The best camping near Peter Lougheed Provincial Park

Dreaming of the Canadian Rockies, but want to avoid the crowds around Banff and Lake Louise? Then you’ll love Peter Lougheed Park. It has something for every type of camper—you’ll have your choice of day-use areas, front-country campgrounds, and backcountry sites. The park offers a mixed bag of reservation sites and first-come, first-served (FCFS) sites, as well as the accessible William Watson Lodge, a year-round outpost for those with disabilities, seniors, and their families. Whether you’re tackling a hiking or mountain bike path, embarking on one of the park’s multi-day backpacking treks, or opting for a lakeside lounge, you’ll have no shortage of mountain views, waters for fishing, and lush meadows.

• Best for families: Canyon Campground’s Loop B is beside a large meadow and playground. 
• Best for waterfront views: Interlakes Campground sits along Lower Kananaskis Lake. 
• Best for backcountry camping: Walk through alpine passes and glaciers to Turbine Canyon Backcountry Campground.

1. With so many options, you’ll almost always find somewhere to set up camp. The more popular campgrounds, such as Canyon Campground and Interlakes Campground (both FCFS) fill up quickly. To avoid disappointment or an early morning search, choose a site that can be reserved ahead of time—try Boulton Creek or Elkwood.    
2. All backcountry sites require a reservation. Reservations for both backcountry and front-country sites can be made online, by phone, or in person at the park’s information centre. 
3. The William Watson Lodge has a three-leveled booking priority list. Depending on what level you identify with, you’ll be able to book up to four months in advance. Reservations are required and can only be made by phone: 403-591-7227.

While Peter Lougheed Park is a dream any time of the year, we recommend early September for your first visit. By then, tourist season has started to wane and the days are cooler for hikes, but you won’t miss out on wildlife sightings or wildflower season.

• Cell phone reception can be spotty or non-existent throughout the park. If you’re heading into the backcountry or doing an unfamiliar hike, let someone know your plans and when you anticipate to be back. You can find payphones (yes, they still exist!) and free wifi at the park’s information centre. 
• Nights in the Rockies can be cold even in the middle of summer. Pack some warm layers and a good sleeping bag.
• There’s a small grocery store at Boulton Creek Campground, an excellent spot to grab a snack after a long hike. 
• Those looking to fish in the park will need a permit to do so.