If you want to get off the beaten path, go camping in the David Thompson! Only three hours from Calgary, this beautiful area boasts quiet campgrounds and great hiking. From the Icefields Parkway to Rocky Mountain House, you can find a peaceful place to stay. Here is where we like to stay on “the road less travelled”, the David Thompson Highway (Hwy 11).
WEST CORRIDOR
Thompson Creek is the closest campground to the Icefields Parkway. Sites are of varying sizes, but all are well shaded. Non potable water and free firewood are available. First come, first served. We stayed here on a Sunday night in July and found a spot easily as the campground was only half full. The location makes it a great base camp for exploring the Icefields Parkway and West (David Thompson) Corridor, but I recommend Two O’Clock Creek for mountain views!
- Nearby hikes: Siffleur Falls, Crescent Falls and Bighorn Gorge Lookout, Hoodoo Creek, and Vision Quest.
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| Thompson Creek Campground |
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| Crescent Falls |
Two O’Clock Creek is across the highway from the Siffleur Falls trailhead. Sites are partially shaded or in full sun, but (most) have beautiful mountain views. The campground can get pretty windy, so peg your tent down well. Non potable water and free firewood (1 wheelbarrow full) available. First come, first served. A great base camp for exploring the western corridor.
- Nearby hikes: Crescent Falls and Bighorn Gorge Lookout, Hoodoo Creek, and Vision Quest.
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| Two O’Clock Creek Campground |
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| The trail to Siffleur Falls goes across the longest suspension bridge in Alberta! |
NORDEGG AREA (Central)
Fish Lake is one of the largest campgrounds in the area and has lovely, coveted lakeside spots in Loops 1 & 2. Loop 4 is reservable and Loop 5 has sites backing on to Mud Lake (not a swimming or fishing lake, but you get a nice view). Purchase snacks, camping gear, and fishing lures at the Bear Essentials Store in Loop 4.
Our favorite things to do here are fishing (the lake is stocked with rainbow trout), paddling, and walking around the lake. Bikes are permitted on the trail, but we found the trail a bit narrow and rooty for the kids. Centrally located about 6 km from Nordegg.
- Nearby hikes: Baldy Fire Lookout, Coliseum Mountain, Crescent Falls and Bighorn Gorge Lookout, Windy Point Ridge, Hoodoo Creek, and Vision Quest.
- Nearby attraction: Brazeau Collieries (National Historic Site)
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| Fish Lake |
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| Windy Point Ridge Lookout |
Goldeye Lake is across the highway from Fish Lake, a short drive from Nordegg. Campsites are smaller with fewer trees in between, but there are a few campsites near the the lake. There is also a lakeshore hiking trail, fishing (the lake is stocked with rainbow trout), and paddling. For canoe rentals, contact Goldeye Centre.
- Nearby hikes: Baldy Fire Lookout, Coliseum Mountain, Crescent Falls and Bighorn Gorge Lookout, Windy Point Ridge, Hoodoo Creek, and Vision Quest.
- Nearby attraction: Brazeau Collieries (National Historic Site)
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| Goldeye Lake, Nordegg |
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| Hoodoo Creek Trail Image Credit: Philip Lund, All Out Kids Gear |
EAST CORRIDOR
Crimson Lake Provincial Park has two campgrounds: Crimson Lake and Twin Lakes. We love beach time, biking, and paddling at Crimson Lake. With great family and evening programs and the friendliest campground hosts ever, you will want to return year after year!
Crimson Lake is a large, full-service campground and Twin Lakes is a basic campground. For more information on camping and recreational opportunities in the park, please see: Fun Times at Crimson Lake Provincial Park.
- Nearby hiking/biking trails: Amerada Trail, Beaver Pond, Twin Lakes Boardwalk
- Nearby attractions: Wilderness Village petting zoo (free), Rocky Mountain House National Historic Site
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| Crimson Lake Provincial Park |
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| Twin Lakes Day Use Area, Crimson Lake Provincial Park |
RANDOM CAMPING
Random camping is not permitted in the provincial parks or provincial recreation areas, but is allowed in wildland areas and public land use zones (PLUZ) with some restrictions. For more information, please see Alberta Parks – Random Backcountry Camping. Some popular spots to random camp in the David Thompson are along Abraham Lake.
If you choose to random camp, please practice leave no trace to keep the area beautiful and clean: bury human waste, pack out ALL garbage (even if it’s biodegradable), and dispose of grey water properly. It is most important to not go to the washroom or dispose of grey water within 60 metres (200 feet) of the lake or any water source. Also, bring your own firewood. Did you know it’s a ticketable offense to collect and burn deadfall? Dead trees are a home for small animals and an important source of nutrients to other forest plants as they biodegrade especially in fragile alpine environments. Finally, wherever possible, reuse an existing fire pit before making a new one. Best practice is to dismantle fire pits when they’re no longer needed.
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| Abraham Lake |
Have you ever visited this part of Alberta? Where do you like to stay?
4 comments
What if I pack in my own deadfall and burn that? Is that legal? To burn legally collected deadfall and burn it while random camping?
Alberta Parks prohibit the burning of deadfall (https://www.albertaparks.ca/albertaparksca/visit-our-parks/regulations/) but it appears to be permitted in wildland areas: "If using deadfall in a Wildland Park, use only sticks that can be broken by hand." More details at: https://www.albertaparks.ca/parks/kananaskis/kananaskis-country/activities-events/permitted-activities-regulations/minimizing-your-impact/ Hope that helps!
where abouts is the random camping on Abraham lake? Did you see any spots south of Cline River?
Preacher’s Point is a popular spot.. almost too popular.. it has gotten crowded the past several years. I haven’t explored down the Cline River yet but my sister has and said the fishing was fantastic!