Discover the heart of Kananaskis Country
Alberta Parks Camping in Kananaskis Country
Kananaskis Country is a large mountain region in the Canadian Rockies made up of multiple Alberta provincial parks, wildland parks and recreation areas, offering a variety of camping experiences in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. From frontcountry campgrounds and RV-friendly sites to backcountry camping and accessible cabins, there are options for everything from a comfortable night under the stars to a more remote wilderness experience.
Many campgrounds are surrounded by mountain peaks, forests, lakes and rivers, making camping in Kananaskis a great way to experience the landscape beyond the trails and viewpoints.
Types of Camping in
Kananaskis Country
Alberta Parks offers several different types of camping throughout Kananaskis Country:
Frontcountry camping is available at established campgrounds with designated campsites and facilities. This is a great option for families, groups and visitors looking for a more comfortable camping experience while still being surrounded by the Rocky Mountains.
Find vehicle-accessible campgrounds throughout Kananaskis Country, including information about individual campgrounds, facilities, reservations and seasonal availability.
Accessible camping and cabins are also available through Alberta Parks at William Watson Lodge in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park, which provides accessible accommodations and camping opportunities in a beautiful mountain setting.
Discover accessible cabins and camping opportunities at William Watson Lodge in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park.
Backcountry camping offers a more remote experience for those looking to spend the night in the wilderness. Backcountry campsites are typically accessed by hiking trails and have fewer facilities than frontcountry campgrounds, making them a good choice for experienced campers looking for a deeper connection with Kananaskis’ mountain landscape.
Camping Across Kananaskis Country
Because Kananaskis Country encompasses many different parks and recreation areas, camping experiences vary depending on where you go. Some areas offer developed campgrounds with vehicle access and amenities, while others provide more remote backcountry camping for visitors looking for a wilderness experience.
Some of the Alberta Parks areas where camping and overnight experiences are available in Kananaskis Country include:
One of the most popular camping destinations in Kananaskis, Peter Lougheed Provincial Park offers numerous established campgrounds as well as backcountry camping opportunities. Located among mountain peaks, forests and alpine lakes, the park is an excellent base for hiking, paddling, fishing and other mountain adventures.
Located near the eastern edge of Kananaskis Country, Bow Valley Provincial Park offers established camping close to the Bow River, with easy access to hiking, biking and other outdoor recreation.
This expansive wilderness area offers a more remote Kananaskis experience, with opportunities for backcountry recreation and camping in a rugged mountain landscape.
Don Getty Wildland Provincial Park protects a remote mountain landscape west of Calgary. With fewer developed facilities, it offers opportunities for visitors seeking a quieter backcountry experience.
Located along the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains, Bluerock Wildland Park offers a rugged wilderness setting for backcountry recreation and exploration.
Located along the Kananaskis River, this recreation area provides opportunities to enjoy the river valley and surrounding mountains, including camping and other outdoor recreation.
Surrounding the Upper and Lower Kananaskis Lakes, this area is a popular base for exploring the surrounding mountains, hiking trails and waterways, with camping available near the lakes.
McLean Creek is a popular destination for off-highway vehicle recreation and also offers camping opportunities, making it a unique option for visitors exploring Kananaskis by OHV.
Know the requirements
Kananaskis Conservation Pass
Your Adventure Awaits
Explore the Areas of Kananaskis
Bow Valley Wildland Provincial Park
Bow Valley Wildland Provincial Park encompasses a diverse landscape of forests, mountains, and river valleys. It offers opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, wildlife viewing, and backcountry camping, with popular trails like the Heart Creek Trail and the Bow Valley Parkway amidst stunning scenery. As a protected area, it serves as an important habitat for an array of wildlife species.
Backcountry Hiking
Backcountry Camping
Kayaking & Canoeing
Horseback Riding
Rock Climbing
Snowshoeing
Fishing
Geocaching
Spray Valley Provincial Park
Spray Valley Provincial Park boasts picturesque landscapes characterized by rugged mountains, pristine lakes, and dense forests. Outdoor enthusiasts can partake in activities such as hiking, fishing, camping, and wildlife observation amidst its natural beauty. With popular destinations like Spray Lakes Reservoir and Chester Lake, the park offers a serene retreat for visitors seeking both relaxation and adventure in Kananaskis.
Camping
Kayaking & Canoeing
Cross Country Skiing
Fishing
Hiking
Power Boating
Wildlife Viewing
Snowshoeing
Sibbald Lake Provincial Recreation Area
Sibbald Lake Provincial Recreation Area offers a serene ambiance, enveloped by lush forests and the picturesque Sibbald Lake. Outdoor enthusiasts can delight in a variety of activities, from leisurely picnics amidst scenic vistas to immersive birdwatching experiences in the area’s diverse ecosystems. Fishing enthusiasts can cast their lines into the tranquil waters of Sibbald Lake, while hikers can explore the network of picturesque trails weaving through the surrounding landscape.
Camping
Hiking
Geocaching
Peter Lougheed Provincial Park
Peter Lougheed Provincial Park offers an array of diverse hiking routes, while cyclists can enjoy both paved and challenging mountain biking trails. Elbow Lake Trail is the sole path in the park open to equestrian use, providing access to Elbow and Sheep valleys, while anglers have options for fishing in alpine lakes or Kananaskis lakes. In the winter, visitors can ski on groomed trails in the Kananaskis Lakes area or explore the Smith-Dorrien Trails System.
Backcountry Hiking
Backcountry Camping
Mountain Biking
Cross Country Skiing
Snowshoeing
Elbow-Sheep Wildland Provincial Park
Elbow-Sheep Wildland Provincial Park features rugged topography, pristine waterways, and an array of biodiversity. Adventurers can embark on immersive backcountry excursions, traversing through untouched landscapes and encountering stunning panoramas along the journey. Remote and secluded, the park offers a haven for outdoor enthusiasts yearning for solitude, while its extensive trail network provides ample opportunities for wildlife observation.
Backcountry Camping
Backcountry Hiking
Fishing
Horseback Riding
Mountain Biking
Rock Climbing
Geocaching
Don Getty Wildland Provincial Park
Don Getty Wildland Provincial Park is characterized by its raw and beautiful nature. An ideal setting for backcountry expeditions, no matter where you go you will be sure to be greeted with stunning vistas. More on the quiet side, the park offers a sanctuary for those looking to escape the rush of everyday life.
Backcountry Camping
Backcountry Hiking
Fishing
Mountain Biking
Wildlife Viewing
Geocaching
Sheep River Provincial Park
Sheep River Provincial Park spans from the Rockies in the west to the foothills in the east. It’s home to a diverse array of mammal and bird species. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy a multitude of activities including hiking along numerous trails, horseback riding, fishing, and camping at the park’s two spacious campgrounds. In winter, the park transforms into a haven for cross-country skiers with 37 kilometres of meticulously groomed trails awaiting exploration.
Camping
Cross Country Skiing
Fishing
Hiking
Horseback Riding
Ice Skating
Mountain Biking
Geocaching
Cataract Creek Provincial Park
Cataract Creek Provincial Park offers a serene retreat amidst Kananaskis’ natural beauty. A popular destination for campers, the Park has over 102 campsites making it a perfect family destination for those searching for a natural escape.
Camping
Fishing
Hiking
Snowmobiling
Geocaching
Boundary Ranch
Boundary Ranch offers a unique and immersive experience in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. Visitors can partake in a range of activities, including horseback riding, wagon or sleigh rides, and even overnight pack trips, allowing them to explore the stunning natural landscapes of the area. The ranch also provides opportunities for learning about Western heritage and cowboy culture through interactive experiences such as cattle drives and cowboy cookouts.
Kananaskis Country Golf Course
Golfing at Kananaskis Country Golf Course offers a truly spectacular experience amidst the breathtaking scenery of the Canadian Rockies. With two 18-hole courses set against stunning mountain backdrops, golfers can enjoy a memorable round surrounded by pristine wilderness. The course’s meticulously maintained fairways and greens provide an exceptional playing surface, while the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape creates a serene and picturesque setting for a day on the links.
Kananaskis Nordic Spa
If you’re looking for a rejuvenating escape, Kananaskis Nordic Spa provides a sanctuary for relaxation and wellness, with a variety of hot and cold pools, saunas, and steam rooms designed to invigorate the body and soothe the mind. Guests can indulge in a range of therapeutic treatments and massages, or simply unwind in the peaceful outdoor lounging areas surrounded by nature.
Kananaskis Outfitters
Kananaskis Outfitters is your premier destination for outdoor adventures in Kananaskis County. They offer a wide range of guided tours and equipment rentals for exploring all that Kananaskis has to offer, all year round. From hiking and mountain biking to canoeing and snowshoeing, our experienced guides will lead you on unforgettable journeys or outfit you with the perfect equipment for any endeavour.
Nakiska
Nakiska is a premier destination for skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts. With approximately 80 runs catering to all skill levels and accessible via 6 chairlifts, visitors can enjoy a diverse and thrilling mountain experience. The resort’s state-of-the-art facilities, stunning mountain vistas, and amenities such as dining options, accommodation, and recreational activities make Nakiska an ideal destination for families and adventurers.
Sundance Lodges
Sundance Lodges offers a unique and rustic camping experience nestled within the stunning wilderness of Kananaskis Country. Set amidst towering trees and tranquil meadows, the lodges provide cozy and comfortable accommodations in canvas tents equipped with wood-burning stoves, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for all.
Explore the different regions on the map to see which outdoor activities are available
Your Adventure Awaits
Explore the Areas of Kananaskis
Provincial Parks & Recreational Areas
Experiences
Camping experiences, facilities and access vary between parks and recreation areas. Always check Alberta Parks for current campground availability, reservations, access information, closures and camping regulations before your trip.
Plan Your Kananaskis Camping Trip
From a developed campground surrounded by mountain peaks to a remote backcountry campsite deep in the wilderness, camping is one of the best ways to experience Kananaskis Country. Wake up beside a mountain lake, spend the day exploring trails and waterways, or hike into the backcountry for a night beneath the stars.
Kananaskis camping is popular throughout the warmer months, and availability varies by campground and season. Check Alberta Parks for the latest information on campground openings, reservations, fees, facilities, fire restrictions and backcountry camping requirements before your trip.
With multiple provincial parks, wildland parks and recreation areas to explore, Kananaskis Country offers camping experiences for a wide range of outdoor adventures in the Canadian Rockies.