If you want to take advantage of the many festivals, events and amenities that Canmore offers but wake up surrounded by wilderness, take advantage of the many Campgrounds nearby. Canmore area holds many sites up and down the Trans Canada Highway and Spray Lakes. The Bow Valley has a large concentration of sport climbing crags as well as Alpine trad routes, if you're here to climb, this is the area for you. These sites provide great access to climbing, mountain biking, hiking, fishing, canoeing and kayaking opportunities.

If you plan on having a fire, please check Alberta Fire Bans, to see if there are any restrictions first.
Map(s) produced by Kananaskis Region | Parks Division | Tourism, Parks and Recreation Ministry, Government of Alberta
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Bow River

One of the closest wilderness campsites to Canmore. Climbing crags, bike trails, and many more recreation opportunities are minutes away. This site works well for those planning on canoeing the Bow River from Banff. The normal take out is on the other side of the HWY 1 bridge but you can easily take out at the campground itself.
  • Fire Pits, Pay Phone, Picnic Shelters, Vault Toilets, Firewood Sold, Water Pump
  • 39 Camping Sites
  • Open Late April - Late September


To Get Here: From Bow Valley Trail, take HWY 1 east for 4 km to the Three Sisters Blvd. Cross HWY 1 to the north side and the Campground.

Three Sisters (Deadman's Flats)

Picture
Bow River during spring runoff close to flooding, high and brown
A peaceful spot located on the Bow River in between Canmore and Calgary. This is the normal put in location for canoeing the Bow River to Seebe. A variety of hiking, biking, climbing and paddling opportunities are located within a few minutes drive.
  • Sewage Disposal, Fire Pits, Hand Boat Launch, Pay Phone, Picnic Shelters, Playground, Vault Toilets, Firewood Sold, Water Pump
  • 36 Camping Sites


To Get Here: Take HWY 1 east from Bow Valley Trail for 11km to the Deadman's Flats turnoff.

Lac Des Arcs

A great way to spend your vacation on the shores of Lac Des Arcs. This spot is great for windsurfers due to high winds and open water. Another campsite located conveniently off of HWY 1. Biking, hiking, fishing, climbing, paddling, and riding surrounds the area.
  • Fire Pits, Hand Boat Launch, Pay Phone, Picnic Shelters, Playground, Vault Toilets, Firewood Sold, Water Pump
  • 28 Camping Sites
  • Open Late April - Early September


To Get Here: Take HWY 1 east from Bow Valley Trail for 16km to Lac Des Arcs turn off.

Willow Rock Campground

The closest Bow Valley campground to Calgary, located at the entrance to the mountains. No matter what sports you want to enjoy while you are here, you'll find plenty of opportunity within minutes. The take out for canoeing the Bow River from Deadman's Flats is just down river as well as the Lower Kananaskis River, making this a convenient spot for those wishing to spend some time paddling.
  • Ampitheatre, Firepits, Flush Toilets, Pay Phone, Picnic Shelter, Vault Toilet, Playground, Power, Sewage Disposal, Showers, Water Tap
  • 124 Total Camping Sites
  • 34 Sites w/ Power & Water
  • Open Late March - Late October
  • 403-673-2163
  • Website
  • Campground Diagram


To Get Here: Take HWY 1 for 24.5km to HWY 1x exit north towards Seebe. The Campground is just off HWY 1 on HWY 1x with the entrance on your right.


Bow Valley Campground

Situated on the banks of the Bow River, under the shadows of Mount Yamnuska. This campground is popular with easy access close to Calgary and many recreation opportunities nearby. The take out for canoeing the Bow River from Deadman's Flats is just down river as well as the Lower Kananaskis River, making this a convenient spot for those wishing to spend some time paddling.
  • Ampitheatre, Boat Ramp, Sewage Disposal, Fire Pits, Pay Phone, Playground, Vault Toilets, Power Hookups, Showers, Flush Toilets, Firewood Sold, Water Hookups, Water Cistern
  • 173 Total Camping Sites
  • 131 Sites w/ Power & Water
  • Open Late April - Mid October


To Get Here: Take HWY 1 for 24.5km to HWY 1x exit north towards Seebe. The Campground is just off HWY 1 on HWY 1x with the entrance on your left.

Spray Lake Campgrounds

A giant lake wedged between massive mountains in a narrow valley. Enjoy your days fishing, hiking climbing, or floating!
Map(s) produced by Kananaskis Region | Parks Division | Tourism, Parks and Recreation Ministry, Government of Alberta
Click to Download Interactive Map
File Size: 1327 kb
File Type: pdf
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Spray Lakes

The only summer campground in this beautiful valley. Enjoy spending your days boating on one of the largest lakes in Kananaskis, or explore the amazing hiking, biking, climbing nearby.
  • Fire Pits, Hand Boat Launch, Vault Toilets, Firewood Sold, Water Pump


To Get Here: Take Spray Lakes Road for 15.7 km. Turn right on West Side Road and cross over the Spray Lakes Dam to the Campground.

Buller Mountain

A winter campground located at the south end of Spray Lakes Resevoir. This campground is located in the middle of the Kananaskis Backcountry skiing playground. Whether you want to clean out your lungs nordic skiing, exploring areas on snowshoe, or dropping a steep couloir, this area won't disappoint.
  • Fire Pits, Vault Toilets, Firewood Sold
  • 12 Camping Sites
  • Open Winter only
  • 403-591-7226
  • Website


To Get Here: Take Spray Lakes Road for 33km to the south end of Spray Lakes Resevoir.

go to Campground Areas (click here)
go to Backcountry Campgrounds (click here)
go to Bragg Creek Campgrounds (click here)
go to Ghost Area Campgrounds (click here)
go to Highway 40 Campgrounds (click here)
go to Highwood Campgrounds (click here)
go to Peter Lougheed Campgrounds (click here)
go to Sheep River Campgrounds (click here)
go to Sibbald Campgrounds (click here)