My friend Anna says getting a campsite near Calgary is βlike The Hunger Gamesβ but with some planning and flexibility, you can score good campsites this summer. Here are our top tips on getting a campsite in Alberta.
Disclosure: I am an Alberta Parks Ambassador, but all words and opinions are my own.
1. Reserve campsites as soon as possible
Thereβs peace of mind in knowing you have a campsite waiting at the end of the drive. To get a site in Alberta Parks or Parks Canada campgrounds, book your campsites as soon as possible (March 4, 2021 for Alberta Parks β up to 90 days in advance; April 9-16 for national parks β for the summer camping season). See Camping in Western Canada in 2021: Booking Dates, Whatβs Open, Whatβs New for details). Alberta Parks has 9,000 reservable campsites! Private campgrounds often take reservations up to a year in advance.
2. Have a backup plan
Make your own long weekend: If your favorite campground always books up for the long weekend, go the week before or after and take a day off work. We like going Thursday to Sunday so we donβt have to deal with traffic on the drive out; plus, the campground is a lot quieter!
Go a bit furtherβ¦ Campgrounds close to big cities are always busy. If you donβt mind driving a bit further, there are several amazing β and peaceful β campgrounds to enjoy. Weβve had good luck getting campsites in Castle Provincial Park, Cypress Hills Provincial Park, and David Thompson Country.
Other options include: walk-in tent sites (requires better packing but you get a secluded site with no RVs in sight), comfort camping, or RV rentals. Parks Canada and Alberta Parks are offering comfort camping this summer! See more info below.
3. What if you canβt/donβt want to reserve a site?
Check for cancellations: Check on Monday or Tuesday before the weekend for cancellations. Parks Canada and Alberta Parks require 72 hours notice for a full refund. Weβve gotten great campsites by doing this!
Try for a FCFS site: Take Friday off and get a First come first serve campsite (youβll have better luck if you head out Thursday night). Did you know Alberta Parks has 5,000 FCFS campsites?
Reserve a walk-in tent site: Walk-in sites are often the most scenic and secluded! You need to be prepared to put all food, dishes, and items with a scent (lip gloss, bug spray, etc.) in the bear locker though. Itβs good preparation for backpacking!
Go after the weekend or midweek: Arrive Sunday at checkout to get a FCFS site or cancellation. Check out for Alberta Parks is 2 pm. Check out for Parks Canada is 11 am.
Try glamping! Splurge on comfort camping β OβTentik, yurt, cabin, hut β through provincial or national parks, Airbnb or HipCamp. Weβve even seen treehouses and cabooses for rent!
Rent an RV: Outdoorsy RV Rentals and RVezy are two popular RV rental sites. For $110-$150/night, you can rent an RV that sleeps 8 people!
4. Backcountry and random camping
Reservations are required for backcountry camping at designated backcountry campgrounds. Visit Alberta Parks | Backcountry Campgrounds or Parks Canada (search by park) for more information.
Random camping / wilderness camping is permitted in permitted in wildland provincial parks and public land use zones. In Alberta, you must be at least one kilometre from the road, trail, or park boundary, be self-sufficient, keep fires in fire rings, and pack out all trash. For trip inspiration, Google Free Camping in Alberta.
5. Boondocking
There are certain areas outside the provincial and national parks, where you can camp for free. Do some research before you go to make sure you arenβt on private property, and pack out all trash/waste so others can enjoy the area after you leave. This is a good option if you are self sufficient and want to save some money and enjoy some solitude. I grew up camping on forestry roads in BC and will never forget how quiet it was and how bright the stars were.
In closing, there are several options for camping in Alberta, no matter how spontaneous you are (or not). This year, weβre planning on staying at a few of our favorite campgrounds, as well as some that are new-to-us. Have fun exploring our beautiful province and let me know if these tips helped you get a campsite!
Related Posts
- Camping in Western Canada in 2021: Booking Dates, Whatβs Open, Whatβs New
- Alberta Parksβ Best Lakeside Campgrounds
- Camping Pack List
- How to choose camping bedding (includes baby bedding)
- Peter Lougheed Provincial Park Hiking and Camping Guide
- Camping in Castle Provincial Park
- Hiking and Camping in David Thompson Country