Discover the best winter and year round camping destinations in Central & Southern Alberta from Jasper’s Wapiti Campground to Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park.
Winter is a magical time of year to go camping in Central and Southern Alberta – if you’re prepared for the cold. With its stunning landscapes, clear skies, and abundance of outdoor activities, Alberta’s parks are awesome winter playgrounds. Snowshoe to frozen waterfalls, ice skate on turquoise lakes, cross country ski or hike to scenic viewpoints, then watch the sunset while you warm up around the fire. This article will take you on a journey through some of the best winter camping destinations in Central and Southern Alberta – for tent and RV camping – and provide essential tips to make your winter camping adventure safe and enjoyable. We’ve also included campgrounds that are open year round so you can extend the camping season!
Disclosure: As an Alberta Parks Ambassador, I received free camping at many of these campgrounds, but all words and opinions are my own.
Legend
- R: Reservable campsites
- FCFS: First come first served sites
- P: Power sites
- U: Unserviced sites
- F: Firewood available
- T: Flush toilets
- S: Showers
Winter Camping in Kananaskis
These Kananaskis Country campgrounds are open year round and are only 50-75 minutes from Calgary. Note that a Kananaskis Conservation Pass is required to park in Kananaskis.
McLean Creek Campground, Elbow Valley: R, P, U, F
McLean Creek Campground, a large campground 12 km west of Bragg Creek, has power and unserviced sites for tents and RVs, as well as a few OHV/ATV sites. Please save OHV/ATV sites in Loops C & D for people who have off road/all terrain vehicles. Sites are spacious and (mostly) well treed. Firewood is available to purchase from the service truck driving through the campground. Book online at Shop.AlbertaParks.ca.
Nearby trails include: Canyon Creek Ice Cave, Elbow Falls, Fullerton Loop, Powderface Ridge, Prairie Mountain, and Vents Ridge. For more trails, see the new Alberta Public Land Trail Guide.
Fisher Creek Campground, South of McLean Creek: FCFS, U
Fisher Creek Campground has 15 unserviced campsites and 15 walk-in tent sites half an hour southwest of Bragg Creek (or 20 minutes south of McLean Creek Campground). Bring your own firewood! Note: There’s lots of ATV/snowmobile activity in the area.
Hikes in the area include: Canyon Creek Ice Cave, Elbow Falls, Fullerton Loop, Mesa Butte, Powderface Ridge, Prairie Mountain, and Vents Ridge. For more trails, see the new Alberta Public Land Trail Guide.
Mount Kidd RV Park, Kananaskis Valley: R, P, U, F, T, S
Mount Kidd RV Park is located in the heart of Kananaskis, only 10 minutes from Nakiska Ski Area or Ribbon Creek Day Use. This full-service campground has lots of trees, so it’s suitable for tents too. The Camper’s Centre (where you check in) has a convenience store, cafe, showers, laundry, and games room. Showers and flush toilets are open year round, but water to campsites is shut off from Thanksgiving until April 30th.
Nearby trails include: Bill Milne Cross Country Ski Trail, Mount Lorette Ponds, Prairie View / Yates Mountain, Ribbon Creek Snowshoe Trail, Ribbon Creek and Kananaskis Village Cross Country Ski / Snowshoe / Hiking Trails, Troll Falls & Upper Falls, Widow Maker Trail, Wedge Pond
Discover more winter fun in our Kananaskis Valley Winter Activity Guide.
Lower Lake Group Camping Area, Peter Lougheed Provincial Park: R, U, F
The Lower Lake Group Camping Area can accommodate 15 RVs + 10 tents, and has picnic tables, fire pits, and a large cooking shelter. There is no water or power here, so you must be self sufficient. The cost per night for 10 units is $395 (+ $31/nt for each additional unit). Note there is a minimum 2-night stay for weekend group camping bookings, and a maximum 5 night stay. Book online at Shop.AlbertaParks.ca.
Nearby snowshoe/hiking/ski trails include: Chester Lake, Elkwood Loop Snowshoe Trail, Hogarth Lakes Loop, Lower Lake Interpretive Trail, Mount Black Prince Cirque, Penstock Loop Snowshoe Trail, Rawson Lake. Cross country ski at Pocaterra (beginner) or Elk Pass (intermediate and advanced trails).
River Cove Group Camping Area, Elbow River Provincial Recreation Area: R, U, F
The River Cove Group Camping Area, near the Elbow River, can accommodate 15 RVs + 20 tents, and has picnic tables, fire pits, and a large cooking shelter. There is no water or power here, so you must be self sufficient. The cost per night for 10 units is $395 (+ $31/nt for each additional unit). Note there is a minimum 2-night stay for weekend group camping bookings, and a maximum 5 night stay. Book online at Shop.AlbertaParks.ca.
Backcountry Winter Camping in Kananaskis: R, U, F
Several backcountry campgrounds in Kananaskis are open in late fall and winter. Backcountry campers should be experienced, avalanche aware, and self-sufficient, as most campgrounds are out of cell phone range. Firewood is provided at most backcountry campgrounds, except where fires are prohibited.
- Open until November 30th: Mount Romulus Backcountry, Mount Romulus Equestrian Backcountry, Tombstone Backcountry, Tombstone Equestrian Backcountry, Aster Lake Backcountry (no fires permitted), Elbow Lake Backcountry, Lillian Lake Backcountry, Forks Backcountry (no fires permitted), Ribbon Falls Backcountry, Ribbon Lake Backcountry, Three Isle Lake Backcountry (no fires permitted), Turbine Canyon Backcountry (no fires permitted)
- Open all winter: Jewell Bay Backcountry (open until Jun 16 – Apr 14), Point Backcountry (year round), Quaite Valley Backcountry (year round), Rummel Lake Backcountry Campground (open Dec 19 – Apr 1)
Book your backcountry permit(s) online at Shop.AlbertaParks.ca.
Winter Camping in Banff National Park
Two front country campgrounds in beautiful Banff National Park are open year round: Tunnel Village II (RVs and tent) and Lake Louise Hard Sided Campground (hard sided units only). Both have showers, flush toilets, and firewood. A Parks Canada Discovery Pass is required to camp in the national parks. Purchase your pass at the park gates, from AMA, or online.
Tunnel Village II: R, P, F, T, S
Tunnel Village II is a large campground on Tunnel Mountain, only 2.5 km from downtown Banff. All sites have power (15, 30, and 50 Amps), but only some have firepits, so check before you book! Sites can accommodate RVs up to 12 metres (40′) and tents (winter only – in summer, tent camp at Tunnel Village I). There are lovely views of Mount Rundle from camp, and a few great trails that are walking distance from the campground. You may see elk wandering around the campground too, especially at dawn and dusk.
Showers and washrooms with hot water are open year round, and there are also nice cooking shelters to warm up in. Wolves and bears are often seen in this campground, so put all food away at night or whenever your leave your campsite, and give them (and elk) lots of space.
Reserve a site at Parks Canada Reservations. Firewood is included in your camping fees if you book a fire site.
Nearby trails include: Tunnel Mountain summit, Hoodoos Interpretive Trail to Surprise Corner, Fenland Trail, Johnson Lake, Stewart Canyon, Sulphur Mountain and Sanson’s Peak, Cave & Basin and Marsh Loop Trails
Find more winter fun in our story: 10 Fun Things to Do in Banff this Winter.
Lake Louise Hard-Sided Campground: FCFS, P, F, T, S
If you have a motorhome or completely hard-sided trailer, you can camp at Lake Louise Hard-Sided Campground near the hamlet of Lake Louise / 4 km from the lake, and enjoy views of Mount Temple. Power sites (15-30-50 Amps) can accommodate units up to 15 meters (50 feet), and fire or no-fire sites are available, so check before you get set up that the site has a fire ring! Fire sites cost more, but include the cost of firewood. Washrooms with hot water and showers are open year round!
Nearby trails include: Bow River Loop (multi-use trail; please stay off the cross country ski tracks if hiking or snowshoeing), Fairview Lookout, Johnston Canyon, Lake Louise Shoreline Trail, Snowshoe from Lake Louise to Mirror Lake, The Best Beginner Cross Country Ski Trails in Lake Louise.
Start planning your trip with this post: 9 Things to Do in Lake Louise this Winter.
Winter Camping in Jasper National Park
Wapiti Campground: FCFS, P, T, S
Wapiti Campground, 4 km from downtown Jasper, has 40-75 power sites for RVs. Sites are open (no trees) and lacking in privacy, but on the plus side, views are great, and elk sightings are almost guaranteed. Washrooms with flush toilets and showers are open year round, and there are picnic shelters in the campground. Bring your own water – there is no RV filling or sani-dump here.
A Parks Canada Discovery Pass is required to camp in the national parks. Purchase your pass at the park gates, from AMA, or online.
Winter trails in Jasper include: Lac Beauvert, Lake Annette, Maligne Canyon, Mary Schäffer Loop, Old Fort Point Loop, and Valley of the Five Lakes. Cross country ski at Whirlpool, Marmot Meadows, Pyramid, or Wabasso Campground; and snowshoe at Maligne Lake or Medicine Lake. There are also some amazing short hikes on the Icefields Parkway, en route to Jasper.
For more winter fun, see our story 12 Things to Do in Jasper National Park this Winter.
Whirlpool Winter Hub Camping: FCFS, U, F
From December 15 – March 15, you can camp at Whirlpool Hub, home to a 25 km network of groomed cross country ski trails. the camping area has a cook shelter and fire pit, but no water or power. For more information, see Jasper National Park | Winter Camping.
Winter Camping in Waterton Lakes National Park
Waterton is super quiet in the winter (most of the businesses close for the season), with wildlife often outnumbering people in the townsite. Enjoy a peaceful mountain getaway in southwest Alberta. A Parks Canada Discovery Pass is required to camp in the national parks. Purchase your pass at the park gates, from AMA, or online.
Pass Creek Day Use Area: FCFS, U
Pass Creek Day Use Area turns into a lovely first come first served camping area for tents and RVs from November 1st to April 1st. Located just outside town, in a scenic meadow, it’s easy to hit the trails, skate on Linnet Lake (conditions permitting), or fatbike Red Rock Canyon Parkway. Amenities are limited to a cooking shelter, fire pit, and firewood. Bring your own water, get drinking water from the Fire Hall, or treat and boil creek water. Self registration and fire permit fees in effect. Located on Highway 5, just west of the Red Rock Parkway turnoff.
Nearby trails include: Linnet Lake Trail, Prince of Wales Hill, Townsite Loop to Cameron Falls, Wishbone Trail to Vimy Junction.
Cameron Lake Cabin (Backcountry): R, U
It’s a 3 km cross country ski or snowshoe from Little Prairie Day Use Area to Cameron Lake Cabin, the oldest backcountry cabin the park (built in 1929). The cozy cabin sleeps 6 and has propane-powered lights, heat, and a stove. There are also mattresses to sleep on, so you just need to bring sleeping bags, food, and toiletries. If snowshoeing/hiking, please do not walk on the cross country ski tracks!
Reserve from December 1 to April 1 through the Alpine Club of Canada.
See our story Experience Winter in Waterton for more winter activities in the park.
Winter Camping in David Thompson Country
Winter camping in David Thompson Country is wild and wonderful. The most developed campground is at Crimson Lake, where you’ll find groomed trails and a skating rink. Peppers Lake is a small, secluded campground off the beaten path popular for ice fishing; but if don’t want to drive that far, you can random camp by beautiful Abraham Lake. All options are first come first served. Bring your own water, firewood, toilet paper, and hand sanitizer; and pack out all trash.
- Crimson Lake, 13 minutes north of Rocky Mountain House, has 11 winter campsites with power (30 Amp) suitable for RVs or tents. Bring your own water and firewood in the off season. Hike or fatbike the Amerada Trail, skate at the ice rink, and cross country ski the short loops on the east side of the campground. FCFS.
- Peppers Lake Campground has 16 unserviced, shaded sites by a pretty little lake (1.8 km circumference) with a dock and fish cleaning station. The lake is stocked with rainbow trout, so ice fishing is popular here. Expect to drive 80 km on gravel road from Nordegg / less from Rocky Mountain House. There is no fee to camp here, but there are no garbage bins onsite and pit toilets do not have toilet paper or hand sanitizer. Pack out all trash and bring your own TP and hand sanitizer. A Friends of the Eastern Slopes Association membership is requested to camp here. FCFS.
- If Peppers Lake is full, nearby Elk Creek Campground has 13 unserviced sites by the creek. Expect to drive 80 km on gravel road from Nordegg / less from Rocky Mountain House. Bring your own toilet paper and hand sanitizer and pack out all trash. Please consider purchasing a Friends of the Eastern Slopes Association membership if you camp here. 1 hr 20 mins south of Nordegg / 1 hr 15 minutes southwest of Rocky Mountain House. FCFS.
- Random camping in David Thompson Country: With an Alberta Public Lands Camping Pass ($20/person for a 3-day pass OR $30/person for an annual pass.) and Wildlife Identification Number ($8 one time fee), you can camp at Preacher’s Point (best suited for trailers/camper vans – it’s extremely windy), Abraham Cove, Abraham Slabs, and Allstones. There are outhouses onsite only; no water, picnic tables, or tent pads. Preacher’s Point is beautiful and has large, flat sites suitable for RVs (too windy for tents though). If tent camping, try any of the other areas around the lake for a more sheltered campsite. Pack out all trash, make a stone fire ring to contain your fire, and do not cut down trees for firewood. FCFS.
Start planning your winter trip now with our stories: Camping and Hiking in David Thompson Country and Where to See the Ice Bubbles at Abraham Lake. For more trails in the area, see the new Alberta Public Land Trail Guide.
Winter Camping in West Central Alberta
Camp lakeside in West Central Alberta and try your luck with ice fishing! Cross country skiing and snowshoeing are also popular winter activities here.
Pigeon Lake Campground – FCFS, P
Pigeon Lake Campground has 10 power sites (15 Amp) open in winter. Snowshoe along the lake, or cross country ski the 12 km network of groomed trails. Bring your own firewood and water. The park is located 1 hour 15 minutes southwest of Edmonton.
Carson-Pegasus Campground – FCFS, U
Carson-Pegasus Campground, 25 minutes north of Whitecourt, has 27 unserviced sites near the lake which are open in winter. Snowshoe the 5 km network of forested trails near the campground, walk down to the Seawall or the point, or go ice fishing! Bring your own firewood and water. See what summer is like here in our story Camping at Carson-Pegasus Provincial Park.
Gregg Lake Campground, William A. Switzer Provincial Park – FCFS, U
Gregg Lake Campground has 16 unserviced sites in the Lakeside Loop (sites L1-L16) open for winter camping. Amenities include a water pump (non potable), cook shelter, and playground. Bring your own firewood and water. The campground is located 25 minutes northwest of Hinton.
Winter activities include: Hiking; snowshoeing; cross country skiing, snowshoeing, and tobogganing at Hinton Nordic Centre (35 km of groomed trails. Trail fees in effect.); and ice fishing at Gregg Lake, Jarvis Lake, Kinky Lake, and Wildhorse Lake.
Jarvis Lake Campground, William A. Switzer Provincial Park – FCFS, P
Jarvis Lake Campground has 25 power sites (15/30 Amp), trails, and a playground. Note that the west Jarvis Lake Trails are closed due to flooding (August 8, 2023). Bring your own firewood and water. Located 23 minutes northwest of Hinton.
Winter activities include: Hiking; snowshoeing; cross country skiing, snowshoeing, and tobogganing at Hinton Nordic Centre (35 km of groomed trails. Trail fees in effect.); and ice fishing at Gregg Lake, Jarvis Lake, Kinky Lake, and Wildhorse Lake.
See our William A. Switzer Provincial Park Recreation Guide for things to do in the park.
Winter Camping in East Central Alberta
It’s less than an hour from Edmonton to Elk Island National Park or Miquelon Lake Provincial Park. Elk Island has unserviced RV sites and walk-in tent sites, while Miquelon has power sites. Both are great spots for a winter walk or cross country ski, but wildlife viewing opportunities are best at Elk Island.
Astotin Lake Campground, Elk Island National Park: FCFS, U, F, T
Astotin Lake Walk-In Tent Campground (RV sites also available), Elk Island National Park in early May
Located only 45 minutes from Edmonton, Elk Island National Park is an awesome nature escape with over 80 kilometres of trails, several lakes, and tons of wildlife. Hundreds of elk and bison live in the park, so you’re bound to see them at some point during your stay. A Parks Canada Discovery Pass is required to camp in the national parks. Purchase your pass at the park gates, from AMA, or online.
Astotin Lake Campground has a lovely tent-only walk-in camping area with a cook shelter, plus (unserviced) RV sites open all winter. Showers are closed for the season, but the beach washrooms have flush toilets. Check in and purchase firewood at the Astotin Lake Campground Kiosk, or self-register if you arrive after hours. For more information, visit Elk Island National Park | Winter Camping.
Oster Lake Backcountry Campground, Elk Island National Park: FCFS, U, F
It’s a 6 km hike on the Shirley Lake Trail to Oster Lake Backcountry Campground, a small but scenic campground in Elk Island National Park. This pretty, little campground has 5 sites, picnic tables, and fire pits. Firewood is included when you purchase a fire permit. Note that in-person registration at the Astotin Lake Campground Kiosk is required in winter. For more information, visit Elk Island National Park | Winter Camping.
Winter activities at Elk Island National Park
Winter activities at Elk Island include: hiking, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, and ice skating (conditions permitting). The best trails for wildlife viewing are Beaver Pond Trail (3.6 km loop), Moss Lake Trail (4.8 km loop or 12.6 km loop), Hayburger Trail (11.6 km loop), and Shirley Lake Trail (11.6 km loop).
Stay at least 100 metres (10 bus lengths) from bison and 30 metres (3 bus lengths) from elk.
Miquelon Lake Campground – FCFS, P
Miquelon Lake Campground, 23 minutes north of Camrose, has 18 power sites (15/20 Amp) in Loop A open for winter camping. Hike, snowshoe, or cross country ski over 20 kilometres of trails; and ice skate at the Day Use Skating Rink. The Grouse Loop and Grebe Ponds are the most scenic trails, and Grouse Loop goes by an old homestead. Bring your own firewood and water.
Winter Camping in Southwest Alberta
This quiet corner of the Rockies boasts beautiful snowshoeing, hiking, and cross country ski trails, and spectacular mountain views.
Beauvais Lake Campground – FCFS, P
Beauvais Lake Campground, 20 minutes west of Pincher Creek, is a lovely lakeside campground in the foothills with 15 power sites (Sites 1-15, 15/30 Amp) open in winter. Hike or snowshoe the forested trails around the lake, ice fish, and enjoy a winter picnic in one of the cozy cook shelters. Bring your own water and firewood.
You can easily explore Castle Provincial Park and Crowsnest Pass from here. Don’t miss Lundbreck Falls on the way home!
Castle Provincial Park Designated Camping Areas – FCFS, U
Castle’s Designated Camping Areas (DCAs) are no-frills camping areas that are suitable for camper vans and RVs. The designated areas are flat, open areas, just off the road, with outhouses, communal fire pits, and garbage bins. Fees are quite reasonable (pay by cash or personal cheque at the self registration kiosk):
- DCA 1–3: $20 per night.
- DCA 4–6: $15 per night.
- DCA 7: Closed for construction until 2024.
See the Castle Provincial Park Designated Camping Areas brochure for DCA locations.
Check out our story Winter Fun in Castle Provincial Park for things to do in the snowy season! Cross country skiing at Syncline, hiking to Carbondale Fire Lookout, and ice fishing at Beaver Mines Lake are three of the top winter activities in Castle (besides skiing at Castle Mountain Resort).
Winter Camping in Southeast Alberta
The geography of southeast Alberta is diverse, ranging from prairies and lakes, to coulees and badlands. Keep an eye out for pronghorn antelope as you head south! They’re often spotted at the turnoff to Highway 41 (en route to Cypress Hills), but anywhere south of Lethbridge is likely.
Dinosaur Campground, Dinosaur Provincial Park – R & FCFS, P
Dinosaur Campground, 45 minutes from Brooks / 2.5 hours from Calgary, has 28 power sites (15/30 Amp) open in winter. Sites are suitable for tents and RVs, and there are even a few pull-through sites! The campground is nestled in a valley sheltered by cottonwood trees, near the Red Deer River. Wake up to badlands views, then hit the trails for a closer look. Interpretive panels tell you how the badlands and hoodoos formed, and fossil displays recreate dig sites. Bring your own firewood and water. Book online at Shop.AlbertaParks.ca.
Discover the beauty of the badlands in our story: Exploring Dinosaur Provincial Park.
Kinbrook Island Campground – R, P
Kinbrook Island Campground, on the shores of Lake Newell, has 29 power sites (15/30 Amp) open for winter. Sites are in an open, grassy area, so better for RV camping. Hike the Marsh Trail, ice fish, check out the nearby Brooks Aqueduct, or make day trip to Dinosaur Provincial Park (50 minutes away). Kinbrook Island Campground is located 13 minutes from Brooks. Bring your own firewood and water. Book online at Shop.AlbertaParks.ca.
Elkwater Campground, Cypress Hills Provincial Park – R, P, F, S, T
Elkwater Campground has 20 power sites (15/30 Amp) open in winter suitable for tents and RVs. This sheltered campground on the edge of town has a cook shelter, picnic shelter, and easy access to lakeside trails (including groomed cross country ski trails), ice skating, and the toboggan hill. The shower building is open year-round too! Located in the hamlet of Elkwater. Bring your own firewood and water. Drinking water is available at the shower building, but there is nowhere to fill up the RV. Book online at Shop.AlbertaParks.ca.
See our story 10 Things to Do in Cypress Hills Provincial Park this Winter for snowy fun! DYK Cypress Hills Provincial Park has a little ski hill (Hidden Valley Ski Area)?
Spruce Coulee Campground (Walk-In Tent Sites Only), Cypress Hills Provincial Park – R, U
Spruce Coulee Campground, Cypress Hills Provincial Park has 9 walk-in tent sites beside Spruce Coulee Reservoir. Do a little ice fishing, then warm up in the cook shelter. Bring your own water and firewood. Located 14 km from Elkwater. Book online at Shop.AlbertaParks.ca.
Writing-on-Stone Campground – FCFS, P & U
Writing-on-Stone Campground is located 1 hour and 20 minutes south of Lethbridge, in the beautiful Milk River valley. Hike Hoodoo Trail to The Battle Scene, a large display of petroglyphs; explore the wind- and water-sculpted hoodoos; and stargaze at night. This sheltered campground has 14 unserviced sites and 47 power sites (15/30 Amp) for tents and RVs, and an awesome nature playground. Water is shut off in late September and the camp store closes around then too, so bring your own water and firewood.
For more information, see our story Why You Should Visit Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park.
What to Bring
See our comprehensive Camping Pack List (free PDF!) for a complete list of gear plus product recommendations. Recommended hiking gear, traction devices, and snowshoeing gear follow.
Disclosure: This section includes affiliate links through which I earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
Good hiking boots, a down hoody or fleece, toque, gloves, and windproof/waterproof shell are recommended year round. Trekking poles are useful for long hikes, steep descents, or when you’re carrying a heavy pack. You should also carry The Ten Essentials including: water, extra food, extra clothes, a first aid kit, headlamp, GPS / compass, and map of the area, sunscreen (this mineral sunscreen is fragrance free, paraben free, and reef-friendly), bug spray (this Deet-free one contains 20% icaridin and will repel ticks), and bear spray. Carry bear spray in a Bear Spray Holster or Scat Griz Bear Spray Running Belt.
A Garmin inReach Mini 2 satellite communicator is highly recommended for contacting Search & Rescue and emergency contacts in the event of an emergency, or communicating with friends and family when you are out of cell phone range. You can send text messages and your GPS coordinates via satellite, but a monthly service plan is required!
In snowy/icy conditions, traction devices such as Kahtoola Microspikes (Available from Amazon, MEC, and Valhalla Pure Outfitters), or Hillsound Trail Crampons (Available at Valhalla Pure Outfitters and Sport Chek) are recommended. See our Fall/Winter Hiking Gear Guide for recommended clothing and gear.
For deep snow, snowshoes are recommended. See our Snowshoeing Pack List for everything you’ll need.
Related Posts
- Bow Valley Provincial Park Camping and Hiking Guide
- David Thompson Country Hiking and Camping Guide
- Where to hike and camp in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park
- The Best Stops on the Icefields Parkway
