Discover the best ranch campgrounds near Canmore, Alberta

Canada
—
Alberta
—
Canmore

98% (270 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Canmore

Dog-friendly getaways

3 top ranch campgrounds near Canmore

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!

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!

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.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Ranch camping near Canmore guide

Overview

Set in the Bow Valley—the heart of the Rocky Mountains—Canmore is a picturesque town surrounded by towering snow-covered peaks. A quick one-hour drive from Calgary, it’s a hikers’ paradise with ample trails, lakes, and family-friendly outdoor activities on the doorstep of Banff National Park. Camping and glamping near Canmore, Alberta provides easy access to Kananaskis Country—an area consisting of five national parks and ecological reserves. While summer brings kayaking adventures, biking, and strolls down the Spring Creek boardwalk, the winter season offers just as much fun—try snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, or (for the adventurous souls) ice climbing.

Where to go

Banff National Park=

An iconic playground of craggy mountains, winding canyon trails, and crystal-clear, glacial-fed lakes, Banff National Park is a dream destination when visiting Canmore. It features 13 campgrounds, including those offering RV park camping, so no matter your mode of travel, you’ll find the ideal home base for your trip. Stop in at the must-see Lake Louise for a canoe on the mineral-rich, turquoise waters, or take a 3.5-km hike up to Lake Agnes Tea House—a traditional 1905 log cabin with over 100 fine loose-leaf teas and homemade meals. Book a horse rental to head up in the most traditional and laid-back way possible. If you’d rather get your heart rate up, cycle the Bow Valley Trail, a 48-km journey with endless views of the Canadian Rockies.

Bow Valley Provincial Park

Bow Valley Provincial Park is less visited than Banff National Park, but that’s a bonus for Hipcampers who crave peace and quiet. Here, the full-service campgrounds are decked out with fire pits and all the desired amenities, as well as rugged sites offering a backcountry experience. Stay at the Three Sisters Campground for easy access to the Bow River and a day of fishing, canoeing, or swimming. You’ll need to snag a Kananaskis Conservation Pass and register your license plate when camping at any provincial park or public land campsite in this area, while Hipcamp properties will put you in close proximity with easy access.

Bragg Creek Provincial Park

On the eastern side of Kananaskis Country, Bragg Creek Provincial Park is a scenic spot worth the visit, even with no camping offered within the park. Whether you’re spending the day exploring hiking trails, picnicking, or snowshoeing in winter, you’ll be surrounded by mountain peaks and water views of Elbow River. Just outside the park, campers can find wide-open parks offering both pet-friendly glamping and off-grid tent camping.

When to go

July and August are the best times to visit the town of Canmore if you’re looking for sunny days and warm weather. Those months also draw the most crowds, so for quieter campgrounds, try for a visit between April and June, or in September or October. Winter (between November and March) won’t be quite as busy as the height of summer, but you should still plan ahead and make sure you’re prepared for those classic cold winters Canada’s known for.

Nearby attractions

Unwind to the soothing sound of cascading waters while camping near Bow Falls. The Bow Falls camping experience combines the invigorating rush of the falls with serene woodland trails, creating a picture-perfect outdoor retreat.
Ascend to new heights while camping near Tunnel Mountain. Tunnel Mountain camping offers breathtaking panoramic views, scenic hiking trails, and star-studded nights, making it a truly uplifting and refreshing adventure.
Surrounded by majestic mountains, the Two Jack Lake camping experience offers picturesque views, serene nature trails, and starlit nights, perfect for a revitalizing outdoor getaway.