Your Guide to Camping in Canmore and Kananaskis
two tents in a campground site next to a picnic table surrounded by trees in a forest

Your Guide to Camping in Canmore and Kananaskis

  • Accommodations
  • Summer
  • Tourism Canmore Kananaskis - June 24, 2025
Reading Time: 6 minutes

What you’ll find in this post:

  • How to prepare for your camping trip to Canmore and Kananaskis
  • Tips on how to book a campsite on the Alberta Parks website
  • Which campsites are available to book in Canmore and Kananaskis

Camping in Canmore and Kananaskis is one of the most exciting ways to experience the Canadian Rockies. With a wide range of sites available throughout our provincial parks, you’re sure to find the perfect basecamp for your summer adventures. This guide will help you navigate where to stay, what to expect, and how to prepare for your next unforgettable night under the stars.

Preparing For Your Camping Trip

Before leaving for your camping trip, make sure you’re armed with the right information to keep you safe. Don’t forget, you’re in bear country after all. Here are a few tips to get you started:

  1. Be bear aware: Learn how you can keep yourself and the local wildlife safe from negative encounters.
  2. Check the weather: Weather in the Rockies can change rapidly, so check the forecast daily and prepare for all conditions – even in the summer!
  3. Check for fire bans: Summer heat brings dry conditions. Check Alberta Fire Bans to see if there are fire advisories, restrictions, or bans in your camping area.
  4. Pack the right gear: Know what you need to pack for your trip. Need a few more pieces of gear? Check out these local outfitters: GearUp Mountain Sport and Rentals, Sports Experts, Kananaskis Outfitters, Sports Garage.
  5. Find the dump stations: Not sure where the nearest sani-dump is for your RV? Check the Alberta Parks website for more information.
  6. Purchase your Kananaskis Conservation Pass: A valid Kananaskis Conservation Pass is required for all vehicles accessing campgrounds in Kananaskis Country.

How to Book a Campsite in Canmore and Kananaskis

Campsites can be reserved up to 90 days in advance through Alberta Parks, while group campsites can be booked 180 days out. Opening and closing dates may vary slightly each year depending on conditions, as well as water and power access. Be sure to do your own research to make sure amenities are available before your arrival.
Ready to reserve your spot under the stars? Campsites in Canmore and Kananaskis can be booked online through Alberta Parks. Here are some quick links to get you started:

When you land on the reservation page:

  • Use the left sidebar to select a specific campground or view all available options.
  • Filter sites above the map by type—like tent-only or power/water hookups.
  • Use the Date Range Availability filter under the map to quickly spot open dates.
  • Scroll down to view details like booking windows, amenities, and site photos.

For a full overview of reservable and first-come, first-served campgrounds in Kananaskis, including amenities and filters, visit the Alberta Parks camping map.

Campsites in Canmore and Kananaskis

All campgrounds listed below are open to both RVs and tents, unless otherwise specified.

Canmore

Wapiti Campground

Wapiti Campground is a private campground and not affiliated with Alberta Parks. More information can be found on their website.

  • Season: May 15 to mid-October
  • Sites: 50 with power and water, 37 unserviced
  • Booking: First come, first served (no reservations)
  • Amenities:
    • Washrooms
    • Paid-token showers
    • Small general store
    • Fire pits (firewood sold on-site)
    • Potable water

Kananaskis Country – Peter Lougheed Provincial Park

Elkwood Campground

  • Season: May 8 to October 12
  • Sites: 69 with power and water, 61 unserviced
  • Booking: Required
  • Amenities:
    • Amphitheatre
    • Firepits
    • Flush toilets and pit/vault toilets
    • Showers ($3 token)
    • Pay phone
    • Playground

Boulton Creek Campground

  • Season: May 8 to October 12
  • Sites: 37 with power, water, and sewage 86 unserviced
  • Booking: Mostly required; 6 walk-in/first come, first served sites available
  • Amenities:
    • Firepits (firewood sold on-site)
    • Flush toilets and pit/vault toilets
    • Sewage disposal/dump-station
    • Showers ($3 token)
    • Secure food storage
    • Pay phone
    • Fast food concession
    • Accessible sites available
    • Water hookup and tap

Lower Lake Campground

  • Season: May 8 to September 13
  • Sites: 83 unserviced
  • Booking: Required
  • Amenities:
    • Firepits (firewood available on-site)
    • Flush toilets, pit/vault toilets
    • Secure food storage
    • Pay phone
    • Playground
    • Water pump

Interlakes Campground

  • Season: May 15 to October 12
  • Sites: 48 unserviced
  • Booking: First come, first served (no reservations)
  • Amenities:
    • Firepits (firewood sold on-site)
    • Pit/vault toilets
    • Secure food storage
    • Hand launch
    • Water pump

Canyon Campground

  • Season: May 15 to September 13
  • Sites: 50 unserviced
  • Booking: First come, first served (no reservations)
  • Amenities:
    • Firepits (firewood sold on-site)
    • Pit/vault toilets
    • Secure food storage
    • Pay phone
    • Playground
    • Sewage disposal/dump station
    • Tap water available

Mount Sarrail Walk-in Tenting

  • Season: June 19 to September 2
  • Sites: Tents only – 44 sites
  • Booking: First come, first served (no reservations)
  • Amenities:
    • Firepits (firewood sold on-site)
    • Pit/vault toilets
    • Secure food storage
    • Water – hand pump

Kananaskis Country – Bow Valley Provincial Park

Bow River Campground

  • Season: May 1 to October 12
  • Sites: 66 with power and water
  • Booking: Mostly required, 7 walk-in/first come, first served tent sites available
  • Amenities:
    • Firepits (firewood sold on-site)
    • Flush toilets, pit/vault toilets
    • Secure food storage
    • Water – pump and tap
    • Showers ($3 tokens)

Three Sisters Campground

  • Season: May 1 to October 12
  • Sites: 36 unserviced
  • Booking: First come, first served (no reservations)
  • Amenities:
    • Firepits (firewood sold on-site)
    • Pit/vault toilets
    • Picnic shelter
    • Hand launch
    • Water pump

Lac Des Arcs Campground

  • Season: May 1 to October 12
  • Sites: 28 unserviced
  • Booking: Required
  • Amenities:
    • Firepits (firewood sold on-site)
    • Pit/vault toilets
    • Hand launch
    • Warmup shelter
    • Water pump

Bow Valley Campground

  • Season: May 1 to October 11
  • Sites: 131 with power and water, 36 unserviced
  • Booking: Mostly required, 6 walk-in/first come, first served tent sites available
  • Amenities:
    • Amphitheatre
    • Firepits (firewood sold on-site)
    • Flush toilets, pit/vault toilets
    • Grocery/supply store
    • Fast food concession
    • Playground
    • Secure food storage
    • Sewage disposal
    • Water – hookup and tap
    • Shower ($3 token)

Willow Rock Campground

  • Season: May 1 to October 12
  • Sites: 34 with power, 90 unserviced
  • Booking: Required
  • Amenities:
    • Firepits (firewood sold on-site)
    • Flush toilets, pit/vault toilets
    • Picnic shelter
    • Playground
    • Coin-operated laundry machine
    • Showers ($3 token)
    • Sewage disposal/dump station
    • Water tap

Rafter Six Ranch

Rafter Six Ranch is a private campground and is not bookable through Alberta Parks. Please call 403-673-3622 or email [email protected] to inquire about bookings.

  • Season: May 1 through October 31 (dates may vary year to year)
  • Booking: Required
  • Amenities:
    • Picnic tables
    • Portable outhouses
    • Grill fire pits for rent (firewood sold on-site)
    • Guided horseback rides are bookable

Sibbald Lake Campground

  • Season: May 15 to October 12
  • Sites: 134 unserviced
  • Booking: Required
  • Amenities:
    • Firepits (firewood sold on-site)
    • Cooking shelter
    • Pit/vault toilets
    • Playground
    • Hand launch
    • Water pump

Kananaskis Country – Kananaskis Village & Spray Lakes

Spray Lakes West Campground

  • Season: May 29 to September 13
  • Sites: 63 unserviced
  • Booking: First come, first served (no reservations)
  • Amenities:
    • Firepits (firewood sold on-site)
    • Pit/vault toilets
    • Secure food storage
    • Hand launch
    • Water pump – non-potable

Eau Claire Campground

  • Season: June 20 to September 6
  • Sites: 51 unserviced sites
  • Booking: First come, first served (no reservations)
  • Amenities:
  • Firepits
  • Pit/vault toilets
  • Secure food storage
  • Pay phone
  • Playground
  • Water pump

Kananaskis Country – Group Campgrounds

Lower Lake Campground

  • Season: Year-round
  • Sites: Capacity is up to 15 units
  • Booking: Required
  • Amenities:
    • Firepits (firewood sold on-site)
    • Picnic shelter
    • Pit/vault toilets
    • Water pump and tap

Pocaterra Walk-in Tenting Campground

  • Season: May 30 to October 12
  • Sites: Tents only – capacity is up to 20 units
  • Booking: Required
  • Amenities:
    • Firepits (firewood sold on-site)
    • Pit/vault toilets
    • Picnic shelter
    • Water pump

Stoney Creek Group Campground

  • Season: May 1 through October 12
  • Sites: Capacity is up to 20 units
  • Booking: Required
  • Amenities:
    • Firepits (firewood sold on-site)
    • Pit/vault toilets
    • Picnic shelter
    • Water pump

Canoe Meadows Campground

  • Season: April 17 through October 14
  • Sites: Capacity is up to 40 units
  • Booking: Required
  • Amenities:
    • Firepits (firewood sold on-site)
    • Pit/vault toilets
    • Cooking shelter
    • Gate
    • Water pump

Grey Jay Campground

  • Season: May 1 to October 12
  • Sites: Capacity is up to 10 units
  • Booking: Required
  • Amenities:
    • Firepits (firewood sold on-site)
    • Pit/vault toilet
    • Cooking shelter
    • Water cistern

Grouse Campground

  • Season: May 1 to October 12
  • Sites: Capacity is up to 40 units
  • Booking: Required
  • Amenities
    • Firepits (firewood sold on-site)
    • Pit/vault toilet
    • Picnic shelter
    • Sewage disposal/dump station
    • Water cistern

Owl Campground

  • Season: May 1 to October 12
  • Sites: Capacity is up to 40 units
  • Booking: Required
  • Amenities:
    • Firepits (firewood sold on-site)
    • Flush toilets, pit/vault toilets
    • Picnic shelter
    • Power
    • Sewage disposal/dump station
    • Water tap

Elk Flats Campground

  • Season: May 1 to October 12
  • Sites: Capacity is up to 30 units
  • Booking: Required
  • Amenities:
    • Firepits (firewood sold on-site)
    • Pit/vault toilet
    • Picnic shelter
    • Playground
    • Water cistern

Sign the Pledge to the Peaks

During your trip, it’s important to remember to respect the lands, animals, and people of Canmore and Kananaskis. The Pledge to the Peaks is a heartfelt commitment to protecting the awe-inspiring Kananaskis Country, especially during camping trips. Sign the Pledge to the Peaks and join us in keeping our nature wild and wonderful for generations to come.