Riverside camp with Highland Cows

100%

40 reviews

· Red Deer, Division No. 9, Alberta · 5 acres

Hosted by Brooke V.

Motorhome/tent pitch

· 18 guests max

Family-friendly

Recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp is great for families and kids.

Brooke is a Star Host

Star Hosts are highly rated, responsive, and committed to providing incredible experiences.

Nestled into a Valley alongside a winding riverbed, our campsite offers guests a peaceful stay in nature. With a secret beach only a short walk away, guests will be able to have fun floating on the river on hot days or simply enjoy the breathtaking views through the stunning forest leading up to the shore. Our highland cows can also be seen grazing in the pastures nearby! There are ample walking trails with scenic views all over the property- we invite you to explore. Our 160-acre regenerative agriculture family farm came to be in May of 2021. After previously homesteading on a humble 1-acre property our family had dreams of owning more land where we could establish a farm to call home for many years to come and farm in ways that would be sustainable for generations to follow. Upon first look, the heart and soul that the original owners poured into this property shone like the sun glaring on the water of the river. We knew this was the perfect place to call home for our growing family, and a place so beautiful we could not wait to share it with others.Nestled into a Valley aside a winding riverbed, this group campsite offers serene privacy for guests. With a private beach and swimming hole only a short walk away, guests will be able to have fun splashing around in the water on hot days or simply enjoy the breathtaking views through the peaceful forest leading up to the sandy shore. With 3 designated camper/RV spots and 5 tent areas, this is the perfect get away spot to accommodate large families or family + friend groups of up to 18 persons (children under 2 for free!) ***groups over 12 is an additional $5/person. The whole site as photographed is yours to privately enjoy! The camping space is equipped with a covered camp shack that houses a propane BBQ, picnic tables and plenty of room for your group to come together away from the weather! In addition, there is a playground right next to the camp shack for children to enjoy...and for the adults- a 3 hammock hangout space (hammocks provided). For all ages to enjoy you will find horseshoe pits as well! Nestled into a quiet corner of the campsite is a secluded fire pit area for roasting marshmallows and late night stories (for guests convenience there is firewood available for purchase on site). Guests are welcome to use the clean + well maintained outhouse on site. Next to the camp space is an operating regenerative agricultural farm. We are more than happy to give your group a farm tour during your stay! Only 15 minutes from the site are the towns of Eckville (East) and Leslieville (West) for groceries, restaurants, gas stations, etc. Approximately 30 minutes away is the busy beach and boardwalk of Sylvan lake, a very popular summer destination! 1.5 - 2 hours away are the beautiful sights of Nordegg and Abraham lake, these would both make for a beautiful day trip during your stay if desired.

Vehicle details

Caravans, Fifth wheels, Caravans, Camper Trailers, Motorhomes, Campervans, Motorhomes, Campervans, and Cars allowed

Vehicles under 13 meters allowed

There are 3 camper/rv stalls available and 5 tent areas designated for guests to set up.

Back-in site

There are 3 camper/rv stalls available and 5 tent areas designated for guests to set up.

Accommodates slideouts

There are 3 camper/rv stalls available and 5 tent areas designated for guests to set up.

Surface type: grass-or-paddock

Gravel drive into campsite.

Surface levelness: requires levelling

Gravel drive into campsite.

Generators allowed

Generators are allowed, we ask our guests to be mindful of their usage during quiet time hours.

No electrical connection

No water connection

No sewage connection

No TV connection

What to expect

Motorhome/tent pitch

You'll have this Hipcamp all to yourself.

18 guests max

Campfires allowed

Firepit. Firewood is available for purchase, or you may bring and use your own. Fires must be contained to the one designated fire pit. We politely ask that fires are kept to a respectable size and property extinguished when not being monitored.

Toilet available

Pit toilet. There is a well maintained outhouse on site.

Pets allowed

On leash. We kindly ask that your dogs stay in your control during your stay. Please also clean up after your pets and discard their waste in the garbage bins provided.

Bins available

Recycling bin, trash bin. We politely ask that you take your garbage and recycling with you at the end of your stay, there are bins provided to help keep your site tidy during your stay.

Cooking equipment present

Bbq, private

Picnic table present

Playground available

No potable water

Bring your own water, purify from river or stream. Non Potable water for washing provided

No showers

Bathe in river or stream. We politely ask that our guests do not use soaps, lotions, oils or detergents in the river for bathing purposes.

No wifi

Laundry absent

Hot Tub absent

Things to know

Getting there

Check in: After 4:00 PM

Early or late check-in may be available

Check out: Before 11:00 AM

Late check-out may be available

On arrival: Head straight to site

Cancellation policy: Strict (14 Days)

Minimum nights: 2 nights

Accepts bookings: 6 months out

Park at listing

No wheelchair access

Max 6 vehicles

2WD accessible

During your trip

Follow the

Leave it better

Inclusion policyWe have a zero-tolerance policy against discrimination at Hipcamp. We are committed to helping our Host and Hipcamper communities be inclusive.

ExtrasAvailable at checkout

Firewood bundlegood

CA$15.00

Wheelbarrow full of split firewood.

Reviews

100% Recommend46 Ratings · 40 reviews

This campsite offers a tranquil and spacious escape, perfect for families, groups, and pet owners. Visitors appreciate the privacy, open spaces, and well-maintained amenities like the cook shack and outhouse. Many highlight the friendly and responsive hosts, Brooke and Nolan, who ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay. The swimming hole and visits from Highland cows add to the unique charm of the site.

Summary AI-generated from real reviews

Recommends

· September 2024

Great site, well worth the trip.

10 m travel trailer · Group trip

A great campsite, peaceful. Very kid and dog friendly, if you have young kids, you woo make memories here. I highly recommend.

Ned A.

2 reviews

Recommends

· August 2024

Great Dane Paradise

Tent

Had a wonderful time camping with my giant doggo. Lots of space to gallop. The little path leading to the swimming hole was our favourite part. Everything was clean, well-thought out, and cared for. We had complete privacy but felt very safe as a lone female camper as we knew Brooke was nearby. Also: COWS!

Krista C.

1 year on Hipcamp

Recommends

· August 2024

Great Place for Groups of 12

Tent · With pets

I loved the tenting area. Was away from the firepit so anyone who wanted to sleep early wasn't bothered. The cows coming by was a bonus. Tons of open space for activities. I'll definitely be back

Fiona H.

1 year on Hipcamp

Recommends

· August 2024

Tent

Our second time at this wonderful site. Easily accessed, beautiful setting. Strongly recommended!

Joseph D.

3 reviews

Recommends

· July 2024

Privacy and Amenities

6 m campervan · Group trip

A beautiful space to unplug and enjoy some time outdoors. Totally private and well-appointed site with outhouse, covered structure for cooking, and access to a wonderful swimming hole are highlights. Brooke was a very responsive host and helpful before and during our stay. Have already booked again. Strongest recommendation!

Joseph D.

3 reviews

Recommends

· July 2024

Tent · With pets

We had an incredible time camping with our giant dog! The space is rural and private which is great when you have a dog but still close enough to town if you need anything. Brooke really took the time to ensure her guests are taken care of. The amenities were clean and directions were clear. The pavilion is such a great idea! We’ve been to our share of camping sites and this was the first time we experienced having a shelter. We would love to come back and have recommended this site to our family and friends. Thanks again!

Joselyn H.

1 year on Hipcamp

Recommends

· July 2024

Serene setting

9 m travel trailer · With kids

We returned to Brooke's property for a second time and already want to book our third! The cook shack is perfect for those not-so-perfect weather days, the setting is serene and Brooke is quick to reply to any questions leading up to and during the stay. We loved our long weekend with friends at this property!

Dave & Chelsea S.

3 reviews

Recommends

· June 2024

Tent · Group trip

We loved the site! Lots of space and a great host!

Mackenzie S.

1 year on Hipcamp

Recommends

· September 2023

Tent · Group trip

Great spot! Plenty of space for bigger groups. The huge lawn was perfect for games. Also very well equipped which is a great bonus.

James B.

1 year on Hipcamp

Recommends

· September 2023

Tent · With kids

We really enjoyed our stay. So much space and nature around us. The swimming hole was fun for the kids and the cows were charming. The shelter was awesome for the rainy times too.

Cara L.

3 reviews

Recommends

· August 2023

9 m Class B · With pets

This private campground is quiet, clean, tranquil yet is surrounded by trees, a super slow river goes through with a small sandy beach for children to play at Whether a super small group, family reunion or a bunch of neighbor wanting to hang out in the outdoors in “their spot”, I would personally recommend here This was my 2nd year in a row, my grandson loves it

James B.

2 reviews

Recommends

· August 2023

11 m Class A · With pets

This is a great spot for a family group to camp. Our group loved the big open grass (so lush) space for the little ones to run. And the beach was great to cool down on the hot afternoons. There was even some fish caught and released in the stream. The camp kitchen was nice but we were camping at the other end so didn’t really use it this trip. The Highland cattle came up to the fence to visit each evening. Thank you to the Vanderkley family!!!

Karen H.

1 year on Hipcamp

Recommends

· August 2023

Great family stay

11 m Class A · With pets

We loved our stay at the Vanderkley Valley Farm. Lots of room for the kids to run around barefoot, the dogs to roam, play yard games. We also enjoyed floating at the swimming hole and group also caught (and released) several fish. The Highland cows were also a highlight every night when they came close to the site! Would definitely stay again and already in chats about next year.

Samara Q.

2 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· July 2023

10 m fifth wheel · Group trip

Brooke’s property was beautiful! The camp site was spacious, had great amenities and Brooke was very communicative and accommodating.

Christina R.

2 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· July 2023

Tent · With pets

Can’t go wrong camping with a funnel cloud near you lol, best Canada Day weekend camping trip ever, never been so thankful for the shelter on the campsite,

Kelly P.

5 reviews

Recommends

· June 2023

5 m car · Group trip

Place is perfect to meet up with friends. Has everything you need for a great time. Evening cow visits and fireflies at night :)

Brooke C.

3 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· June 2023

6 m campervan

We had a great trip to the camp site. The hosts have put a lot of care into the site. It would be wonderful for group camping! We loved seeing the Highland cows on both days - one of our highlights. Highly recommended!

Cheryl V.

2 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· June 2023

Tent · Group trip

My friends and I absolutely love this place! Brooke and her husband are so nice and always make sure we have everything we need. Their out house is the nicest one I have ever been in. Can’t wait to get out there again!

Elyse D.

3 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· May 2023

Fantastic group camping spot

8 m travel trailer · With pets

We loved this site. As a group with many young children and a handful of dogs this was a great place to spend our weekend. The camp shelter was a great spot in the shade and also made for good movie watching on our friends projector! Our kids loved the playground and the creek beach was a great cool down spot. We would totally return here. The host was super friendly and easy to deal with.

Kirsten D.

2 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· October 2022

Such a nice place!

11 m travel trailer · With pets

We had such a nice time! There was five campers in our group, over the Thanksgiving weekend. We had beautiful weather that allowed us to deep fry a turkey and enjoy it outdoors! We had our 3 dogs with us and that was the main reason we chose this place. Others were able to bring their pets as well, and we weren’t bothered by strangers. Loved that our dogs could be off leash and enjoy the surroundings with us! Thank you Brittany, we will be back!

Marga W.

2 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· September 2022

7 m travel trailer · With pets

We really enjoyed our stay there again for a couple nights. A very nice getaway.

David L.

2 reviews

Recommends

· August 2022

5 m pop-up camper · Group trip

A close group of old friends gathered at Riverside Valley campsite for 3 glorious days to celebrate birthdays and relax together. Brooke and Nolan Vanderkley we’re generous and flexible hosts, responsive, always friendly and helpful. Their farm provided awesome organic chickens for our birthday feast! The campsite itself is a thing of beauty and the swimming spot and beach met our need to be in and near water. We played bocci, badminton, disc golf and paddle boarded, all within the spaces and waterway situated in perfect seclusion and openness. We could not have been happier there and can’t wait to go back! Oh yeah, the cook house added the perfect gathering place to share meals and to toast our good fortune!

Deborah R.

3 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· August 2022

A piece of Heaven in central Albert

Tent · Group trip

The whole experience was incredible, I have a autistic 6 year old grandson who loves water, playgrounds and exploring. Giving the review that Brookes campground deserves would be paradoxical because it would lead to the wonderful campground getting way to busy and hard to book. If your looking for group privacy, solitude, the awesome beach and swim hole which my grandson spent hours and hours in. They provided everything including the cookhouse which we all gathered in for a 2 hour rainstorm I just hope that everyone that visits Brookes finds their peace of Heaven and enjoys it to the fullest Thank you James

James B.

2 reviews

Recommends

· August 2022

Tent · Group trip

I could not say enough good things about this site! The hosts have clearly put lots of love and attention into this. There is plenty of space, a well stocked and maintained outhouse, 2 fire pits, a play ground and a shelter (that came in VERY handy for us as we ended up in a storm!) The walk from the site to the beach is only a couple minutes through the most beautiful little forest! ( super magical at like 10 am ;) ) everything is so well maintained and thoughtful! I would highly recommend camping here for family events or even small friend get togethers! I know we’ll be back!!

Mikayla B.

2 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· August 2022

5 m pop-up camper · With kids

We had the best time on Brooke and Nolan's property. The cook shelter is well stocked with woodstove, BBQ, propane, utensils, bottled water, picnic tables and provided shade whenever we needed. Washroom is clean and cute. We walked to the swimming hole every day to beat the heat and roasted marshmallows every night when the sun went down. Brooke and Nolan were very responsive to our requests for wood, water (and toilet paper) and happily gave us a tour of their working farm. This was our first experience with a HipCamp booking a recommend it 11/10 times over trying to win at site a public campground.

Cate H.

3 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· August 2022

Camping with families!

6 m pop-up camper · Group trip

We went out with some friends and lots of kids out to Brooke and Nolan’s campground and had the very best weekend!!! The perfect family-friendly place with a small park and private beach and plenty of space to spread out and enjoy. The shelter was a great size and would’ve housed all of us if we needed it to keep away from the rain. Overall we were very impressed with their hospitality and so glad they opened up their beautiful acreage along the river for all to enjoy!

Nicole K.

3 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· August 2022

Great spot for kids and adults!

6 m pop-up camper · Group trip

This is such a beautiful and private camping area. We went out with a big group and had an absolute blast! there was a lot of little kids running around in our group so to have the little playground nearby was such a delight for them! we spent a lot of time by the river on the private beach and it was so much fun for the kids and adults! Brooke and Nolan are wonderful hosts and I would definitely come here again!

Megan T.

3 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· July 2022

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay with our large group, Brooke and Nolan were really accommodating, always quick to provide water and wood when needed (and we're big water drinkers, we went through a lot of water). There was tons of open space for games, and shade for the tenting area. The kitchen and outhouse were both clean and well stocked. Recent rain meant things were quite wet and mosquito-ey, but Brooke gave us flexibiliry with tent locations to avoid wetter areas, and a new firepit was in place farther from the stream (up by the kitchen). The only thing that we would have liked was a more easily accessible water source for things like doing dishes and washing up (drinking water was provided in the large water cooler size bottles).

Sheri G.

3 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· July 2022

Amazing camping experience

Tent · With pets

Was a great time! The beach was wonderful, and the little pond was wonderful, we brought two kids (1 & 3) and they weren’t bored for a second, we were able to get a farm tour by the amazing hosts, and go and see the cows aswell, the coyotes howling at night was actually super amazing, our only advice DOUBLE the bug spray haha, book 100% again! Thank you for having us!

Kelly P.

5 reviews

Recommends

· July 2022

Amazing family summer vacation ❤️

Tent · With pets

We loved camping on Brook & Nolan's land! This camping site exceeded all our expectations! Grass was cut and well maintained so you could walk and run barefoot, lot of room to run around and play outdoor games. There's also a playground for little ones. Food Shack was super clean and covered so you can eat inside, rain or shine. We loved an old wood burning stove that is actually very well functioning if you know how to use it. We even baked pre-packaged cinnamon buns inside it and it was evenly cooked! BBQ was available and ready to use; when we ran out of propane, water and wood ($10 for toped up wheel barrel) Brook & Nolan came over and replaced them. The hosts are so genuine they installed a firepit by the food shack which made it super convenient to have instead of other firepit which was a little walking distance and next to the water where we were almost eaten alive by mosquitoes even with fire going on (of course rainfall didn't help). Now you have 2 firepits! As soon as we mentioned it, they took it onto a consideration and fixed the problem; our last day we really enjoyed the fire. The beach is very nice and super private. Our second day staying Brook & Nolan invited us to check out their farm where they raise their chicken. Our kids had a chance to collect few eggs and keep them, they were super delicious for breakfast the next day! On the last day we stopped by their farm before leaving and bought few frozen chicken and few dozen off eggs! We'll be back!!!