7 of the Best Campgrounds in Alberta
Planning for the next season already? Time to get ahead of the crowds; we’ve hunted down an updated list of the 7 best reviewed campgrounds in Alberta! (according to Google, the internet search god, all hail)
Elk Island Retreat
4.7/5 (170+ reviews)
Fort Saskatchewan, AB
- Open from April-October, each RV site is full service with city water, sewer, and 30-amp power. Coin operated shower and laundry on site
- Offers a variety of camping options including RV sites, cabins, geodesic domes, and yurts; pet friendly for animals up to 50 lbs.
- Family owned and operated
Rates vary depending on site size and location: $44-$53 daily; $266-$329 weekly
This campground is described as “peaceful and serene;” only a 12 minute drive from Elk Island National Park where you can hike, canoe, and have the opportunity to see some of Canada’s wildlife like bison and elk.
Carson Pegasus Campground
4.5/5 (190+ reviews)
Carson-Pegasus Provincial Park, Woodlands County, AB
- Open year round; reservable from May-September
- Located alongside McLeod Lake, this campground offers lakeside, RV, and tent-only sites, with and without power.
- There are a variety of amenities including showers, fire pits, a boat-launch area and pier, beach, and picnic areas.
- Provincially run.
Rates vary on site type: $43/night for power sites (15amp); $35/night walk-in tenting; $22-$30 for winter camping. Reservation fees may be in effect.
At this campground you’ll find hiking trails, fishing areas, and a beach for swimming during the summer. During the winter they offer opportunities for snowshoeing and ice-fishing.
Crescent Falls Campground
4.7/5 (200+ reviews)
Clearwater County, AB. Approx. 112 km west of Rocky Mountain House
- First-come-first-serve, operates May-October
- Outhouses and water available; sites are non-serviced; firewood is for sale (not included in nightly fee)
- Offers access to Big Horn Gorge lookout as a start for various trails for both hiking and biking.
- Operated by Westward Bound Campgrounds
- Note that entrance to the campground requires creek crossing that may not be suitable for all trailer lengths.
Rate is currently $28/ unit/site/night. First-come-first-serve basis.
Located near the Crescent Falls Provincial Recreation area, this campground offers quick access to hiking trails and gorgeous scenery, including two viewing platforms of the falls.
Pigeon Lake Provincial Park & Campground
4.2/5 (180+ reviews)
Pigeon Lake Provincial Park, Wetaskiwin County, AB
- While primarily active during the summer season, this campground offers 10 powered campsites during the winter as well!
- Summer amenities include showers, flush toilets, water hookup, sewage disposal, full-service and unserviced sites, boat launch, and fishing areas.
- Has beach access and a 10+ km trail system nearby
- Provincially run
Rates will vary by season and site type: $34/night unserviced; $42/night power site (15/30 amp); $58/night full service (power/water/sewer); $20/night winter camping. Reservation fees may be in effect.
Located in the provincial park, this campsite offers access to trails and a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking and fishing. However, while swimming is allowed water quality may make it unadvisable and should be done at discretion. Nearby activities include golfing, a shopping center, and farmer’s market. Winter activities include ice fishing and winter walks, with groomed trails for cross-country skiing or snowshoeing.
Pembina River Provincial Park Campground
4.4/5 (160+ reviews)
Pembina River Provincial Park, 106 km west of Edmonton, AB
- Open May-September, 100% reservable
- The majority of sites at the campground offer power (15/30 amp); other amenities include showers, sewage disposal, both flush and pit/vault toilets, hiking trails, and beach access.
- Pembina River is great for white water rafting; several touring companies offer rafting tours as well.
- Provincially run
This campsite offers a variety of amenities and can become very popular during the summer season so book early! Campers have access to hike the Riverside Trail that passes the Lobstick river and offers awesome views of the Pembina River gorge.
Whistlers Campground
4.5/5 (450+ reviews)
Southbound on Icefields Parkway, approx. 4.2 km from Jasper
- Recently renovated before the 2022 season. Over 750 reservable sites, with a mix of levels of both serviced and unserviced as well as walk-in camping.
- Communal water taps and a dump station are available
- Amenities include combined shower/washroom facilities throughout the campground. Sites that include water, sewer, and electrical (50 amp).
Rates vary depending on site type: $23/night (unserviced, no showers or fire pit) – $50/night (full service). Note: you will also require a park pass for your stay.
This campground is one of the largest in Jasper National Park and offers access to hiking trails, Jasper town proper, and the Jasper tramway to name a few. You can ride the tram up Mount Whistler and hike to the summit if you’re up for it!
Camp n’ Class RV Park
4.5/5 (160+ reviews)
Stony Plain, AB
- Open year round, with full services including laundry, wifi, and showers; pet friendly
- Water/sewer hookup, and 20/30/50-amp power at every site
- Gated with 24/7 security camera surveillance
- Family owned and operated
Rates vary depending on stay duration and season: $55-$60 daily; $375 weekly.
This campground is at the heart of Stony Plain; walking distance from downtown with a variety of shops, restaurants, and other amenities. Great for a stopover during a road trip to service your rig and pick up any necessities.
Are they any campgrounds you would recommend in Alberta? Let us know.
Updated: December 2022