Camping and RV-ing
Looking to pack up the RV or the tent and
escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life or just want to show
the kids what it's like to "rough it" in the wilderness...
the following information can help you put a plan into action.
Frontcountry Camping and RV-ing
It's very hard to find a family bonding experience quite like camping.
No TV, no computer, no distractions. Everyone just seems to love
starring at the dancing flames of the campfire - jokes are told,
stories are shared. Its a great experience.
Below is a list of campgrounds in and around
Canmore for frontcountry camping.
If you have younger children and are not
sure if camping is for you, click on this link for an
article on camping with kids. If sleeping in a tent and experiencing
the rougher part of nature isn't your thing, there's still the RV
alternative. A home away from home that can take you anywhere roads
will allow. Wow, endless possibilities!
For all you lucky vacationers who own an
RV, are you familiar with the Good Sam Club? They are the largest
RV Club in the world. The Good Sam Club offers its members discounts
at RV parks & campgrounds, discounts on RV parts & accessories,
free RV trip routing, discounts on gas and diesel, and so much more.
On top of the club itself, they offer 3 other
great plans. Click
here to join the Good Sam Club and use the link below to find
out more on the other services.
You could also visit RV
Life.com, for a free subscription to RV Life
Magasine.
If you don't own your own house on wheels,
no problem! You can RENT
an RV.
Here's a list of frontcountry campgrounds
near Canmore. Click on the various links for additional information.
If you had a memorable (or deplorable) experience and would simply
like to share a review of a specific campground, let us know by
clicking here.
Campground |
Periods
of operation |
Details |
| Rundle Mountain |
May - Oct |
- IN CANMORE - 1734 Bow Valley Tr.
- 45 sites - tents and RVs
- T,
PT, FP, W, S, CL, FW (click for legend)
- reservations: 1-866-678-3291
|
| Spring
Creek Mountain Village |
All
year |
|
| Green
Acres RV Park |
All
year |
- Dead Man's Flats - 14 Km East of Canmore, along Hwy 1
- 20 sites - RVs only
- T,
PT, FP, W, S, CL, FW
- reservations: 403-678-5344
|
Bow Valley
Bow
Valley Prov. Pk. |
Apr.
28 -
Oct. 9 |
- 25 Km East of Canmore along Hwy 1 (Exit 114)
- 169 sites - tents an RVs
- T,
PT, WT, S, FP, FW, CL, PG
- paved bike trails, horse trails
- whitewiter rafting tours available (1-877-717-RAFT)
- reservations: 1 (403) 673-2163
|
Three Sisters
Bow
Valley Prov. Pk. |
Apr 14 -
Oct 30 |
|
Lac Des Arcs
Bow
Valley Prov. Pk. |
Apr.
30 -
Oct. 1 |
|
Bow River
Bow
Valley Prov. Pk. |
Apr.
28 -
Oct. 1 |
|
Willow Rock
Bow
Valley Prov. Pk. |
Apr
1 -
Oct 30 |
- 25 Km E of Canmore along Hwy 1 (Exit 114)
- 124 Sites - Tents and RVs
- T,
PT, WT, S, FP, FW, CL
- reservations: 1 (403) 673-2163
|
Sibbald Lake
Bow
Valley Prov. Pk. |
Apr
28 -
Oct 9 |
- 30 Km E of Canmore on Hwy 1, 6 Km S on Hwy 40 and 12 Km
E on Hwy 68.
- 134 Sites - no RV hookups
- T,
PT, FP, FW, PG
- reservations: 1 (403) 673-2163
|
Dawson Provincial Recreation
Area
Bow
Valley Prov. Pk. |
All
year |
- 30 Km E of Canmore on Hwy 1, 6 Km S on Hwy 40, 11 Km E
on Hwy 68 and 2 Km S on Powderface Trail.
- 17 sites - Camp with your horse
- T,
PT, WP, FP, FW
- reservations: 1 (403) 673-2163
|
| Mount
Kidd RV Park |
All
year |
- 30 Km E of Canmore on Hwy 1, then 26 Km S on Hwy 40
- 229 sites - RVs only
- T,
PT, WT, S, FP, FW, CL, PG, WCA
- indoor hot tub, arcade, seasonal wading pool, some sites
have TV hookup
- reservations: 1 (403) 591-7700
|
Boulton Creek Campground
Peter
Lougheed Prov. Pk.
|
Apr
28 -
Oct 15 |
|
Canyon Campground
Peter
Lougheed Prov. Pk.
|
June
16 -
Sept 4 |
|
|
May
19 -
Sept 4 |
|
Interlakes
Peter
Lougheed Prov. Pk.
|
May
19 -
Oct 9 |
|
Lower Lake
Peter
Lougheed Prov. Pk.
|
May
19 -
Oct 9 |
|
Mount
Sarrail
Peter
Lougheed Prov. Pk.
|
June
23 -
Sept 4 |
|
Sundance
Lodges and RV Park
TIPIS!
|
May
19 -
Sept 30 |
- 30 Km E of Canmore on Hwy 1, then 22 Km S on Hwy 40
- 30 tent & RV sites and 30 Tipis
- tipis have wood floor & frame beds, mattress, heater
and lantern
- T,
PT, WP, FP, FW
- reservations: 1 (403) 591-7122
|
Eau Claire Campground
Spray
Valley Prov. Pk. |
May
19 -
Sept 11 |
|
Spray Lakes West
Spray
Valley Prov. Pk. |
May
19 -
snow |
|
Camping
tips and guidelines |
- Click
for a list indispensible camping equipment.
- Store (or tie up) your food whenever leaving
the site and before going to bed. Animals are afraid of
people but if you're not there or very quiet they will be
attracted to the smell of food.
- Refrain from bringing any strong smelling
foods (such as fish) that will attract bears from miles
away.
- Store (or tie up) your toothpaste, deodorant,
perfumes and body sprays - they also attract bears.
- If you have canned food, place the empty
cans upside down in the fire to burn the left over food
inside. Then throw it in animal-proof garbage bins.
- Do not feed any wild animals.
- Make sure to check local fire bans before
heading out. The lack of a campfire will drastically change
how you plan your trip.
- Dress for the season. ALWAYS bring warm
clothing, the cool evening air of the Rockies can offer
quite a chill.
- Make sure your selected campsite allows
pets before heading out. If so, keep your dog on a leash
or tied up.
- Be respectful of others. Please respect
quiet times - usually between 10 pm and 8 am (make sure
by checking with campground officials).
- Bring a picture of your kids in case they
get lost.
- If you are chilly, try sleeping with a
tuque on - 80% of body heat is lost through the head at
night.
- Bring some rope for sheltering, to make
a clothes line and for several other uses.
- make sure you check your equipment before
you leave for your trip - broken tent poles make for a dreadful
suprise.
- Use a throw rug or tarp in front of your
tent to reduce the amount of dirt tracked in.
- Always bring a roll of duct tape. It has
virtually unlimited use - and Red Green will be proud!
- If you see a sign saying "unsafe
for drinking" make sure to boil the water for a minimum
of 5 minutes before drinking it.
- If anything is left outside, make sure
it is covered - Alberta weather can turn on a dime.
|
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The Good Sam Club
also offers:
RV
Emergency Road
ERS which is the most comprehensive RV road service available,
providing towing and road service for RVs and all household cars,
minivans, SUVs, pickups and boat trailers. Benefits include family
coverage, flat tire service, jump starts and travel delay assistance.
Mechanical
Breakdown protection for your RV, Travel Trailer, and Tow Vehicle!
(CSP) 
CSP is a full-service mechanical breakdown insurance plan that
covers the coach, engine, appliances, and accessories. CSP covers
components of every major system and pays directly to the service
center, anywhere in the U.S. and Canada.
RV
Insurance (VIP) 
Good Sam VIP is a full-coverage vehicle insurance plan offered
to Good Sam members by GMAC Insurance.
Backcountry Camping
Campers preferring a more isolated campsite,
deep in the wilderness, will still be able to find moderate comfort
in Kananaskis' backcountry. Campsites usually offer:
- toilets,
- fire pits,
- food storage or hanging, and
- a fairly level tenting spot.
|
|
Some sites also offer drinking water.
There are several backcountry campsites in
Kananaskis Country most of which have a 4 month waiting
list. For more information and to make reservations, call
1-403-678-3136.
|
number
of sites |
Bow Valley:
Quaite Valley |
20
|
Kananaskis Country:
Jewell Bay Equestrian
Ribbon Falls
Ribbon Lake
Lillian Lake
Lusk Pass Equestrian |
9
11
20
18
20
|
Peter Lougheed Provincial Park:
Elbow Lake
Point
Forks
Three Isle Lake
Turbine Canyon
Aster Lake |
15
20
15
16
12
5
|
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Camping links
If you need more information
on camping do's and don'ts visit the site below.
Camping
and Outdoor
You're more likely to enjoy your outdoor
experience if you know what you are doing. This is what this
website is all about... camping gear, survival tips, great
recipes and much more.
Camping
Equipment Hiking and Gear
Go camping, hiking, RV-camping. Practical
information and resources for camping-trips in Europe, USA,
Australia and elsewhere, plus equipment and hiking-gear. All
you need to know before you set out and before you buy.
Camping
Lanterns
Provides information on all camping
lanterns, including
FAQ's, Safety tips, and where to buy your new camping lantern.
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