Sleep under the stars at the 7 best camping sites in Edmonton and nearby areas!
I’m all about the beach vibes, while my husband is more of a woods guy. So when it comes to planning our weekend getaways, we play a fun game of compromise.
I never thought I’d love camping until my husband took me on starlit adventures in the great outdoors. The sounds of nature, the fresh air, and the escape from city hustle make it all worthwhile—even if it means swapping sandy shores for pine-scented bliss.
If you’re on the hunt for a similar escape, check out some of the best camping sites in Edmonton that my husband introduced me to. They’re perfect for families too!
Rainbow Valley Park
– Media from letsbikethereyeg
Address: 13206 Rainbow Valley Rd NW, Rainbow Valley Park
Contact Details: +1 780 434 3991
Operating Hours:
Monday to Thursday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Friday to Sunday, 9:00 am to 9:00 pm
Admission Fee:
Regular Season: $49 (with power), $44 (with no power)
Peak Season: $53 (with power), $48 (with no power)
Weekly Rates: $294 (with power), $264 (with no power)
Rainbow Valley Park is the only campground located in the city that allows families and friends to pitch their tents or RVs. It’s located just south of the Downtown Area, so you’re pretty much close to whatever you may need.
Despite its location, camping here still feels like you’re in a secluded area. You have the option to book a power or non-powered campsite, but just note that power hookups are limited to just 15 amps!
| Tips: The campground allows reservations, but do note that a bank-issued credit card is required for check-in at your chosen campsite. They don’t accept debit cards or prepaid credits. Note that you can only camp at the park from May to the end of September. Rates will vary depending on the season, the type of campsite you want, and what day of the week you’ll be camping there. |
Elk Island Retreat
– Media from elkislandretreatcampground
Address: 54371 Range Rd 205, Fort Saskatchewan
Contact Details: +1 780 998 0708
Operating Hours:
Monday to Thursday, Saturday and Sunday, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm, 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Friday, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm, 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Admission Fee:
RV Park Sites: $48 per night (7 nights minimum)
Geodomes: Starts at $229 per night
Elk Island Retreat is only a 45-minute drive away from the city centre, so if you’re looking for a campsite that will take you deep into nature but isn’t a far drive, this is the campgrounds to look out for.
The site features geodomes that you can rent for a night or two. All of them are equipped with beds, a gas fireplace, and a deck where you can put up a bonfire or have a picnic.
You also have the option to park your RV and set up camp. Whichever option you choose, you get beautiful scenery and the peaceful sounds of nature around you!
| Tips: Note that even though you make a reservation online, you can only check in during their office hours. Beyond that, they may not accommodate your request. To make the most out of your experience, plan your visit around a new moon or during the prime Northern Lights season. The grounds are situated within a dark sky preserve, so the retreat offers stunning night skies, undisturbed by the glow of city lights. |
Devon Lions Campground
– Media from sugglife
Address: 1140 Saskatchewan Ave E, Devon
Contact Details: +1 780 987 4777
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
Admission Fee:
Starts from $30.50 for non-power sites
Starts from $37 for powered sites
Day use: $6.50 per vehicle
For a campsite packed with outdoor activities, check out Devon Lions Campground. It’s also a great choice for golfers, located near the Devon Golf and Conference Centre.
You can choose to camp by the river, amidst a woodsy area, or right next to other families camping on the site. There’s a lot of space here to pitch your tent or park your RVs, then go biking, hiking, golfing, and other kinds of fun activities.
| Tips: The campgrounds require a $10 non-refundable deposit for every campsite reservation. Full payments should be settled upon arrival. No deposit means your reservation isn’t confirmed. Each campsite comes with a picnic table and fire pit. Grab a bag of firewood at the office for $15 to keep the flames going! Keep in mind that spots during long weekends fill up fast, so it’s best to reserve your spot early. You can start reserving a year in advance! |
Miquelon Lake Provincial Park Campground
– Media from sorealdjwiki
Address: Range Rd 205A, Miquelon Lake Provincial Park, Kingman
Contact Details: +1 780 672 7274
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 7:00 am to 11:00 pm
Admission Fee: Rates may vary, best to contact management via phone
Miquelon Lake Provincial Park, just an hour from Edmonton, is an ideal family camping destination filled with adventure. With activities like hiking, mountain biking, birdwatching, and cross-country skiing year-round, there’s something for everyone.
You can choose from various camping options, including unserviced and powered sites, pull-through spots, and cosy yurts—my personal favourite for a cabin-like experience.
Family-friendly amenities include fire pits for s’mores, showers, and a visitor centre. Kids will enjoy the sandy beach, playgrounds, and trails too!
| Tips: The campground management is strict with how many tents you can pitch there. If you booked on a campsite, note that only a maximum of two tents is allowed. One part of the campsite will be for your parked vehicle, so plan your bookings accordingly. Although silence is generally observed, do note that the campsites have quiet hours between 11:00 pm and 7:00 am. If you’re bringing a generator with you, make sure to minimise noise from all your electronic devices during these hours. |
Hanmore Lake Campground
– Media from mattdebeurs
Address: 16 km North of Smoky Lake on Highway 855, then 4 km West
Contact Details: +1 780 656 6580
Operating Hours: Open 24/7
Admission Fee: Rates may vary, best to contact management via phone
Just a stone’s throw from Smoky Lake, Hanmore Lake is one of my go-to summer retreats for a quick escape from Edmonton. It’s our little oasis away from the city hustle.
Here, weekends feel like mini-vacations. I love the simple joys of lounging on the beach, enjoying campfires, exploring trails, and the excitement of reeling in a fish.
Each campsite is surrounded by tall trees and offers plenty of space for our trailer. Whether I’m pitching a tent or using our RV, Hanmore Lake provides the perfect setting for making lasting memories under the open sky.
| Tips: I highly recommend bringing hiking gear with you. The trails here are also perfect for animal lovers, so gear up and take some time to hike the trails nearby. Just make sure not to traverse them by yourself! I recommend pitching your tent by the playground or far from the beach. The area close to the waters tends to get muddy, so stay clear from those areas if you wish to keep your shoes and tent clean! |
Fort Saskatchewan Lions Campground
– Media from cityfortsask
Address: 10701 River Rd, Turner Park, Fort Saskatchewan
Contact Details: +1 780 998 4074
Operating Hours: Open 24/7
Admission Fee:
Basic tent: $27 per night
Campsites with sewer and water: $45 per night
If you want a campsite that’s a little close to the city, head on over to Fort Lions Campground. The area is located in Fort Saskatchewan, just a 15-minute drive from Edmonton, so you’re not super far from home!
You can park your RV, set up tents, or hitch a pull-through if you want. The camping sites are fewer than other places on this list, but they have enough space for outdoor activities like hiking, biking, fishing, and more.
| Tips: Pets are allowed on the campgrounds. Just note that they can’t be left unattended outside your campsite, and noisy pets left inside for long periods will not be permitted. All pets must be leashed, and you are required to clean up after them. You are not allowed to set up bonfires within the campground. You can, however, rent propane fire pits if you want to cook food! |
Pigeon Lake Provincial Park
– Media from dianaabdulhamid
Address: 15072 Township Rd 470, County Of Wetaskiwin No. 10
Contact Details: +1 780 586 2644
Operating Hours:
Monday to Thursday, 11:00 am to 7:00 pm
Friday to Saturday, 9:00 am to 9:00 pm
Sunday, 9:00 am to 8:00 pm
Admission Fee:
$34 per night (with no power)
$42 per night (with power)
$58 per night (with power, water, and sewer)
$25 (winter camping with no water/firewood)
Pigeon Lake is a great campsite if you love doing water sports and other boating activities with your friends and family. I personally enjoy staying by the lake with my husband here and going sailing.
The nearby village makes it easy to grab essentials like groceries, coffee, or gas, so my husband and I can focus on enjoying our time by the water.
While we usually camp with a tent or trailer, some weekends call for extra comfort, and their furnished yurts offer the perfect blend of cosy and outdoorsy.
| Tips: Free showers and flushing toilets are available within campgrounds. I recommend using the shower either early in the morning or just before dinner, as this is when they’re mostly deserted. It’s best to avoid the showers right after lunch, especially for the women’s section. Camping is allowed year-round here, but just note that firewood and water will not be available from October to May. If you’re the type to take regular showers, better to book your campsite in the summer instead. |