Where to Camp Near Calgary – Scenic Mountain, Lake & Prairie Escapes
If you live in Calgary (or even if you’re just passing through with a tent stuffed in your trunk), you’re sitting in one of Canada’s best “outdoor headquarters.” Within just a couple of hours, you can be snoozing beside glacier-fed lakes, stargazing from the foothills, or pretending you’re a pioneer out in the prairies. Over the years, I’ve camped everywhere from crowded tourist hubs to quiet little pull-offs where the only sound at night was a curious owl judging my marshmallow-roasting skills.
So grab your camping mug, because I’m going to share my hard-earned, mosquito-bitten, coffee-fueled wisdom on where to find the best camping spots near Calgary — and how to make the most of them.
Why Camping Near Calgary is Awesome
First, let’s acknowledge the magic here: in about the same amount of time it takes to binge-watch a couple of Netflix episodes, you can trade skyscrapers for spruce trees. You’ve got:
- Mountains for those who like epic views (and uphill cardio).
- Lakes and rivers for swimmers, paddlers, and people who just like skipping stones.
- Badlands and prairies for unique landscapes that look like they belong on another planet.
- Wildlife — from chipmunks that will try to steal your snacks to elk that look like they walked out of a wildlife documentary.
How to Pick Your Perfect Calgary-Area Campsite
Before we get into my favorites, think about what kind of camper you are.
Do you want:
- Amenities? (Bathrooms, showers, and maybe even Wi-Fi… no judgment.)
- Solitude? (Where the loudest thing you hear is your own thoughts.)
- Family fun? (Playgrounds, easy trails, and space for s’mores marathons.)
- Adventure? (Hike-in, paddle-in, or a rugged mountain basecamp.)
Knowing this will make your camping trip a lot smoother — and prevent you from accidentally booking a “rustic” site when you actually wanted a plug-in for your RV espresso machine.
Top Camping Spots Within 2 Hours of Calgary
I’ve broken them down into categories so you can match your mood with the right spot.
1. Mountain Magic: Banff & Kananaskis
If you’re looking for jaw-dropping scenery, these are your go-tos.
Tunnel Mountain Campground – Banff National Park
- Why I love it: You’re just a short drive (or even a nice walk) from downtown Banff, but still surrounded by mountains.
- Vibe: Social — you’ll meet campers from all over the world.
- Best for: Families, first-time campers, anyone who wants convenience with their nature.
Two Jack Lakeside Campground – Banff National Park
- Why I love it: Wake up to glassy lake views perfect for sunrise paddleboarding.
- Vibe: Peaceful, especially in the early morning.
- Best for: Kayakers, photographers, couples looking for a romantic nature escape.
Bow Valley Campground – Bow Valley Provincial Park
- Why I love it: Close to Calgary but feels remote, with amazing views and trails.
- Vibe: A mix of families and outdoorsy types gearing up for big hikes.
- Best for: Quick weekend getaways.
2. Lakeside Lounging
For those who like to pair camping with swimming, fishing, or paddling.
Little Bow Provincial Park
- Why I love it: Sandy beach, warm-ish water, and plenty of sunshine.
- Vibe: Beach holiday meets camping trip.
- Best for: Families with kids who will spend all day in the water.
Lower Lake Campground – Peter Lougheed Provincial Park
- Why I love it: Gorgeous lake with mountain backdrop, and a great starting point for hiking trails.
- Vibe: Active — expect hikers, bikers, and paddlers.
- Best for: Outdoor enthusiasts who like variety.
3. Unique Landscapes & Family Fun
If you want your camping trip to also be an adventure in unusual scenery.
Dinosaur Provincial Park
- Why I love it: You’re camping in the heart of the badlands — it’s like another world.
- Vibe: Curious and adventurous — lots of kids on fossil hunts.
- Best for: Families, history buffs, anyone who secretly wanted to be a paleontologist.
Aspen Crossing
- Why I love it: It’s train-themed camping — yes, you can stay in a caboose.
- Vibe: Quirky, family-friendly.
- Best for: Kids, train enthusiasts, and campers who like a little novelty.
4. Secluded & Backcountry Bliss
For when you just want to disappear (in the best way possible).
Forks Campground – Kananaskis
- Why I love it: It’s a hike-in site, so fewer people and more peace.
- Vibe: Quiet, wild, and scenic.
- Best for: Backpackers and people who own a really good headlamp.
Backcountry Sites – Peter Lougheed Provincial Park
- Why I love it: The reward for carrying your gear in is total immersion in mountain beauty.
- Vibe: Pure wilderness.
- Best for: Experienced campers ready to leave cell service far behind.
Camping Safety & Etiquette Near Calgary
We Albertans take camping seriously, and so does our wildlife.
- Bear safety: Store food properly in bear lockers or vehicles. Don’t leave snacks out — unless you want a furry visitor.
- Campfires: Check local fire bans before striking a match.
- Leave No Trace: Pack out all trash, including those sneaky little twist ties from bread bags.
Packing Tips from Experience
I’ve made enough packing mistakes to write a whole book, but here are the essentials:
- Layers: Mountain weather changes faster than you can say “pass the bug spray.”
- Bug defense: Mosquitoes and horseflies have no mercy. Bring repellent.
- Good sleeping bag: Nights can get cold even in July.
- Easy meals: Pre-prep as much as possible. Nobody wants to be dicing onions in the rain.
Booking Your Campsite
- Popular spots: Book months in advance through Parks Canada or Alberta Parks.
- Hidden gems: Check smaller provincial parks or Public Land Use Zones (PLUZ) for first-come, first-served sites.
- Weekday camping: If your schedule allows, you’ll avoid the weekend rush.
Bonus: Free & Dispersed Camping
Alberta has plenty of Crown Land where you can camp for free, like in the McLean Creek Public Land Use Zone. Just remember — no services means you bring everything you need and pack everything out.
Final Thoughts
Camping near Calgary is a buffet of natural beauty. You can wake up to mountain peaks one weekend, paddle a warm lake the next, and wander through prehistoric badlands after that. My advice? Don’t stick to just one favorite spot. Rotate through them, try a few new ones each year, and always leave room in your plans for the unexpected — because sometimes, the best campsite is the one you discover by accident on a dusty backroad.
