The best great views camping in Alberta

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

97% (674) 35 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in Alberta

Collinswood Retreat

1. Collinswood Retreat

98%
(281)
Red Deer, AB · 8 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Collin’s Wood is a very special place indeed. The land was bought by my grandfather years ago when he moved to Canada from England and wanted to chase his log cabin dream. Our main cabin my family built from trees on the land, entirely by hand. We have photos of the trees being cut and the bark being peeled off. Since then, we’ve made many changes out there, we now have a guest cabin that used to be a Teacheridge (back when teachers would live in a one room building beside the school), eventually it was turned into a cafe and now it sits on our land as a guest cabin. This place is so magical. With a quarter section of land I grew up running through the forest with my friends and learning about what the land has to offer. My parents have spent every spare weekend out there making this paradise into what it is today. All the buildings were created by my family through labour and love. We’ve hosted weddings, and family reunions. We hope you appreciate how special this place is. Come see for yourself!
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
The Mariposa Glamping/Camping

2. The Mariposa Glamping/Camping

94%
(69)
AB · 8 sites · Tents, RVs
Discover Serenity Near Payne Lake Provincial Park Escape to our peaceful, pet-friendly glamping and campground, just steps away from the natural beauty of Payne Lake Provincial Park. Whether you bring your own tent or RV, or rent one of our cozy options, you’ll find yourself surrounded by nature’s tranquility. Enjoy fishing, for rainbow trout, swimming, or launching your boat or other water craft right from the park. Located only 14 km from the Waterton Park boundary and a short 20-minute drive to the Waterton Park townsite, our campground offers the perfect blend of seclusion and accessibility. For those looking to explore further, we are also just 25 minutes from Cardston, home to the historic Remington Carriage Museum, the Cardston Carriage House Theatre, and the beautiful temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Relax around the fire pit, savor meals at the provided picnic tables, and immerse yourself in the quiet, private setting. Please note, we currently do not offer hook-ups or potable water, so come prepared to enjoy a true off-grid experience. We are located only a 15 minute drive from the Waterton Lake National Park.
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Homegrown Campground & Cabins

3. Homegrown Campground & Cabins

97%
(246)
Slave Lake, AB · 5 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Homegrown Campground and Cabins is nestled on the north shore of Lesser Slave Lake and I offer cozy camping areas with private lakefront views of Dog Island. I currently have 4 camp sites, two of which have decks, and another site with one tiny cabin. Please read: The property is also a Bison farm and I have two dogs, Luna and Pyro, who are the campground security managers. They love people and other furry friends! Please note that this campground/farm are my dogs home, and they may wonder over at some point and say hello. Please do not feed them, and use good judgment if you are traveling with dogs of your own. Aggressive dogs will not be tolerated. If my dogs overstay their welcome, or if you simply aren't a dog person, please let me know and I can come retrieve them. Potable water is available, directions to it will be made available after checking in. Also, if any of the sites, garabge bin or outhouse needs attention, PLEASE let me know. I ask that you don't leave bags of garbage on the ground after checking out since birds, dogs, or bears will take that as an ivite to make a mess looking for a snack. I do have a full time job that prevents me from being around 100% of the time, so with your help, we can ensure a clean and safe campground for everyone to enjoy. There is a metal dumpster at the end of the road that can be used if needed. Points of interest nearby include: Lesser Slave Lake Provincial Park, Devonshire Beach. 5-10 minutes away. You can't say you've been to Slave Lake with out saying you've been to Devonshire. Endless amounts of clean white "squeaky" sand and shallow waters perfect for summer beach days. You will never find a rock on the beach or in the water. The southern end of the park consists of sand ridges and blowout dunes, behind which are a series of marshes and wetlands. Marten Mountain View Point (Lily Lake Trail). 15 minutes away. By far the best view of the lake that you will ever get! At 1020 meters, Marten Mountain is the highest point of land for hundreds of square kilometers. From the Marten Mountain Viewpoint, you can take in a truly breathtaking view of Lesser Slave Lake and its forested slopes. The view point is also the trail head to get to Lily Lake, a medium difficulty 4 km round trip. The cozy lake is stocked with trout and is an excellent afternoon adventure. Boreal Centre for Bird Conservation. 5 minutes away. It is one of Canada's northernmost bird observatories and is one of the only boreal forest bird observatories in the world. Nice walking trails and a great information center with stunning architecture. Gilwood Golf Course. 2 minutes away. Neighboring the property is an 18 hole golf course with a clubhouse and restaurant. Activities nearby include fishing, hiking, wildlife watching, swimming, and so much more! Pets are welcome, campfires are permitted
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Rocky Mountains Glamping

4. Rocky Mountains Glamping

94%
(231)
AB · 4 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Our beautiful Glamping tents feature a queen sized bed with bedding and pillows, Power, Potable water, a coffee pot, lamps, accent lighting outside, and a deck with patio chairs. We have a beautiful little creek (not deep enough to swim), but one can wade and cool off.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Camping with Mountain Views

5. Camping with Mountain Views

97%
(81)
AB · 1 site
With amazing views of the Rocky Mountains, this west facing spot allows for some beautiful sunsets. Sightings of deer and moose are very typical along with many birds including hawks, eagles and even a chance to see some sand hill cranes. Just up the hill is the Pine Ridge lookout which provide views towards Waterton Park and the legendary Chief Mountain.Learn more about this land:This camping spot has amazing mountain views about 15 minutes from Waterton Lakes National Park.  The prairies of Alberta meet the peaks of the Rocky Mountains in Waterton Lakes National Park. Clear lakes, thundering waterfalls, rainbow-coloured streams, colourful rocks and mountain vistas await hikers and sightseers. With an exceptional diversity of wildlife and wildflowers and a cozy little waterfront town to serve as a home base, Waterton packs a big natural punch into a relatively small and accessible area.Currently, this is a simple, basic spot to camp and enjoy the views.There are plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife (moose, deer, birds). No amenities as of now, but we are looking to add more soon.  Due to fire restrictions currently in place, only propane-type devices can be used at this time.Pets are welcome.
Pets
Hidden Springs Retreat & Guesthouse

6. Hidden Springs Retreat & Guesthouse

100%
(63)
Wetaskiwin County 10, AB · 8 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
A place of restorative peace and relaxation. Located on 160 acres of rolling parkland east of Winfield, Alberta, Hidden Springs is a place to stay, play, and connect.Whether you’re seeking quiet time by yourself, or space to reconnect with friends and family, the Guesthouse is furnished to make you feel at home. Get cozy in front of the wood stove, spread a personal project out across the dining room table, settle into a puzzle or game, read on the deck, spend a day cooking, or watch the weather roll in across the valley.The Guesthouse is made up of two self-contained suites (upper and lower) connected by exterior stairs. The upper suite features a full kitchen (including stove, fridge, microwave and water cooler), a spacious living room, wood stove, and a large deck overlooking the valley. This suite sleeps up to four guests, with a queen bed in the bedroom and a queen-sized sofa bed in the common space.The lower suite can accommodate up to six people, with two queen-size beds and an additional pullout. It features a kitchenette (including sink, small fridge, microwave, and water cooler.) Its small brick patio offers a serene view of the pond below.WiFi is free and available throughout the guesthouse.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Secluded Cliffside Paradise

7. Secluded Cliffside Paradise

97%
(18)
AB · 1 site
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!
Electrical hookup
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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

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