Top 5 Campgrounds within 4 Hours of Edmonton
Crimson Lake Provincial Park
I remember my family’s first camping trip at Crimson Lake Provincial Park in Central Alberta and how impressed we were with the campground the park and the surrounding area. We rode our bikes on the trails around the Twin Lakes and Crimson Lake Campgrounds enjoying some easy mountain biking on well-maintained trails. We paddled down the North Saskatchewan River into nearby Rocky Mountain House one afternoon and we enjoyed some relaxing beach time at Crimson Lake – where we found a great sand beach and playground to entertain the kids for hours!
There was no shortage of entertainment to be found at Crimson Lake and we planned a second trip so that we could visit the Rocky Mountain House National Historic Site something we’d missed on our first visit.
For an insider’s look check out this story by Alberta Parks Ambassador Kelsy N. (Photo Credit to Alberta Parks Ambassador Tanya Koob.)
Carson-Pegasus Provincial Park
A two hour drive north of Edmonton brings you to this gem near the Town of Whitecourt . The campground is large with nearly 200 sites and you’ll find power for your RVs. Book early and you might even be able to snag one of the waterfront power sites!
What to expect from this campground: A beautiful lake for paddling or fishing a beach with waterfront playground boat rentals and proximity to the Rotary Park Playground in Whitecourt with its large playground spray park and river slides. A great place for the whole family!
For an insider’s look check out another one of Kelsy’s stories here . (Photo Credit to Alberta Parks.)
William A. Switzer Provincial Park
A 3.5 hour drive west of Edmonton brings you to this gorgeous park just outside the Town of Hinton. The park has several campgrounds but our favourite is Gregg Lake Campground with its private power sites and playground. We also enjoyed the trails throughout the campground that took us down to the beach.
What to expect from this campground: five lakes to explore beaches great fishing and paddling a canoe circuit for experienced paddlers on Jarvis Creek and multiple family-friendly hiking trails to tire out those little legs before bed. If you have several days to spend here make sure you take a trip into Hinton to hike the Beaver Boardwalk or to visit the mountain bike park.
For an insider’s look check out this story by Alberta Parks Ambassador Karen U. (Photo Credit to Alberta Parks.)
Whitney Lakes Provincial Park
A 2.5 hour drive east brings you to this popular campground where you can watch thesunset from one of many lakeside campsites. My family is partial to the Ross Lake Campground where you’ll find 67 power sites (82 unserviced) and a beautiful sand beach with waterfront playground.
What to expect from this campground: 4 different lakes to explore more than 30 km of trails linking the lakes some suitable for mountain biking and two beaches (both with waterfront playgrounds). Other recreational activities in the park include fishing water sports bird and wildlife viewing and backcountry camping.
Tanya K. an Alberta Parks Ambassador wrote about her experiences here . (Photo Credit to Alberta Parks Ambassador Tanya Koob.)
Wabamun Lake Provincial Park
A short 1-hour drive west brings you to one of Edmonton’s closest provincial parks and a local favourite campground. This is a large campground with 275 campsites (109 with power). It’s perfect if you only have a regular weekend to get away.
What to expect from this campground: A large sandy beach for swimming and boating a big playground trails for hiking and biking and proximity to the small Town of Wabamun (within easy walking or biking distance) where you’ll find a marina playground and spray park. Keep an eye out for the world’s largest dragon fly while you’re there!
Kimberly O an Alberta Parks Ambassador visited the park recently. You can find her thoughts here . (Photo Credit to Alberta Parks Ambassador Kimberly Ouellette.)