Camping is one of the favourite summer activities, offering the chance to completely immerse yourself in nature for an extended period of time in the wonderful, warm Alberta weather. Crackling campfires, sticky s’mores, and waking up in sun-soaked tents provide some of life’s most memorable experiences. 

Kananaskis Country provides the ideal setting for this quintessential outdoor adventure from spring through fall. Its awe-inspiring terrain epitomizes the essence of a Canadian camping trip, showcasing Alberta’s untamed wilderness at its finest.

There are two broad types of camping in Kananaskis – “vehicle-access” and “backcountry.” all of the sites listed in this blog are vehicle-accessible sites. For more information about backcountry camping or Kananaskis camping in general, check out our Ultimate Guide to Camping in Kananaskis.

Just being in Kananaskis gives all the sites on this list prime access to Alberta’s top recreational attractions, including hiking trails and Alpine lakes. Regardless of which site you end up at, you’re sure to be met with the same epic views and versatile terrain. Here are the top ten campsites in Kananaskis, from tucked-away retreats to vibrant adventure hubs:

Boulton Creek Campground

 

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Boulton Creek Campground is a campers paradise. It’s one of the largest sites in Kananaskis with 160 sites ranging from unserviced, power and water, and walk-in sites boasting facilities including showers, flush toilets, and secure food storage. As if that weren’t enough to claim a spot as a local favourite, it’s also within walking distance to the Boulton Creek Trading Post and several of K-Country’s best recreation areas. The trading post functions as a home-base for several of the area’s campsites and passersby, providing amenities like a small general store (with an ice cream bar!) and equipment rentals. 

Of course, its proximity to several of Kananaskis’ best recreation areas also highlight its undoubtedly special location – close to Upper and Lower Kananaskis Lakes, Mt. Sarrail, and Rawson Lake.

Lower Lake Campground

 

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The Lower Lake Campground is another well-deserved favourite in Kananaskis. Despite being an unserviced campground, this site comes well equipped with 83 well-wooded campsites suitable for both RVs and tents. This campsite houses basic amenities including dry toilets, picnic tables, and water, but is without showers and flush toilets. That being said, Boulton Creek Campground is close enough that if you desperately need a shower, you are within a 5-minute drive. 

One notable amenity at Lower Lake Campground is its number of wheelchair-accessible sites and paved bike paths, making this a particularly barrier-free campground for all. With the same premium proximity to several of K-Country’s favourite recreation spots, this is another example of a dream camping opportunity in Kananaskis. Fall camping here is especially dreamy – visit between late August and October to see the golden shades of autumn reflected across the water.

Eau Claire Campground

 

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The Eau Claire Campground boasts 51 unserviced, peaceful campsites nestled amongst a thick forest of spruce and pine trees. One of the standout features of Eau Claire Campground is the privacy it offers. Spacious and well-spaced campsites allow you to immerse yourself in true forest serenity without feeling crowded by neighboring campers. Whether you’re camping in an RV or setting up a tent, you’ll find ample room to spread out and relax without trekking all of your gear into the backcountry. 

With direct access to the Eau Claire Interpretive trail, various unmaintained trails, and the Kananaskis river, this is the perfect spot to escape from civilization for a few days. As with any first-come first-serve campsite in Kananaskis Country, aim to arrive early to make sure you can snag a spot!

Spray Lakes West Campground

 

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Touted by Alberta Parks as a “peaceful campground on the shores of the Spray Lakes Reservoir that you may never want to leave,” we couldn’t agree more. The Spray Lakes West Campground is one of the most stunning in Kananaskis Country. Campsites here reside right on the water, making it an ideal spot to camp out for the weekend and fill your time with all of the water activities – from fishing, boating, and paddling to a quick alpine swim. Its isolated location makes it an ideal spot for wildlife watching where you might catch glimpses of deer, elk, and even the elusive Canadian lynx. The campground is first-come, first-served, so make sure to arrive early to secure your spot during peak seasons.

Elkwood Campground

 

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Elkwood Campground is another one of the largest and most versatile campgrounds in Kananaskis, offering 130 sites, both unserviced and power/water hookup sites. Located on the Kananaskis Lakes trail, this site offers unmatched recreation opportunities and is touted for its quiet campsites. The area’s surrounding trails and easy lake access make it a great pick year-round, especially come fall when its scenery takes on shades of yellow, red, and gold – creating a picturesque autumnal escape.

This campground comes complete with a playground, interpretive programs, hiking trails, and paved bike paths, making it a great choice to set up camp for a weekend full of adventure.

William Watson Lodge Campground

 

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Barrier-free lodging meets some of Alberta’s best scenery at the William Watson Lodge Campground, which has offered disabled-accessible lodging in Kananaskis since 1981. The campground is equipped with 11 campsites that range from unserviced to full power/water/sewer hookups, making it convenient for RV campers and tent enthusiasts alike. It is also entirely wheelchair accessible, providing paved pathways that offer a direct path down to Lower Kananaskis Lake and through the winding wilderness enjoyed by the campsite.

The nearby lodge and its facilities provide all the necessary amenities including bathrooms and showers, as well as power, water, and sewer hookups. With such a harmonious blend of comfort and natural beauty, William Watson Lodge creates an unforgettable haven for all to enjoy.

Mt. Kidd RV Park and Campground

 

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Mt. Kidd Campground is a well-known gem in Kananaskis country, with 229 campsites ranging from unserviced, to fully equipped, and walk-in. It is privately run and offers one of the best options for RV and motorhome camping in Kananaskis. With Kananaskis Golf right next door and the entirety of Kananaskis Village just a short drive away, Mt. Kidd places visitors right in the heart of the action.

This site is even available year-round for RV camping, with one loop staying open to facilitate cold-weather adventurers. Unlike some of the others on our list, this site is less of an immersion into the wilds of Alberta, instead providing a convenient basecamp for the area’s many recreational activities. Being as large as it is, campers here also get to enjoy amenities like volleyball and tennis courts, a wading pool, and bike paths. Additionally, the site is home to evening amphitheatre shows and family programs from Alberta Parks.

Canyon Campground

Canyon Campground resides at the northern tip of Lower Kananaskis Lake, with 50 unserviced sites equipped for tent and RV camping. One of the best and most unique things about Canyon Campground is its versatility. There are larger sites available on the grassy fields, and smaller, more hidden sites scattered throughout the trees, making it a great choice for a couples camping getaway and big family outings alike. Plus, easy access to hiking, mountain biking, and paved trails solidify Canyon Campground as another prime adventure base in the Kananaskis region.

Kananaskis Interlakes Campground

 

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Kananaskis Interlakes Campground is located between Upper and Lower Kananaskis Lakes, resting along the shores of the lower of the two lakes. Many of the sites are on the lakefront, granting campers a front-row seat to the captivating beauty that defines our rugged landscape. This campground is unserviced, although relatively close to the Boulton Creek Trading Post if you need to re-supply or access a shower. 

With such easy access to both lakes, this is one the best spots to set up camp for a trip full of water activities – with pristine conditions seemingly made for fishing, paddling, and boating. The ideal location and lakeside access make it one of the most popular in the area. Its 48 sites tend to fill up quickly, so make sure to get there early to secure yourself a campsite, as it is first come first serve.

Little Elbow Campground

 

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Little Elbow Campground is another one of the largest on our list. Boasting 94 well-spaced sites offering a private place to settle in for a few days, 60 of them are ready to accommodate RV’s or tents, and 30 walk-in sites. The campground is located adjacent to the Elbow River and Forget-Me-Not pond, with pristine fishing conditions that will make you want to quickly set up camp so that you can start casting your line. 

Notably, Little Elbow Campground even has an equestrian loop – making it the only one on our list that comes equipped with a covered corral to house any four-hooved friends. With stunning trails typical to Kananaksis winding through the area, this area is just asking to be explored by foot, bike, or horseback.

Whether you’re seeking solitude or alpine thrills, there is something for every nature enthusiast in the wealth of Kananaskis campgrounds. Explore, unwind, and immerse yourself in the breathtaking landscapes of K-Country – we’ll see you by the campfire!