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Don Getty Wildland Provincial Park

Alberta Parks
Information

A Kananaskis Conservation Pass is required to park your vehicle in Kananaskis and the Bow Valley

Big Elbow Backcountry Campground

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Information: 403-678-0760
Directions
Lat: 50.723768 Long: -114.859643

The Big Elbow Backcountry Campground is found in Don Getty Wildland Provincial Park. The trail head to access this site is in Little Elbow Provincial Recreation Area, 32 km southwest of Bragg Creek on Hwy. 66 (closed December - May). It is located approximately 8.3 km from the Little Elbow Campground on the east half of the Elbow Loop. There are fire pits (firewood provided), pit/vault toilets, and secure food storage containers.

This trail is 8.3 km one way with approximately 170 metres of elevation gain and is rated moderate. 

Camping

Sites $/Person/Night Water Source Camping Season Current Status
10 $12 River May 15 - Nov 29 Book It
  • Big Elbow Backcountry campground is in the East Kananaskis permit area
  • Reservations can be made 90 days in advance of arrival date.
  • A maximum of 6 people and 1 tent is permitted on each site with some exceptions.

Amenities

Currently Booking to
Nov 29, 2026
1-877-537-2757
1-877-537-2757
Firewood

Firewood is available. 

Equestrian

Equestrians can stay at Big Elbow Equestrian Backcountry Campground.

Maps & Guides

  • Sheep Valley Trails Map Map, Kananaskis, Bluerock WPP, Don Getty WPP, Elbow-Sheep WPP, Little Elbow PRA, Mesa Butte PRA, Mist Creek PRA, Sheep River PP, Ware Creek PRA, Big Elbow Trail, Bluerock Creek Trail, Curley Sand Trail, Death Valley Trail, Elbow Pass Trail, Ford Creek Trail, Ford Knoll Trail, Gorge Creek Trail, Gorge Ware Connector Trail, Green Mountain Trail, Hog's Back Trail, Indian Oils Trail, Junction Mountain Trail, Little Elbow Trail, Long Prairie Ridge Trail, Meadow Trail, Mist Creek Trail, Nihahi Ridge Trail, North Fork Trail, Pine Ridge Trail, Powderface Ridge Trail, Price Camp Trail, Sheep Trail, South Gorge Creek Trail, Threepoint Creek Trail, Threepoint Mountain Trail, Tombstone Lakes Trail, Volcano Creek Trail, Volcano South/Link Trail, Ware Creek Trail, Whiskey Lake Trail, Wildhorse Trail, 9999 Trail, Tombstone Backcountry Campground, Mount Romulus Backcountry Campground, Big Elbow Backcountry Campground, Elbow Lake Backcountry Campground,, Kananaskis Country, Map, Bluerock Equestrian Campground, Sandy McNabb B, Sandy McNabb A, Sandy McNabb Equestrian Campground, Sandy McNabb Campground -- e481e23e-4360-4c0d-9942-bfaa0946d067 True

Safety

Updated: Jul 14, 2026
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