Edworthy Falls, Kananaskis: A Hidden Gem

Edworthy Falls is a hidden gem just off the Big Elbow Trail in Kananaskis. Falling 20 metres to a turquoise plunge pool, this stunning and rarely visited waterfall can be reached by a short day hike from Elbow Lake. 

As you near the falls, if you listen carefully, you can hear them crashing below you. In 1924, George Edworthy and his wife, Myrle, found the falls in just this way. Until a few years ago, it was quite a bushwhack to reach Edworthy Falls, but a narrow, defined trail has developed, making it easier to access this picturesque spot. For the best photos, head out on a cloudy day with a tripod (seriously lamenting leaving ours at home)! The Elbow Lake lakeshore and meadow en route to the falls are pretty too. 

Trail at a Glance

• Distance: 6.4 km return from Elbow Lake / 9 km return from Elbow Pass Parking Lot 
• (Note that it is a steep 1.3 km hike with 125 m elevation gain from Elbow Pass parking lot to Elbow Lake.)
• Elevation Gain: 50 metres from Elbow Lake / 175 m from Elbow Pass Parking Lot
• Difficulty: Easy to the falls viewpoint.
• Chariot friendly? Technically yes except for the last 200 metres (trail is too narrow). The trail is on an old logging road, but it's extremely bumpy and the first part to Elbow Lake is is super steep, so a baby backpack is recommended.
• Washrooms? Outhouses at Elbow Lake Campground

Note: The trail to Elbow Lake and Big Elbow Trail are multi-use trails. Expect to see horses and bikes (but we saw neither on our hike).

Directions From Elbow Lake

While you could hike to Edworthy Falls in one day, we camped at Elbow Lake Backcountry Campground and hiked from the lake to make it easier on the kids. From Elbow Lake to Edworthy Falls, there is minimal elevation gain, so the going is easy.

1. Take the trail around the left (west) side of Elbow Lake to avoid meandering through the backcountry campground (Note: backcountry permits must be purchased in advance if you wish to camp at Elbow Lake).


2. In 600 metres, cross a small bridge over the outlet of Elbow Lake.


3. Go straight (north) on Big Elbow Trail for 2.4 km. 


• You will travel on a wide horse/bike trail (old logging road) through forest, bushes, and meadow, watched over all the while by Tombstone Mountain on your left.
• Disregard the small rock cairn that leads into the meadow. 


4. After leaving the meadow, look for a rock cairn on the left marking a trail into the trees (photo below). You cannot see the river from the cairn, but don't worry, it's only 200 m away!


• Turnoff location: 50.6645734,-114.9973918 or GR 415144 (Source: Xcaret's Trip Report on Trailpeak)
• Note: If you reach the Sheep Trail junction, you missed the cairn and have gone 600 m too far.


5. Take the little trail into the trees - be sure to shout "Yo Bear!" periodically - and descend to a viewpoint of the falls (about 150 m from turnoff). 


• It's a short scramble (~50 metres) down to the plunge pool if you have good hiking boots on.


6. Savor the solitude and scenery! We were the only people at the falls on our visit!! 


7. Return the same way you came. 

Elbow Lake, Kananaskis

Elbow Lake, Kananaskis

Big Elbow Trail, Kananaskis

Big Elbow Trail, Kananaskis

TURN LEFT HERE TO GO TO EDWORTHY FALLS!

Edworthy Falls, Kananaskis - from viewpoint

Edworthy Falls, Kananaskis - from base of falls

Clambering back up to Big Elbow Trail

Expansive meadows along Big Elbow Trail

Mini falls along Big Elbow Trail

What's your favorite waterfall? 

Acknowledgements & References

• A huge thank you to Attila The Fun for telling me about these falls!
• Grid reference obtained from Xcaret's trip report on Trailpeak.
• Edworthy Family History - Alberta Archives
• To see a photo of Edworthy Falls taken in 1929, click here.

Related Posts

• Camping at Elbow Lake Backcountry Campground - only 1.3 km to camp!
• If you camp at Elbow Lake, our favorite hike in the area (5 km down Hwy 40) is Ptarmigan Cirque!
• Black Prince Cirque is another good one in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park that ends at a small lake.
• Complete Camping & Activity Guide for Peter Lougheed Provincial Park has information on campground amenities, bike trails, and canoe/kayak/bike rentals in the park.

Read More

Biking From Downtown Drumheller to the Royal Tyrrell Museum

Drumheller is the perfect place to explore by bike. Did you know you can ride a network of paved bike trails and bike lanes through town, cottonwoods and badlands to the Royal Tyrrell Museum (7 km)? With several parks, attractions and historical sites en route, you can make a day of it!

We spent the day biking in Drumheller recently and loved it. As my hubby said, "This is the most pleasant family ride ever!" The trail is paved and flat, except for the last section, and there were hardly any people on the trails (we saw a handful of people the whole day)! Drivers were extremely courteous, so that added to the experience as well. 

After exploring the museum, head back to town and cool off at Rotary Park Spray Park! The perfect ending to a perfect day!

Bike Route From Drumheller Visitor Information Centre to the Royal Tyrrell Museum

Distances below are from the Drumheller & District Chamber of Commerce (Visitor Centre)

0 km Start your adventure at the Drumheller Visitor Information Centre, home of the World's Largest Dinosaur and Rotary Park Spray Park. You can take the staircase inside the 26 metre tall T Rex to a viewpoint out of its mouth (for a fee).  Take advantage of flush toilets before hitting the trail.

World's Largest Dinosaur

Map: Drumheller Visitor Centre to North Dinosaur Trail
Detailed instructions below

• Go around the spray park and head north towards the bridge.
• Cross the bridge and take the underpass to the west side of the bridge (campground side).
Follow the Hiking Trail Signs! Turn left onto Poplar Street and stay in the bike lane. You will see a playground on your left.



Follow the Hiking Trail signs 

• Poplar Street turns right; stay on it.
• Continue straight to a paved bike path (parallel to North Dinosaur Trail).
• Turn left.

2 km Check out the old tractors and two headed calf at Homestead Antique Museum. The General Store is a fun stop for souvenirs and treats too. (Did anyone say fudge??)

Homestead Antique Museum

2.6 km Turn left at the turnoff to get onto the river pathway (if you pass Fossil World, take your next left). Continue straight, follow the path as it curves to the right, then take an immediate left (follow the sign).

TURN LEFT HERE!
(Unless you wanna go to Fossil World!)

3.1 km At 15 St NW, the path turns into a bike lane; stay on the left side of the white line.

Bike lane along North River Drive

4.1 km Just before 25 St NW, you will see a large bridge (CNR Midland Bridge) on your left. Go under the bridge to stay on the river pathway. Continue through groves of cottonwoods and McMullen Island Park.  McMullen Island Park has a picnic area and outhouses if you need a break. There are also spots to access the river and cool off!

• Detour: To explore old mine sites at Midland Provincial Park, turn right at 25 St NW and CAREFULLY cross Highway 838. There are some interpretive exhibits and trails as well as outhouses. Go right ~50 metres to the site of the old head offices for the mine. Go left and ride the gravel road for 400 m to a 400 m interpretive loop. You can see remains of a tipple and bathhouse as well as mining equipment. There is a small gazebo at the far end where you can take refuge from the sun.

Go under the bridge!

McMullen Island Park is a refreshing oasis on a hot day!

Drumheller Badlands River Parks System Map

5.6 km Cross Highway 838 at the crosswalk when it is safe to do so. You're now on the final stretch; bike through beautiful badlands all the way to the museum. Expect to climb steadily up a few hills (my 7 year old biked; my 5 year old walked a few parts).

• Hike a bike section: Just before the museum, you will see a sign warning of stairs ahead. There are 24 stairs you will have to carry your bike down. It only took 2 minutes to carry everyone's bikes down.

The best part of the ride!

Biking in Midland Provincial Park

Short hike a bike section (only 24 stairs)

6.9 km After stairs, cross a small bridge and stay left to avoid the hikers; it's also less steep this way. The museum is straight ahead and bike parking is to the left (past the public washroom building).

7.0 km You made it to the Royal Tyrrell Museum!

Making Dino Friends Outside the Royal Tyrrell Museum

Royal Tyrrell Museum Exhibit

Things to Do En Route

• Visitor Centre (Start)
• World's Largest Dinosaur $3/person, $10/family, kids 5 & under - free
• Rotary Park Spray Park - free
• North Drumheller Community Playground (just across the bridge at the beginning)
• Attractions: Funland Amusements (bumper boats!), Homestead Antique Museum, General Store, Fossil World Discovery Centre 
• Midland Provincial Park
• McMullen Island Park: day use area and shaded walking/biking trails, river access (but no boat access)
• Midland Mine Office, Midland Mine No. 1, Midland Mine No. 2 - free to visit; please leave relics where you found them. Note that trails are not paved in this part of the park.
• Royal Tyrrell Museum
• Royal Tyrrell Museum (Destination)
• Museum (fee)
• Cenovus Palaeo Playground & Dino Dig Sandbox (free)
• Lookout Tower (free)
• 1.4 km Badlands Interpretive Trail (free)

Rotary Spray Park, Drumheller

McMullen Island Park, Drumheller

Biking single track around Midland Mine Site No. 2

Palaeo Playground at the Tyrrell Museum
It has a shaded sandbox and dino dig too! 

Trail At a Glance

ONE WAY DISTANCE: 7 km
Elevation gain: Minimal on first 5.5 km. About 100 metres gain over last 1.5 km.
Chariot friendly: Yes - but be aware there are 24 stairs at the end.
Recommended age: 5+ (provided your 5 year old has balance bike and pedal bike experience)

Know Before You Go

It can get extremely hot in Drumheller in the summer.

• Plan to bike early or late in the day, or on a cloudy day. The Tyrrell Museum is open until 9 pm so you don't have to bike in the heat of the day. 
• Bring lots of water! Sunscreen or light clothing should be worn to protect your skin.

Mosquitoes can be bad at certain times of year. Cover up as much as possible and use DEET / Icaridin bug spray as needed. 

Please stay on the trail in the badlands (last part of the trail to the museum) for your safety and to preserve the landscape for future visitors. The rock is extremely soft and is easily damaged.

Badlands clay can become extremely slippery when wet, so another good reason to stay on trails.

There are rattlesnakes and scorpions in the area so keep children close, wear closed shoes, and don't poke hands and feet into holes in the ground. 

There are also cougars around Drumheller, but they are rarely seen. Hiking/biking in groups is the best way to stay safe.

More Drumheller Area Attractions

• Atlas Coal Mine National Historic Site: "Go underground. Climb the tipple. Ride the train." ... and learn about Drumheller's mining history! (Fee)
• Bleriot Ferry: Cross the Red Deer River in style on a little ferry! Free!
• East Coulee School Museum: Go back in time to see how school was run when the mines were open! 
• Hoodoo Trail, Willow Creek Hoodoo Provincial Historic Site
• Horseshoe Canyon: A short detour off the highway that offers nice views. There are a few hiking trails as well, but it's a bit steep getting down into the canyon.
• Horsethief Canyon: 48 km detour, similar to Horseshoe Canyon but bigger.
• The Little Church: The littlest church seats only 6 people. So cute! Located just west of the Tyrrell Museum
• Star Mine Suspension Bridge: A pretty bridge worth a stop on the way to Atlas Coal Museum.

Willow Creek Hoodoo Provincial Historic Site
16 km E of Drumheller

Star Mine Suspension Bridge

Horseshoe Canyon

Related Posts

Love Badlands? Your next trip should be to Dinosaur Provincial Park (1 hr 45 mins SE of Drumheller).

Love biking? Here are some of our favorite family-friendly bike rides:

• Bill Milne Trail - Our favorite Kananaskis bike trail for families
• Biking and Camping in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park
• 10 Fun Family Bike Rides in Calgary
• Mountain Biking Tunnel Bench Loop, Banff

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Celebrating Summer In Calgary And Beyond

Hello Summer!! It's roadtrip season! But if you can't get away, there are a TON of fun things to do in Calgary this weekend.

Important Dates

If heading out of town, please check that your vehicle is road trip ready and note the following important dates:

• Friday, June 24 - Yoho Valley Road Opening Day! Now's the time to visit Takakkaw Falls Laughing Falls, Iceline Trail, and Twin Falls! 


• Saturday June 25 - Kananaskis 100 Mile Relay Race
• Where: Highway 40 from Longview to Nakiska (affects access to Peter Lougheed Provincial Park and Highwood Area).
• Details: Expect runners on the side of the road, and traffic congestion from 6 am - 4 pm. Please slow down near runners and relay stations and give them space when possible.


• Saturday June 25 - Rundle Mountain Stage Race in Canmore! 200 cyclists will be riding in various events around town. Check the routes posted here to see if your plans will be affected.

Takakkaw Falls, Yoho National Park

Things to Do This Weekend In And Around Calgary

CALGARY (and nearby towns)

1. Beat the Heat with this roundup of beaches, ponds and lakes in and around Calgary. Details here! Please note that there is a bear closure near Forgetmenot pond, so save this pond for another weekend.

   

   Barrier Lake, Kananaskis

2. Go look for the goats at Confluence Park! Did you know the City of Calgary has started a pilot weed control project using goats? Goats are adorable and effective weed eating critters! For more information on Confluence Park, please see this post. For everyone's safety, please keep away from the goats and keep dogs on a leash. 

   

   Confluence Park Goats (Natural Weed Eaters!)

3. Sikome Lake Opening Day!
• Details: Have a fun beach day at Sikome Lake! Please note that user fees are in effect at this newly upgraded facility. Details here. 
• When: Open 10 am - 7:30 pm from June 25 - Labour Day.
• Where: Sikome Lake, Fish Creek Provincial Park
• Day Trip Tip: Bike from Bow Valley Ranch Visitor Centre to Sikome Lake (or  vice versa)! The Visitor Centre has some interesting exhibits and a tipi inside and it's free! There are also several beautiful sculptures in the adjacent Artisan Gardens, and you can grab a treat or ice cream at Annie's Cafe. For fancy afternoon tea or lunch, visit Bow Valley Ranche Restaurant. Read more in this post about Fish Creek Provincial Park.

  

  Caballero Sculpture near Bow Valley Ranch Visitor Centre

4. Calgary Mobile Adventure Playground
• Details: Let kids' creativity flow at a mobile adventure playground. Instead of plastic and metal structures, see what your kids make with cardboard boxes, boards, tires, and tape. Best of all, you don't have to bring materials or clean up! More information from the city and the summer schedule (the playground will move to different park each weekend) is available here.
• When: June 24 & 25, 10 am - 4 pm
• Where: North Glenmore Park (7305 Crowchild Trail NW) near Snowy Owl Picnic Area


5. Dr. Seuss in the Park
• Details: Enjoy a Dr. Seuss story, games, crafts, and face painting! Free! (Please note children must be accompanied by an adult.) 
• When: Saturdays until August 27th, 11 am - 3:30 pm
• Where: Riley Park Story Tent (between the wading pool and playground). 
• Note: The Riley Park wading pool is temporarily closed. Check here for updates re re-opening from the city. Eau Claire and Rotary Park's spray parks are nearby options. 


6. Family Day Festival & Pow Wow
• Details: Celebrate Aboriginal Awareness Week Calgary with a free pancake breakfast at 9:30 am, live music, performances, and presentations. 
• When: Saturday, June 25, 9:30 am - 9 pm
• Where: New Indian Village, Enmax Park, Stampede Grounds


7. Calgary Mud Fair
• Details: Get dirty and celebrate everything about mud! Play in mud pits, a mud slide, and mud kitchen. Get a bite to eat from a food truck, enjoy live music, shop at the freen market, and hose off after. Tickets available here. Bring towels and rain boots!
• When: Sunday, June 26, 11 am - 2 pm
• Where: Lloyd Park, Foothills No. 31 (5 minutes west of Spruce Meadows)


8. Horde at the Hive
• Details: This Viking themed festival will have battle re-enactments, Norse style food, honey mead samples, and tours of the apiary and meadery. You can also stock up on amazing honey products at the Country Store! Festival - free. Tours - extra charge.
• When: Saturday, June 25 & Sunday, June 26
• Where: Chinook Honey Company, Okotoks 

For more fun festivals, please see Family Fun Canada's listing of Family Friendly Festivals.

BANFF

1. The trails around the townsites are in good shape but there are bear and wolf warnings and there's still snow at elevation, so check advisories and trail reports before heading out.
2. My top picks for Lake Louise are Plain of Six Glaciers and Consolation Lakes. AVOID Bow River Loop for now (bears).
3. Around Banff, try Johnson Lake, Sundance Canyon or Johnston Canyon. I would stay off Tunnel Mountain and the Legacy Trail for now as the bear and wolf warnings are concentrated in these areas.

Mount Rundle as seen from Vermilion Lakes Drive, Banff

KANANASKIS

1. There are several bear warnings and advisories throughout the park. Please check advisories and trail reports before you go!
2. For a complete camping and activity guide for Peter Lougheed Provincial Park, please see this writeup on Peter Lougheed Provincial Park. It includes information on hiking, biking, paddling, and camping as well as where to rent equipment.
3. Hike Ptarmigan Cirque, Highwood Pass (but NOT Saturday - race day, remember?). The wildflowers are in full bloom, so now is the best time to go! This is our favorite short hike in Kananaskis - it's gorgeous, but steep, and only 4 km return! For more information, please see this post.
4. If Peter Lougheed is too far, try the family-friendly trails of Bow Valley Provincial Park or Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park.
5. More family favorite hikes (5 km or less): Grassi Lakes, West Wind Pass, Black Prince Cirque. 

Ptarmigan Cirque, Kananaskis

FURTHER AFIELD

1. Book a Burgess Shale Hike in Yoho National Park and see 500 million year old fossils! The Stanley Glacier Hike is the most family friendly of the three options, but not for very young kids unless you can carry them (10 km return, 450 m elevation gain, NOT stroller friendly). The trail itself is beautiful too!
• Other great family-friendly hikes are Emerald Lake (5 km) and Wapta Falls (~4 km). Head up Yoho Valley Road and visit Takakkaw Falls - one of Canada's tallest waterfalls - and enjoy a picnic at the day use area beside the falls.
2. The Waterton Wildflower Festival is on until June 24 and includes talks, walks and a photo contest. For full details, please see the brochure. Park entrance and session fees in effect.
3. Visit Dinosaur Provincial Park before it gets too hot! The scenery is out of this world! If it is hot, Kinbrook Island's sandy beach is a worthwhile detour! 
4. The Elkwater area of Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park has small sandy beaches, a pleasant lakeside (bikeable) trail, free mini golf, and lots of campgrounds. It's a fun and relaxing spot to visit.

Dinosaur Provincial Park

What event or location most piqued your interest?

Related Posts

• Check out my Where to Stay in Alberta and British Columbia page!
• Where to Beat the Heat In and Around Calgary (ponds, lakes, beaches, spray parks)
• 10 Banff Road Trips You Must Do This Summer
• Peter Lougheed Provincial Park Camping & Activity Guide
• Top 5 Things to Do in Kananaskis Now
• Vehicle Check: What to look at before heading out on a road trip
• 10 Fun Family Bike Rides in Calgary
• The Best Short Hikes Near Calgary (all 4 km or less and less than an hour away!)

Read More

Vancouver Island's Best Seaside Campgrounds

With beautiful beaches, old growth forests, and endless hiking trails, Vancouver Island, BC is a nature lover's paradise. I have spent many a vacation on the Island and recommend staying seaside for the best experience. Seaside camping means beach fun, paddling or surfing, fishing, and awesome views. Bonus if you can have a sunset bonfire on the beach! The mild climate and absence of bugs near shore make for very pleasant camping too. When it's time to restock provisions, visit an island village for local flavor.

** For more awesome waterside campgrounds in Alberta, California, and Utah, scroll down!**

Top 3 Family-Friendly Seaside Campgrounds on Vancouver Island

How did I choose? My criteria for top family-friendly seaside campgrounds was: Campsites within 200 metres of the beach; sandy beaches; water taps and showers on site; beautiful scenery; and amenities (shopping, laundromat) within 10 km. The exception is Green Point, which is located 20 km from shops, and requires a bit of hike to the beach, but it's all worth it! 

For detailed trip reports of the campgrounds listed below plus more photos, please click on the links. 

1. For gentle waters to wade and paddle, head to Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park, Parksville. This family-friendly park is conveniently located near Parksville and is a short drive from the Departure Bay ferry terminal. At low tide, the beach is about a kilometre long! When the beach disappears at high tide, bike in to town or explore one of the area's hiking trails.

• Campsites are 100-200 metres to the beach.
• 3.5 km from downtown Parksville
• Calm waters good for wading and paddling (but note the water is far away at low tide)
• Bike path parallel to beach
• Hiking trails
• Nature House and interpretive programs for kids

Rathtrevor Beach, Parksville, BC

2. Enjoy epic beach walks along Long Beach, learn to surf, or hike in the coastal rainforest while camped at Green Point Campground, Pacific Rim National Park. Recent upgrades have made the campground better than ever - there are showers (finally!) and walk-in sites now have fire rings, so you can stay longer and more comfortably.

• Spacious, private campsites are on a forested bluff about 500-700 metres from the beach. Note that the trail down to the beach is rather steep. 
• Booking Tip: Oceanside (closer to the ocean but not right beside the beach) sites are sunnier and quieter (further from the road) and much more affordable than ocean sites at private campgrounds.
• 20 km to Tofino; 20 km to Ucluelet
• Showers, dishwashing buildings, washrooms (NEW!)
• Interpretive programs during the day and indoor evening theatre programs
• NOT a swimming beach; try Wickaninnish Beach for beginner surfing; MacKenzie Beach's sheltered water are good for wading and stand up paddleboarding.
• Surfing, beach walks, Long Beach Challenge (9.5 km scenic trail)
• Forested walk-in sites available in addition to vehicle accessible sites.
• Equipped camping is available if you fly to the Island and don't want to bring camping gear! All camping gear provided and set up for you (note accommodation is a regular tent, not glamping variety).
• As this campground is in a National Park, you require a National Park Pass to stay here.

Long Beach, Pacific Rim National Park, BC

3. If you like getting away from it all, you will love the private, secluded beach at Wya Point Walk-In Campground, Ucluelet. Although this is a walk-in campground, it has the amenities of a front country campground (showers, dishwashing sinks, flush toilets). Not prepared to walk-in camp? Stay at the lodge or seaside yurts!

• Oceanview and forest campsites are mere metres from the beach. Our "forest" site was only 10 steps from the beach (and was a bit cheaper than an oceanview site)! 
• 6 km to Ucluelet and Wild Pacific Trail. 
• NOT a swimming beach; try Wickaninnish Beach for beginner surfing; MacKenzie Beach's sheltered water are good for wading and stand up paddleboarding.
• Hiking trails from access road
• Showers, spacious bear lockers, and water taps; wheelbarrows to bring gear from car to campsite

Private beach at Wya Point, Ucluelet, BC

More Great Campgrounds on Vancouver Island

• Mystic Beach, Juan de Fuca Provincial Park (north of Sooke): A sea cave, waterfalls and rope swing await you on this pristine beach. You must hike 2 km to this backcountry campground (no tent pads or amenities - camp above high tide line), but it's worth the effort. Read more about our adventure on the Juan de Fuca Marine Trail!


• Goldstream Provincial Park, Victoria: Not seaside, but worth mentioning as it's beautifully situated amongst old growth trees a short drive (18 km) from Victoria, BC. This gorgeous, well-maintained campground has several hiking trails, showers, a playground and small pump track.


• Living Forest Oceanside Campground and RV Park, Nanaimo: A popular campground with 300 spacious sites on 53 acres near Nanaimo "where the river meets the sea". Not just for RVs, it also has a tent/small tent trailer loop. I have not stayed here, but USA Today lists this campground as one of the top two places to camp in BC. Located 5.5 km from Nanaimo. Great paddling on the Salish Sea (formerly known as Nanaimo River).

• Bella Pacifica, Tofino: The closest campground to Tofino (3.6 km) has forest and oceanside campsites available as well as showers. It's a great base camp for exploring the area's many beaches and hiking trails. Sites are typically smaller than what you'd get at Green Point, but you're closer to Tofino.

Best Waterside Campgrounds in North America

1. The Best Waterside Campgrounds in North America - Mountain Mom and Tots

• Some of my favorite camping spots near water in California, Utah, and Alaska!

2. Camping and Swimming at Sand Hollow State Park, Utah - The Kid Project

• Camping with close access to national and state parks, slot canyons, plus crystal blue water and cliff jumping out your tent door! Check out Sand Harbor State Park in Utah!

Sand Hollow State Park, Utah
Image Credit: Alyssa Erickson

3. Find Your Inner Glamper at Santa Barbara's El Capitan Canyon - Jennifer Fontaine, Examiner.com

• Nestled between the picturesque Santa Barbara mountains and the vast Pacific Ocean, El Capitan Canyon offers families 300 acres of camping, cabineering and luxurious yurts perfect for adventure and relaxation.

El Capitan Canyon, California
Image Credit: kerem hanci photography

4. Family Approved: Best Waterside Campground - Highland Lakes Stanislaus National Forest, Northern California - Chasqui Mom

• Escape to the California Sierras, to Highland Lakes for a more rustic car-camping experience with the beauty of lakes and lovely mountain peaks.

Highland Lakes, Northern California Sierras
Image Credit: Melissa Avery

5. The 5 Best Waterside Campgrounds Near Calgary, Alberta - Family Adventures in the Canadian Rockies

• Enjoy waterside camping beside gorgeous mountain lakes in the Canadian Rockies, play in a river in the Alberta Badlands, swim or paddle with painted turtles in beautiful British Columbia, or soak up some sun on a family-friendly beach near Calgary.

Image Credit: Tanya Koob

6. San Elijo Beach Camping for Urban Nature Fun - Walk Simply

• San Elijo State Beach campground, my favorite campground in San Diego County, has miles of sandy oceanfront land to explore.

San Elijo State Beach, California
Image Credit: Traci Lehman

Related Posts

• The Ultimate Car Camping Pack List
• 6 Bear Free Alberta Road Trips
• Camping Sleep Systems Demystified - what to look for in sleeping bags, sleeping pads, baby bedding and more

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