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Camping near Calgary guide
Overview
The foothills of Canada's Rocky Mountains are home to Calgary, Alberta's largest city. The vibrant city holds a wealth of places to explore, but if you want to spend your time in the great outdoors, Calgary is the gateway to alpine adventures. Hiking, mountain biking, boating, and lakeside getaways are among the chief activities in Kananaskis Country, Banff, and Canmore, or you can also head east for more great campgrounds in and around Drumheller.
Where to go
Kananaskis
"K-country" is sometimes overlooked as people dash along the Trans-Canada to Banff. That’s good news for you if you'd like your plans to include backcountry hiking and camping, biking, trail rides, and generally less crowded camping experiences. Bow Valley Provincial Park is one of the protected parks in the area with several serviced and unserviced campsite options.
Banff National Park
Banff National Park is popular for a reason. It is full of awe-inspiring views of the Canadian Rockies, wildlife, a charming townsite along the Bow River, and plenty of camping options, from glamping and full-service RV parks with hookups to basic hike-in sites.
Drumheller Area
Mountains aren’t all that are on Calgary’s doorstep. Less than a 90-minute drive east of the city brings you to the dinosaur capital of Alberta, Drumheller. Home to the renowned Tyrrell Museum, even those who aren’t obsessed with dinosaurs and fossils will find themselves fascinated. Family-friendly RV parks and tenting options are all found within easy reach of town.
When to go
Year-round camping can be found near Calgary. The ski hills in the area are a popular wintertime draw, and you’ll also find skating, crosscountry and nordic skiing, snowshoeing, and even dog-sledding opportunities. It snows early and stays chilly late into the spring in the mountains, so always make sure you are prepared for the weather. Maenwhile, Drumheller has an arid climate and gets very hot in the summer. Look for a site with some shade if you can—you will need it.
Know before you go
- Being so close to the city is convenient, but this also means that weekends in the mountains (particularly long weekends) pretty consistently face a large influx of visitors. If you are hoping to snag a campsite during high season, book as soon as reservations open for the season.
- If you don't own all the gear you need for your adventure, the Outdoor Centre at the University of Calgary offers equipment rentals available to the public. They have canoes, kayaks, and rafts, plus winter sports equipment, boots, and safety gear.
- Provincial parks in Alberta are free and don't require an entry permit. Campsite fees vary, and booking fees may apply. Make your reservation at the Alberta Parks website or by phone.
Nearby attractions
- Delve into the Canadian wilderness by camping near Johnston Canyon. Its roaring waterfalls and lush forest trails create a captivating backdrop for your Johnston Canyon camping adventure.
- Experience the magic of camping at Abraham Lake, where pristine waters meet majestic mountains. With wild winds creating beautiful ice bubbles in winter, Abraham Lake is truly an unforgettable camping experience.
- Offering an extraordinary blend of history, wildlife, and majestic scenery, camping near Lake Minnewanka is a true Canadian wilderness adventure. Explore its beautiful trails by day and indulge in star-gazing by night for a profound Lake Minnewanka camping experience.
- Unwind to the soothing sound of cascading waters while camping near Bow Falls. The Bow Falls camping experience combines the invigorating rush of the falls with serene woodland trails, creating a picture-perfect outdoor retreat.
