Top Campgrounds Around Calgary: Embrace the Great Outdoors
Hello, outdoor enthusiasts! Are you ready to escape the city’s hustle and bustle, and immerse yourself in the tranquillity of nature? If you’re in Calgary, you’re at the right starting point. A couple of hours of drive can take you to a variety of incredible campgrounds that are waiting to be explored. So gather your camping equipment and let’s get started on our journey through these top campgrounds around Calgary!
These havens of natural beauty near Calgary offer distinct features, each promising an unforgettable camping adventure. To ensure a seamless trip, it’s advised to visit their official websites or reach out to the campground administrators for specifics like costs, reservation availability, and operational timings. Furthermore, respecting the campground guidelines is essential to preserve our precious environment. As we delve into the wilderness, let’s pledge to honor its pristine charm!
1. Bow Valley Provincial Park
This campground is located about an hour west of Calgary along Highway 1A. It has 173 sites for tents and RVs, some with power and water hookups. The amenities include showers, flush toilets, fire pits, picnic tables, playgrounds, and a boat launch. You can reserve your site online or by phone up to 90 days in advance. The campground is known for its scenic views of the Bow River and the Rocky Mountains, as well as its proximity to hiking and biking trails, fishing spots, and wildlife viewing opportunities.
2. Sundre Riverside RV Park
This campground is located about an hour and a half northwest of Calgary along Highway 27. It has 100 sites for tents and RVs, all with power and water hookups. The amenities include showers, flush toilets, fire pits, picnic tables, laundry facilities, and a convenience store. You can reserve your site online or by phone up to a year in advance. The campground is known for its peaceful setting along the Red Deer River and its access to golf courses, museums, and horseback riding.
3. Little Bow Provincial Park
This campground is located about an hour and a half southeast of Calgary along Highway 23. It has 143 sites for tents and RVs, some with power hookups. The amenities include showers, flush toilets, fire pits, picnic tables, playgrounds, and a boat launch. You can reserve your site online or by phone up to 90 days in advance. The campground is known for its sandy beach and clear water on Travers Reservoir, as well as its water sports, fishing, and birdwatching activities.
4. Chain Lakes Provincial Park
This campground is located about an hour and a half southwest of Calgary along Highway 22. It has 81 sites for tents and RVs, some with power hookups. The amenities include showers, flush toilets, fire pits, picnic tables, playgrounds, and a boat launch. You can reserve your site online or by phone up to 90 days in advance. The campground is known for its picturesque views of the Chain Lakes and the foothills, as well as its hiking and biking trails, fishing spots, and stargazing opportunities.
5. Dinosaur Provincial Park
This campground is located about two hours east of Calgary along Highway 876. It has 124 sites for tents and RVs, some with power hookups. The amenities include showers, flush toilets, fire pits, picnic tables, laundry facilities, and a visitor center. You can reserve your site online or by phone up to 90 days in advance. The campground is famous for its unique landscape of badlands and hoodoos that are rich in fossils and dinosaur bones, as well as its guided tours, interpretive programs, and museum exhibits.
6. Tunnel Mountain Campgrounds
Tunnel Mountain Campgrounds is located within Banff National Park. It’s in proximity to the town of Banff, which offers various amenities and attractions. The campground itself is named after Tunnel Mountain, a prominent feature in the area. This campground has three different areas to choose from: Pine Grove, Aspen Meadows, and Rocky Ridge. Each area has its own charm and features, such as fire pits, picnic tables, and water taps. Pine Grove has 20 sites for tents and RVs, Aspen Meadows has 15 sites for tents only, and Rocky Ridge has 10 sites for RVs only. All sites are first-come, first-served, so make sure you arrive early to secure your spot. Tunnel Mountain Campground is known for its stunning views of the mountains and the nearby lake. You can enjoy hiking, fishing, boating, or just relaxing in nature. The campground is only an hour and a half drive from Calgary, making it a perfect weekend getaway.
7. Boulton Creek Campground
Just two hours away in Alberta’s Peter Lougheed Provincial Park, it has 160 sites for tents and RVs, each with a fire pit and picnic table. Enjoy flush toilets, hot showers, and heated camp shelters. Located near Lower Kananaskis Lake, it’s an excellent choice for watersport enthusiasts who enjoy canoeing, kayaking, or fishing. It’s also a haven for hikers, with an array of trails winding through breathtaking scenery right on its doorstep Reservations are a must, especially during the peak summer season, and can be made up to 90 days in advance of your arrival date. Booking can be conveniently done online or over the phone.
8. Lake Louise Campground
The infamous Lake Louis also has a campground, offering ‘hard-sided’ sections for RVs and trailers and ‘soft-sided’ sections for tents. Not only does it have well-equipped sites with amenities like power hook-ups, showers, and fire rings, but it also features a Wildlife Interpretive Centre for enriching your knowledge about local wildlife and history. Enjoy easy access to the awe-inspiring Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, as well as plentiful hiking and biking trails. Reservations, which can be made up to three months in advance, are available online or by phone. Don’t forget to get your national park entry pass! With exceptional reviews and mesmerizing surrounding scenery, Lake Louise Campground promises a memorable Canadian Rockies experience bursting with natural beauty and adventure.
So pack your gear, load up your vehicle, and start exploring these fantastic campgrounds around Calgary. There is a world of untamed beauty waiting for you, where you can wake up to the songs of the wild and sleep under a blanket of stars. These camping spots offer a wealth of outdoor activities, from hiking, fishing, and boating to exploring historical sites and just soaking in the serenity. Remember, it’s not just about the destination; it’s about the journey too. Embrace the open road, embrace the great outdoors, and let every experience enrich your spirit. Safe travels and happy camping!
