- Chain Lakes Provincial Park
The best camping in Chain Lakes Provincial Park, AB
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Read millions of real reviews from campers like you—so you know what to expect.Top-rated campgrounds near Chain Lakes Provincial Park
Willow Hill Lodge
Willow Hill Lodge
100%
(13)
37km from Chain Lakes Provincial Park · 2 sites · Lodging
The property is located in the beautiful Alberta Foothills on a hillside overlooking the valleys, hills and with breathtaking views of the Alberta Rocky Mountains.
There are 67 acres to explore with trails, a Wild West town boardwalk, a garden for munching and a multitude of local wildlife including deer, moose, eagles, great horned owls and even the odd black bear sighting.
The are wild berries to pick in late July all over the property and firepits to sit around and watch a billion stars at night.
This property is a small Bed and Breakfast with only 2 glamping units and one luxury suite. That equals no crowds!
But don't fear, we are within a 1 to 25 minute drive of 5 different towns all with their own charm. The area is known for ranching, hiking, the film industry, great food and award winning distilleries and breweries.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
CA$180
/ night
ML Arena at Spring Point
ML Arena at Spring Point
98%
(21)
66km from Chain Lakes Provincial Park · 6 sites · Tents, RVs
ML Arena is located in the Foothills of Southern Alberta in the community of Spring Point (the HipCamp listing shows “Claresholm” but we are located in the MD of Pincher Creek) 10 miles west of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of “Head Smashed In Buffalo Jump “. We have 3 campsites with water and power, 1 full service treed campsite for smaller rigs and an orchard for tenting. Overflow parking for big rigs is available with power.
There is an indoor riding arena on site and access to the Porcupine Hills Recreation Area public lands just 15 minutes down the road! Beautiful open views give the feel of being secluded but proximity to both Fort Macleod and Pincher Creek is just 25 minutes away.
Outdoor corrals and pens with auto waterers are available for horses.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from
CA$35
/ night
Secluded Cliffside Paradise
Secluded Cliffside Paradise
95%
(11)
75km from Chain Lakes Provincial Park · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
This secluded cliffside paradise overlooks the legendary Bow River known for its fly fishing and breathtaking views, we also have river access for kayaking.
Only 12 min from Calgary, and quick access to the transit system, you'll want to extend your stay!
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from
CA$40
/ night
Porcupine Hills Range
Porcupine Hills Range
39km from Chain Lakes Provincial Park · 10 sites · Tents, RVs
Open space on green grass and mixed hay. No neighbours for 2km and only to the north east and south east. Many out buildings to get shelter from. Can be plugged in to power. Nice view of the Foothills and mountains. Large community fire pit. Can putter about on motorcycles or quads only with guide. We do target practice here and occasionally hit some golf balls about. Come set off some fireworks!
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from
CA$24
/ night
Flint Rock Ranch
Flint Rock Ranch
100%
(2)
61km from Chain Lakes Provincial Park · 12 sites · Lodging
Since 1905 Flint Rock Ranch has been a welcoming ranch with the best views in Southern Alberta.
We proudly continue the tradition of raising grass-finished beef, and welcoming guests from across the globe.
The Garden of Agnus on Flint Rock Ranch is nestled next to the barn out of the wind, and just across from the washrooms, shower, cookhouse, and bonfire pit.
With incredible views, hiking, games, and kayaks, this working cattle ranch is perfect for an adventure in the country.
We have 10 different campsites available for tent and RV campers.
We are family-friendly and pet-friendly!
Campfires are permitted as long as there is no fire ban.
Beauvais Lake Provincial Park and Castle Provincial Park are both within a 20-minute drive.
We look forward to hosting you!
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
CA$160
/ night
Gardiner's Land
Gardiner's Land
92%
(6)
73km from Chain Lakes Provincial Park · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
All are welcome even your horse can stay here lots of land to walk around geocaches close by
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
CA$30
/ night
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
R
Rhian
November 2025
Group trip
The cabin is cute and was nice and warm. Friends were able to sleep in their tent outside and it was cozy. The bed in the lower area is extremely firm but the one upstairs is comfy.
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С
Сноб
October 2025
Weekend Trip to Marigold Farm Cabin
If you need a quiet, peaceful place with a beautiful house, I highly recommend it. The owner is very welcoming. The house is clean, cozy, and warm. There is a stove you can light yourself. There is a fire pit outside. It was ready to use when we arrived.
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E
Emilie
September 2025
23 ft travel trailer
With pets
We had a wonderful stay at Paradise on the Ridge! The views are incredible, the property is lovely and our hosts were very welcoming. Being able to let our dogs explore freely was the cherry on top that really made this a special stay. 5 stars!!
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Aaron
September 2025
15 ft campervan
Beautiful property with beautiful views! It’s hard to believe you’re only a few minutes from the city.
The sunsets by the fire are incredible!
I would recommend, because the property is south facing, that you may want to plan your spot based on how much sun you want.
Lots of cows, deer, pocket gophers, and ground squirrels to spot while you relax in the peace and quiet.
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C
Casper
September 2025
Tent
It was such a beautiful spot. We tented it for one night by the river. Everything was pretty wet but we thought it was worth it for the view and sounds of the river. We had our dogs with us who loved being able to play in the water. Just such a perfect place. We wish we could have stayed longer. Definitely coming back for our river spot again if we can.
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S
Sarah
September 2025
Tent
Group trip
I love this campground 10/10 would recommend. I will admit that I was nervous to pick this spot after reading some of the reviews, however we needed a spot for the long weekend that was close to the city since I was hosting a nature ceremony so we needed somewhere that could accommodate lots of guests not too far. They have quite a lot of land out there with lots of cool things to explore. The moment we drove in we seen horses and bison! 🦬 (In a pen now, they no longer just wander) These man at the check in trailer was very friendly and gave us lots of wood for good price. There was lots of interesting sights on the property, a modified bus, some farm equipment and playground structures and what looked like an indigenous market area, I suppose to some it might look like junk however we all thought it was cool. They have several different sections-a glamping area with domes, some tipis, trailer area and tenting area. This is a perfect spot if you are coming with a large group. Access to the river (perfect for hot summer days, thank god cuz it was so hot when we were there) And this place is close enough to Bragg Creek you can run to town if u need anything and you will still get cell service here. 👌 And the outhouses weren't to bad when we went.
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C
Claudio
September 2025
30 ft travel trailer
With pets
Lovely, large and secluded spot overlooking the Bow River just minutes outside of Calgary city limits. We were treated to eye level views of hawks and eagles in action, pelicans closer to the water and amazing sunsets.
See moreD
Dawn
August 2025
Tent
What a beautiful place!! Just what my soul needed this weekend ❤️ we did ceremony and spent time as a family:) I would definitely recommend this place to all my friends and family!!
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R
Ron
August 2025
19 ft toy hauler
With kids
We had such a wonderful stay at Cathy and Todd’s place through Hipcamp. Cathy was incredibly kind and welcoming, and she even offered us great suggestions for local hikes and activities. Todd was also very friendly and helpful. Their property is beautiful, with a well-kept grassy area that’s perfect for camping, and being around the horses made the experience even more special. Everything felt comfortable, peaceful, and thoughtfully set up. We truly enjoyed our time there and would highly recommend this spot to anyone looking for a relaxing and memorable camping experience.
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D
Davis
August 2025
1 night at Willow Hill Lodge
It is so nice and peaceful. We slept in the little wagon and it was way my comfortable than I though it would be and Cathy was an amazing host who gave us a delicious breakfast in bed. Super cool must try experience.
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Vicky
August 2025
26 ft Class A
With kids
Really peaceful site. Friendly host. We would stay again.
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M
Martin
August 2025
33 ft travel trailer
Very peaceful environment. They were accommodating of my needs and I had a great stay!!
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L
Lisa
August 2025
22 ft travel trailer
Kim has a beautiful spot. Lots of blue sky and fabulous views of the Bow river. She is a wonderful host who is very focused on making her campers experience top notch.
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Tanya
August 2025
Tent
With kids
We spent unforgettable time here! The campsite has everything you need - private space in a beautiful place, electricity, water, washroom access, kind people around. My daughter is excited about the horse riding lesson she took. So many things to do and places to visit in this area - Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, Kootenai Brown Pioneer Village, Lundbreck Falls, Oldman Dam. I would recommend this place for families seeking adventures during the days and quiet nature with campfire at night. Cathy is a very welcoming host!
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Tanya
August 2025
Tent
We loved staying at ML Arena. The tenting site is beautiful and quiet. The campsite is isolated from other campsites. Landscape around is amazing, infrastructure is great and owners are very friendly. Thank you! We would be happy to come here again
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S
Susan
July 2025
Tent
Great tent camping spot. This is one of the best hip camping tent sites we have stayed at. The tent camping area is very private and with soft grass. Water and electricity are about 100 ft away. Fantastic washroom is in the horse arena which is about a block and a half away from the tent site. Hostess was accommodating and friendly. The song birds were a bonus. This would be a marvelous place for those camping with their horses. Exceptional privacy and shade. Another bonus is that it is within relatively easy driving distance of a World Cultural Heritage Site: the Head-Smashed-In-Buffalo-Jump. (Much of this drive was on gravel roads but was easily traversed.). I would rate this Hipcamp site as a 12 on a 10-point scale. I would detour to camp here again!
See moreP
Paris
July 2025
Weekend Trip to Marigold Farm Cabin
We had a wonderful stay at Timothy's cabin! It was easy to find, and matched the description. The cabin was cozy and had thoughtful touches, and had a microwave, hot plate, and fridge. The bed was super comfortable. Bathroom/ composting toilet was clean and well maintained.
Timothy was gracious and showed us around the farm and introduced us to the chickens! There was supplies for a fire, although we didn't end up building one. We will definitely be back!
See moreC
Callen
July 2025
Tent
Group trip
Friendly host, wood is free to burn and the river is beautiful.
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J
Jessica
July 2025
16 ft campervan
Another fantastic stay at Cathys! We booked a ride for the morning this time which was incredible! Most amazing place! Couldn't recommend enough!!
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D
Danielle
July 2025
Tent
Group trip
It was great. Im definitely going back next year and staying for their powwow and the bragg creek days. Its such a good place to set up camp and stay for a week or 2. 👌
See moreThe best camping in Chain Lakes Provincial Park, AB guide
Overview
About
Roughly 90 minutes’ drive southwest from Calgary, not far from the town of Nanton, is Chain Lakes Provincial Park. Set on the banks of the Chain Lakes Reservoir in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, the park is known for rainbow trout fishing (bull trout is catch and release only), sailing, and windsurfing, as well as geocaching plus birding and wildlife viewing. Keep your eyes out for pelicans and moose!
When to go
The ideal time to visit Chain Lakes Provincial Park is during the warmer months, from late May to early September, when the park is fully accessible and activities are in full swing. Winter brings a quiet beauty, but be prepared for chilly conditions and limited access.
Know before you go
- Review the latest park advisories for any closures or safety notices before your visit.
- Accessibility is a priority, with wheelchair-friendly facilities ensuring an inclusive experience for all visitors.
- Remember to pack out your trash and respect the natural environment to preserve its beauty.
- Local wildlife is abundant; always maintain a safe distance and store food securely.
- Check the park's official website for updates on available facilities and any seasonal changes in operation hours.
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