This is one of the most easily accessible lakeside camping spots in the region, making it one of the most popular.
Located at the furthest end of Abraham Lake from the Bighorn Dam, roughly 30 km away, this area sees large fluctuations throughout the year. If you visit in the spring or early summer you’ll find the North Saskatchewan River flowing through its original channel. Come back in late summer or the fall and you’ll find a full lake, often overflowing its banks into the nearby aspen trees and making it a popular spot for paddling and photography.
Over the past few years the provincial government turned it into an official camping area with access roads and toilets. It is included in the public lands camping pass, allowing you to stay for up to 14 days at a time for $30 per adult per year.
Please note that motorized vehicles are not allowed below the high water mark or on the lake bottom from April 30 to December 1.
At a Glance
- Season: Year-round
- Rates: Public Lands Camping Pass Required – $30 per adult per year
- Number of sites: Sites are not defined in the rustic camping areas
- Amenities: Toilets
- Campground host: No
- Reservations: First come first served
- Website: Bighorn Backcountry
Join Us On A Guided Tour
All our scenic float tours start within a short 10-minute drive from this camping area while our Coral Creek Canyon and Whitegoat Falls guided hikes are less than 10 minutes away.
Glaciers + Fires Scenic Float
Explore one of the most dramatic sections of the North Saskatchewan River with glaciers as…
River Reflections Scenic Float + Photo Tour
Capture a different side of the North Saskatchewan River valley on this adventure as we…
The Icefields Scenic Float
Take in the views of Wilson Icefields from the North Saskatchewan River on this 1…
The Kootenay Plains Scenic Float
Float through the golden plains of the Saskatchewan, from Whirlpool Point to Preacher’s Point. Enjoy…
Whitegoat Falls Guided Hike
An easy half day hike to the pretty Whitegoat Falls near Abraham Lake where the…
Explore the Region From Preacher’s Point
The meeting locations for tours offered by Rockies Heli Canada, McKenzie’s Trails West, Banff Canyoning and Girth Hitch Guiding are less than 10 minutes away along the David Thompson Highway.
Popular hikes in the area include Siffleur Falls, Coral Creek Canyon, Tuff Puff Ridge and Thompson Creek Falls. This is a good spot to finish a river trip from the Icefields Parkway or to paddle on the lake once the reservoir fills up in late summer. Keep in mind that the water is cold all year and that winds can pick up quickly as you plan your water adventure.
Nearby Services
You’ll find a restaurant, gas station, basic supplies and gift shops at The Crossing Resort, 25 minutes away, and David Thompson Resort, 10 minutes away.
Nordegg is only 40 minutes away where you’ll find gas stations, basic supplies, restaurants and shops. An RV sani-dump is available at the Nordegg Lodge.
Getting Here
The camping area is located on Highway 11, 60 km west of Nordegg and 30 km east of Saskatchewan River Crossing.
