10 of the best campsites within a two-hour drive from Calgary
Camping season is near, and luckily, there is no shortage of amazing campsites within a short drive from Calgary.
From mountain escapes and riverside views to quiet prairie lakes, there are plenty of camping spots near the city to let you unwind in nature. Whether you’re looking to save some gas or just don’t want to stray too far from the city, we rounded up the best campsites within a two-hour drive from Calgary.
Bow Valley Campground
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Located just over an hour from Calgary, this campground offers stunning mountain views and easy access to hiking trails, the Kananaskis River, and plenty of wildlife spotting. There are more than 100 campsites, including service options with power and water for RVs, as well as unserviced sites.
Where: Highway-1X, Seebe, Kananaskis Country
Spray Lakes West Campground
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If you’re looking for lakeside camping, this spot is hard to beat. Set along the Spray Lakes Reservoir in Kananaskis Country just south of Canmore, it’s the ideal spot for kayaking, paddleboarding, or just relaxing by the water.Â
Where: Located along West Side Road, Kananaskis Country
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McLean Creek Campground
Near Bragg Creek, Mclean Creek Provincial Recreation Area is a popular, super close option. It’s a bit more rugged than other campgrounds on this list, but it still has plenty of traditional camping spots suitable for both RVs and tents.Â
Where: 285 McLean Creek Trl.
Tunnel Mountain Village 1 and 2 Campground
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If you’re looking to spend some time in the town of Banff while also enjoying camping, the Tunnel Mountain Village Campgrounds are the perfect spot. Located just minutes from downtown Banff, these campgrounds give you easy access to hiking trails, restaurants, and of course, those iconic mountains.
Where: Tunnel Mountain Road, Banff
Wyndham-Carseland Campground
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Just under an hour southeast of Calgary, this campground sits along the Bow River and is surrounded by trees, making it perfect for a forested escape. Most campsites are just a few steps away from the Bow River and a scenic river pathway, great for evening strolls.
Where: Located in Wyndham-Carseland Provincial Park along Highway 24
Aspen Crossing Campground
While not your average campground, Aspen Crossing Campground offers a unique stay at a railway-themed attraction. You’ll find RV and tent sites as well as access to train experience and themed events at Aspen Crossing.
Where: 203079 Range Rd. 251, Mossleigh
Gleniffer Reservoir Provincial Recreation Area
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Located an hour and a half from Calgary, Gleniffer Reservoir Provincial Recreation Area offers three popular first-come, first-served campsites with easy access to the water. You can enjoy camping, beaches, fishing, and boating.Â
Where: Located off Highway 54, west of InnisfailÂ
Dinosaur Park Campground
If the mountains aren’t really your thing, this campground features the stunning landscapes of the Alberta badlands. Located in Dinosaur Provincial Park, it’s surrounded by hoodoos, layered rock formations, and tons of prehistoric vibes.Â
Where: Dinosaur Provincial Park, northeast of Brooks
Three Sisters Campground
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Just over an hour from Calgary, this campground sits in the heart of the Bow Valley, offering unbeatable Rocky Mountain Views. It’s a great spot for hiking, biking, exploring Canmore, and features a mix of serviced and unserviced sites.
Where: 12 kilometres east of Canmore
Wheatland Shores Campground
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Tucked along Eagle Lake, this quiet campground offers a nice escape from the city. It’s a low-key spot that offers easy access to the water for fishing, paddling, or just a relaxed weekend reset.Â
Address: 234036 Range Rd. 243, Wheatland County