From City Streets to Mountain Campsites: 10 Places Worth the Drive

Camping near Calgary can take you from city streets to mountain views, rivers, forests, and open spaces without travelling deep into the Rockies.

From nearby campgrounds to spots in Kananaskis Country and Banff National Park, there are options for RV camping, hiking, lakes, rivers, and OHV trails.

Here are 10 parks and campgrounds to consider for camping near Calgary.

1. McLean Creek Provincial Recreation Area

About 60 km from downtown Calgary, with tent and RV camping and access to OHV trails.

2. Beaver Flats Campground

Located in Elbow Valley, this campground sits near the Elbow River and provides access to hiking areas. It generally operates from May through September.

3. Lac Des Arcs Campground

Around 87 km from downtown, near the Bow Valley corridor. It accommodates tents and unserviced RVs and provides mountain scenery close to the Trans-Canada Highway.

4. Bow Valley Provincial Park

Near Canmore, with several campground areas and access to the Bow River and surrounding mountain landscape. Alberta Parks lists multiple reservable campground facilities within the park.

5. Interlakes Campground

Set beside Lower Kananaskis Lake, with opportunities for fishing, canoeing, and kayaking. It is roughly 138 km from downtown Calgary.

6. Tunnel Mountain Campground, Banff

A major campground near Banff townsite, with tent and RV sites and access to nearby trails, cycling routes, and town amenities.

7. Two Jack Campgrounds, Banff

Located close to Lake Minnewanka, with both forested and lakeside camping areas. Campers particularly seek out the lakeside sites.

8. Johnston Canyon Campground

A useful choice if hiking is the main reason for the trip. The campground sits near the Johnston Canyon trail and its waterfalls.

9. Bow River Edge Campground

Located in Cochrane, about 40 km from downtown Calgary, according to Tourism Calgary. It has full-service RV sites, showers, and a playground.

10. Riverbend Campground

Near Okotoks on the Sheep River, with camping, fishing, and walking opportunities while remaining relatively close to Calgary.

Planning a Camping Trip From Calgary

One of the biggest advantages of camping around Calgary is the range of landscapes available within a few hours of the city.

You can choose a campground near a river for a quick weekend, head toward Kananaskis for lakes and mountains, or continue toward Banff for access to some of the Rockies’ most recognizable landscapes.

Before you leave, check the campground’s current operating dates, reservation requirements, site restrictions, weather conditions, and any fire or wildlife notices.

Whether you are planning a one-night escape or a longer Rocky Mountain road trip, these 10 parks and campgrounds provide plenty of places to start planning your next camping adventure near Calgary.