So much of our time is spent staring at screens these days. Pretty funny coming from an online article, we know, but the fact still remains; people simply need to unplug from time to time. A camping trip is a great way to reconnect with nature.
It’s just you, your essential items, however many guests you do (or don’t) want, and the great outdoors. Calgary, Alberta is teeming with camping spots. When you’re camping in Calgary, consider visiting the following amazing locations.
Do you have the gear you don’t want to leave at the campsite? Use a luggage storage service to store your non-essential items and be worry-free while you explore the beauty of Calgary.
1. Aspen Crossing
Trains have played an important role in Canada’s culture for decades. Early settlers used trains to transform Lumberjack Country into the place it is today. Aspen Crossing harkens back to the old days when a person had to travel by train to see the world.
Aspen Crossing’s biggest draw is the Excursion Train. Well, that, and dozens upon dozens of campsites. Amenities include 50 Amp power sources, water, and sewer services. Aspen Crossing is less than an hour away from Calgary proper.
2. Banff National Park
We’ll have to bend the rules a bit with this next entry, but Banff National Park is well worth it. Located about 1 hour and a half away from Calgary, Banff National Park offers hundreds of campsites — each with its own unique amenities.
Some campsites, like the Two Jack Lakeside area, are only open during certain seasons. Others are available all year round. We recommend the Tunnel Mountain Village II Campground for less experienced campers. It offers the most amenities and is easily the most accessible.
3. Beaver Flats Campground
Nature walking and camping are two activities that go hand in hand. Unfortunately, not every campsite offers scenic hiking trails or carefully paved roads. That isn’t the case with the Beaver Flats Campground. 49 campsites and 6 tenting sites are open to the public.
These sites include amenities like fire pits, vault toilets, and water pumps. Beaver Flats is also near several biking, hiking, and horseback riding areas. Nature walking enthusiasts should certainly keep their eyes out for Beaver Flats.
4. Calaway Park
Amusement parks attract hundreds of thousands of visitors each month. Some come seeking thrills and chills. Others absolutely adore amusement park food. Amusement parks are also popular with couples, especially when it comes to first dates.
Why are we rambling about amusement parks in a camping guide? Because Calaway Park offers the best of both worlds. Over 100 camping sites are available at this venue. There’s plenty of space for RVs and tents, as well as a slew of packages for sale.
Now for the rides; Calaway Park’s Ride List primarily consists of child-friendly attractions. Rides like the Baja Buggies will delight young children, while attractions like the Adrenaline Test Zone are geared toward teenagers and mature guests.
5. Calgary West Campground
Sleeping in a tent, roasting food over an open fire, and using as little technology as possible are the hallmarks of traditional camping. We love a good challenge from time to time, but roughing it out in the wilderness doesn’t have to be so, well, rough.
Calgary West Campground provides a cozier alternative to traditional camping. On-site amenities include an outdoor pool, a mini-golf course, and numerous nature trails. They even have free WiFi and tons of space for RVs.
6. Great Canadian Barn Dance & Campground
Calgary is located near several amazing landmarks, one of which is the Rocky Mountains. This storied mountain is a beauty to behold, especially from the proper vantage point. The Great Canadian Barn Dance & Campground fits that bill.
This locale is famous for its “Western Hospitality”, stunning view of the Rocky Mountains, and various family-friendly activities. Dancing is only the tip of the iceberg; the Great Canadian Barn Dance also hosts Seasonal Summer Camps each year.
7. Mountain View Calgary Camping
Sometimes, you want to rough it out in an extremely challenging campsite. And sometimes, you just want to stay at a place that makes you feel comfortable. Mountain View Calgary Camping is all about comfort, hospitality, and safety.
Convenience is king here; a fully stocked store, 24-hour laundromat, dumping stations, and shuttles are just a few of the amenities available. Mountain View is also notable for having more than 180 full-service RV parks for rent.
It’s easy to bond with your fellow campers; Mountain View offers a wealth of group activities and outdoor sports. Their motto is “arrive as a customer and leave as a friend”. With so many fantastic services available, it’s hard not to fall for Mountain View.
8. Nature’s Hideaway Family Campground
They say “silence is golden”, and we say privacy is a rarity. These days, it’s nice to find a secluded place where you can get away — if only for a moment. Nature’s Hideaway offers that seclusion for a fair price.
Nature’s Hideaway also offers dazzling views of the Highwood River, plenty of open space for swimmers, and lounging spaces on their beach. RV spots, tent sites, and complimentary fire pits, and picnic tables are the cherries on top.
9. Ribbon Falls Backcountry Campground
Many consider backcountry camping to be a true test of one’s outdoorsmanship. Conveniences like indoor or outdoor plumbing, parking lots, and refrigerators are unavailable. Backcountry Camping is challenging but extremely rewarding.
Anyone seeking a challenge to head to the Ribbon Falls Backcountry Campground. A group fire pit, tenting sites, and food storage areas are the only amenities available. Otherwise, it’s just you, your wits, and several gorgeous sights.
10. Sundance Lodges
Canada’s indigenous cultures were the first people to camp outdoors. They didn’t have access to the RVs and high-tech tents that we have today. Instead, they used beautiful canvas tipis to protect themselves from the elements.
Sundance Lodges aims to keep that tradition alive in the modern world. They offer authentic canvas tipis with hardwood floors and kerosene heaters. Trapper’s Tents and 8 unserviced campsites are also available.
