Here are five bucket list Alberta campgrounds for families and kids that should make it to the top of your list for exploring and camping in Alberta this summer.
Canyon Campground
Nestled in the mountains deep in Kananaskis, with a gorgeous lake to kayak, canoe, and just toss rocks into, Canyon Campground comes with the benefit of being completely wide open. Now, before you toss aside this campground, because you’re not secluded in the trees, consider the fact that your kids are going to love the fact that they can bike and run around the campground loop, stopping at the playground in between.
Tip: Canyon Campground is first come first serve – try to arrive on a Thursday to ensure you grab a spot at this incredible campground.
Dinosaur Provincial Park
Not only will you feel like you’ve stepped back in time, with the hoodoos in your literal backyard, at Dinosaur Provincial Park, but you’ll have the creek behind you, comfort camping available and the benefit of having hot food, showers and and ice cream near enough in the interpretive centre. There’s a creek to wade in campsites to the left, and immediate paths up to the hoodoo paths on campsites to the right. Go early in the season, though, it’s hot and the mosquitos can be brutal later in the year.
Writing on Stone Provincial Park
Spend your days in the Milk River Valley. You can swim in the nearby river, bring tubes for an adventure down the river or just spend it on the sandy shores. You can spot rock drawings, that are still visible today and hike through sandstone and hoodoos on the Hoodoo Hike. This one is a kid-favourite, and another incredible badlands experience, in a tent or camper.
Long Island Lake Provincial Park
This is a popular day use area for beach-goers in the area, and as far as Edmonton. Just over two hours from the city, the beach comes with an incredible dock to jump off of, a playground situated right on the sand of the beach, and incredibly large tires to run and jump through. With a campground located just off of the beach, you’re going to want to add this one to your list for summer adventure.
Crescent Falls Campground
Crescent Falls Campground is in Crescent Falls Provincial Recreation Area located 22 km west of Nordegg on Hwy. 11 and 6 km north on a gravel access road. This campground is small, but you’re incredibly close to Crescent Falls. Not up for that much adventure or want to book in advance, there are other campgrounds near the area you can book with kids, and make a day trip to the Falls.