- Bow Valley Provincial Park
The best camping in Bow Valley Provincial Park, AB
Explore the mountains and meadows of scenic Kananaskis Country.
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C
Chris
October 2025
With pets
What a weekend! I was blown away by the place and we cant wait to go back!
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Katie
September 2025
Tent
The host was very nice and friendly, and the campsites were private and tucked right into the outdoors. Perfect spot for a peaceful stay!
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Yee Ting
September 2025
Weekend Trip to Glamping Yurt at Radius Retreat
We had a wonderful glamping experience at Radium Retreat! 🌲✨
The site was easy to locate and fully drivable, which made arrival stress-free. The place is very clean and well-kept — you can tell the owner puts a lot of care into it, and we particularly like the composting toilet. The indoor fireplace was a lovely touch and easy to set up, we had a good sleep during the stay. We also enjoyed the privacy — we didn’t see other groups during our stay, so it felt like we had the entire retreat to ourselves. For a natural site like this, it was a pleasant surprise to have bio-friendly shampoo and body wash provided when we arrived at the shower place.
A few things to note: the The watering hole/shower room is about a 20-minute walk from the Warren, so be prepared. Reading the map and guidebook in advance is highly recommended, as there are some activities that the retreat site can offer. We could have got lost if we didn't read the instruction getting to the watering hole (There is one more junction that the map didn't show). More photos online would also help guests get a clearer idea of choosing yurt or getting around. Lastly, reserve extra time to explore the trails — I didn’t get the chance this time and wish I had!
Overall, we really enjoyed our stay and recommend it to anyone looking for a peaceful and well-run glamping getaway.
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Диана
September 2025
With kids
We booked this cabin through HipCamp and were left with rather mixed impressions. The cabin itself is very cozy, styled like a hunting lodge, with a true “retro” atmosphere. Inside everything is simple but tasteful — it really feels like a little corner of nature where you can disconnect from everyday life. We genuinely enjoyed this authenticity and sense of peace.
Unfortunately, at the very end of our stay, a situation occurred that spoiled the overall impression. As we were getting ready to leave, the hosts let out their large dog. The animal behaved quite aggressively, which felt unsafe — especially since we had our 4-month-old baby with us. We really appreciated the atmosphere of this place, but it would be important for the hosts to consider this issue with pets, as guest safety matters a lot.
Overall, the place has great potential for a wonderful stay, and we sincerely hope this aspect will be addressed.
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D
Daniel
September 2025
33 ft fifth wheel
Great, level parking site in driveway. Host had electric and water hookups conveniently close by. Ullu was at work when we arrived but came as soon as we called to have car moved that was parked in spot. Great location to visit Kootenay and Canal Flats.
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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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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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Katie
September 2025
24 ft campervan
The meadow site was breathtaking! Long marked path heading to site. The perfect spot for a quiet, remote vacation. Laura was very helpful and accommodating. Beautiful horses and long horned cows. My family will definitely be back! 👩🏽🌾
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Nicole
September 2025
4 nights at Rustic Riverside Camping
We absolutely loved our stay! The bed is so comfortable, they provided extra blankets and towels. The entire campsite had everything you needed from a stove, lighters, water, a shower, etc. The owner went above and beyond when we had some things taken but everything was promptly returned. It’s secluded and quiet and absolutely beautiful!
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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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Roman
August 2025
35 ft Class A
Everything was fine :)
Thanks for hosting us!
P.S. when we arrived it was a little bit tricky to contact Ullu, but we meet her in person
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Mitch
August 2025
Tent
With kids
Really unique and fun camping spot. We stayed in the forested portion of the property and it was quiet and well treed. It was fun driving through pastures and watching the cows feed in the evening. Laura was really friendly and accommodating with my 2 kids while they helped do some small chores and pet/played with the horses.
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M
Mushtaq
August 2025
Tent
Group trip
We had such a wonderful camping experience at Laura’s land! Laura was an amazing host—super welcoming, kind, and always ready to help with anything we needed. The property was beautiful, peaceful, and well taken care of, which made our stay so enjoyable. It was clear that she really cares about making sure her guests feel comfortable. We couldn’t have asked for a better host or location and would definitely recommend camping here to anyone looking for a great outdoor getaway.
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Erin
August 2025
With kids
We had a great time Glamping here with our two little boys! It was the perfect way to camp in comfort (and warmth) with them. The cabins/tents and bathrooms were clean and well maintained. There was access to running water (non-potable) for dishes. The sauna was brand new and a definite touch of luxury. The staff were so friendly and approachable.
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J
Julia
August 2025
16 ft car
A perfect little oasis. Laura is so accommodating and has created such an incredible community and welcoming space. We will certainly be back again
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Malte
August 2025
24 ft Class C
Super friendly and helpful hosts, really great farm and the best fresh eggs you can get. Very quiet and pretty cool views and some nice animals around there.
Thank you for having us. Would definitely go again.
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Robert
August 2025
Tent
For the two nights my girlfriend and I stayed there, was very beautiful and the host was super friendly and made us feel very welcomed onto her ranch especially the friendly dogs roaming around haha, We came prepared with supplies but if someone were to forget anything she has lots of things (BBQ, water, toys, chairs, etc) that you could use if need be. The farm animals were really cute and even have some cows and horses that come to say hi once and a while, next time we stay I hope it will be for longer so we can explore more of the area and the ranch and go hang out by the lake! Will come again!!!
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Len
August 2025
Tent
With kids
Place is beautiful, safe and clean. Laura is accomodating. Our kids had so much fun feeding farm animals and that is a wonderful bonus experience. 1 night is not enough.
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Elliott
August 2025
40 ft travel trailer
Speaking with Laura on the phone, you could almost hear she speaks, than needing her own person was fun from the get go, funny, kind, and full of energy! She helped us decide where to put our horse trailer for the best view, and made feel like family. She offered to show us the best trails and ride with us if we would like. As well. Offered to make a lunch and her beautiful home the very next day, from that day on we were pretty much riding together every day. We enjoyed meeting her granddaughter and friends as well. We had such a good time we Invited to our home anytime!
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j
justin
August 2025
1 night at Vacation rentals in Bragg Creek
Awesome cozy quiet place! Had everything you needed!
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The best camping in Bow Valley Provincial Park, AB guide
Overview
About
Whether your camping style requires a fully serviced campground site with modern amenities or a thoroughly rustic backcountry site far away from the rest of the world, one of the campgrounds in Bow Valley Provincial Park will fit the bill. The area doesn’t attract as many tourists as nearby Banff National Park, but it’s just as beautiful and is an excellent Canadian Rockies respite not far from Calgary, Alberta. There are plenty of alpine hiking and biking trails, plus pretty riverside scenery and lakes for paddling.
Notable campgrounds
- Best for equine camping: Jewell Bay Campground, complete with corrals and hitching rails.
- Best for windsurfing: Lac des Arcs Campground beside Lac des Arcs.
- Best for families: Willow Rock Campground, with a playground, showers, and flush toilets.
- Best for water activities: Three Sisters Campground has a hand launch area for non-motorized watercraft.
Tips for snagging a campsite
- With its proximity to Calgary and Banff, Bow Valley campgrounds fill up quickly on weekends, particularly long weekends. You can reserve up to 90 days ahead of time, so if you are hoping to snag a spot during high demand times, get your reservation in quick!
- First come, first served access may be limited pending the time of year.
When to go
Being in the mountains means colder weather and snow later in the spring and earlier in the fall than at lower altitudes, so even in the summer, make sure you are prepared for cooler temperatures. Front country camping ends when summer does, but Jewell Bay Backcountry Campground is open four seasons. The equestrian campground only closes mid-April to mid-June for the annual elk run.
Know before you go
- Alberta Provincial Parks are free to enter, you don’t need a permit to get in. There is a fee to reserve campsites and nightly fees for camping though.
- Water is available at each campground (handpumps, mainly) Bringing your own drinking water is a good idea and definitely recommended.
- Bow River Campground and Lac des Arcs Campground both have disabled access.
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