Campground Type: Campgrounds

  • Saunders Campground

    Saunders Campground

    A tiny campground on the shores of the North Saskatchewan River.

    Above: The North Saskatchewan River near Saunders

    This feels like a throwback to the era of the Alberta Forestry Services and the days when few people visited the region.

    This small campground (only 9 sites) is a great ending or starting point for those paddling the North Saskatchewan River, either from the Forestry Trunk Road or to Rocky Mountain House.

    The rail trail and the Taunton trestle bridge are nearby but OHVs are not permitted in the campground. Most people random camp in the area closer to the old mining town of Saunders, between this campground and the highway, instead of staying at the campground itself.

    Above: The boat launch at Saunders

    Join Us On A Guided Tour


    Our scenic floats and guided hikes are the perfect match for your camping adventure.

    Nearby Services

    Nordegg is 25 minutes away where you’ll find gas stations, basic supplies, restaurants and shops. An RV sani-dump is available at the Nordegg Lodge.

    Rocky Mountain House is 45 minutes away where you’ll find all services.

    Getting Here

    The campground is located in Saunders Provincial Recreation area, 22 km east of Nordegg on Hwy. 11 and 8 km south on an access road.

    Get directions

  • Harlech Campground

    Harlech Campground

    A small highway-side campground along Shunda Creek.

    Above: The kitchen shelter at Harlech

    Harlech is a small highway-side campground, reminiscent of the era when the Alberta Forestry Services operated most of the campsites in the region.

    It may not be a destination for most but it does provide quick access to the rail trail and other OHV trails nearby, although your OHV must stay on a trailer while in the campground (except for the staging area).

    It’s also a good option for those looking to fish in Shunda Creek or the nearby stocked trout pond.

    There is a kitchen shelter available here, making it a good option for rainy days. Keep in mind that this campground is located near the Stolberg Gas Plant and the noises and flaring can be noticeable.

    Above: The sites, except for a few for larger RVs, are all well in the forest

    Join Us On A Guided Tour


    Our scenic floats and guided hikes are the perfect match for your camping adventure.

    Nearby Services

    Nordegg is only 10 minutes away where you’ll find gas stations, basic supplies, restaurants and shops. An RV sani-dump is available at the Nordegg Lodge.

    Rocky Mountain House is 45 minutes away where you’ll find all services.

    Getting Here

    The campground is found in Harlech Provincial Recreation Area, 13 km east of Nordegg on Highway 11. 

    Get directions

  • Ram Falls Campground

    Ram Falls Campground

    A remote campground with amazing views.

    Above: The walk down to the Ram Falls viewpoint

    Ram Falls is at the south end of what we usually think of as the Nordegg & Abraham Lake region. The 60 km of travel on the Forestry Trunk Road takes about an hour, making it a more remote option than most of the other campgrounds in the area.

    The campground is located a short walk from the popular Ram Falls, with great views of the foothills and Canadian Rockies in the distance.

    It makes for a great base for those looking to explore the south end of the region.

    Above: The canyon below the falls
    Above: The stairs to the viewpoint
    Above: Ram Falls in late September

    Join Us On A Guided Tour


    Our scenic floats and guided hikes are the perfect match for your camping adventure.

    Nearby Services

    There are no services near Ram Falls.

    Nordegg is an hour away where you’ll find gas stations, basic supplies, restaurants and shops. An RV sani-dump is available at the Nordegg Lodge.

    Rocky Mountain House is just under an hour and a half away where you’ll find all services.

    Getting Here

    Ram Falls Campground is located on the Forestry Trunk Road approximately 60 km south of Nordegg.

    Get directions

  • David Thompson Resort Campground

    David Thompson Resort Campground

    The region’s only campground with full services, restaurant and playground, located in the perfect location to explore along Abraham Lake.

    Above: Amazing views on the trails within the campground

    David Thompson Resort is the best option if you’re looking for a serviced campsite with a restaurant and playground. Its location in Cline River makes it ideal for exploring Abraham Lake and the Canadian Rockies

    They offer a mix from unserviced tenting sites to full-service RV sites with 15 and 30 amp power available. They also have RVs available for rent, wall tents and rustic cabins along with hotel rooms.

    Above: Views of Elliott’s Peak from the campsites
    Above: The famous rocket ship slide
    Above: A short walk from the campground to the shores of Abraham Lake

    Join Us On A Guided Tour

    All our scenic float tours start within a short 15-minute drive from this camping area while our Coral Creek Canyon and Whitegoat Falls guided hikes are less than 5 minutes away.

    Explore the Region From David Thompson Resort

    The meeting locations for tours offered by Rockies Heli Canada, McKenzie’s Trails West, Banff Canyoning and Girth Hitch Guiding are less than 5 minutes away along the David Thompson Highway.

    Hiking trails like Siffleur Falls, Vision Quest and Coral Creek Canyon are all within a short drive.

    Nearby Services

    Nordegg is only 30 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

    David Thompson Resort is located on Highway 11, 45 km west of Nordegg and 45 km east of Saskatchewan River Crossing. 

    Get directions

  • Crescent Falls Campground

    Crescent Falls Campground

    A secluded campground along the Bighorn River, next to the popular Crescent Falls.

    Above: Crescent Falls during the spring runoff
    Above: The falls in late summer and during spring runoff
    Above: Crescent Falls from the viewpoint near the parking lot

    Join Us On A Guided Tour

    Our guided hike to Coliseum Mountain is only 20 minutes from the Crescent Falls Campground while our Coral Creek Canyon and Whitegoat Falls guided hikes are less than 30 minutes away.

    Our scenic float tours on the North Saskatchewan River between the Icefields Parkway and Abraham Lake make the perfect day trip to the mountains from Crescent Falls.

    Explore the Region From Crescent Falls

    The meeting locations for tours offered by Rockies Heli Canada, McKenzie’s Trails West, Banff Canyoning and Girth Hitch Guiding are less than 30 minutes away as you head west on the David Thompson Highway.

    Hiking trails like Coliseum Mountain, Vision Quest and Allstones Lake are all within a short drive.

    Nearby Services

    Nordegg is only 20 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 campground is located 22 km west of Nordegg along highway 11 and 6 km north on a gravel road. 

    Get directions

  • Two O’Clock Creek Campground

    Two O’Clock Creek Campground

    One of the most scenic campgrounds where every site offers a great view of the surrounding mountains.

    Above: Wildflowers at the edge of the campsite

    The Two O’Clock Creek Campground is one of the most scenic in the region but with only 26 sites, including 6 walk-in tenting sites, it’s best to get there by mid-afternoon to make sure that you get a spot for the night.

    Every site offers a great view of the surrounding mountains and the Kootenay Plains. Some sites are smaller, mostly facing the meadow at the centre of the campground with larger sites on the outside. There are a few secluded walk-in tenting sites but unfortunately, they are located the closest to the highway.

    Above: Every sites offer mountain views
    Above: The self-registration and firewood shed

    Join Us On A Guided Tour

    All our scenic float tours start within a short 10-minute drive from this campground while our Coral Creek Canyon and Whitegoat Falls guided hikes are less than 15 minutes away.

    Explore the Region From Two O’Clock Creek

    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. Along the Icefields Parkway you’ll find the Columbia Icefields, Peyto Lake and Bow Lake are all within an hour’s drive.

    The Siffleur Falls day hike starts near the campground. Trails like Tuff Puff Ridge, Kinglet Lake and Survey Hill are all within a short drive.

    There are a lot of great options for photographers nearby including plenty of wildflowers, birds of prey, wildlife and reflections in pools along the river.

    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. Additional services, including RV sani-dumps, are available in Nordegg and Lake Louise.

    Getting Here

    Two O’Clock Creek Campground is located in the Kootenay Plains Provincial Recreation Area on Highway 11 approximately 29 km east of Saskatchewan River Crossing and 64 km west of Nordegg.

    Get directions

  • Fish Lake Campground

    Fish Lake Campground

    One of the region’s largest campgrounds, set on the shores of Shunda Lake and a short distance from Nordegg.

    Above: Paddling on Shunda Lake at Fish Lake Campground

    The campground is located in the forest along the lake and offers a wide range of sites for RVs and tents. You’ll also find the Bear Essentials Store in loop 3 with a little bit of everything, from treats to RV and fishing supplies.

    It is also one of the only campgrounds in the region to have pull-through sites with power (20 amp) and a kitchen shelter in the day-use area.

    This campground is a great option whether you prefer to fish or paddle on the lake, head out for a hike, visit the Brazeau Collieries National Historic Site or relax by the campfire.

    It also makes for a great base camp for a longer visit to the region with Nordegg being only 10 minutes away with access to showers, laundry and other services.

    The group campsite can handle up to 30 units, with 13 of them having access to power. It’s located away from the main campground, making it the perfect location for family reunions and larger gatherings.

    Above: Paddling on Shunda Lake

    Join Us On A Guided Tour

    Our guided hike to Coliseum Mountain is only 15 minutes from the Fish Lake Campground while our Coral Creek Canyon and Whitegoat Falls guided hikes are less than 30 minutes away.

    Our scenic float tours on the North Saskatchewan River between the Icefields Parkway and Abraham Lake make the perfect day trip to the mountains from Nordegg.

    Rent a Kayak

    Our inflatable kayaks make it easy to enjoy a relaxing afternoon on the lake. Each kayak includes a comfy fishing chair, paddle, pump and PFD. Reservations are required, find out more here

    Above: Our inflatable kayaks are available for rent in Nordegg for your next adventure

    Explore the Region From Fish Lake

    The meeting locations for tours offered by Rockies Heli Canada, McKenzie’s Trails West, Banff Canyoning and Girth Hitch Guiding are less than 25 minutes away as you head west on the David Thompson Highway.

    Hiking trails like Coliseum Mountain, Vision Quest and Allstones Lake are all within a short drive. The Firesmart biking trails can be accessed from the campground.

    Nearby Services

    Nordegg is only 10 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

    Fish Lake Campground is located 7 km west of Nordegg along highway 11. Watch for the Fish Lake Provincial Recreation Area and Frontier Lodge signs. The campground is a short drive away on a well-maintained gravel access road.

    Get directions

  • Thompson Creek Campground

    Thompson Creek Campground

    A great campground just off the Icefields Parkway and the best option for those looking to explore Banff National Park and Abraham Lake from one base camp.

    Above: Our guided scenic float tours on the North Saskatchewan River start near the Thompson Creek Campground

    Thompson Creek has long been one of our favourite campgrounds with lots of trees, nearby access to the North Saskatchewan River and some of our favourite hikes only a short drive away.

    It’s a great option for a base camp to explore both the Abraham Lake area and the Columbia Icefields in one trip.

    Even though it’s starting to get busier, it’s still a much quieter campground than the ones you’ll find on the Icefields Parkway like Waterfowl Lakes or Mosquito Creek. It also has a longer season than those campgrounds, opening in early May and staying open until the Thanksgiving weekend in October.

    It is a first come first served campground but you can usually find an open site until late in the day.

    Above: The campground registration area with great views of Mount Murchison
    Above: Fall views near Thompson Creek Campground
    Above: Family fun after the hike to the lower Thompson Creek falls

    Join Us On A Guided Tour

    All our scenic float tours start within a short 15-minute drive from this campground while our Coral Creek Canyon and Whitegoat Falls guided hikes are less than 30 minutes away.

    Explore the Region

    The meeting locations for tours offered by Rockies Heli Canada, McKenzie’s Trails West, Banff Canyoning and Girth Hitch Guiding are less than 25 minutes away along the David Thompson Highway. Along the Icefields Parkway you’ll find the Columbia Icefields, Peyto Lake and Bow Lake are all within a 45-minute drive.

    The Thompson Creek Falls day hike and a scenic walk to views of the North Saskatchewan River start from the campground. Trails like Tuff Puff Ridge, Kinglet Lake, Mistaya Canyon, Owen Creek Canyon and Siffleur Falls are all within a short drive.

    There are a lot of great options for photographers nearby including plenty of wildflowers, scenes of renewals through the forest fires of 2009 and 2014, birds of prey, wildlife, reflections in pools along the river and the Wilson Icefields as a backdrop to the David Thompson Highway.

    Nearby Services

    You’ll find a restaurant, gas station, basic supplies and gift shops at The Crossing Resort, 10 minutes away, and David Thompson Resort, 25 minutes away. Additional services, including RV sani-dumps, are available in Nordegg and Lake Louise, each an hour away.

    Getting Here

    Thompson Creek Campground is located on Highway 11 approximately 10 km east of Saskatchewan River Crossing and 80 km west of Nordegg. Get directions

  • Upper Shunda Creek Campground

    Upper Shunda Creek Campground

    The perfect basecamp to explore the east end of the region.

    Above: Catching the sunset over the Shunda Meadow from the Creekside Loop

    We enjoyed quite a few nights at this campground before we moved to Nordegg a few years ago. It’s a great location in town and offers nicely treed sites that we love.

    It’s a great option if you’re planning to explore the area, enjoy some of the nearby hikes (Baldy Fire Lookout, Coliseum Mountain and Eagle Mountain are all nearby), learn about the local history on one of the mine tours or relax by the campfire.

    It’s also one of the only campgrounds in the area that allows you to ride your quad or side by side from your campsite to the nearby trails.

    They have an RV trailer available for rent on-site as well if you’re looking to give camping a try.

    Above: All the sites in loop A & B offer lots of trees
    Above: Shunda Creek near the campground

    Join Us On A Guided Tour

    Our guided hike to Coliseum Mountain is only 5 minutes from the Upper Shunda Creek Campground while our Coral Creek Canyon and Whitegoat Falls guided hikes are less than 30 minutes away.

    Our scenic float tours on the North Saskatchewan River between the Icefields Parkway and Abraham Lake make the perfect day trip to the mountains from Nordegg.

    Rent a Kayak

    Our inflatable kayaks make it easy to enjoy a relaxing afternoon on nearby Fish Lake or Goldeye Lake. Each kayak includes a comfy fishing chair, paddle, pump and PFD. Reservations are required, find out more here

    Above: Our inflatable kayaks are available for rent in Nordegg for your next adventure

    Explore the Region From Upper Shunda Creek Campground

    The meeting locations for tours offered by Rockies Heli Canada, McKenzie’s Trails West, Banff Canyoning and Girth Hitch Guiding are less than 30 minutes away as you head west on the David Thompson Highway.

    Hiking trails like Coliseum Mountain, Vision Quest and Allstones Lake are all within a short drive. The Shunda Meadow trails can be accessed from the campground.

    Nearby Services

    This campground is in Nordegg where you’ll find gas stations, basic supplies, restaurants and shops. An RV sani-dump is available at the Nordegg Lodge.

    Getting Here

    The campground is located on the edge of the North Nordegg subdivision. From Highway 11, follow Shunda Creek Road for a short distance. Access to the campground is well-signed.

    Get directions

  • Goldeye Lake Campground

    Goldeye Lake Campground

    A pretty campground along the shores of Goldeye Lake and close to Nordegg.

    Above: The dock on Goldeye Lake

    Goldeye Lake is a popular family campground along the David Thompson Highway. Located near the lake, the sites are secluded and offer the classic Alberta Parks camping experience.

    You can spend the weekend there, fishing for stocked rainbow trouts, paddling or simply enjoying a stroll along its shores.

    If you’re looking for a little more adventure, this makes for a great base camp with Nordegg and Abraham Lake nearby along with a host of hiking trails, historic mine tours and much more to do.

    The campground is divided into two loops with the first one consisting of 19 sites near the lake and the other loop in the forest. The sites range from large RV sites to smaller sites that would be perfect for tenting.

    Above: The walking path around the lake
    Above: Canoeing on a fall day on Goldeye Lake
    Above: Campsite in the forest

    Join Us On A Guided Tour

    Our guided hike to Coliseum Mountain is only 15 minutes from the Goldeye Lake Campground while our Coral Creek Canyon and Whitegoat Falls guided hikes are less than 30 minutes away.

    Our scenic float tours on the North Saskatchewan River between the Icefields Parkway and Abraham Lake make the perfect day trip to the mountains from Nordegg.

    Rent a Kayak

    Our inflatable kayaks make it easy to enjoy a relaxing afternoon on the lake. Each kayak includes a comfy fishing chair, paddle, pump and PFD. Reservations are required, find out more here

    Above: Our inflatable kayaks are available for rent in Nordegg for your next adventure

    Explore the Region From Goldeye Lake

    The meeting locations for tours offered by Rockies Heli Canada, McKenzie’s Trails West, Banff Canyoning and Girth Hitch Guiding are less than 25 minutes away as you head west on the David Thompson Highway.

    Hiking trails like Coliseum Mountain, Vision Quest and Allstones Lake are all within a short drive. The Firesmart Ecology trails can be accessed from the campground.

    Nearby Services

    Nordegg is only 10 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 campground is located 8 km west of Nordegg along highway 11. Watch for the Goldeye Lake Provincial Recreation Area and Goldeye Centre signs. The campground is a short drive away on a well-maintained gravel access road.

    Get directions