As the weather warms, it’s starting to feel more and more like camping season. Most Canadian campsites don’t open until the May long weekend, but hey, it’s never too early to get planning! If you’re looking for private campgrounds, Alberta has many options and we’ve got some gorgeous one to share with you.
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Private Campgrounds Alberta
When it comes to private campgrounds, Alberta has some great options to choose from. At private campgrounds, you often get more amenities because they’re for profit businesses. With that usually comes a highly nightly rate than what you’d find at public campsites.
No matter if you’re looking to stay near Calgary or Edmonton, sleep under the stars in the Alberta Rockies or want to check out the variety of landscapes in southern Alberta, we’ve got you covered. For the best possible stay, reserve early, follow campsite rules, pick up after yourselves, and for the love of all things holy, please don’t sing Kumbaya:)
Private Campgrounds Near Calgary
Whether you’re heading into Calgary to visit family, hit the mountains or check out the Calgary Stampede, Calgary is a beautiful city for exploring. Here’s 4 private campgrounds near Calgary to make your stay topnotch!
Calgary West Campground
Located on the western edge of the city, right by Canada Olympic Park and close to Calaway Park, lies Calgary West Campground. Camping is available from April 15 to October 15.
The site is quite big, with 120 full hookup sites, 120 water and electric sites and 80 tenting sites. Rates start at $35/night in the shoulder season and $37/night in high season.
This campground sports a pool, which is a rare find in Alberta. It also has picnic tables, shower and laundry facilities, mini golf, a playground and store. Best is, they provide a free shuttle to the nearest bus stop so you can easily and sustainably explore Calgary and it’s many fun attractions.
Aspen Crossing Campground
Located at Aspen Crossing in Mossleigh, Alberta, Aspen Crossing Campground is any train lover’s dream. It opens for reservations on May 21, and you can book 365 days in advance.
The campground is open year-round, so your excursion isn’t limited to the summer months. Camping rates start at $35/night in the high-season and $22.75 in the low-season.
Amenities include coin showers, flush toilets, group camping sites, full-service RV sites, sani-dump stations and a playground. It’s also big-rig friendly.
While in Aspen Crossing, it’s worth checking out the gift store, train excursions and their escape rooms. Mossleigh is about a 30-minute drive from south Calgary so you can always pop into the city for a visit.
Prefer glamping? Rest your head at one of their Caboose Cabins – like a hotel room, but inside a refurbished train car. These unique stay starts at $123/night.
Calaway Park Campground
Steps away from Calaway Park (western Canada’s largest outdoor family amusement park), Calaway Park Campground is perfect for families planning to hit the rides. A short drive from city center, this camping facility is also a good pick for people heading to Calgary or the mountains.
The campground follows similar hours to Calaway Park, and it is only open on weekends between May 21 and June 14. From June 18 to September 6, the campground is open daily. Rates start at $32/night for tenting or $38/night for RVs and Calaway Park season pass holders can get 10% off their stay.
On-site, guests have access to showers, restrooms, paid WIFI and the camp store. If you’re heading into the amusement park, check at the front gate for special deals for campers.
Mountain View Camping
Situated just 3km outside of Calgary, Mountain View Camping is currently accepting reservations through their website. Rates range from $43/night to $55/night depending on the type of site. Pets are allowed on-site, so bring your furry friend.
Guests have access to restrooms, showers, laundry, a camp store, pet area, propane, café, picnic shelters, playground, recreation trails, horseshoes, mini-golf, outdoor courts and water. There’s no WIFI on-site though.
If you’re staying during Stampede, Mountain View offers a shuttle to the Stampede grounds. Ya hoo!
Private campgrounds Banff
While there’s no private campgrounds in Banff National Park, there are some great options just outside the park’s borders. If you’re looking for private campgrounds, Banff does has some nearby ones listed below.
All campgrounds inside the park are run by Parks Canada – here’s a listing of these Banff campgrounds. (They’re pretty awesome, too!)
Mt. Kidd RV Park
Located in the heart of the Kananaskis, Mt. Kidd RV Park is about an hour’s drive from Banff. Its location is tops as there’s plenty to do in the Kananaskis region from hiking, biking and cross-country skiing trails.
The campground is open year-round, and reservations can be made up to 90 days in advance. Camp in your RV with full-hookups or bring your tent. Sites start at $36/night and there’s a $12 booking fee.
Mt. Kidd offers restrooms, showers, laundry, a camp store, café, clubhouse, playground, recreation trails, biking, horseshoes, outdoor courts, water access and free WIFI. For a real indulgence, head to nearby Kananaskis Nordic Spa to steam, soak and shower.
Spring Creek RV
Right off downtown Canmore lies Spring Creek RV, a 30-minute drive away from Banff townsite. This RV-only campsite offers summer camping starting the May Long Weekend. Reservations are now open and be sure to ask about their CAA, AAA, and Good Sam’s discounts when booking. Night rates start at $48.
The campground doesn’t have WIFI, but it does have Instagram-worthy mountain views, picnic tables, fire pits, washrooms, showers and a dump station. You can also purchase firewood and ice on site. And it’s less than a five-minute walk to stroll onto Canmore’s Main Street for restaurants, cafes, bars and shopping.
Upper Shunda Creek Campground
Just past the northeastern edge of Banff National Park is the small town of Nordegg, Alberta. Near the town, you can find golfing, Lake Abraham, the Collieries Mine National Heritage site and the Rocky Mountain House museum. All of these cool attractions are just a short distance from Upper Shunda Creek Campground.
Reservations at Upper Shunda Creek Campground are now open and sites start at $22/night. In the campground, guests have access to outhouses, a water pump, firewood for purchase, the campground store and trailer rentals.
Nearby in Nordegg, you can access portable water, showers, laundry services and free WIFI. While the amenities are slightly more rustic than other locations, campground gusts can access fishing, hiking, ATV trails, bike paths and a swimming-friendly creek – all from their campsite.
Private Campgrounds Near Edmonton
Whether you’re looking to stay right in the city or close enough to access the highlights, there are some enticing private campgrounds near Edmonton.
Rainbow Valley Campground
Located in Edmonton’s lush river valley, Rainbow Valley Campground offers camping from June to mid-October. Registration opens mid-April and rates begin at $37/night.
The campground offers 39 power sites and 29 natural sites. Within the campground, guests can access the convenience store, washrooms and showers, laundry services, wood burning stoves, disposal and water stations, a large playground, nature trails, and free WIFI.
There’s access to public transportation near the campsite, so it’s easy to traipse into downtown Edmonton. Excitingly, there’s a new arial park coming in June 2021. Please note Rainbow Valley doesn’t offer hookups or pull-thru sites.
Camp Near West Edmonton Mall!
While you won’t find many mature trees at St. Albert Kinsmen RV Park, but if you have the right camping chair you’ll be able to stay in the shade. Still, it’s a convenient place to stay if you’re interested in visiting West Edmonton Mall, only a 15-minute drive away. The park offers 93 fully serviced RV sites for $50/night.
Pets are allowed and guests have access to restrooms, showers, recreation, biking trails and a playground. Online reservations are now open and camping begins in May.
Half Moon Lake Resort
If we know one thing for sure, it’s that this summer is going to be all about visiting Alberta’s beaches and lakes. If you’re fantasizing about lake life, visit Half Moon Lake Resort for camping, activities and lake access.
Reservations are now open, with camping beginning on May 14. On-site amenities include washrooms, a playground, convenience store, coffee shop, recreation rentals, group camping, full hookups and tenting options. Sites start at $45/night for tenting and $55 for full-hookup sites.
While at the campground, visitors can access paddle boarding and boating, kayaking, canoeing, mini-golf, pickleball, basketball, beach volleyball, biking and walking trails, bocce, horseshoe and beach access.
With so much to do on-site, you’ll never need to leave. If you do venture out, Sherwood Park and Edmonton are nearby.
Summerland RV Park
Reservations at Summerland RV Park can be made at anytime in anticipation of the RV Park opening on May 1. Weekend stays require a 2-night minimum reservation, while long weekend reservations require a minimum of 3 nights. Weekday rates start at $48/night and weekend rates begin at $53/night.
On-site access includes WIFI, restrooms and showers (closed for COVID-19), mini-golf access and a playground. Please be aware there are no pull-thru sites.
Summerland RV Park is located near Lacombe and Red Deer, with Edmonton an approximate 1.5 hour drive away.
Private Campgrounds Southern Alberta
We might be biased, but you can’t beat the photo-worthy views of stunning Southern Alberta. Between the rolling prairies, mountain views and desert-like hoodoos, you basically get 3 vacations in one. Check out these private campgrounds in Southern Alberta to stay at during your travels.
River’s Edge RV Park and Campground
If you’re venturing through Southern Alberta, the Fort MacLeod area is a great place to stay for a night or two. River’s Edge RV Park & Campground opens on May 21 and offers large sites with pull-thru options or river views.
Sites start at $35/night and each site has 15 or 30-AMP power, water, a picnic table and fire pit. Pets are allowed, plus restrooms and showers are available. Firewood and ice can be purchased on-site.
The campground is located near Head Smashed In Buffalo Jump, The Fort Museum and Empress Theatre. It is also situated right beside Highway 2. It could be quite noisy depending on traffic. One commenter on this post recommended checking out Google Maps before booking here. That’s good advice for any campground you may consider staying at.
Elbas Farms RV Park
This a quaint spot is found just outside of Lethbridge, Alberta. Owned and operated by the Sluijmers Family, the farm offers 16 full-service RV sites and 4 fully furnished cottages.
The campground offers a quiet, charming stay, while being in close proximity to the city. Pets are allowed on-site and there’s access to a playground and biking trails.
Elbas Farms RV Park is open between April 1 and October 31 and reservations are required (with a deposit). Sites are $49/night, $249/week or $759/month.
Tip: Take in the Instagram-worthy hoodoos in the Lethbridge area as well as the towering Lethbridge High Level Bridge.
Lee Creek Campground
This Cardston campsite is open for reservations, with camping to begin in April. If you’re planning to stay during the high season (between May long weekend and Labour Day), be sure to reserve ahead of time.
Lee Creek Campground offers group camping, single tent camping and fully serviced RV sites. Sites start at $24/night. Campers can access restrooms, showers, WIFI, laundry and have access to the pet area and Lee Creek.
Also on-site is the Reunion Centre, an indoor gathering area complete with a stage, washrooms, kitchen, fridge, freezer, sink and outdoor grill. There’s also a nearby playground area and horseshoe pit.
Other nearby adventures include Waterton Lakes National Park, golfing, trophy fishing, white water rafting and trail rides. And don’t forget, the lovely town of Cardston is a crowd-free destination for nature lovers.
Private Camping BC
With so many Albertans living close to British Columbia’s border, it’s hard to ignore the great options for private camping in B.C. Locations like Fernie, Radium and Kelowna are so popular during the summer, you’ll kick yourself for not making a reservation!
Many campsites also have long-term reservation options, so you can extend your stay for a week, month or an entire season.
Canyon RV Resort
Reservations are now open for camping at Canyon RV Resort. This resort is located on Sinclair Creek, just outside of the town of Radium Hot Springs. Campsite options for RVs include full, superior and premium sites. During the high-season, rates start at $50/night. In the low-season, sites start at $48.
The campground is pet-friendly and has restrooms (closed during COVID restrictions), showers, laundry services as well as firewood for sale. Guests have access to a playground, recreational trails and golf. Electric toys (such as bikes and ATVs) aren’t allowed. Boats are also not allowed in the campground.
Edgewater Hilltop Par 3 Golf & RV Park
Just 10 minutes outside of Radium, Edgewater Hilltop Par 3 Golf & RV Park is a choice location for tourists and golfers alike. Though the campground is small, offering just 7 full-serviced spots, you can’t beat the stunning views and nearby golf course.
Reservations are open for the season, and spots are $40/night. On-site, guests have access to washrooms, showers, the clubhouse (complete with a bar and restaurant), picnic shelter and free WIFI.
The Hilltop Par 3 Golf Course is a true par golf course, perfect for beginners or seasoned professionals. Adults can golf for $19, while Juniors can play for $13.
Fernie RV Resort
Fernie RV Resort is open for RV camping, has a dozen tent sites, or you can glamp in a fireside yurt.
Situated less than a five-minute drive from the town of Fernie, you’ll find 71 full-service back-in sites, 5 Econo sites and 26 pull-thru sites. All sites are pet-friendly and have a picnic table, fire pit, plus free WIFI. The resort also has firewood for sale as well as a playground, restrooms, showers, recreation trails, fishing, biking and water access.
The campground is open year-round. During July and August, sites start at $42/night. May, June and September are slightly cheaper with sites starting at $35/night. During the winter months, sites start at $35/night. This resort offers seasonal, weekly and monthly options for longer stays. Reservations are now open and long weekends require 3-day bookings.
Canyon Farms RV Park
Looking for a picturesque place to camp if you’re visiting Kelowna or the surrounding area? Canyon Farms RV Park is near the stunning Myra Canyon and is only 15-minutes outside of downtown Kelowna. The RV Park looks out over Gallagher’s Canyon Golf and Country Club, making it an ideal spot to stay and play a few rounds.
Reservations are open for camping with the season beginning on April 1. Canyon Farms offers 8 pull-thru RV spots with 20, 30 and 50-amp services. Rates during the high season begin at $59/night and it’s $49/night during low season.
This RV Park typically offers on-site washroom and laundry facilities, but both may be closed due to COVID. Water and waste hookups are included, as well as WIFI. Pets are welcome.
Camping gear you can’t/shouldn’t live without
It’s the littles things that often elevate your camping experience. Here’s some of my favourite gear for camping:
At first I was skeptical, but I’m sold on these outdoor mats.
With these super affordable cast iron square pie pans, you can make paninis or decadent desserts (just throw in anything melty like chocolate chips, marshmallows or butter!
Be the envy of your fellow campers with this awesome (and also affordable) hammock that comes with tree friendly straps!
Where’s your favourite place to camp in Alberta? Do you prefer private or public sites?
Save these tips
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I am questioning myself after following this recommendation for southern Alberta Riversedge. I am within 200 meters of the QE 2 hiway. This is the noisiest campground I ever stayed at. It feels like a soccer field with a perimeter of trees alongside an interstate. The fault is mine for not google mapping this local before making the booking.
Thanks for your comment. We’re amending the post.