Favorite Campgrounds!
Camping is the perfect escape from all your worries, and it’s time for you to get away! Not sure where to go? Here’s a few of our fan-favorites north of Edmonton that you might not have thought of yet. Whether you’re looking for scenic hikes, you’re bringing the kids along or you want to get out on the lake, we’ve got some spots! We’ll see you at the campground!
Best for Hiking
For all the go-getters and avid hikers we have some of the best trails right here in the backyard of the Peace Country! Of course, here in Alberta we are extremely proud to house some of the best parts of the Rocky Mountains – including the infamous slopes and trails around Banff and Jasper National Park. If you haven’t taken the time to hike the mesmerizing trails near there – book your time off now! While these tried and true parks definitely shouldn’t be overlooked! But if you’re looking for something different, we’ve still got some incredible trails to check out. These campgrounds are close to a litany of hiking trails, ready for your next adventure!
Smoky River South Provincial Recreation Area
Right near Grand Cache this campsite features a plethora of nearby campsite. Beginner hikers or those of us who enjoy a bit more leisurely hiking the gorgeous view of the Sulphur Gates hike is achievable and worth the walk. There's also the Slytherin-Phoenix Griffiths Trail, only 4.8 km but filled with scenic and peaceful nature views. Additionally, the Labyrinth Park hike takes you right by Victor lake for a stunning view over the Alberta lake. Looking for a step up from these? The Sulphur Rim trail is a moderate two hour hike a stones throw from this campground. Looking for a brag-worthy intense hike? The CDR full loop hike is a multi-day trail of 113 km that loops right next door to this campground.
This campground also offers canoeing, kayaking, fishing and power boating spots right near the campground so you can enjoy the water this summer.
Many Islands Campground
Conveniently located near the Dunvegan West Wildland Provincial Park this Peace River campground is swimming in all the possible adventures. While the Dunvegan West Wildland Provincial Park doesn't offer maintained camping site, it is a great spot for back country style hiking in an untouched corner of the world. Out where society, infrastructure and crowds haven't reached yet, the hikes around here offer phenomenal views and a great challenge for the more experienced hikers. In addition to this nearby rugged hiking destination, there are also several walking trails and shorter hikes right out of your campsite along the river.
Kick back in your camping chair and listen to the crackling fire, friends laughter and the rushing Peace River at this campsite. This campground also offers nearby spots to launch your river boat and spend your summer cruising along.
Learn More About Many Islands!
Best for Families (And Kids)
Family camping trips are memories we all look back on fondly. But some campgrounds offer a bit more for kids than others – these spots have got activities for the kids so your family can make those cherished memories. Get the kids off their screens and back to being kids at these sites, and become a part of the camping community!
Goose Lake Campground
This destination is a family vacation dream camping spot! Located in between Grande Prairie and Edmonton, this campsite makes it well-worth packing the kids in the car and heading down the road. Enjoy a championship game for bragging rights in your family at the on-location mini golf. Let the kids wear themselves out at either of the TWO playgrounds or head to the beach area and watch the sun set over a gorgeous Albertan lake. Wanting to bring all the extended family out, or planning a trip with your friends and their families? Take advantage of the cookhouse where there's enough room for everyone! Every campsite comes with both a picnic table and a fire ring for smores, this campground also offer coin-operated showers. Unfortunately, in 2024 Goose Lake was issued a cyanobacteria advisory (lake algae), rendering the lake ill-advised for swimming, however, with so many other activities to keep the kids entertained we'd still definitely recommend Goose Lake Campground.
Canyon Creek Campground & Harbor
Canyon Creek has all the essentials for your family trip. With showers and toilets, easy access convenience store and a sani-dump station this campground takes all the stress out of camping. With a boat launch/marina to get you on the water you get to explore the Albertan backyard to the fullest. Hit the lake for fishing, clean it up at the station and serve it for dinner that night.
Every site comes standard with firepits for cooking, sharing ghost stories and roasting marshmallows, but if that's not enough space this campground has public-use barbecue grills as well. As well as potable water stations at the main and west campgrounds with no additional camping cost.
You can take the kids to the public playground overlooking lesser Slave Lake and take some frame-worthy family photos in the gazebo, or throw the ball around in any of the green spaces around the campsites.
Learn More About Canyon Creek!
Best Lakes
There’s nothing like watching sunrise or sunset over the beautiful Alberta lakes. Here’s a quick breakdown for where you want to go – whether you want to dive off the edge of the boat into the refreshing water, looking to have fresh-caught fish for dinner or you want a beach to kick back on.
Cross Lake Provincial Park
Anybody else love the feeling of sitting on the boat feeling it rock back and forth and holding a fishing rod – only to smell the campfire that night as you cook what you caught (and around here, you will catch something). Even if that’s not your thing, than surely sitting down on the sandy beach, soaking in the sun and cracking open a cold can sounds like a great way to relax. Cross Lake Provincial Park also offers firepits AND sells firewood, plus power, pump and tap water, sewage disposal, AND shower. Clean your fish at the fish cleaning station, or send the kids to the playground, this beautiful campground has it all
Rainbow Lake Provincial Recreational Area
From the Rainbow Lake Trail that circles the lake to maximize the stunning views to more advanced “back country” routes Rainbow Lake Provincial Recreational Area. In addition to these varied routes – some of which connect the lake to other nearby smaller lakes or waterfalls. This campsite near the lake also offers fishing, boating, water skiing, canoeing, swimming and more. Take advantage of the picnic tables and fire pits at your site, and enjoy your trip to the Albertan boreal backyard.
Learn More About Rainbow Lake Area!
Honorable Mentions:
And of course, there are a few honorable mentions and fan-favorites here in the Peace Country – especially close to Grande Prairie Alberta. Break up the mundane in your life and start your camping adventure.
- Young’s Point Provincial Park
- Saskatoon Island Provincial Park
- Pierre Grey’s Lakes Provincial Park
Thanks for reading! Reach out to us at info@mcgovernsrv.com if you feel like we left out one of the best!
Disclaimer: McGovern’s RV is not liable for any outdated information in this article, please ensure that your campsite has the amenities you require and that recreational activities – like swimming, fishing or playgrounds – are still accessible. Thank you!