunities.
SOUTHERN ALBERTA
Prehistoric landscapes and vast prairies best exemplify the striking terrain of the south. Sitting at the heart of First Nations culture and dinosaur discoveries, the region is replete with opportunities to explore heritage and tradition, including the chance to visit three UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Nestled in a canyon in the hoodoo-filled badlands, Drumheller features a great choice of campgrounds to choose from, including rustic, riverside retreats and amenity-filled family resorts near popular dinosaur attractions. The larger centres of Lethbridge and Medicine Hat provide a great blend of municipal choices, perfect for those looking for a semi-urban getaway. Recreational areas abound in the foothills of the south, especially in Crowsnest Pass and Pincher Creek, where mountain adventures and secluded camping provide the ultimate backwoods experiences.
ALBERTA'S ROCKIES
Alberta's beloved natural attraction, the Rocky Mountains are the gem of the province; towering, rugged peaks, glacier-fed rivers and lakes, charming hamlets and towns and superb recreational opportunities result in an unmatchable vacation destination. The national parks of Jasper, Banff and Waterton offer some of the most spectacular camping opportunities, ranging from semi- and fully serviced sites in and near village centres to secluded alpine locales perched amongst the pines. Kananaskis Country, the Icefields Parkway Region and Lake Louise each provide one-of-a-kind adventures in the midst of untouched wilderness.
GREATER CALGARY
Calgary and its surrounding areas provide a great blend of traditional western hospitality and eclectic urban experiences and are ideally oriented near the attractions and activities of the Rockies. A handful of family-style campgrounds complete with modern amenities are available in the immediate Calgary area, and the nearby communities of Cochrane and Okotoks provide camping opportunities as well. An array of recreational parks comprise the camping scene in the quaint hamlet of Bragg Creek and the surrounding Elbow River Valley, where primitive and semi-primitive choices are plentiful. McLean Creek provides direct access to hiking and fishing and is in operation year round.
EDMONTON AREA
Sitting at the heart of the province's geographical and political core, Alberta's capital city, Edmonton, caters to every interest. Whether it's extreme shopping and entertainment at West Edmonton Mall or exploring the expansive surrounding parkland, the region provides experiences sure to please all ages. Families will appreciate the camping amenities at area municipal parks, which include conveniences like guest laundry, indoor recreation centres, wireless Internet access, camp stores and play spaces for children. Nestled within an urban park and just minutes to golf courses, restaurants, shops and attractions, Rainbow Valley Campground is a popular choice for its excellent blend of tranquility and modern amenities.
SAFETY & BOOKING CONSIDERATIONS
Prior to heading out for an intimate wilderness sojourn, campers are best advised to enquire about any public safety information that may adversely affect a camping experience. Fire bans, flooding, avalanches, wildlife concerns, construction reports and other emergency site closures are possible concerns to be aware of before setting out. While amenity-filled front-country locations are widely available across the province, many of Alberta's campgrounds and recreational areas cater to backcountry-style or rustic camping. Potable water, showering facilities and toilets are not typically available at rustic or semi-rustic sites, so preparation is key when venturing on a backcountry adventure. To avoid disappointment, it is also advised to book campsites well in advance, where applicable. Most national and provincial parks utilize an online reservation system, but some campgrounds operate solely on a first-come, first-served basis. The mountain parks are some of the most visited, so a back-up accommodation plan is essential.
18-Hole Course
Family Resort
Cottages & RV Park
K-Country Campground
Amusement Park
