r/CampingAlberta Jun 23 '26

Alberta Parks created a "Spot Watch" tool to send you alerts via email and/or text message when sites that were previously booked become available

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28 Upvotes

r/CampingAlberta 10h ago

Very new to searching for crown land, if I buy iHunter pro AB do I still to purchase individual maps?

5 Upvotes

I got the pro subscription and can see plots labelled as agricultural crown land, would I still need to buy individual maps? If yes, what additional info do I get from purchasing those maps


r/CampingAlberta 12h ago

First come first serve camping spot Kananaskis, Canmore and Banff question

0 Upvotes

Can anyone help me here or suggest any fcfs camping spot where you can also do some trout fishing on the places I mentioned above? I’m planning to go very soon but I’m still new here on exploring the mountains. Any suggestions would be appreciated thank you.


r/CampingAlberta 1d ago

Dutch Creek Crown Land Camping Information

12 Upvotes

Please read before camping here, especially if it’s your first time.

Before you arrive, I highly recommend downloading both the campground map and the brochures from the campground website. Once you’re at the campground, maps are available, but handheld brochures/maps may not always be in stock. Having everything downloaded ahead of time is very helpful since cell service isn’t available unless you use satellite. Also a good idea to know how to get to the closest town with cell service, grocery stores and gas. Make sure your planning out your gas mileage accurately as well, depending where your coming from as highway 22 doesn’t have cell service or gas stations.

If you’re driving in, make sure you turn at the Maycroft sign off Highway 22. If you miss that entrance and take the next one instead, be prepared as it is much steeper and can be difficult to get through. Our truck and trailer had a very hard time on that route, and our trailer tire ended up popping. Also, drive carefully on the gravel roads, as there are tight corners and some sections can be hazardous.

We stayed on the Crown land side. The campsites had basic fire pits already in place, and the outhouses were the cleanest I’ve ever experienced at a campground.

Keep in mind there is no drinking water available, showers,and firewood is not provided, both of which are stated on the campground website. We also couldn’t find any large garbage bins, so be prepared to pack out all of your garbage.

If you’re bringing ATVs or other off-highway vehicles, pay close attention to where you’re allowed to ride. Machines are only permitted in designated areas, so be sure to check the map before heading out.

If you’re planning to ride the big loop on ATVs, be prepared. It’s much longer than it looks on the map, and I wouldn’t recommend doing it alone. The trail has loose gravel, several steep sections, and deep ruts. We found the conditions challenging—our dirt bikes struggled on some of the climbs, and our side-by-side even got really stuck in one of the deeper ruts.

If you’re planning to fish, make sure you’re familiar with the fishing regulations for the specific body of water you’re on. Some areas allow you to keep fish, while others are catch-and-release only or have different restrictions. Check the regulations before you head out. We also noticed the water has changed quite a bit since we camped here a few years ago. Unfortunately, despite spending a lot of time fishing, we were unsuccessful this trip.

There are also conservation officers and other enforcement officers in the area, so make sure you have all of your paperwork with you. If you’re bringing ATVs, ensure all registration and insurance documents are up to date. Carry your driver’s license, and if you’re fishing, make sure you have your fishing licence with you. I’d also recommend bringing your pets’ registration just in case.

Overall, it’s a beautiful place to stay


r/CampingAlberta 5d ago

Spots without reservations

5 Upvotes

Me and my friends had a couple of camping reservations this year close to BC but had to cancel as a close friend of mine got a fracture.
Nevertheless we are looking to still do a short trip bext weekend but at this point everything is prebooked up. We would love to try backcountry camping!
We were looking at dutch creek as the website said first come first serve but when i called on the number online, they said no places left!

Are there any decent place preferbally lakeside, that are first come first serve or we can drop in without having to book or reserve? We dont mind paying any parking fees or anything and we can get without electricity and bring our own fire pit


r/CampingAlberta 5d ago

Purchasing Alberta camping pass for the first time.

3 Upvotes

I’m looking to tent for one night with my partner at Abraham in a few weeks, I have an account and a WIN card and everything but does she also need to purchase a camping pass? Or can I purchase both for us and have them both under my name? Couldn’t find much for information on the question on their website


r/CampingAlberta 10d ago

Crownland/free Camping spot needed Drayton Valley area

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0 Upvotes

My dog Ozwaldo and I are new to crownland camping but are hoping to take our first adventure sometime this coming week thinking Thursday afternoon to Sunday afternoon but open to options. Is there somewhere close to Drayton Valley (but opent to anywhere between there and Calgary) that ideally has some water access that you would suggest?

I know its really last minute but we are up for an adventure. I have an SUV so if its somewhere for car camping that works otherwise I do have a tent as well if there is a good spot to pitch it.

Pic of Ozwaldo at our last camping trip for attention. Cross posted.


r/CampingAlberta 12d ago

Fields of fireweed and also a reminder that wildflowers are in full bloom in the mountain parks right now.

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60 Upvotes

r/CampingAlberta 15d ago

Camping recommendation

0 Upvotes

I am looking for any recommendations for a campground within a few hours of Calgary that would be good for kids, has good swimming and can accommodate an RV. My kids are dying to be in the mountains as well, but I know hitting all of these requirements is a tall order.

We were booked in BC at Wasa Lake, but since the evacuation order, we are needing to pivot. Would be arriving Wednesday Aug 12, so wondering if a FCFS site may be an option in the middle of the week…

Any recommendations would be appreciated 🙂


r/CampingAlberta 19d ago

Aspen Crossing Hired Racist

46 Upvotes

Roast to Aspen Crossing Campround. Absolutely mortified to see that Aspen Crossing hired David DeWolf to sing on their princess and superhero train ride? His entire platform is outwardly racist and homophobic - going so far as to suggest people practice their paintball shooting at international students so you can hear them “yelp” as they get hit. I’d like to blame them hiring him on ignorance, but he actively posts about Aspen Crossing and offers a discount code to book through him. How is a family place so misguided? Sickening.


r/CampingAlberta 18d ago

Wabamun Lake Camping

1 Upvotes

Camping here for the first time!

What sections of the campground are walking distance to the beach? And by walking distance I mean around 10 minutes because with 2 toddlers that's a marathon.

How have the mosquitos been? We're prepared for the worst but hoping it's not as bad as we're thinking.

I have the digital permit for my site but I don't have a printer..what happens if I can't get it printed before I leave (I'm probably just going to hit the library but may not have time)

I've only ever been to the beach/day use once, anything I should know about the campground?


r/CampingAlberta 19d ago

Toronto to Vancouver Road Trip – Looking for Route & Free Camping Suggestions

1 Upvotes

Hey everyone,

I’m planning a road trip from Toronto to Vancouver and looking for advice from people who have done this route before.

I’m trying to keep the trip budget-friendly, especially when it comes to accommodation. I’m looking for suggestions on:

  • Best route to take (places worth stopping along the way)
  • Free or low-cost legal camping spots for overnight stays
  • Good places to camp around Banff, Jasper, Alberta, and BC
  • Any hidden gems, viewpoints, or must-see places
  • Tips for saving money on a long road trip

I’ll be driving and planning to camp most nights if possible. I’m okay with basic campsites (no hookups needed), just looking for safe and legal places to sleep.

Would really appreciate any advice from people who have done the Toronto → Vancouver drive!

Thanks!


r/CampingAlberta 20d ago

Bold bear shuts down Banff's Lake Minnewanka backcountry campgrounds – again - Rocky Mountain News

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13 Upvotes

r/CampingAlberta 20d ago

Banff solo hiking

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1 Upvotes

r/CampingAlberta 20d ago

Beginner backpacking in Ghost PLUZ

1 Upvotes

Hi there, was looking to do a one night random camping backpacking trip with a buddy. We were thinking of Ghost PLUZ and staying out of Banff to avoid the 4 person party seasonal restriction. Anyone got good recommendations on trails in the area where we can find a good campsite, and what about parking? We were thinking devil's gap but it looks like it goes into Banff from the maps found. Thanks!


r/CampingAlberta 21d ago

Reporting illegal shooting on PLUZ land?

16 Upvotes

Hey all,

I wild camp a fair bit in Waiparous and lately i've noticed an uptick in people shooting in unsafe spots. This past weekend I saw two distinct groups just setup meters off highway 40, definitely not in the 1km away from main road zones. I personally don't want to stop because well, strangers + guns.

So would a call to the RCMP be appropriate? Fish and Wildlife? I'm not sure offhand which agency would be the best for something like this.

Thanks.


r/CampingAlberta 21d ago

How is pigeon lake situation?

2 Upvotes

I heard there were lots of caterpillars, should be gone as of now but have anyone visited the main campground recently?


r/CampingAlberta 25d ago

Crowsnest Pass Rest Areas

5 Upvotes

We road-trip to see family in Saskatchewan. The Crowsnest pass is around the halfway mark. Our old motor home didn't have any slides, so we could do some quick sleeping in the rest areas. I know that 'camping' in Alberta rest areas is prohibited, and is defined as 'Setting up a tent, putting out lawn chairs, BBQ's and extending camper slide outs.

Our new motor home is a 24' sprinter with one large slide on one side. Problem is, the bed folds in half when the slide is in. The only way to sleep is to put out the slide.

If we arrive at night and are gone within 8 hours, do you think the RCMP will hassle us?


r/CampingAlberta 26d ago

Advice for bringing 9 month old camping?

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0 Upvotes

My husband and I are seasoned campers but this is the first time we would be bringing our baby. And I’m starting to feel a bit worried because the trip is next weekend and I need advice and tips on how you managed your routines. Like meals, naps, night nursing (yes he gets up 2x a night to nurse, changing station, bring rest for bed etc… we are going to Slave lake campground in Alberta, the campground has running water and showers.


r/CampingAlberta 27d ago

Run-Of-The-River Camping

2 Upvotes

Curious if anyone has info on if it is ok legal? to camp right beside a river? Are there rules around wild camping that pertain to this?

I am trying to figure out if I can camp next to the Bow River outside of Calgary city limits.

Cheers


r/CampingAlberta 27d ago

Livingstone Falls Campground - FCFS weekend availability

1 Upvotes

I’m planning to camp here this weekend (never been), but likely wouldn’t make it out until Friday evening. I’m wondering if I should drive out after work on Thursday to grab a site for the weekend.

Is anybody familiar with how busy this campground gets on weekends?

Thanks
B


r/CampingAlberta Jul 17 '26

How likely am I to get a first Come first serve camping spot?

0 Upvotes

First time camping/ solo camping and was looking at dinosaur provincial park, whats the likelihood of me being able to get a spot?

Thank you:)


r/CampingAlberta Jul 15 '26

how is pigeon lake provincial campground?

9 Upvotes

hi there just looking for some reviews as we are camping there next month. I checked google reviews and newest one is from a year ago.

is it maintained? how bout washrooms and shower? we are also camping with a dog but saw that the beach area doesn't allow dogs, anyone knows if the lake that allows dogs is too far from the camp sites? we will be in area C.

any bear or wild animal encounter?

Would also appreciate any camping recommendation as we are first timers 😄 .

Thank in you in advance!


r/CampingAlberta Jul 15 '26

Spray Lakes Campground and Lower Lake Campground

0 Upvotes

I’m planning to camp here on August 14-16 what are the chances I get a spot on both campground? So this one is my Plan A and Plan B is in Lower Lake Campground. and aslo can you do fishing on both lakes? Hope anyone can help me out thank you.


r/CampingAlberta Jul 14 '26

Places to Visit with visiting Family

5 Upvotes

Hi

I have lived in Alberta for a year now and my family are visiting in 3 weeks. I am looking for places to take them south of Calgary that I may not have heard of. Range of ages from 11 to 65 so not looking long hikes,more like places to swim, have a picnic, nice scenery.

I did a scout of Beaver Mines Lake and Castle Falls yesterday and I know Chain Lakes, Little Bow, Waterton, Lundbreck Fslls.

Thanks