The best camping, glamping, and outdoor stays in Alberta

The Canadian Rockies are a no-brainer, but Alberta also offers badlands, Indigenous history, and dinosaur fossils.

97% (2002 reviews)
97% (2002 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Alberta

Star Hosts in Alberta

Dog-friendly getaways

12 top campgrounds in Alberta

98%
(103)

Badlands River View (Drumheller Valley)

1 site · RV, Tent15 acres · Drumheller, AB
Learn more about this land: Crowned the best all-around campground in Canada for 2024, based on 2023 bookings, reviews, and ratings by Hipcamp members! Also Crowned best RV and Van Spot Award for 2024! Welcome to the ultimate outdoor adventure in the heart of the Drumheller Valley! Have you been looking for a unique and unforgettable camping experience in the Badlands of Alberta? Look no further than our campsite, located just 40 feet from the Red Deer River and camping is available all year round. Imagine waking up to the sound of the river flowing and the sun rising over the breathtaking Badlands. You can experience all of this and more when you stay at our campsite. Whether you are a nature lover, an avid hiker, or simply seeking a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, our campsite offers a secluded, peaceful retreat. Located on the world famous 30 mile Dinosour Trail, our campsite offers unparalleled access to some of the most stunning scenery in the area. From the towering hoodoos to the winding river, the beauty of the Badlands is truly unmatched. And when you stay at our campsite, you can experience it all up close and personal. But our campsite offers more than just stunning views. We also provide a range of amenities to ensure that your stay is comfortable and enjoyable. The site is equipped with a picnic table, fire pit, and outhouse and can accommodate three RV’s up to 29 ft. in length ($44 per unit per night) or 4 tents up to a maximum of 12 people total. (Also $44 per night per tent) So why wait? Book your stay at our campsite today and start planning your unforgettable outdoor adventure in the heart of the Drumheller Valley. We guarantee that you won't regret it.
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CA$44
 / night
99%
(234)

Cattle Ranch in the Foothills

6 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents320 acres · AB
We are a working cattle ranch, about a 10 minute drive on a gravel road off of HiWay #1. You’re surrounded by wildlife and outdoor activities just as you step out of the door. We offer lots of privacy. Each site has its own road off the main road so no one else will be driving past your camp. During most of your stay, you will think there’s no one on the ranch but you! We’re close to a golf course, about 40 minutes to Canmore, one hour to Banff, and 40 minutes to Downtown Calgary. Perfect for day trips for activities other than camping. Our cows are tame and curious, but not house pets - just be aware. Our sites are not fenced from the cows, so you will have all the sights, smells, and sounds that are associated with cows if they come to visit you. If they bug you too much, message me and I will come over to move them out. I also have a shovel at each site to help clean up cow deposits! We are not a commercial nor Parks campground, nor do we strive to be. If you are looking for site with garbage service, running water, etc., you won’t find it here. If you are looking for an off-grid site with a few niceties, tons of privacy, off leash for your pups, and free firewood, you will be happy staying at our ranch!
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CA$40
 / night
98%
(65)

The Point At Alborak

4 sites · RVs160 acres · Canmore, AB
Experience a tranquil retreat in the foothills of the Rockies at The Point at Alborak, offering stunning views of sweeping valleys and mountains. Our secluded getaway features four full hook-ups with 20-amp and 30-amp power, sewer, and water connections. We are currently re-testing the water to ensure it is safe for drinking. We are providing water in blue jugs that is safe for drinking until we get the results back. The Point at Alborak RV site features a shared flat gravel space enclosed by fencing and cattleguard to ensure vehicle safety. Situated 6 Kms off Highway 1 near our Equine facility, the Point at Alborak provides glimpses of wildlife, including deer, moose, bear, and elk. Right outside your door, enjoy hiking and mountain biking adventures. Conveniently located just 10 minutes down gravel road off Hwy 1, we serve as the halfway point between Banff and Calgary and are only minutes away from the Livingstone Golf Course. Please be aware that we operate as a working cattle ranch and equestrian center. We kindly request due care and caution around livestock, and exercise caution when near electric fencing. For the safety of all, please keep dogs on a leash when livestock is present. Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of our surroundings while respecting the coexistence of our working ranch and your peaceful retreat.
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CA$50
 / night
96%
(180)

Homegrown Campground & Cabins

6 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents160 acres · Slave Lake, AB
Homegrown Campground and Cabins is nestled on the north shore of Lesser Slave Lake and I offer cozy camping areas with private lakefront views of Dog Island. I currently have 4 camp sites, two of which have decks, and another site with one tiny cabin. Please read: The property is also a Bison farm and I have two dogs, Luna and Pyro, who are the campground security managers. They love people and other furry friends! Please note that this campground/farm are my dogs home, and they may wonder over at some point and say hello. Please do not feed them, and use good judgment if you are traveling with dogs of your own. Aggressive dogs will not be tolerated. If my dogs overstay their welcome, or if you simply aren't a dog person, please let me know and I can come retrieve them. Potable water is available, directions to it will be made available after checking in. Also, if any of the sites, garabge bin or outhouse needs attention, PLEASE let me know. I ask that you don't leave bags of garbage on the ground after checking out since birds, dogs, or bears will take that as an ivite to make a mess looking for a snack. I do have a full time job that prevents me from being around 100% of the time, so with your help, we can ensure a clean and safe campground for everyone to enjoy. There is a metal dumpster at the end of the road that can be used if needed. Points of interest nearby include: Lesser Slave Lake Provincial Park, Devonshire Beach. 5-10 minutes away. You can't say you've been to Slave Lake with out saying you've been to Devonshire. Endless amounts of clean white "squeaky" sand and shallow waters perfect for summer beach days. You will never find a rock on the beach or in the water. The southern end of the park consists of sand ridges and blowout dunes, behind which are a series of marshes and wetlands. Marten Mountain View Point (Lily Lake Trail). 15 minutes away. By far the best view of the lake that you will ever get! At 1020 meters, Marten Mountain is the highest point of land for hundreds of square kilometers. From the Marten Mountain Viewpoint, you can take in a truly breathtaking view of Lesser Slave Lake and its forested slopes. The view point is also the trail head to get to Lily Lake, a medium difficulty 4 km round trip. The cozy lake is stocked with trout and is an excellent afternoon adventure. Boreal Centre for Bird Conservation. 5 minutes away. It is one of Canada's northernmost bird observatories and is one of the only boreal forest bird observatories in the world. Nice walking trails and a great information center with stunning architecture. Gilwood Golf Course. 2 minutes away. Neighboring the property is an 18 hole golf course with a clubhouse and restaurant. Activities nearby include fishing, hiking, wildlife watching, swimming, and so much more! Pets are welcome, campfires are permitted.
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CA$30
 / night
98%
(41)

Nature Alive Adventures and Camping

3 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents160 acres · Fort Assiniboine, AB
Our property is located in the heart of the boreal forest with plenty of birds, trees, peace and quiet. We have a mix of open spaces, walking trails, wetland discovery zones and dense forest, both on site and surrounding our land. We are near good fishing and swimming lakes and close to the Athabasca and Freeman Rivers. Our property is rated Class II on the Alberta Dark Skies Map. We welcome all campers, whether you are a newbie or a seasoned explorer of all outdoor places and spaces. We offer 2 cabins, 6 RV spots, and up to 10 tent sites Summer activities: Canoeing, kayaking, swimming, fishing, hiking, bird watching, star gazing, hot tub Winter activities: Snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, animal tracking, star gazing, hot tenting, hot tub Custom Activities: Hire our on site guides for Interpretive forest walks, edible and medicinal plant walks, knife skills and carving projects, animal tracking walks, canoe rentals and guided trips on nearby lakes or river, snowshoe walks, and bushcraft skills sessions Year round facility.
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CA$35
 / night
100%
(35)

Hidden Springs Retreat & Guesthouse

7 sites · Lodging, RVs160 acres · Wetaskiwin County 10, AB
A place of restorative peace and relaxation. Located on 160 acres of rolling parkland east of Winfield, Alberta, Hidden Springs is a place to stay, play, and connect.Whether you’re seeking quiet time by yourself, or space to reconnect with friends and family, the Guesthouse is furnished to make you feel at home. Get cozy in front of the wood stove, spread a personal project out across the dining room table, settle into a puzzle or game, read on the deck, spend a day cooking, or watch the weather roll in across the valley.The Guesthouse is made up of two self-contained suites (upper and lower) connected by exterior stairs. The upper suite features a full kitchen (including stove, fridge, microwave and water cooler), a spacious living room, wood stove, and a large deck overlooking the valley. This suite sleeps up to four guests, with a queen bed in the bedroom and a queen-sized sofa bed in the common space.The lower suite can accommodate up to six people, with two queen-size beds and an additional pullout. It features a kitchenette (including sink, small fridge, microwave, and water cooler.) Its small brick patio offers a serene view of the pond below.WiFi is free and available throughout the guesthouse.
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CA$40
 / night
100%
(45)

Riverside Valley Camp

1 site · RV, Tent5 acres · Red Deer, AB
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 from a winding riverbed, our 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.
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CA$100
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98%
(160)

Collinswood Retreat

7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents160 acres · Red Deer, AB
Collin’s Wood is a very special place indeed. The land was bought by my grandfather years ago when he moved to Canada from England and wanted to chase his log cabin dream. Our main cabin my family built from trees on the land, entirely by hand. We have photos of the trees being cut and the bark being peeled off. Since then, we’ve made many changes out there, we now have a guest cabin that used to be a Teacheridge (back when teachers would live in a one room building beside the school), eventually it was turned into a cafe and now it sits on our land as a guest cabin. This place is so magical. With a quarter section of land I grew up running through the forest with my friends and learning about what the land has to offer. My parents have spent every spare weekend out there making this paradise into what it is today. All the buildings were created by my family through labour and love. We’ve hosted weddings, and family reunions. We hope you appreciate how special this place is. Come see for yourself!
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CA$32
 / night

Under $50

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best camping, glamping, and outdoor stays in Alberta guide

Overview

The glacier-topped peaks, aqua lakes, and scenic campgrounds of the Canadian Rockies draw most of Alberta’s visitors, who come to explore Banff and Jasper national parks. And beyond those parks, this western province is worth visiting to hike through the Canadian Badlands’ unusual rock formations; delve into the region’s indigenous heritage; road trip along the Cowboy Trail; or visit Dinosaur Provincial Park. Alberta’s largest cities are Calgary, a 90-minute drive from Banff, and Edmonton, four hours from Jasper.

Canadian Rockies

Alberta’s most popular region includes Banff and Jasper national parks, drawing visitors from around the world to Lake Louise, the Icefields Parkway, and other scenic spots. The town of Canmore, 20 minutes’ drive from Banff’s south entrance, is a good place to get supplies. Waterton Lakes National Park borders Montana’s Glacier National Park south of Calgary and across the border in the U.S.

Southern Alberta & the Canadian Badlands

The gateway to the Rockies, Calgary is also a short drive from the Canadian Badlands, where you can explore unusual hoodoos and rocky canyons. The region around Drumheller and Dinosaur Provincial Park, where Canada’s early dinosaurs were unearthed, has plenty to interest paleontology fans.

Central Alberta

The center of the province includes Alberta’s Cowboy Trail, where cattle ranches are still active and you can trace the area’s cowboy past. Visit Rocky Mountain House National Historic Site to learn about Alberta’s heritage as a fur trading hub, as well as its indigenous First Nations and Métis cultures.

Northern Alberta

Edmonton is the jumping-off point for both Jasper National Park and the province’s vast north, where remote Wood Buffalo National Park extends into the Northwest Territories. But you don’t have to go far to delve into the wild—just outside Edmonton, more than 1,000 bison roam the protected prairies of Elk Island National Park.

Frequently Asked Questions

In Alberta, Canada, you generally need a permit or reservation to camp in provincial parks, national parks, and some other public lands. For provincial parks, you can reserve a campsite online through the Alberta Parks website. For national parks, such as Banff and Jasper, you will need to make reservations through the Parks Canada Reservation System. Some public lands and Crown lands may also require permits, so it's essential to check the specific regulations for the area you plan to camp in.

When camping in the Edmonton area, you can find a variety of campgrounds and parks, such as Elk Island National Park and William A. Sweny Campground, where you will need to make reservations or obtain permits as required.

Random camping, also known as dispersed camping, is allowed in Alberta on public lands, including Crown land and provincial forests, with some rules and guidelines to follow:

  1. Choose a site at least 1 km away from any designated or established campground, recreation area, or private land.
  2. Stay at least 100 meters away from any lakes, rivers, or streams to protect water quality and wildlife habitats.
  3. Only camp for a maximum of 14 days in the same location.
  4. Leave no trace; pack out all garbage and waste, and leave the site as you found it.
  5. Do not cut down trees or damage vegetation.
  6. Campfires are allowed in fire-safe containers or in rock fire rings. Check for fire bans and restrictions in the area before starting a fire.
  7. Use existing trails and roads to minimize damage to the environment.
  8. Respect wildlife and keep a safe distance from them.
  9. Obey any posted signs and regulations.

It is important to note that random camping is not allowed in Alberta's provincial parks, national parks, or ecological reserves.

Yes, you can definitely camp in a tent in Alberta, Canada. The province offers a wide variety of camping opportunities, from well-maintained campgrounds in national and provincial parks to more remote backcountry sites. Some popular camping destinations in Alberta include Banff National Park, Jasper National Park, and Elk Island National Park, as well as many provincial parks and recreation areas. Keep in mind that camping in designated campgrounds and obtaining the necessary permits is essential to protect the environment and abide by local regulations. Also, be prepared for varying weather conditions depending on the season and location.

While some camping options in Alberta do require fees, there are also free camping sites available. These free sites are typically referred to as "random camping" or "dispersed camping" and are often located on Crown land or Public Land Use Zones (PLUZ). These sites usually do not have any amenities or facilities, so campers need to be self-sufficient and practice Leave No Trace principles. Keep in mind that regulations and restrictions may apply, so it's essential to research the area you plan to camp in before heading out.

Yes, random camping, also known as dispersed or backcountry camping, is allowed in Alberta on Crown land, which is public land managed by the government. It is important to note that random camping is not permitted in all areas, and you should always check local regulations and restrictions before setting up camp. Some popular locations for random camping in Alberta include the Kananaskis Country, the Bighorn Backcountry, and the Ghost Public Land Use Zone. When random camping, it is essential to follow Leave No Trace principles and respect the environment and wildlife.

To get a campsite in Alberta, you can follow these steps:

  1. Decide on the type of campground you want to stay at. Alberta offers a variety of campgrounds, including provincial parks, national parks, private campgrounds, and recreation areas.
  2. Research campgrounds in the area you want to visit. You can use websites like Alberta Parks and Parks Canada to find information about public campgrounds, or visit private campground websites for more options.
  3. Once you've selected a campground, check if reservations are required. Many campgrounds in Alberta accept reservations, while others operate on a first-come, first-served basis. For public campgrounds, you can make reservations through Reserve.AlbertaParks.ca or Parks Canada's reservation system. For private campgrounds, contact the campground directly to make a reservation.
  4. Before your trip, make sure you have the appropriate camping permits and passes. For example, you may need a National Park Pass if you're camping in a national park or a Provincial Park Pass for a provincial park. You can purchase these passes online or at park gates.
  5. Arrive at the campground, set up your campsite, and enjoy your stay in Alberta's beautiful outdoors!

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