Camping is King

S’mores around the campfire. Cracking a cold one with friends. A night under a brilliant canopy of stars.

There are many awesome things about camping. The people you’re with is obviously key, but where you camp can also be a make it or break it point. So where do you go? Easy. Waterton!

Not surprisingly, given its incredible natural beauty, Waterton is a prized destination for camping and RV enthusiasts. People come from all over the world to camp here. And there are many compelling reasons why camping in Waterton (and other campgrounds in the area) is as good as it gets.

Waterton is a celebrated place where the Rocky Mountains explode into the sky, pristine mountain lakes shimmer in the valleys, and thundering waterfalls plunge down the mountainsides. Throw in the charming town site – filled with excellent restaurants, lakeside cafés, and great shopping. It’s obvious why this is a bucket-list destination for campers! To top it off, the nearby hiking trails and lake activities such as: spectacular boat tours, canoeing, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding and windsurfing - make Waterton Lakes National Park one of the premier mountain destinations on the planet.

Photo Courtesy of Parks Canada

Although the Kenow Wildfire in 2017 had an impact on the camping opportunities in Waterton Lakes National Park, there are still 300 campsites available at the two campgrounds in the park. Unfortunately, given the extent of the damage, it is too early to determine when, exactly, the popular Crandell Mountain Campground will reopen. Parks Canada is currently undertaking the necessary assessments, analysis, and planning to restore this campground.

However, “Waterton is open and ready to welcome visitors in 2019,” says Christy Gustavison, the External Relations Manager for Waterton Lakes National Park. “While the Kenow Wildfire affected 38% of the park, fire kick-starts regeneration by providing ideal growing conditions. Many ecosystems have evolved with fire and depend on it for renewal. A recent burn area may seem dead, but many forms of life survive, giving rise to a new forest. That’s exactly what is happening in Waterton Lakes National Park and, although we have plenty of work ahead of us, it’s exciting to see this process well underway.”

Photo Courtesy of Parks Canada

“For Parks Canada, managing the fire recovery of Waterton Lakes National Park will be unprecedented and complex. Over 30 assets were significantly impacted, including Red Rock and Akamina Parkways, and a considerable portion of the trail network. This includes 128 front-country and eight backcountry campsites that are awaiting rebuild” says Gustavison.

Obviously, the work in Waterton will continue for many months to come. For updates on progress, you can visit the Waterton Lakes National Park website at: pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/ab/waterton.

Photo Courtesy of Travel Alberta / Jeff Bartlett

Due to its beautiful location right beside Waterton Lake and within easy walking distance from all the attractions in the Waterton townsite, the largest and most popular place to camp in the park is the Townsite Campground.

This spacious, fairly open campground offers 238 wellmaintained sites. The campground, which also features hot showers, kitchen shelters, flush toilets, and food storage, has 90 full-service sites (water, sewer, electrical), 45 electricity sites, and approximately 100 unserviced walk-in sites for tenting. Reservations, which can be made on the Parks Canada website, are highly recommended.

Located in a beautiful natural setting along a peaceful river, the Belly River Campground, located approximately 26 km from the townsite on the Chief Mountain Hwy., offers 24 unserviced sites. It is ideal for people who want to be immersed in nature. You won’t find swimming pools and a clubhouse here!

Please Note: campers must bring their own water for cooking as there is no potable water available at this campground.

Photo Courtesy of Parks Canada

Not surprisingly, there are many other campgrounds available in the surrounding area that are also excellent choices. For example, Crooked Creek Campground is only 15 km away on Hwy 5. Beaver Mines Lake Campground and Lynx Creek Campground, both located in Castle Provincial Park, offer exceptional camping experiences in spectacular mountain settings. In fact, Castle Provincial Park and Castle Provincial Wildland (both located just west of Pincher Creek) boasts over 200 campsites in four campgrounds and two group sites.

For backcountry enthusiasts, both Waterton Lakes National Park and Castle Provincial Park offer additional backcountry campsites for adventurers seeking the ultimate “in nature” experience (permits are necessary). Of course, regardless of where you pitch your tent – or park your RV! - this majestic, mountain-filled part of the world is a camping kingdom unlike anywhere else. Don’t forget the s’mores!

By Andrew Penner