Do you need to know where the very best camping sites in Alberta are situated? Over the last 10 years I have been hiking and backpacking in the Canadian Rockies with an eye to keeping in mind the place of the most beautiful and best laid out campgrounds. They are surprisingly unusual considering the landscapes one enjoys in the mountains. Too frequently, campgrounds are stuck off in the woods, away from any views whatsoever. Even worse, are the times when youre practically sleeping on your neighbour– and can literally hear every snore they make all night long. Or when the camping site is located in a mud hole, the minute it rains. Fortunately, there are some memorable ones out there too.
Some of the finest campgrounds in Alberta are easy to gain access to– while others actually make you work for them. The campgrounds explained arent in drive-up campgrounds save for one exception. Some of the things I search for in an excellent camping area are views, well-positioned tent pads, well-designed eating locations, a semblance of personal privacy, and the capability on cold nights to have a campfire.
The campsites Ive explained are no more than a one-day walking away from a trailhead. I have not consisted of any campsites that are more than 2 days in on a multi-day walking, such as those you discover on the Skyline Trail or the Brazeau Loop.
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Taking pleasure in the morning view down the length of Glacier Lake simply a few feet away from our campsite
Best camping sites in Alberta
Lake Minnewanka lakeside camping sites
If you want a late or early season camping experience, pick among the camping areas along Lake Minnewanka. Aylmer Pass Junction, Aylmer Canyon, Mount Costigan and Mount Inglismaldie would all be good choices, though 2 of them are longer hikes. If you hike in from the Devils Gap in the Ghost River Wilderness Area then you can delight in a bright beachfront experience at the back of Lake Minnewanka at Ghost Lakes campsite. It offers well-spaced tent pads and matchless views from the cooking area.
Campfires are enabled at all camping sites along Lake Minnewanka, disallowing fire limitations.
Now for the problem. All the camping sites, save for Ghost Lakes, have a stringent “hike in a tight group of four and no pet dog policy” in between July 10 and September 15th, to decrease problems with bears. You can trek solo or as a group of 2 with pets at other times.
If youre keen to invest a few days at one of the camping areas then you might either hike further down Lake Minnewanka or do the walking up to Aylmer Lookout to delight in superlative views of the lake.
Schedule backcountry bookings online here.
Map required: Gem Trek Banff & & Mt. Assiniboine
Excellent signs for the hike and the campsites
You could do a side-trip from some of the camping areas to climb Aylmer Lookout
Point Campsite, Peter Lougheed Provincial Park
The Point Campground is open year-round. The majority of people access it by means of a simple 3.4 km walking from the Upper Kananaskis Lake trailhead. We accessed it one summer season by kayak– however be warned that Upper Kananaskis Lake can get very windy.
Its a stunning camping area, with some campgrounds offering charming views. All are personal. There are 2 eating locations with bear lockers and a number of outhouses. The only drawback is that fires are no longer allowed.
Book a backcountry booking through the Alberta Parks site.
Map for the location: Gem Trek Kananaskis Lakes
One of the camping areas at the Point Campground
Nice backdrop for cooking at the Point Campground
Tombstone Backcountry Campsite
One of the very best camping areas in Alberta is the Tombstone Backcountry Campground. The closest access point is the car park for Elbow Lake on Highway 40. Its 7.3 km one way with just 125 metres of elevation gain. Individuals hike and bike into the camping area. It can also be accessed from Big Elbow Trail via Little Elbow Trailhead parking off Highway 66. That path is a lot longer– 20.4 km one way with a 400-metre elevation gain.
Camping tent pads are quite well spaced at the campground, so you dont seem like youre on top of your neighbour. Although none of the campsites have views per se, it was simply a 30-second walk for us to be able to take pleasure in the view you see listed below..
The cooking location is large and there is plenty of bear-proof storage. There is a fire pit and a nice sitting area with a view for the colder nights.
This campsite makes a fantastic base for treking to the Tombstone Lakes and to Rae Lake. It is open from June 14– November 30th. Book online here, 90 days out..
Map for the location: Gem Trek Kananaskis Lakes.
Tent platforms are on well-drained gravel in the trees– and a lot of have a fair degree of personal privacy; we did see people utilizing hammocks too.
Delighting in night views of the mountains and Big Elbow with almost no bugs in late June.
Three Isle Lake Campground, Peter Lougheed Provincial Park.
Its a stiff hike to get to Three Isle Lake Campground however it can be performed in a day. Although there are just a couple of camping sites with lake views, all are a short range from Three Isle Lake– so there are times you truly feel like you have the lake to yourself. There is lots of privacy at this campground and charming views down by the lake. I comprehend that the lake looks more like a tub later in the summer as water levels drop.
There are two locations with camping sites, half a kilometre apart, which we didnt recognize up until we hiked past the furthest one on the method to South Kananaskis Pass on the early morning we existed. Camping sites include bear lockers and picnic tables. Campfires are not allowed.
The campground is open from June 23– November 30. Keep in mind that the Forks Campground– a typical stopping ground on the method in– is closed for repair in summer season 2022. Schedule online here.
Map required: Gem Trek Kananaskis Lakes.
The only campground at Three Isle Lake I saw with a view (and there was still snow in early July).
3 Isle Lake at 7 AM.
Elbow Lake Campground, Peter Lougheed Provincial Park.
If youre treking in with very young children, the walking into the Elbow Lake campground is short– as little as 25 minutes or up to an hour. Its a perfect first-time outdoor camping destination for households with young kids. As a benefit, there are a number of camping sites with lake views. Others are all close by. This is a quite location to explore and would make a great base for a number of nights. Raise to whats left of Rae Glacier. Inspect out Edworthy Falls. Or do the great hike to Piper Pass.
The campsite is being refurbished in 2022 and will resume in summertime 2023.
Map needed: Gem Trek Kananaskis Lakes.
Try and score this campground near the lake.
Elbow Lake is a spectacular emerald green colour.
Taylor Lake Campground in Banff National Park.
Its a 6.5 km one method raise to Taylor Lake with 595 metres of elevation gain. There is the alternative to do the walking to OBrien Lake, a very rewarding side-trip in fall..
At Taylor Lake, there is a little campground with just five camping tent pads. If you can ever snag an appointment beginning around mid-September, then youll be front and centre of some of the best larch seeing in the Rockies.
You can reserve online here..
Map required: Gem Trek Banff and Mt. Assiniboine.
Taylor Lake in all its fall magnificence.
Paradise Valley Campsite, Banff National Park.
The campground at Paradise Valley is off in the trees but the cooking location takes pleasure in a quite background– and its within about 75 metres of Paradise Creek, an ideal place to sit and delight in a glass of red wine or an early morning coffee. This is a campsite that is in a wetter area of the park so I would highly advise a see later on in the season when the bugs have passed away down. The area is also known for its wonderful larch displays so think about a chilly however gorgeous outdoor camping experience here in mid-September.
The campgrounds are well-spaced. Youll discover bear lockers and picnic tables too. The other benefit of a night here is a night walk over to the Giant Steps, a brief distance away.
This is one of the few camping areas that you can just reserve 24 hours beforehand by calling 403-522-1264 in Lake Louise or 403-762-1556 in Banff. You can also get authorizations at Parks Canada Visitor Centres in both Banff and Lake Louise too.
Map required: Gem Trek Lake Louise and Yoho.
The group cooking area with bear boxes.
Stunning background where you get your water.
Glacier Lake Campground, Banff National Park– among the very best campsites in Alberta.
The Glacier Lake hike is an excellent early-season one as its snow complimentary earlier than lots of and its not too challenging as its simply 9 km one way with an elevation gain of 475 metres.
There are 5 campgrounds– a couple with exceptional lake views, in a mature forest. Theres likewise a communal fire pit and a rocky beach where we enjoyed our morning coffee. Views are everywhere– and they are good ones. I quite liked this place and think this is one of the best campgrounds in Alberta.
Map needed: Gem Trek Bow Lake & & Saskatchewan Crossing.
A great set-up for delighting in a fire with a view.
Enjoying our breakfast with a view down the length of Banffs 4th biggest lake.
Norman Lake Campground, Banff National Park.
The Norman Lake campground remains in open blended forest– and all camping sites have personal privacy. The eating area and fire pit offer excellent views of the nearby mountains and willow flats. I believe this is one of the very best campgrounds in Alberta due to the fact that you dont see lots of people and there are choices to do a couple of excellent walkings.
Make certain to make the walking through sometimes– shoulder-high willows to reach Sunset Pass. You could even continue to Pinto Lake. On the walking out, allow time to hike to Sunset Lookout so you can take pleasure in grand views up and down the Icefields Parkway.
Map required: Gem Trek Bow Lake & & Saskatchewan Crossing.
A fire keeps the late August chill away.
Bow Valley Provincial Park campground.
Bow Valley Provincial Park is simply an hours drive from Calgary. Ive included it the best campgrounds in Alberta list due to the fact that of its accessibility and some truly lovely camping areas on the Bow River. There is likewise some exceptional simple hiking and biking in the park so its a great place for young families. Its budget plan friendly too.
There is one downside however, and that is both highway and train sound. Depending upon your camping site location, you possibly able to mitigate highway noise– however best of luck with the train. Do not forget the earplugs.
Schedule 90 days out on the Alberta Parks site. The park is open for camping from April 15th– October 30th.
Our camping tent was on soft pine needles within spitting range of the Bow River.
View from the Many Springs Trail in Bow Valley Provincial Park.
The very best camping areas in Alberta– Jasper National Park variation.
I have less experience with campgrounds in Jasper National Park– since the majority of my walkings have been longer multi-day hikes. I liked hiking the Skyline Trail, however I didnt enjoy any of the camping areas. On the Brazeau Loop hike, there were a number of camping sites that were great, the Four Points Campground and one at Brazeau Lake, but its a two-day walking in.
The Four Point Campground is spacious and you feel like you have personal privacy. From the parking lot, its a 13.9 km walking through Nigel Pass though there isnt more than around 400 metres of elevation gain.
On the Tonquin Valley Trail, there are a number of lovely camping sites– however once again they are a couple of days hike in. The Amethyst Lakes camping site and Surprise Point camping site would be my two favourites– however both would be bad options in the height of the summertime when bugs are bad.
I will be camping at Maligne Pass this summer– so Ill see if it makes this list.
The Four Point Campground is a little worn around the edges however it is in a charming place near the river.
Evening sunset by the Four Point Campground on the Brazeau Loop Trail.
Finest campgrounds that are close to the Alberta border.
Because theyre standouts and they arent far from the Alberta border, there are a few campsites that I had to discuss–.
Takakkaw Falls walk-in camping area in Yoho National Park.
The Takakkaw Falls walk in campground is a magnificent one. Its a very first come, initially served campsite that is open from June 16th till October 10th. There are carts readily available at the Takakkaw Falls car park so you can even schlep in comfortable camp chairs and a cooler.
There is quite a selection of campsites– and though none are bad, some are better than others. I enjoyed the one we snagged with views of Takakkaw Falls and a fire pit. From this campground there is simple access to Laughing Falls, Twin Falls, the Iceline and Whaleback Ridge. Its likewise an excellent one to use of youre doing the Burgess Shale trek as it begins at 7AM..
Facilities are fundamental– toilets, bear lockers, a cleaning up sink and picnic tables.
Our walk-in camping area near Takakkaw Falls.
Chuckling Falls Campsite, Yoho National Park.
The Laughing Falls camping site is a simple 4.4 km one way from the car park with only 125 metres of elevation gain. The camping site itself is quite lovely with its area beside the river, and just a short distance far from Laughing Falls. If you are preparing other hikes in the location, its a great location to camp too.
Youll discover tent pads, dry toilets, picnic tables and bear evidence storage. You can schedule it here..
Map required: Gem Trek Lake Louise & & Yoho
. Chuckling Falls is an excellent beginner backpacking journey– with lots of alternatives for day walkings.
Yoho Lake Campsite, Yoho National Park.
The Yoho Lake campsite is accessed from the Takakkaw Falls parking area through a 4.2 km hike with 304 metres of elevation gain. The campground is in open woods next to Yoho Lake. Theres a good amount of privacy and good views from the cooking area, plus you can delight in a red chair moment. Camping is on the forest flooring and campfires are not allowed. This campground supplies exceptional accessibility to the Iceline Trail or the Emerald Triangle trek.
Strategy to camp here later on in summer when the bugs have actually died down. Book it here.
Map required: Gem Trek Lake Louise & & Yoho.
Camping tents in the trees at the Yoho Lake Campground.
You can take pleasure in a red chair minute at Yoho Lake.
In conclusion.
I will continue to contribute to the best campgrounds in Alberta list as I find them. If there are some you know, please leave a comment, keeping in mind that they cant be more than a days walking in from the parking lot.
Things to bring to the best camping sites in Alberta.
The older I get the more I enjoy convenience on an outdoor camping trip. If the walking in is not too challenging I take this lightweight camping chair. Its a treat to be off the ground.
If there is ever a gear failure, hint a ripped tent or down sleeping bag, I have discovered the Gear Aid repair work tape to come in handy..
To maximize your outdoor camping experience, take a look at some of these camp games.
Even in the height of summer I take my down sweatshirt by Patagonia. It packs well into a sack to make a pillow to, though there are great deals of genuine camp pillows out there– which may make all the distinction in between a bad sleep and a great sleep.
The camping tent we use– and I like a lot, is the MSR Hubba 3 -person camping tent as we often have a pet dog with us. Its fast to put up and resilient.
Click the picture to bookmark to your Pinterest boards
If you trek in from the Devils Gap in the Ghost River Wilderness Area then you can take pleasure in a bright beachfront experience at the far end of Lake Minnewanka at Ghost Lakes campsite. There are only a couple of camping sites with lake views, all are a short distance from Three Isle Lake– so there are times you actually feel like you have the lake to yourself. The hike into the Elbow Lake camping area is brief– as little as 25 minutes or up to an hour if youre hiking in with extremely young kids. Ive included it the finest camping sites in Alberta list due to the fact that of its availability and some truly beautiful camping areas on the Bow River. On the Brazeau Loop trek, there were a couple of camping areas that were good, the Four Points Campground and one at Brazeau Lake, however its a two-day walking in.
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