Discover Crimson Lake Provincial Park’s campground, beaches, and bike trails, only 15 km from Rocky Mountain House.
Crimson Lake Provincial Park boasts a great campground, sandy beach, paddling, and bike trails. Located 15 kilometres from Rocky Mountain House, Crimson Lake makes an awesome base camp for exploring David Thompson Country.
Camping at Crimson Lake – open year round
With a sandy beach, showers, playgrounds, biking/walking trails, coin laundry, camping store, picnic shelters, boat launch, amphitheatre programs, and beach volleyball, you could easily spend several days at Crimson Lake Campground.
Crimson Lake’s campsites were on the larger side with good privacy and shade thanks to all the trees! We found the sites and washrooms to be very clean.
161 15/30 Amp power sites, including 2 wheelchair accessible sites are available at Crimson Lake. You may reserve a site through Alberta Parks in summer. In the off season, campsites are first come, first served and water is shut off.
Camping at Twin Lakes
For more rustic camping (no showers or hookups) at a smaller campground, stay at Twin Lakes. Twin Lakes has 39 unserviced sites with water pumps and pit toilets. It also has a great boardwalk trail, docks perfect for fishing off of, and a boat launch. A quiet alternative to Crimson Lake, not far from Rocky Mountain House.
Fun Things to Do at Crimson Lake Provincial Park
We love paddling and playing at the beach at Crimson Lake! The beach is sandy with warm, shallow water in the swimming area. You can walk for metres until the water is chest high! Note: Keep a close eye on little ones; there is no lifeguard on duty.
If you paddle, head to Raspberry Island (pull up on the SW corner of the island) and then make your way around Crimson Lake. On our visit, there were very few powerboats, so the water was calm, and we enjoyed watching and listening to loons.
You can rent kayaks at stand-up paddleboards from Crimson Lake Provincial Park’s self-serve Kayakomat station. For more information, read our story Unlocking Adventure with Kayakomat.
You can also paddle at Twin Lakes, about 6 km from Crimson Lake Campground.
Biking/walking trails include the following:
- Amerada Trail: This 10 km gravel trail goes around Crimson Lake. It has ups and downs, but no huge hills. Kilometre markers let you know how far you’ve gone.
- Beaver Pond: About 1.5 km from the Crimson Lake Day Use Area via Amerada Trail.
- Bike from Crimson Lake to Twin Lakes: About 7 km one way. Rolling trail best suited to riders on 20″ bikes or larger.
- Twin Lakes Boardwalk & Twin Lake Island: The boardwalk takes you through marshland with good opportunities for bird and wildflower viewing. *Please don’t pick wildflowers.*
- There’s also a network of trails on the SE side of Crimson Lake near Loops D & F.
See the Crimson Lake Provincial Park map here.
There are two playgrounds at Crimson Lake Provincial Park: one near the beach; and a nice, big nature playground near Loop G.
Planning on fishing? Nearby Twin Lakes is stocked with rainbow trout, but the lake also has illegally introduced perch that are slowly taking over the lake. Check Alberta Fishing Regulations for catch limits.
Last but not least, Crimson Lake Campground does a great job with family and evening programming. During the summer, they have events such as Pond Dipping, Art in the Park, and Sunday night movies.
Nearby Attractions
- Rocky Mountain House National Historic Site is worth a stop if you’re in the area and is free to visit if you have a National Parks Annual Discovery Pass. Allow 2-4 hours to check out the indoor exhibits, then take the walking trails to the Play Fort, archaeological ruins of 4 forts, and the bison paddock. Kids will love the half hour puppet show (2 pm daily, summer only)! For more details, see the park’s hours and events listings. 13.5 km from Crimson Lake Campground.
- Wilderness Village: This nearby resort has a free petting zoo open 9 am – 9 pm, pony rides ($5) and trail rides ($). 1.2 km from Crimson Lake Campground.
What to Bring
Our comprehensive Camping Pack List has everything you need a weekend away, as well as tips on what to look for when choosing a tent, sleeping bag, or sleeping pad.
Getting Here
Crimson Lake Provincial Park is located 2.5 hrs north of Calgary and 2.5 hrs south of Edmonton.
Conclusion
We would happily return to Crimson Lake Provincial Park for paddling, beach time, and cycling! The beach was wonderful, the water was just right for swimming, and boardwalks are always fun for the kids.
While you’re there, explore beautiful David Thompson Country!
Related Posts
- Discover Rocky Mountain House National Historic Site
- Camping & Hiking in David Thompson Country
- Siffleur Falls Trail, David Thompson Corridor
- William A. Switzer Provincial Park Recreation Guide
