A Camper’s Dozen

Cold Lake Provincial Park 

On one of the largest lakes in northern Alberta, camp in the tall trees and enjoy the sandy beach, canoeing, sailing, boating and wildlife watching. Cold Lake Provincial Park has 117 sites at Lund’s Point for every camper, with power, power/water hookups or walk-in tenting. While you are here, explore the 9 km of formal trails by foot or mountain bike. Stroll along the lakeshore to see birds or catch a glimpse of other resident wildlife. Relax on the beach until the end of the day to treat yourself to a spectacular northern sunset. 

Moose Lake 

Franchere Bay Campground is located in Franchere Bay Provincial Recreation Area, 3 km north of Bonnyville on Hwy. 41 and 18 km west on Hwy. 660, and 2 km south on access road. With a full range of amenities, it is easy to enjoy an extended stay at the lake just lazing on the sandy beach or boating and fishing. Almost 200 sites are available at Franchere Bay and almost 60 at nearby Moose Lake Provincial Park. 

Whitney Lakes Provincial Park 

Four lakes make up Whitney Lakes Provincial Park. Ross Lake has three sand beaches and a playground. Whitney Lake has a beach and playground. Laurier Lake has fewer amenities, but anglers come here for pike or perch. All three lakes have boat launches. Borden Lake is a rustic, non motorized lake for paddlers and quiet seekers. See a layout of the lakes and campgrounds here. 

Within the provincial park are four lakes, all accessible through the park’s main entrance, and all providing unique outdoor adventure opportunities. Whitney Lakes is a quiet, isolated spot, still close to Elk Point for all your camping or fishing amenities (or anything you forgot!). The Park offers over 30 kms of hiking trails that loop around the four lakes, including one along an esker. Shorter loops are available too.  

Elk Island Retreat 

Elk Island Retreat is close to Elk Island National Park and besides RV sites, has geodomes, yurts, cabins and Canada’s first mirrored sauna to book. Nearby access to Elk Island National Park, Ukrainian Heritage Cultural Village, hiking trails and disc golf at Strathcona Wilderness Centre make it an excellent spot to take in more than just camping. 

Kikino Silver Birch Resort 

Located just a 30-minute drive from Lac La Biche on Highway 36, on the Kikino Metis Settlement, Kikino Silver Birch Resort and Campground is a tranquil oasis situated on the shores of Whitefish Lake. Cozy cabins, RV and tent sites, make it a popular destination for both locals and visitors. With 212 coveted year-round RV sites, the resort fosters a close-knit community, particularly during the summertime. Whether you're fishing on the lake, enjoying the sandy beach with its shared barbecue hut, or renting the conference center for special events, Kikino Silver Birch Resort provides a warm and welcoming atmosphere. 

Muriel Lake M.D. Park 

With an impressive 93 individual sites, 54 with 30-amp power, 39 non-power and 2 non-power group areas, Muriel Lake is one of the largest campgrounds near Bonnyville. It may be the perfect group destination, with 13 kilometres of hiking and biking trails, baseball diamonds, 2 playgrounds, volleyball court. Horse lovers can take advantage of the day use staging area for access to 8 kilometres of marked horse trails. This campground also offers running non-potable water, barrier-free accessible washrooms and showers and coin laundry. It’s located at 60304 RGE RD 452. Head 12 km east off Hwy. 28 on TWP RD 610 and 6 km south on RGE RD 452 (watch for signs). 

Hanmore Lake Campground 

Hanmore Lake Campground near Smoky Lake offers a variety of campsites, including powered sites, tent sites and group camping areas. Sixteen spots on the east side of the lake and 39 on the west side. There are hiking trails, beaches and opportunities for fishing and boating. Head approximately 20 km north of the Town of Smoky Lake on HWY 855, turn west on TWP RD 612 then north on RGE RD 174. To reach the west campground, head approximately 25 km north of Smoky Lake on HWY 855, turn west on TWP RD 612, then winding north on RGE RD 180. 

Lakeland Provincial Park and Lakeland Provincial Recreation Area 

Lakeland Provincial Park, located east of Lac La Biche, is home to the newest Dark Sky Preserve in Alberta. There are designated backcountry camping areas in Lakeland Provincial Park and adjacent Lakeland Provincial Recreation Area. The recreation area also has four front country campgrounds. 

Experience the tranquility of lakeside campgrounds at Touchwood, Pinehurst, Siebert, or Ironwood Lakes, where you can witness stunning sunsets before the night sky takes center stage. For a more remote and immersive experience, embark on a canoe journey along Alberta's only lake canoe circuit, camping along the shores or on one of the enchanting islands. 

Sir Winston Churchill Provincial Park 

Located near the town of Lac La Biche, Alberta’s only park on an island consists of several islands located in the waters of Lac La Biche. The largest island, known as The Big Island, features sandy beaches and a 300-year-old forest. Visitors can set up tents, plug in RVs, or stay in one of the island’s comfort cabins. Sir Winston Churchill is a park suitable for birding, fishing, paddling, and hiking. Rentals of canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards are available. Amenities are approximately a ten-minute drive away in the town of Lac La Biche. 

Elk Island National Park 

Experience the rolling hills, glassy lakes, and star-filled skies of Elk Island National Park, a UNESCO designated Biosphere Reserve just 35 minutes east of Edmonton. Look for herds of bison, elk or one of more than 250 bird species that call this special place home. 

Trails for hiking and biking weave through the park, and the Astotin Lake Recreation Area features sandy beaches and picnic sites perfect for family outings. Camping options include traditional tent sites, RV sites, and even oTENTik cabins that blend tent and cabin experiences for a comfortable stay. 

Lac Bellevue Campground 

If you have kids that need a break whether you are camping or not, stop in at Lac Bellevue Campground, 20 minutes south of St. Paul. A great playground structure and a chance for a dip will entice them. The naturally sheltered Lac Bellevue Campground, 20 minutes south of St. Paul, is perfect for a play or picnic break, or weekend camping trip. An extensive playground structure stands on the spacious beach with about 30 campsites circling the area. Enjoy a relaxing weekend or try a little walleye fishing. 

Floating Stone Lake 

Also near St. Paul, Floating Stone Lake has 46 sites, all powered. Located four kms west and eight kms north of Ashmont in a naturally wooded area on the south shore, this park is meticulously maintained. The beach is sandy and water entry perfect for small children. The park, bathrooms and showers are clean. Connected trails are fun to explore. Other amenities include a 24-hour park attendant, free wi-fi, wood for sale, dumping station, shower facilities, and gazebo for rent.   

Elk Point River Park 

Looking for a small, secluded place to camp? Elk Point’s River Park has only 12 treed campsites, eight powered, just three kms south of Elk Point, available on a first come first served basis.