The best waterside campgrounds near Edmonton, Alberta

Known as Festival City, Edmonton always has something going on. The river valley is renowned for its expanse of urban parkland, as well as its funky shops and restaurants. If you’re yearning to escape the city, camping and glamping options await within easy driving distance—hiking, biking, golfing, boating, and RV parks are also abundant and easy to find.

Backcountry camping options are fairly limited around Edmonton. You will have more luck finding RV campgrounds and frontcountry sites.

Alberta provincial parks have a huge array of camping choices, from glamping to very rustic. The parks are free to enter, but reservation and campsite fees apply.
Camping near Edmonton is great for wildlife viewing, but make sure you keep your distance. Never leave food in your tent, on your picnic table, or laying around your campground.

99% (287) • 3 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Edmonton

1. The Secret Sanctuary

98%

(359)

78km from Edmonton · 17 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

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 glamping. 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 2 different listings to choose from. Our Tiny Home Cabin and unique Glamping tents. Come enjoy this tranquil piece of nature with us - we look forward to hosting you!

Known as Festival City, Edmonton always has something going on. The river valley is renowned for its expanse of urban parkland, as well as its funky shops and restaurants. If you’re yearning to escape the city, camping and glamping options await within easy driving distance—hiking, biking, golfing, boating, and RV parks are also abundant and easy to find.

Backcountry camping options are fairly limited around Edmonton. You will have more luck finding RV campgrounds and frontcountry sites.

Alberta provincial parks have a huge array of camping choices, from glamping to very rustic. The parks are free to enter, but reservation and campsite fees apply.
Camping near Edmonton is great for wildlife viewing, but make sure you keep your distance. Never leave food in your tent, on your picnic table, or laying around your campground.

99% (287) • 3 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Edmonton

1. The Secret Sanctuary

98%

(359)

78km from Edmonton · 17 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

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 glamping. 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 2 different listings to choose from. Our Tiny Home Cabin and unique Glamping tents. Come enjoy this tranquil piece of nature with us - we look forward to hosting you!

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Andrea

September 2025

Tent

With pets

3 nights at The Secret Sanctuary

We loved camping at the Secret Sanctuary! We brought our own glamping and got the breakfast delivered to your site as an add on. Absolutely delicious! The whole experience and vibe of this place is really something special. We were looking for a getaway close to the city that offered privacy (which is hard to find these days) and were not disappointed. We want to bring the whole family next time we come! The hot shower and compost toilets were great, the trails and nearby lakes were awesome for exploring, and Denika and her family were so friendly and helpful. 5 stars! Also make sure to check out the store for amazing salves, delicious teas, and cute pottery!

John

August 2025

Tent

With kids

2 nights at The Secret Sanctuary

it was a wonderful experience! we had a two-day family vacation in the third suite with our own tent, but after we looked around the area and saw what the owners offer, we will definitely come back without a tent ;-) Very spacious, friendly, great trails for walking and everything you need for a wonderful vacation and even more! We highly recommend it!!!

I

Iga

June 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to The Secret Sanctuary

My husband and I absolutely adored spending time and camping at the Secret Sanctuary, would recommend if you’re looking to find a nice quiet spot not too far from the city!

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best waterside camping near Edmonton guide

Where to go

Edmonton and Area

On the outskirts of the city are several campgrounds for those looking for a quick getaway, particularly if you are looking for an RV park. Popular spots include the area where the North Saskatchewan River passes through the town of Devon.

Sylvan Lake

About 90 minutes south and just outside Red Deer is the resort town of Sylvan Lake. Lively and popular with every age group, the town has an assortment of shops and restaurants, an expansive sandy beach, a golf course, and plenty of camping options.

Elk Island National Park

Less than an hour’s drive from Edmonton is Elk Island National Park. The designated Dark Sky Preserve is perfect for stargazers, home to bison, and a great spot for hiking, glamping, and paddling. Head to the beach, the gold course, or the playground for modern amenities.

When to go

With a relatively short summer season, weekends, long weekends are the most popular time for camping. Most campgrounds are open from Victoria Day long weekend until Labour Day or Thanksgiving. Camping after Labour Day will be quieter, but also colder, so be prepared. Many campers head south or west to Jasper, but if you’d rather spend your time camping than driving, there’s no need to go that far.