The best river, stream, or creek glamping in Kananaskis

The Kananaskis Region holds some of Alberta’s most dramatic mountains, and as a whole, the area is loaded with great camping and wild spaces. You can wild camp, find one of many private campsites, or seek out the public campgrounds—no matter which you choose, trails are prolific, as are clear, cold rivers that flow from the peaks to the prairie. Trout fishing is excellent and visitors love mountain biking, skiing and sightseeing in the open spaces, too. Banff is just to the north of the region as well, and Calgary is the largest city, just east of Kananaskis.

95% (78) • 7 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Kananaskis

Vacation rentals in Bragg Creek

1. Vacation rentals in Bragg Creek

92%

(26)

2 sites · Lodging · Calgary, AB

Located on 2,5 acres of forest in Wintergreen Bragg Creek, the land offers access to nearby trails at West Bragg Creek day-use area, golf, horseback riding, Elbow Falls, Forget-me-Not pond, and 11 awesome places to dine in Bragg Creek. We have 2 amenities: Shanti Yurt and Rustic Cozy Cabin with hot tubs.

Pets

Toilets

Showers

from

CA$145

/ night

Rustic Riverside Camping

2. Rustic Riverside Camping

99%

(51)

5 sites · Lodging · Bragg Creek, AB

Camp riverside at the gateway to Kananaskis! Onespot Crossing Campground is a family owned Indigenous campground that hosts powows and other cultural events on site. Revenue from your booking will go towards supporting Indigenous programming at the campground.Please be mindful that the roads at this campground are bumpy dirt roads.

Pets

Toilets

Showers

from

CA$167

/ night

Trappers Hill Lodges & Campground

3. Trappers Hill Lodges & Campground

96%

(25)

4 sites · Lodging · Bighorn No.8, AB

Trappers Hill Lodges & Campground, a unique off-grid glamping and camping adventure amidst the breathtaking landscape of the Canadian Rocky Mountains overlooking, the Ghost River, 1.5 hours from Canmore. Nested in the heart of picturesque land, it offers 16 cozy cabins and 6 spacious campsites, each offering a tranquil retreat for families, friend and couples alike. We are located 1 hour from Canmore, 45 minutes from Cochrane.

Pets

Toilets

Showers

from

CA$175

/ night

The Kananaskis Region holds some of Alberta’s most dramatic mountains, and as a whole, the area is loaded with great camping and wild spaces. You can wild camp, find one of many private campsites, or seek out the public campgrounds—no matter which you choose, trails are prolific, as are clear, cold rivers that flow from the peaks to the prairie. Trout fishing is excellent and visitors love mountain biking, skiing and sightseeing in the open spaces, too. Banff is just to the north of the region as well, and Calgary is the largest city, just east of Kananaskis.

95% (78) • 7 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Kananaskis

Vacation rentals in Bragg Creek

1. Vacation rentals in Bragg Creek

92%

(26)

2 sites · Lodging · Calgary, AB

Located on 2,5 acres of forest in Wintergreen Bragg Creek, the land offers access to nearby trails at West Bragg Creek day-use area, golf, horseback riding, Elbow Falls, Forget-me-Not pond, and 11 awesome places to dine in Bragg Creek. We have 2 amenities: Shanti Yurt and Rustic Cozy Cabin with hot tubs.

Pets

Toilets

Showers

from

CA$145

/ night

Rustic Riverside Camping

2. Rustic Riverside Camping

99%

(51)

5 sites · Lodging · Bragg Creek, AB

Camp riverside at the gateway to Kananaskis! Onespot Crossing Campground is a family owned Indigenous campground that hosts powows and other cultural events on site. Revenue from your booking will go towards supporting Indigenous programming at the campground.Please be mindful that the roads at this campground are bumpy dirt roads.

Pets

Toilets

Showers

from

CA$167

/ night

Trappers Hill Lodges & Campground

3. Trappers Hill Lodges & Campground

96%

(25)

4 sites · Lodging · Bighorn No.8, AB

Trappers Hill Lodges & Campground, a unique off-grid glamping and camping adventure amidst the breathtaking landscape of the Canadian Rocky Mountains overlooking, the Ghost River, 1.5 hours from Canmore. Nested in the heart of picturesque land, it offers 16 cozy cabins and 6 spacious campsites, each offering a tranquil retreat for families, friend and couples alike. We are located 1 hour from Canmore, 45 minutes from Cochrane.

Pets

Toilets

Showers

from

CA$175

/ night

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

N

Nicole

September 2025

4 nights at Rustic Riverside Camping

We absolutely loved our stay! The bed is so comfortable, they provided extra blankets and towels. The entire campsite had everything you needed from a stove, lighters, water, a shower, etc. The owner went above and beyond when we had some things taken but everything was promptly returned. It’s secluded and quiet and absolutely beautiful!

E

Erin

August 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Trappers Hill Lodges & Campground

We had a great time Glamping here with our two little boys! It was the perfect way to camp in comfort (and warmth) with them. The cabins/tents and bathrooms were clean and well maintained. There was access to running water (non-potable) for dishes. The sauna was brand new and a definite touch of luxury. The staff were so friendly and approachable.

shayla

July 2025

4 nights at Trappers Hill Lodges & Campground

Wow what an experience, the drive up was a bit rough our first time but after the 2nd time it was no problem, our Honda civic got us through no problem! We loved the view from our cabin and enjoyed the sauna and Cold plunge after long days and in the early mornings. And we had Dusty (Campground cat) keep us company during the rain fall in the mornings and cuddles by the fire at night time on our last night. Coming from manitoba to camping in the mountains was an absolute adventure and would/will 100% come back, we had a leak in our cabin but Pete came and sealed it up the next day and gave us a free bundle of wood for any troubles we delt with. I recommend this place highly as its an experience you will never forget! Me and my honey will never forget our adventures there and am glad we found this gem.

T

Tahnee

July 2025

3 nights at Rustic Riverside Camping

This was a great experience. Almost perfect. The view was absolutely amazing and the sound of the rushing river was very relaxing. It was great to have all the cooking things supplied. The tent was very clean and we had great sleeps on the bed which was very comfy. I suggest bringing a tarp to put behind the shelter because the shower and bathroom is right there looking in to your site. A few things could be improved. First, the rain shelter did leak a little bit which wasn’t great for the rainy weather we had. Also, one zipper in the tent was broken so it was quite difficult to close. Unfortunately the shower only worked once before breaking and it wasn’t fixed by the time we left. Overall a great experience and all things that could be fixed were liveable!

M

Michael

July 2025

Weekend Trip to Rustic Riverside Camping

Fantastic place! Was beautifully laid out, calm and quiet, just what the doctor ordered! My son (6 years old) had a great time as did I.

D

David

July 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Trappers Hill Lodges & Campground

The place is quite and there is a beautiful view. The tenants are adorable and very helpful. I was impressed because there were showers and a sauna ! I can't remember being that on the website when I booked. We could also make our own fire next to our shelter.

T

Tom

June 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Trappers Hill Lodges & Campground

Amazing spot! The team are so welcoming and the utilities are amazing. Thanks!!

J

Julia

June 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Trappers Hill Lodges & Campground

It was our first time in the area and at Trappers Hill. We normally head to the National Parks - so glad we didn’t this time! We stayed in a Trappers Cabin - exceptional view!! with a comfy cabin, rustic and peaceful. The shower facilities and outhouses were well maintained and the camp managers, Pete and Erin (and family) made us so welcome. We spent some time at nearby Ghost Lake and a hike near Canmore - about 1 hour away. It was a perfect weekend and we already booked again for August.

t

tt

June 2025

1 night at Trappers Hill Lodges & Campground

I discovered this place by chance and chose to stay here as the final stop of my Banff-Jasper road trip. Although I arrived late, I could instantly feel how amazing this place is. The sauna was excellent, the cabin was beautiful, and the off-road trail was just perfect everything came together to create such a precious memory. I highly recommend this place.

Makenna

June 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Rustic Riverside Camping

Amazing glamping experience! They have really put a lot of thought into providing everything you could need! The beds were comfortable and very warm through the night. It was a very relaxing spot right alongside the river and was an easy site to locate and access! The stairs down to the site are a bit steep if you have mobility concerns but otherwise great spot for young and old! Our children loved the site and it made for easy ‘camping’ with little kids! We will be back :)

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best river, stream, or creek glamping in Kananaskis guide

Where to go

Hit the Slopes

Two ski areas offer options for steep mountain terrain. Nakiska and Fortress Mountain are both great mountains, each having six lifts open to the public. While Banff draws skiers from around the world, these smaller ski areas are often overlooked. If you enjoy low traffic and great powder, consider taking a ski vacation to Kananaskis Country. Nakiska is less than an hour from Calgary and was an Olympic ski site. Fortress Mountain has 30 kilometres of slopes with some challenging terrain.

Spray Lakes Reservoir

As the largest lake in Kananaskis, the long shoreline offers plenty of space for boaters. Camping is available on the lake and the water is popular for summer fishing, water skiing and swimming. The reservoir has large lake trout, whitefish and plenty of rainbow trout to pursue. Prevailing winds do limit water skiing to the early morning hours but they do make for excellent windsurfing. The region doesn’t have many large bodies of water and this is one unique lake that is surrounded by mountains.

Hike the Trails

If there’s one thing that Kananaskis offers, it’s a never-ending network of trails. Hiking and biking are both popular and there are some serious peaks to pursue on foot. Smutwood Peak is one of those magical looking mountains that requires some scrambling to reach the summit. It has several high lakes with turquoise waters sitting picturesquely below a jagged mountain. Read’s Tower and Tent Ridge a few more options with incredible scenery.

Bow Valley Provincial Park

This park might be the pinnacle of any trip to Kananaskis Country. The Bow and Kananaskis Rivers meet in the park which is just under an hour from Calgary. Paddling and fishing on the Bow River are both highlights for visitors. Extensive hiking trails are perfect for day trips or overnight backcountry trips. Test your legs against the steep terrain and don’t forget a camera for the incredible vistas. This is grizzly country and visitors should carry bear spray when navigating the park.

When to go

Summer is really the best time for hikers wanting to climb the peaks and reach the backcountry on foot. July and August specifically are ideal for penetrating the backcountry. September is another great month with changing colors and cooler night temperatures. October can be idyllic but also can experience early winter storms. Winter itself is a nice time to visit for skiers and snowsport enthusiasts. The primary highways remain open but the backroads are often closed or difficult to navigate.