Top 10 Alberta Campgrounds That You Didn’t Know About
In a province with so much natural beauty it’s no surprise that Alberta has many wonderful campgrounds to enjoy. We know that picking from the long list of great Alberta campgrounds can be tough and the ‘perfect’ place is different for everyone. Here’s a list of some awesome but lesser known destinations:
Ya Ha Tinda Ranch Bighorn Campground
While this spot is popular for equine enthusiasts many others don’t know about the only federally operated working horse ranch in Canada. Over 3945 hectares of natural grassland and mixed forest offers hiking hunting and trail riding. Tours of the ranch building are also available. Bighorn Campground is free to stay at and you are welcome to bring your pets. There are no official spots – you get what you find – but there are outhouses fire pits and picnic tables. This is great if you’re looking for a low key and active camping spot.
Musreau Lake Campground
Open 15 May to 13 October this campground is located in the Musreau Lake Recreation Area south of Grande Prairie off of highway 40. There are 69 sites available on a first come first serve basis. While there is no power $24 per night gives you the use of picnic tables potable water firewood and fire pits. Sites are quite private and group camping is also available. Spend the day on the beach or on the water made convenient by a boat launch. You can also fish or hike. This is a great spot for a variety of activities whether you’re camping with friends or bringing the whole family along.
Chambers Creek Campground
Conveniently located 2.5 hours from both Calgary and Edmonton this campground is 30km west of Rocky Mountain House on highway 11. The 25 private sites are all equipped picnic tables and fire pits and come with a free wheelbarrow of wood. Open from 1 May until 14 October Chambers Creek welcomes pets provides restrooms and has potable water available through a pump. For $32 per night you can enjoy the excellent hiking fishing and ATVing.
Brazeau Reservoir Campground
These three campgrounds with a total of 71 campsites are located 60km south of Drayton Valley along highway 620. This reservoir offers power boating canoeing kayaking and fishing. ATVing and hiking are also popular activities. A no-power site is $23 per night while $29 per night ensures a 30-amp power hook-up. Most of these sites are private and each has a picnic table and fire pit. Restrooms are available and pets are welcomed. Open 1 May to 12 October single-site and group reservations are accepted. Whether you’re tent camping or have an RV it’s a great place to spend a weekend.
Dry Haven Campground
Nestled in the foothills off of highway 11 this quiet campground offers 14 sites from 1 May to 14 October. These are $20 per night on a first come first serve basis. There are restrooms and a water pump as well as a picnic table and a fire pit at each site. No power and no pets but there is amazing scenery and access to hiking and ATVing. If you’re looking for a quiet scenic getaway this is your campground.