Camping in Alberta: Explore Stunning Landscapes and Wildlife Hotspots

Alberta, Canada, is an outdoor paradise. Rocky Mountain peaks, rolling prairies, dense forests—Alberta has it all. Avid campers who crave the backcountry experience will be just as satisfied as those who prefer the comforts of a fully serviced campsite. 

Alberta has something for everyone, from iconic national parks to hidden provincial gems. Here’s a short list of the best camping destinations in Alberta, plus tips and a packing list to ensure your next camping trip is great.

Can I Camp Anywhere in Alberta?

Alberta offers plenty of camping opportunities, but unfortunately, you can’t camp anywhere your heart desires. National and provincial parks provide designated campsites to preserve the natural ecosystems and require permits or reservations. 

Random camping on crown land may be permitted in some areas, such as Public Use Land Zones (PLUZ), but you must still follow certain restrictions. For example, you must always be mindful of active fire bans, follow Leave No Trace principles, and respect the local flora and fauna.

Always check local regulations before setting up camp to ensure you do so legally.

Which Campground Is Best in Alberta?

With so many excellent campgrounds, it can be hard to narrow down the options. Here are five of the province’s top camping destinations for a unique and memorable experience.

Two Jack Lakeside Campground (Banff National Park)

Along the shores of Two Jack Lake and only minutes away from Banff is the scenic Two Jack Lakeside Campground. Here, you’ll wake up to mesmerizing views of the Rocky Mountains, crystal-clear waters, and a tranquil atmosphere all around. This campsite is ideal for avid kayakers, canoers, and wildlife spotters. 

While this campground is on the smaller side compared to other options in Banff, the result is a secluded, quiet experience, perfect for solo campers who want to escape it all. There’s also easy access to popular attractions, including Lake Minnewanka, a glacial lake with a shore that holds archaeological artifacts dating as far back as 14,000 years ago.

• Features: Lakeside campsites with breathtaking mountain views. Close proximity to Banff townsite. Direct access to the calm waters of Two Jack Lake.
• Facilities: There are campsites for tents and some for small RVs, camping vans, or trailers. Basic bathroom facilities with running water are available, as are fire pits, picnic tables, and food storage lockers.
• Things to Know: Two Jack Lake got its name from two prospectors who mined the land in the early 1900s. There are no electrical hookups, so bring a portable power station from the EcoFlow RIVER 3 Series, like the EcoFlow RIVER 3 Plus, to charge devices.

Tunnel Mountain Campground (Banff National Park)

On the other end of the campground size spectrum is Tunnel Mountain Campground, the largest in Banff. It’s great for campers who don’t want to choose between nature or easy access to Banff Townsite’s amenities. 

You’ll find a comfortable stay here, whatever that means to you–whether tent camping, RV campsites, or oTENTik sites (a combination of a tent and an A-frame cabin). You’ll also be easily connected to some of Banff’s top hiking trails and may even spot elk or deer on your journeys.

• Features: Close enough to Banff Townsite to use the regular shuttle service. Scenic hiking trails are directly accessible from the campground, with the potential for wildlife sightings.
• Facilities: Full-service campsites with electrical water and sewer hookups. Shower and washroom facilities. Fire pits are available at some campsites.
• Things to Know: This campground is very popular, so book far in advance. Because of its size and proximity to town, this campground may be noisy sometimes.

Wapiti Campground (Jasper National Park)

Embrace an authentic Rocky Mountain camping experience just outside Jasper along the Athabasca River banks at Wapiti Campground. Scenic views and wildlife are abundant here, and its year-round availability makes it a favorite for both summer and winter camping. You’ll enjoy easy access to the Icefields Parkway, tons of breathtaking trails, and the Jasper townsite, where you’ll find shops, restaurants, and attractions for the whole family. 

Wildlife lovers will love the regular spottings of animals such as elk, bighorn sheep, and even bears. The name “Wapiti” even references this, meaning “white rump” in the Cree and Shawnee indigenous languages, referring to the large local elk populations.

• Features: Riverside camping with stunning views year-round. Heated shelters are available for winter stays. 
• Facilities: Electric and non-electric hookup sites are available. There are heated bathrooms with hot showers. Firewood is available for purchase on-site.
• Things to Know: Some areas have no cell service, so download maps, bring paper maps, or use a GPS. Never leave food unattended, as wildlife is common here. Prepare for cold nights, even in the summer.

Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park

For a change of pace, experience an entirely new side of Alberta’s landscape at Writing-on-Stone, known for its arid badlands, Indigenous petroglyphs (stone-carved images), and breathtaking hoodoos (thin rock spires formed by erosion). This UNESCO World Heritage Site is located in the Milk River Valley, home to sacred Blackfoot carvings that date back thousands of years. 

Campers can spend hours or days exploring the otherworldly rock formations, hiking through the hoodoos, or paddling along the Milk River. If you feel a spiritual presence here, don’t be surprised—this area was historically a spiritual gathering place for the Indigenous peoples.

• Features: Unique landscapes unlike anywhere else in the province, with archaeological petroglyphs of centuries-old Blackfoot culture. Winters are mild here, making it a good option for off-season camping.
• Facilities: There are powered and unpowered camping sites. Showers, bathrooms, and drinking water are available. There is also an interpretive center with guided cultural tours.
• Things to Know: Summers are very hot, so bring cooling fans or the EcoFlow Wave 2 Portable Air Conditioner. Writing-on-Stone has limited cell service.

Dinosaur Provincial Park

Our last recommendation is Dinosaur Provincial Park, a world-famous site of fossils of prehistoric creatures that roamed the area 75 million years ago. Located deep in the Alberta badlands, this park offers guided fossil tours, scenic hikes, and unique camping among the hoodoos. 

Over 50 dinosaur species have been discovered here, including one of the best-preserved dinosaurs ever, making it one of the richest fossil beds on the planet. The fact that you can camp here makes it a must-visit destination.

• Features: Explore the fossils with a guided palaeontology tour, hike the stunning rock formations of the badlands, or gaze at the stars at night, thanks to minimal light pollution.
• Facilities: Powered and unpowered campsites with modern washrooms, showers, and a visitor’s center.
• Things to Know: Summers get extremely hot, so pack cooling solutions. There’s also limited shade, so a canopy or sun shelter is helpful. Do not touch or remove any fossils, as it is strictly prohibited.

What Should I Pack for an Alberta Camping Trip?

Shelter and Sleep

• Tent – a weather-resistant and durable tent to withstand the province’s varying weather conditions
• Groundsheet – or a tarp to protect the base of the tent from wear and moisture
• Sleeping bag – choose an appropriate sleeping bag rated for your respective camping season, whether summer or winter camping
• Air mattress or sleeping pad – create insulation between you and the cold ground and enjoy a better night’s sleep
• Pillow

Pro Tip: These are also essentials for backyard camping. Create a realistic primitive tent camping experience, or set up a yurt for glamping at home.

Clothing

• Base layers
• Insulating layers
• Waterproof outerwear
• Footwear – hiking boots or waterproof sneakers
• Cold weather accessories if camping in the winter

Power

• Cell phone charging – stay charged to use cell service or downloaded maps with the small and compact EcoFlow RAPID Power Bank
• Power generation – for longer camping trips, bring the EcoFlow RIVER 3 Solar Generator (PV45W) to generate your own power

Food and Drink

• Clean drinking water – or a water filtration system, as potable drinking water is not always available
• Stove and fuel
• Coffee maker
• Cookware – pans, pots, plates, and utensils
• Food cooling
• Food storage
• Biodegradable dish soap

Light

• Headlamps
• Lanterns
• Flashlights
• String lights
• Extra batteries

Safety and Navigation

• Maps or compass
• First aid kit
• Essential medications
• Fire starting basics

Personal Items/Miscellaneous

• Toiletries
• Towels
• Sunscreen
• Bug spray
• Trash bags
• Paper towels
• Camping chair
• Folding camping tables

8 Alberta Camping Tips

1. Prepare for High Altitude—Some mountain campgrounds are at high elevations, where the air is thinner and temperatures are much colder. Bring oxygen or try to acclimate slowly.
2. Be Aware of Fire Bans. Alberta often has fire restrictions due to dry weather conditions, so verify current local fire regulations before starting a campfire.
3. Pack for All Weather. Even in the summer, the temperature can fluctuate drastically. Prepare for cold nights and bring gear for rainy camping. The badlands also get extremely hot during the summer daytime.
4. Carry Extra Water. Potable drinking water may not be available, so always bring extra clean drinking water or a portable filtration system.
5. Don’t Disturb the Artifacts. Some Alberta campgrounds feature thousands-of-years-old Indigenous or paleontological artifacts. Do not touch, disturb, or remove any artifacts, and respect the land.
6. Mind the Wildlife. Alberta is known for its heavy wildlife presence, even at popular campgrounds. Maintain your distance, and never feed wild animals.
7. Arrive in the Daylight. Arrive at your campsite with plenty of daylight left to make pitching your tent and setting up your area easier. Winters have shorter daylight hours.
8. Bring a Power Source. Alberta’s remote areas may not have electric hookups, so bring your own power source, such as a solar generator or portable power station, to keep your essential electronics and camping appliances charged.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

Alberta is home to some of North America’s most stunning natural landscapes, from Banff and Jasper National Parks to the otherworldly hoodoos of the badlands and rich Indigenous culture. Plan your summer camping trip to take advantage of the hiking trails and stunning waters, or venture to the badlands for a mild winter camping experience at areas open year-round. 

Whatever your camping style, elevate the experience with the portable power stations of the EcoFlow RIVER 3 Series.