Camping in Alberta with horseback riding

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

96% (723 reviews)
96% (723 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Alberta

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12 top campgrounds in Alberta with horseback riding

97%
(62)

Camping with Mountain Views

1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · AB
With amazing views of the Rocky Mountains, this west facing spot allows for some beautiful sunsets. Sightings of deer and moose are very typical along with many birds including hawks, eagles and even a chance to see some sand hill cranes. Just up the hill is the Pine Ridge lookout which provide views towards Waterton Park and the legendary Chief Mountain.Learn more about this land:This camping spot has amazing mountain views about 15 minutes from Waterton Lakes National Park.  The prairies of Alberta meet the peaks of the Rocky Mountains in Waterton Lakes National Park. Clear lakes, thundering waterfalls, rainbow-coloured streams, colourful rocks and mountain vistas await hikers and sightseers. With an exceptional diversity of wildlife and wildflowers and a cozy little waterfront town to serve as a home base, Waterton packs a big natural punch into a relatively small and accessible area.Currently, this is a simple, basic spot to camp and enjoy the views.There are plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife (moose, deer, birds). No amenities as of now, but we are looking to add more soon.  Due to fire restrictions currently in place, only propane-type devices can be used at this time.Pets are welcome.
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CA$39
 / night
99%
(235)

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
97%
(99)

Elk Island Getaway

12 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents40 acres · Edmonton, AB
Welcome to Elk Island Getaway! Elk Island Getaway is located 20 minutes east of Edmonton and 7 minutes from HWY 16 main entrance of Elk Island Park, Alberta. We are also right by Elk Island Park, in addition to being an important refuge for bison, elk and more than 250 bird species, it is a great place for all your hiking, picnicking, biking, canoeing and kayaking needs. When you enter Elk Island National Park you will know immediately that you have entered an oasis of calm. For years people have come to the picturesque park to escape the city life, explore the outdoors and connect with nature. Come and experience the dark sky preserve in our area that features an amazing opportunity to star gaze and to view the Northern Lights. We have 8 campsites available for tent, van, small motorhome, and trailers. Our group site is sites 7 and 8 please inquire if interested in this option. We do not discriminate on anything and are all inclusive Pets welcome on leash and owners are responsible for clean-up. This is a camper-maintained campground. Please take your trash with you at the end of your stay. There is a toilet available for campers to use but no other amenities. Our sites offer sites offer picnic tables and firepits. Mowed paths to walk If you forget your firewood or need more, we sell large bundles of tamarack wood (we pay for the wood to be trucked in) for an additional fee. We follow Provincial and County Fire Regulations Boreal Harvest Farms is right next door with a honeyberry U pick available during part of the year. Starts July 8th open to pick for an additional fee! We look forward to hosting you.
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CA$40
 / night
96%
(79)

Rough Diamond Ranch

6 sites · RVs, Tents80 acres · Calgary, AB
Quiet, majestic back to nature spot! This is a place to get away from a busy life. With close proximity to Winchell Lake, this land is ideal for fishing, hiking or simply enjoying the breathtaking scenery. We have 4 campsites available for tent or RV/trailer campers. If you're bringing an RV, we have two power outlets and water available. You will be parking on a field and the site requires levelling. Electricity and firewood are both available for purchase (see extras below). Please add this to your reservation at the time of booking. Campfires are permitted, pets are welcome. Potable water, picnic table, and outhouse are all available. We have cows, goats, chickens, horses and dogs on the property that generally love people. :) I have only one dog and typically allow dogs to run off leash. We do have to be careful that it doesn't turn to a dog gang as this happened once and they took down one of my goats. The goats Hon and Chewy are okay but it took months for poor Hon to heal. I also worry about the chickens so please keep and eye on your dogs! Lots of treed areas for private camping, horseback riding hiking and walking! Bird watching is big around here as we are on a bird migratory path. We are just above Winchell Lake and less than 10 km from Water Valley Golf Course and Saloon. Please recognize that you are visiting a Ranch not a campsite. We are sharing our piece of heaven with you and you are helping to support our animals and their heaven. Chickens are "True" Free Range and hand fed every morning. Eggs are $7.00 a dozen to pay for their feed. :) Every spring the rain tends to cause ruts and washes out some of the road on the way to the back forty where the meadow is. We gather rocks on the property to fill the ditches but the early part of the year the roads can be bumpy. Please ask the conditions of the road when you book if you have concerns. Thanks!
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CA$35
 / night
90%
(5)

Finnish Off-Grid Foothills Cabin

1 site · Lodging640 acres · AB
Off-grid experience (solar-powered and rainwater fed) for hikers, skiers or relaxers. This unique Finnish-inspired cabin has stunning views at all hours of the day and rich wildlife as well as Nature experiences in every direction. Steps away from the back entrance to the new Castle Provincial Park, and adjacent to thousands of acres of beautiful and accessible crown and park land. Many surrounding peaks from which to choose for the hikers and bikers, and two hills 40 minutes away for skiers. The cabin is situated on 480 acres of land on which there are no other houses, and adjacent to publicly-accessible land that spans thousands of acres. There is wildlife of all kinds and beautiful views right into British-Columbia and Montana. There is also a firepit :) This is off-grid but there IS cell phone service :) DISCLAIMER: please be advised that the cabin situated adjacent to Park and Crown land and wildlife of all sizes frequents the area. We advise that you be bear-aware, proceed with knowledge and carry spray while walking on the property.
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CA$150
 / night
98%
(29)

Ravens Valley

9 sites · Lodging5 acres · Sturgeon County, AB
A great private place to enjoy camping! Surrounded by large spruce trees and nature. Small pond and creek. Chalet sleeps up to 5 comfortably. Plan for some tasty outdoor cooking! We provide a barbecue and propane. Fire pit with free firewood and hot dog sticks. Nice place for singles, couples, small families and pets. Feel at peace surrounded by nature. Pet friendly with great walking trails for day and night time. Lawn and board games with a large 6 seater picnic table by the fire pit. In the summer enjoy a hot shower in nature! Propane included. A beautiful private nature getaway, where you can relax, let go and rejuvenate. There are so many good healing factors when you can just relax and let nature take its course! Come experience! We are nestled in the heart of the Sturgeon Valley across from the Sturgeon river. 25 mins North of downtown Edmonton. Light packing trip, - food, drinking water, shower towel, personal toiletries and insect repellent. Included in the Chickadee Chalet, All bedding and pillows to sleep 5 comfortably. 1 queen, 1 single and 1 double in the loft. Dinette booth to eat and play games. Plates, cups, glasses, pot, pans, utensils, napkins, foil, plastic wrap, lanterns, toaster, coffee maker, can opener, utensils, microwave, crockpot and mini fridge. Barbecue and fire table in the gazebo. Hot dog sticks. Private outhouse Across from the Sturgeon River nestled in the heart of the Sturgeon Valley Available close by, Fishing, swimming pools, vegetable farm and petting zoo 10 mins away! Playing cards                                                                                                              -Board games                                                                                                                   Campfire songs                                                                                                          -Rock Painting kits                                                                                                   
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CA$68
 / night
83%
(62)

Onespot Crossing Campgrounds

46 sites · RVs, Tents57 acres · Calgary, AB
Learn more about this land:OPEN ALL YEAR!Our campsite is the perfect city escape. We’re 40 minutes away from downtown Calgary but completely surrounded by nature.With over 50 acres, we offer very large, open, and spacious campsites to accommodate all. If you want a group gathering or a quiet secluded weekend, we are here to accommodate everyone and are very flexible with our customers' needs - feel free to message me with any questions. Picnic tables and firepits are provided in all of our unserviced natural sites. There is a toilet available.Onespot Campground is all-natural and has no power or water campground. Generators are permitted. Trailers need to fill water and dump trailer before arriving (we have no water and no dump site yet).Close to West Bragg Creek Provincial for hiking and mountain biking in the summer and cross-country skiing in the winter.We are a family-friendly and pet-friendly campground. To ensure that we respect all guests, we have an 11 pm curfew. We look forward to hosting you!
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CA$40
 / night
100%
(22)

Go Hard Ranch

19 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents1700 acres · Edson, AB
Go Hard Ranch is nestled alongside Chip Lake, just 15 minutes from the Yellowhead Highway near the small hamlet of Wildwood, Alberta, and only an hour's drive from Edmonton. The Ranch overlooks one of Alberta’s largest and most underrated lakes, promising to captivate you during your stay at this second-generation family ranch. The family has worked together to bring their vision of the Ranch to life, creating a unique space that is uplifting, beautiful, and comfortable. Whether you want to step outside to experience stunning views, immerse yourself in nature, glimpse Alberta wildlife, watch a multitude of bird species, or hike or ride your horse through the land, Go Hard Ranch is your perfect oasis. The Ranch is ideal for getaways with friends, couples, and families, group camping, and hosting retreats or events. It is also a sought-after wedding venue. Join them for a weekend of camping, campfires, and tranquillity. You can choose to stay in cozy cabins, authentic tipis or the ranch campground! The historic log cabin is the centerpiece of the ranch, surrounded by three smaller guest cabins, the tipis, wash house, cook house and the campground. At the heart of our campground you may find a log gazebo ideal for gatherings as well as a playground for the littlest guests to nurture their sense of play. Each cabin has its own style, and each tipi has its own powerful theme. Stay in the Warrior Spirit Tipi for the brave, the Bison Spirit Tipi for those who roam, or the War Horse Spirit Tipi for connection. These authentic tipi accommodations offer a unique way to get back to your roots and experience the true feeling of living in Canada. We also have a private piece of property along the lakeshore that only our guests have access to! Enjoy a picnic on the lake and watch the waterfowl or just enjoy nature and the stunning sunsets! Whether you are visiting the Ranch for a wedding, attending an event, or simply needing a weekend getaway from your busy life, the Ranch has much to offer. It provides a venue with just the right touch of the country, no matter the reason for your visit. Go Hard Ranch truly is a place where romance meets rustic.
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CA$50
 / night
Value Prop
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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Camping in Alberta with horseback riding 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.

Top regions in and near Alberta

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