Camping in Alberta's Parks

We have two broad types of camping - "vehicle-access" and "backcountry".
There is vehicle-access (or front country) camping in individual campsites and group camping areas.
Many campgrounds take reservations for individual campsites either online or phone-in only. As well, many campgrounds have first come-first served campsites and some campgrounds are "first come-first served" only.
Check-out time in provincial campgrounds is normally 2:00 p.m.
Check-in time is normally 4:00 p.m.
Find a Park
Amenities at provincial campgrounds range from full hook-ups (power, water, sewer) to un-serviced. We also have special types of camping.
Cultural Access Pass to Alberta's Parks is a program to encourage new Canadian citizens to explore our provincial parks.

Download the Campers Guide to Alberta Parks

Equipment/People Permitted on a Campsite

The maximum number of motor vehicles, tents, recreational vehicles and trailers permitted on a campsite is three, of which only two may be used as sleeping quarters. EXCEPTION - when two tents are used as sleeping quarters, two motor vehicles may be permitted.
The camping fee applies to each accommodation unit on a campsite. EXCEPTION - if the second accommodation unit is a tent and there is only one motor vehicle registered to the site, there is no additional charge for the tent.
A campsite must be large enough to accommodate the maximum number of allowable units. Depending on a campsite's design and dimensions, a campground manager may decide that only one camping accommodation unit may be assigned to that campsite. Call the campground direct to find out if a second unit will be permitted upon check-in.
No more than six people may occupy a campsite unless they are all members of the same family unit.
Download the Regulations in Alberta's Provincial Parks & Recreation Areas pamphlet.

Special Types of Camping

Front Country / Vehicle-Access Camping
Walk-in Tenting	Walk-in tenting campsites are accessible by foot; they are located a short distance from the nearest parking area. These sites are noted in the details for each campground.
Equestrian Camping	Equestrian campgrounds are equipped with such facilities as hitching rails, horse corrals and loading ramps. Most equestrian campgrounds are auto-accessible but a few are located in the backcountry.
Winter Camping	Some campgrounds stay open year-round and offer winter camping.
Comfort Camping	Comfort camping is an easy, convenient alternative to traditional camping.

Group Camping Areas

Group camping areas (and group day use areas) are available in several provincial parks. These areas are ideal for company and club functions, family reunions, and other special events.

Backcountry Camping

Backcountry campgrounds are accessible by foot, horseback or mountain bike and are normally located a considerable distance from the nearest parking area. There are two types of backcountry camping - "designated" and "random".

Check our backcountry safety information before you go.

Backcountry Camping
Designated Backcountry Campgrounds	These campgrounds have the term "Designated Backcountry" in their name on the backcountry camping list. A backcountry camping permit is required for designated backcountry campgrounds in Kananaskis Country.
Random Backcountry Camping	Random backcountry camping is only permitted in wildland provincial parks and public land use zones. Restrictions apply to random backcountry camping. Check permitted activities for more information. For wildland parks, the term "random backcountry" camping is included in the "Campsites" column on the backcountry camping list. Check info on random backcountry camping in Kanananakis Country. A backcountry camping permit is required to camp at Sparrowhawk Tarns and Memorial Lakes even though these areas are located in Bow Valley Wildland Provincial Park. Random camping is PROHIBITED in provincial parks and provincial recreation areas.

AlbertaParks.ca