Ranch camping in Alberta with wildlife watching

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

92% (403 reviews)
92% (403 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Alberta

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Under $50

12 top ranch campgrounds in Alberta with wildlife watching

99%
(228)

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
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96%
(177)

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
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95%
(77)

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
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85%
(61)

Wheatland Shores Campground

51 sites · RVs, Tents25 acres · Calgary, AB
Explore the great outdoors with Wheatland Shores Campground. Offering trailer and tent camping options for short or seasonal stays, our picturesque campground is located on Eagle Lake in Southern Alberta. Enjoy fishing, water sports, and kayak rentals in the summer. Then in the winter season enjoy skating on the lake, snowshoeing and access to the lake for ice fishing. Find all your camping essentials at our onsite store. Group sites available. Make memories that last at Wheatland Shores Campground.
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CA$36
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100%
(20)

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
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83%
(3)

Finnish Off-Grid Foothills Cabin

1 site · Lodging500 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. 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
96%
(27)

Finally, You Found It Camp

6 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Lethbridge, AB
Learn more about this land:A 5-acre property located 3 miles SE of Coaldale, Alberta and 20 minutes east of Lethbridge. We have 6 sites available for tent or RV/trailer campers. Stafford Lake and numerous golf courses are within 5 minutes of driving.You will have access to our pool, beach, pond, and bathroom building. For those bringing RVs/trailers, electricity and water hookups are available. You will be parking on a field and we can accommodate vehicles up to 40ft.There is a large fire pit, shelter from the weather, and a sheltered shared BBQ. Sheltered cooking in the saloon is available.Multiple fire pit areas including the beach and Western Town… or your own camping area.Entertainment may be available for larger groups or full bookings which include outdoor movies, games, an old west shootout, and music.Available for weddings, groups, events, and family groups. Area for a large tent available but not provided. Please contact me if you need more details.
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CA$54
 / night
100%
(2)

BellMar Ranch & Gardens

1 site · RV, Tent160 acres · Athabasca, AB
BellMar Ranch & Gardens began with a few acres, just as many animals, and a lot of hard work. We are committed to doing things the right way. Today, with 160 acres, we are recognized as the leading farm-to-table meat producer our customers have grown to know and trust. At BellMar Ranch & Gardens, we are committed to regenerative farming, pasture raising, and grass-fed finishing without any of the harmful vaccinations, genetically modified grains, and questionable treatment of animals you will find in most available sources. We believe this is essential for providing a quality product that is healthy for families and healing for the environment. We are proud to be a part of the farm-to-table movement and to be able to offer our customers the highest quality meat that is perfect for families who appreciate convenience without sacrificing their health. Our customers have found our products filled the freezer with the highest quality and healthiest beef, chicken, pork, and turkey; we believe you will too. We hope you will join us in our mission to keep families healthy without compromise, by supporting our farm and sharing your experience with friends and family. Our Mission: It is our mission to provide affordable, premium quality grass fed & finished beef, and pastured poultry, pork, and eggs to our customers and guests. Athabasca became a local agricultural service centre. Today it is the home of Athabasca University, Canada's “online university.” The world's largest and technologically most sophisticated bleached kraft pulp mill is just a 37 minute drive from our location. We Offer: Grass fed and finished Beef and Pastured Pork, Poultry, and farm fresh Eggs. Homegrown and homemade Roasted Onion and Roasted Garlic Powder. Fresh vegetables if your timing is right! Ranch Tours Educational Tours Learn to Milk a Cow Classes: Artisan Bread Making Buttermilk Biscuit Making How to make butter Homemade No-Churn Ice Cream Making Pizza from Scratch There are other classes available on-ranch throughout the season that may be made available on short notice at the rancher's discretion. Otherwise, please book classes a minimum of one week in advance to allow us the opportunity to ensure we have all the ingredients in stock. These classes are dynamic, interactive, and fun! Electricity available starting at $10.97/night Water fill ups available for $5.97/100 gallons Additional nights available at $22.87/night Farmhouse breakfast, lunch, and dinner are available, please contact us for more information. Thin crust and deep dish pizzas available. Both made with our own pepperoni, salami, bacon, and ham - other toppings are available, we just don't grow black olives :0) Espresso, cappuccino, lattes (regular or mocha) and a large selection of herbal and caffeinated teas are available to start your day (please order the night before). Tired of being on the road and don't feel like stopping in town? Let us do your shopping for you! We can pick up your groceries, grab your cold drinks, and even stop at the bakery for you! Delivery service fees are a minimum $15.97 or 11% of your total order, whichever is greater. Contact us for more information!
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CA$39.97
 / night
Saved 8 times

Lianne W.’s Land

7 sites · Lodging10 acres · Edmonton, AB
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CA$36
 / night
100%
(6)

Sky Hound Ranch

2 sites · RVs, Tents149 acres · Edmonton, AB
A working Horse and Cattle Ranch that raises grass fed/ grass finished beef with regenerative agriculture practices, our motto is "Raised Naturally". With rolling pastures, wooded trails and a 12 acre wetland you can spend time with the horses, walk the pastures and learn about regenerative agriculture, get up close to our herd of cattle, or go birding and attempt to locate the over 40 bird species on the ranch. Located just west of Lessard Lake the boat launch for fishing, canoeing, paddleboarding or any other water activity is less that 5 minutes from the Ranch. Relax at night around the fire pit as the animals graze nearby (The horses will other come for a visit)
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CA$40
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100%
(3)

Lake View Property

4 sites · RVs, Tents200 acres · Vegreville, AB
Learn more about this land:We have 4 campsites available for tent or RV campers. For RVs, the site is level and can accommodate vehicles up to 59ft in length.Water and sewer are available on-site as well as a toilet.Campfires are permitted, pets are welcome.The campsite has a small lake and forest views. Hiking and quad trails, kayak and paddle on the lake or just enjoy the quiet area with abundant wildlife. You can also enjoy the community deck overlooking the lake. We look forward to hosting you!
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CA$30
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The Ranch

6 sites · RVs88 acres · Edson, AB
Learn more about this land:Welcome to The Ranch! Van and truck campers, RVs, and trailers are all welcome.The campsites require levelling and can accommodate vehicles up to 49ft in length. Electrical and water hookups are available.Surrounded by beautiful horses and trees. Activities nearby include wildlife watching, horseback riding, biking, off-roading, and more.McLeod lake (Carson Lake) day use is a short drive. McLeod river is also close by which is great for tubing or rafting. Campfires permitted, pets welcome.
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CA$30
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Ranch camping in Alberta with wildlife watching 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.

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