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Camping in Alberta

The Canadian Rockies are a no-brainer, but Alberta also offers badlands, Indigenous history, and dinosaur fossils.

95% (1152 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Alberta

Star Hosts in Alberta

12 top campgrounds in Alberta

98%
(257)

The Secret Sanctuary

15 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents80 acres · Wetaskiwin, AB
We are passionate about nature and the environment. Living close to off-grid makes this area low in EMF, light and noise pollution. The well water is clean, pure and delicious. We are excited to share this Alberta wilderness with like-minded outdoor-type individuals who enjoy community camping. There are two beautiful lakes (Battle Lake and Pigeon Lake) within a 10-minute drive that offer boating, fishing, beaches, biking and walking trails. Our property is about 1 hour south of Edmonton, Alberta. We have 3 different listings to choose from. Our Tiny Home Cabin, Glamping tents, RVs and camping. Come enjoy this tranquil piece of nature with us - we look forward to hosting you!
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CA$30
 / night
87%
(34)

Wheatland Shores Campground

23 sites · RVs, Tents25 acres · Calgary, AB
Explore the great outdoors with Wheatland Shores Campground. Offering trailer and tent camping options for short or seasonal stays, our picturesque campground is located on Eagle Lake in Southern Alberta. Enjoy fishing, water sports, and kayak rentals. Find all your camping essentials at our onsite store. Group sites available. Make memories that last at Wheatland Shores Campground.
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CA$40
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95%
(64)

Hippy Haven

8 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents7 acres · Red Deer, AB
Learn more about this land: The Hippy Haven is a cozy, comfortable spot for a relaxing getaway! Come to this serene property less than 10 minutes south of Ponoka, Alberta to enjoy the peace and beauty of nature. Hippy Haven is a bird watchers paradise. Train enthusiasts wont be disappointed either! Our property is surrounded by beautiful trees. The Puma is in the same yard as the cabin and can be booked together. Bring your food and personal belongings and leave the rest to us! There is a shared kitchen, laundry, and bathroom available. Enjoy the therapeutic benefits of sitting around a campfire - firewood available on site! Nearby attractions include Wolf Creek Golf Resort, Ponoka Golf, Collett Natural Area, Gull Lake Fishing Adventures, and more! We look forward to hosting you.
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CA$35
 / night
94%
(82)

Bridgeviews Retreat Drumheller

15 sites · RVs, Tents9 acres · AB
Nestled in a private location on the famous 11 bridges route, 5 mins to town amenities and 15 mins to the Royal Tyrrell museum. Private 8 acres along the Rosebud creek and surrounded by Drumhellers hills, perfect quiet soul healing get away for you and your family. Hot showers, hot coffee and playset await you. Explore the unique landscape without the crowds. We welcome you, be our family :)
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CA$50
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97%
(46)

Elk Island Getaway

10 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · AB
Welcome to Elk Island Getaway! We are located 20 minutes east of Edmonton, Alberta. We have 6 campsites available for tent and RV campers. Our group site is site 7a and 7b please inquire if interested in this option. We do not discriminate on anything and are all inclusive Pets welcome on leash. This is a user maintained campground. Please take your trash with you at the end of your stay. There is a toilet available for campers to use but no other amenities. Some of our sites offer picnic tables but not all Mowed Paths to walk We offer propane firepits with propane for an additional fee - please inquire if interested in this. We sell bundles of wood for an additional fee. We follow Provincial and County Fire Regulations Boreal Harvest Farms is right next door with a honeyberry U pick available during part of the year. Starts July 8th open to pick for an additional fee! We are also right by Elk Island Park for all your hiking, biking and kayaking needs. In addition to being an important refuge for bison, elk and more than 250 bird species, Elk Island National Park is also an oasis of calm for day picnickers and hikers. ​We look forward to hosting you.
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CA$45
 / night
100%
(5)

Painted Warriors Ranch

6 sites · Lodging82 acres · Calgary, AB
Indigenous land based tourism operation set up in the boreal forests in the Rocky mountian foothills. Campers can book indigenous experiences during the day all based on traditional living skills. Camp area features indoor washrooms and an outdoor shelter area. Campers can book a stay in a wall tent or set up a tent. *Please note that this is a booking for a campsite and is not the same as our website glamping experience.
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CA$165
 / night
100%
(13)

Go Hard Ranch

19 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents1700 acres · AB
Go Hard Ranch is nestled alongside Chip Lake and is conveniently located only 15 minutes from the Yellowhead Highway near the small Hamlet of Wildwood, Alberta. Our new stylish & adorable cabins and nearby Wash House offer you a luxurious and a unique stay in the heart of our ranch. Our campground has 12 stalls for additional levels of experience for those wishing to camp. Also for those wishing to make it an equestrian adventure we have large outdoor box stalls available for your horses to stay. Overlooking one of Alberta’s largest and underrated lakes, your time at our second-generation ranch will captivate you. Whether you are needing to step outside to experience the stunning views, trails, wildlife or your soul is craving to ride your horse on our trails, the Go Hard Ranch is your perfect go-to oasis. The Ranch is ideal for so many things such as individual getaways, families and other group camping, hosting your next retreat or event! The Ranch offers a venue with just the right taste of the country no matter what reason you have to visit.
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CA$50
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Booked 1 time

Buffalo Rock Tipi Camp

10 sites · Lodging500 acres · Claresholm, AB
Our tIpi camp is located on the Piikani Nation Reserve and family owned. We are directly on Old Man River with 1.5km of private riverfront property. We offer tipi camping and Blackfoot culture programming for individuals and groups. Our land is rich with natural foods and medicine. Natural habitat to many small animals and birds. Last of the conserved cottonwoods. Beautiful place to fall asleep and wake up.
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CA$140
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80%
(5)

D&A Gardens

10 sites · RVs30 acres · Red Deer County, AB
RV camp spot within our beautiful orchard, inside our game fence! Only a 10-minute walk to our farm store, outdoor licensed cafe, nature trek trail, bat walk, antique trail. We produce lovely wines and spirits which are available for purchase. We can accommodate vehicles up to 45 ft in length and the sites are flat. Friday nights in the summer are Bootlegger brisket dinner and storytelling, wagon rides (Friday, Sat and Sun) Sunday Ultimate Pancake breakfast, wine tasting tour in the orchard tour. Special events such as night bat walk, UPIK fruit. Check us out online dnagardens.com or Facebook dnagardens Easy to explore the badlands of Alberta from here. Just an hour away from the Royal Tyrrell Dinosaur Museum in Drumheller. Dry Island Buffalo Jump Provincial Park only 15 minutes as the crow flies. D&A Gardens grows 19 varieties of Saskatoons and is the oldest commercial grower of this berry in the world. At the garden, couples, families, and the like can enjoy fruit picking and plenty of fun! Campfires are permitted, pets are welcome on a leash. Orchard gates need to be opened and closed at all times. We are a working orchard We look forward to hosting you!
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CA$30
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64%
(7)

Victoria Trail Campground

20 sites · RVs, Tents12 acres · Vegreville, AB
Learn more about this land: Victoria Trail Campground will be opening in the summer of 2022. We will be offering weekday, weekend and seasonal camping. We can build you a campsite specific to your needs. If you're bringing an RV, we can accommodate vehicles up to 45ft in length and the site requires levelling.  We have a garbage disposal, outhouse, access to water at the main cabin, garden plots available to rent, access to the Iron Horse Trail for quads, river is close by and are numerous other lakes for swimming, fishing etc. There is a Sani station a few miles away, store, car wash, gas station, liquor store and several restaurants. Laundry and groceries are 15 minutes away. Treed private stalls and dog-friendly. We are very accommodating to what your needs may be.
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CA$30
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The Ranch

6 sites · RVs88 acres · Edson, AB
Learn more about this land:Welcome to The Ranch! Van and truck campers, RVs, and trailers are all welcome.The campsites require levelling and can accommodate vehicles up to 49ft in length. Electrical and water hookups are available.Surrounded by beautiful horses and trees. Activities nearby include wildlife watching, horseback riding, biking, off-roading, and more.McLeod lake (Carson Lake) day use is a short drive. McLeod river is also close by which is great for tubing or rafting. Campfires permitted, pets welcome.
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CA$30
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Boreal Woods

6 sites · RVs, Tents31 acres · Lac La Biche, AB
The closer to nature that I could be, the happier I was, camping, hiking, skiing, then we bought a farm! Here we have it all. Lac la Biche lake is a bird sanctuary and I love birdwatching. We've had many 4 legged visitors that still venture close when our two guardian Great Pyrenees girls are sleeping. Learn more about this land: Come camp on our quiet and serene farm!  Our property is horse-friendly and not far from crown land where there are many trails left from oil explorations.  Activities nearby also include boating and fishing. Pets are welcome but dogs must be on a leash. Campfires are permitted!
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CA$40
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The best camping, glamping, and outdoor stays in Alberta guide

The glacier-topped peaks, aqua lakes, and scenic campgrounds of the Canadian Rockies draw most of Alberta’s visitors, who come to explore Banff and Jasper national parks. And beyond those parks, this western province is worth visiting to hike through the Canadian Badlands’ unusual rock formations; delve into the region’s indigenous heritage; road trip along the Cowboy Trail; or visit Dinosaur Provincial Park. Alberta’s largest cities are Calgary, a 90-minute drive from Banff, and Edmonton, four hours from Jasper.

Canadian Rockies

Alberta’s most popular region includes Banff and Jasper national parks, drawing visitors from around the world to Lake Louise, the Icefields Parkway, and other scenic spots. The town of Canmore, 20 minutes’ drive from Banff’s south entrance, is a good place to get supplies. Waterton Lakes National Park borders Montana’s Glacier National Park south of Calgary and across the border in the U.S.

Southern Alberta & the Canadian Badlands

The gateway to the Rockies, Calgary is also a short drive from the Canadian Badlands, where you can explore unusual hoodoos and rocky canyons. The region around Drumheller and Dinosaur Provincial Park, where Canada’s early dinosaurs were unearthed, has plenty to interest paleontology fans.

Central Alberta

The center of the province includes Alberta’s Cowboy Trail, where cattle ranches are still active and you can trace the area’s cowboy past. Visit Rocky Mountain House National Historic Site to learn about Alberta’s heritage as a fur trading hub, as well as its indigenous First Nations and Métis cultures.

Northern Alberta

Edmonton is the jumping-off point for both Jasper National Park and the province’s vast north, where remote Wood Buffalo National Park extends into the Northwest Territories. But you don’t have to go far to delve into the wild—just outside Edmonton, more than 1,000 bison roam the protected prairies of Elk Island National Park.

Frequently Asked Questions

In Alberta, Canada, you generally need a permit or reservation to camp in provincial parks, national parks, and some other public lands. For provincial parks, you can reserve a campsite online through the Alberta Parks website. For national parks, such as Banff and Jasper, you will need to make reservations through the Parks Canada Reservation System. Some public lands and Crown lands may also require permits, so it's essential to check the specific regulations for the area you plan to camp in.

When camping in the Edmonton area, you can find a variety of campgrounds and parks, such as Elk Island National Park and William A. Sweny Campground, where you will need to make reservations or obtain permits as required.

Random camping, also known as dispersed camping, is allowed in Alberta on public lands, including Crown land and provincial forests, with some rules and guidelines to follow:

  1. Choose a site at least 1 km away from any designated or established campground, recreation area, or private land.
  2. Stay at least 100 meters away from any lakes, rivers, or streams to protect water quality and wildlife habitats.
  3. Only camp for a maximum of 14 days in the same location.
  4. Leave no trace; pack out all garbage and waste, and leave the site as you found it.
  5. Do not cut down trees or damage vegetation.
  6. Campfires are allowed in fire-safe containers or in rock fire rings. Check for fire bans and restrictions in the area before starting a fire.
  7. Use existing trails and roads to minimize damage to the environment.
  8. Respect wildlife and keep a safe distance from them.
  9. Obey any posted signs and regulations.

It is important to note that random camping is not allowed in Alberta's provincial parks, national parks, or ecological reserves.

Yes, you can definitely camp in a tent in Alberta, Canada. The province offers a wide variety of camping opportunities, from well-maintained campgrounds in national and provincial parks to more remote backcountry sites. Some popular camping destinations in Alberta include Banff National Park, Jasper National Park, and Elk Island National Park, as well as many provincial parks and recreation areas. Keep in mind that camping in designated campgrounds and obtaining the necessary permits is essential to protect the environment and abide by local regulations. Also, be prepared for varying weather conditions depending on the season and location.

While some camping options in Alberta do require fees, there are also free camping sites available. These free sites are typically referred to as "random camping" or "dispersed camping" and are often located on Crown land or Public Land Use Zones (PLUZ). These sites usually do not have any amenities or facilities, so campers need to be self-sufficient and practice Leave No Trace principles. Keep in mind that regulations and restrictions may apply, so it's essential to research the area you plan to camp in before heading out.

Yes, random camping, also known as dispersed or backcountry camping, is allowed in Alberta on Crown land, which is public land managed by the government. It is important to note that random camping is not permitted in all areas, and you should always check local regulations and restrictions before setting up camp. Some popular locations for random camping in Alberta include the Kananaskis Country, the Bighorn Backcountry, and the Ghost Public Land Use Zone. When random camping, it is essential to follow Leave No Trace principles and respect the environment and wildlife.

To get a campsite in Alberta, you can follow these steps:

  1. Decide on the type of campground you want to stay at. Alberta offers a variety of campgrounds, including provincial parks, national parks, private campgrounds, and recreation areas.
  2. Research campgrounds in the area you want to visit. You can use websites like Alberta Parks and Parks Canada to find information about public campgrounds, or visit private campground websites for more options.
  3. Once you've selected a campground, check if reservations are required. Many campgrounds in Alberta accept reservations, while others operate on a first-come, first-served basis. For public campgrounds, you can make reservations through Reserve.AlbertaParks.ca or Parks Canada's reservation system. For private campgrounds, contact the campground directly to make a reservation.
  4. Before your trip, make sure you have the appropriate camping permits and passes. For example, you may need a National Park Pass if you're camping in a national park or a Provincial Park Pass for a provincial park. You can purchase these passes online or at park gates.
  5. Arrive at the campground, set up your campsite, and enjoy your stay in Alberta's beautiful outdoors!

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