The best camping near Pigeon Lake Provincial Park

Just outside Edmonton, Pigeon Lake Provincial Park is an easy and accessible retreat for the whole family any time of year. In summer, explore the lake by boat or SUP board while fishing for northern pike. After a float, sunbathe on the beach or start a game of horseshoes. As the afternoon gives way to evening, get cozy around a fire and enjoy a lakeside sunset like no other. In winter, work up a sweat cross-country skiing or embrace the low temperatures and go ice fishing. Explore the park’s shoreline and forest through its network of trails, or monkey around on the playground. The park’s two campgrounds offer spacious sites for tents and RVs. Comfort camping is also available—sleep cozy in an insulated yurt with all the luxuries of home.

• Best for creature comforts: There are eight comfort camping yurts available for rent at Pigeon Lake Provincial Park.
• Best for lakeside hikes: Pigeon Lake Campground has a trail around most of the lake.
• Best for avoiding the crowds: Zeiner Campground is typically less crowded than Pigeon Lake Campground.

1. This park's close proximity to Alberta's capital city means summertime reservations, at both campgrounds, book up quickly, especially on weekends and holidays. For a summer trip, make a reservation months ahead of time.
2. Pigeon Lake Campground usually fills up before Zeiner Campground. 
3. There are some winter campsites at Pigeon Lake Campground, which are available on a first-come, first-served basis. You'll have no trouble snagging a winter site. 
4. Weekends at the eight comfort camping yurts typically book up at the beginning of the reservation season, which starts in May. If you've missed out on a weekend slot, plan a trip during the week instead. The comfort yurts are only available from May to September.

As one of Alberta's most popular summer recreation sites, campers can get the most out of a trip in July and August, when the beach area is a dream, boaters can make the most of the boat launch, the biking is good fun, and the sunsets last for what feels like hours. That being said, this park is busy! Avoid the bustle by visiting this part of Canada in the fall. Come bundle up and kayak on the lake before it freezes. When you get back to shore, you can warm up by the fire pit and enjoy some s'mores. If you don’t mind Alberta's frigid temperatures, winter camping means you can cross-country ski on the groomed trails and make the most of winterized campsites.

• The Village at Pigeon Lake is a great place to find groceries, restaurants, cafes, a pharmacy, and a gas station. There's also a concession at Pigeon Lake Campground, which is open during the summer months. The store only accepts cash.  
• Both Pigeon Lake Campground and Zeiner Campground have designated swimming areas, but watch for signage or check Alberta Parks advisories before jumping in. Pigeon Lake sometimes has a blue-green algae advisory in effect. Avoid swimming if that's in place. 
• Fishing is a popular activity at this park, but before casting your line, you'll need a provincial fishing licence. Licences are easy to get online or at many sporting and convenience stores.