Calgary, a vibrant city known for its dynamic urban scene, also boasts easy access to some of Canada’s most breathtaking natural landscapes. Whether you’re a seasoned camper or a family seeking a weekend escape, the campgrounds near Calgary offer a diverse range of experiences. From serene lakeside retreats to majestic mountain vistas, each location promises a unique blend of adventure and relaxation. Here, we explore five of the best campgrounds near Calgary, each with its own special charm and attractions.
1. Bow Valley Provincial Park
Nestled in the foothills of the Canadian Rockies, Bow Valley Provincial Park is a haven for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Located just an hour’s drive west of Calgary, this park is easily accessible yet feels a world away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Camping Facilities and Amenities
Bow Valley offers a variety of camping options, including tent sites, RV sites, and group camping areas. The park is well-equipped with modern amenities such as flush toilets, showers, and potable water, ensuring a comfortable stay. Many sites are set along the banks of the Bow River, providing picturesque views and soothing sounds of flowing water.
Activities and Attractions
Hiking is one of the main draws at Bow Valley Provincial Park, with trails ranging from easy walks to challenging climbs. The Bow Valley Trail, for example, is a popular route that offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. For those interested in wildlife, the park is home to an array of animals including deer, elk, and various bird species.
Fishing enthusiasts will find the Bow River teeming with trout, making it a prime location for fly-fishing. Additionally, the park’s proximity to Canmore and Banff provides opportunities for day trips to explore these iconic destinations.
Why It’s a Top Choice
Bow Valley Provincial Park combines accessibility with a rich natural environment, making it an ideal choice for both quick getaways and extended stays. Its well-maintained facilities and diverse range of activities cater to all types of campers, from solo adventurers to families.
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2. Peter Lougheed Provincial Park
A bit farther afield but well worth the journey, Peter Lougheed Provincial Park is located in Kananaskis Country, about a two-hour drive from Calgary. This expansive park is renowned for its stunning alpine scenery and abundant recreational opportunities.
Camping Facilities and Amenities
The park features several campgrounds, including Elkwood, Boulton Creek, and Lower Lakes, each offering a variety of camping experiences. Facilities include both serviced and unserviced sites, showers, and fire pits. For those seeking a more rustic experience, backcountry camping is also available.
Activities and Attractions
Peter Lougheed Provincial Park is a paradise for hikers, with over 200 kilometers of trails winding through forests, meadows, and mountain passes. The Rawson Lake and Ptarmigan Cirque trails are particularly popular, offering breathtaking views and a chance to spot local wildlife.
In addition to hiking, the park offers excellent opportunities for canoeing and kayaking on the numerous lakes, including Upper and Lower Kananaskis Lakes. Anglers can enjoy fishing in these pristine waters, while winter visitors can take advantage of cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails.
Why It’s a Top Choice
The sheer beauty and diversity of Peter Lougheed Provincial Park make it a standout destination for campers. Its combination of well-developed campgrounds and vast, untouched wilderness offers the best of both worlds, appealing to those looking for comfort as well as adventure.
3. Dinosaur Provincial Park
For a completely different experience, head east of Calgary to Dinosaur Provincial Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located about two hours away. This park is famous for its rich fossil beds and striking badlands landscape, providing a unique camping experience unlike any other.
Camping Facilities and Amenities
The Dinosaur Provincial Park Campground is situated in a lush river valley, offering both serviced and unserviced sites. Amenities include showers, flush toilets, and a camp store. The campground’s setting amidst cottonwood trees and the Red Deer River provides a refreshing contrast to the surrounding arid badlands.
Activities and Attractions
The main attraction at Dinosaur Provincial Park is, of course, the chance to explore one of the world’s richest dinosaur fossil sites. Guided tours and interpretive programs are available, allowing visitors to learn about the park’s prehistoric past and even see active fossil excavations.
Hiking trails in the park range from easy walks to more challenging routes that take you through the badlands and offer panoramic views of the unique landscape. The Cottonwood Flats Trail, for example, is a family-friendly hike that showcases the park’s diverse flora and fauna.
For those interested in photography or simply appreciating nature’s artistry, the park’s dramatic rock formations and vibrant sunsets provide endless inspiration.
Why It’s a Top Choice
Dinosaur Provincial Park offers a camping experience that combines natural beauty with a fascinating glimpse into the Earth’s ancient history. Its unique landscape and educational opportunities make it an exceptional destination for families, science enthusiasts, and adventurers alike.
4. Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park
Situated about three hours southeast of Calgary, Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park (Áísínai’pi in Blackfoot) is another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Known for its extensive collection of Indigenous rock carvings and paintings, the park offers a profound cultural and historical experience in addition to its natural beauty.
Camping Facilities and Amenities
The campground at Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park is well-equipped with both powered and unpowered sites, along with amenities such as showers, flush toilets, and a playground. The sites are spacious and many offer views of the Milk River and the surrounding sandstone cliffs.
Activities and Attractions
The park is most famous for its hoodoos and rock art, which visitors can explore through guided tours and interpretive trails. The Hoodoo Trail is a must-do, taking you through the heart of the park’s geological formations and past several petroglyphs and pictographs.
In addition to its cultural significance, Writing-on-Stone offers excellent opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and canoeing on the Milk River. The unique landscape and the park’s efforts to preserve its natural and cultural heritage make it a fascinating destination for all ages.
Why It’s a Top Choice
Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park stands out for its combination of natural beauty and cultural richness. Its well-preserved rock art and stunning hoodoos provide a captivating backdrop for camping, making it a memorable destination for anyone interested in history, culture, and nature.
5. Lake Louise Campground
No list of the best campgrounds near Calgary would be complete without mentioning Lake Louise. Located in Banff National Park, about two hours west of Calgary, Lake Louise is a world-renowned destination known for its turquoise lake and stunning mountain scenery.
Camping Facilities and Amenities
The Lake Louise Campground offers both a trailer campground and a tent campground, each equipped with modern amenities such as showers, flush toilets, and picnic shelters. The trailer campground also provides electrical hookups and sani-dump facilities.
Activities and Attractions
Lake Louise is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream, offering a plethora of activities year-round. In the summer, hiking is the main attraction, with trails like the Lake Agnes Tea House Trail and the Plain of Six Glaciers Trail providing spectacular views and rewarding destinations.
For those looking to get on the water, canoe rentals are available, allowing visitors to paddle across the iconic turquoise waters of Lake Louise. Nearby, Moraine Lake offers another stunning vista and additional hiking opportunities.
In winter, Lake Louise transforms into a snowy wonderland, with world-class skiing and snowboarding at the Lake Louise Ski Resort, as well as opportunities for ice skating, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing.
Why It’s a Top Choice
Lake Louise Campground’s prime location within Banff National Park makes it an unbeatable base for exploring one of the most beautiful regions in the world. The combination of excellent facilities, a wide range of activities, and breathtaking scenery ensures a memorable camping experience for all visitors.
Conclusion
The campgrounds near Calgary offer an incredible variety of experiences, from the rugged beauty of the Rockies to the ancient history of the badlands. Each of the five campgrounds highlighted—Bow Valley Provincial Park, Peter Lougheed Provincial Park, Dinosaur Provincial Park, Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park, and Lake Louise Campground—provides unique attractions and opportunities for adventure.
Whether you’re seeking the tranquility of a riverside retreat, the thrill of mountain exploration, or a journey into the past, these campgrounds deliver unforgettable experiences. So pack your camping gear, hit the road, and discover the natural wonders that await just beyond Calgary’s city limits.