Greetings, Fred here! Alberta is home to an incredible array of landscapes, making it a top-tier destination for ATV campgrounds in Canada. Toward the west, breathtaking mountain ranges captivate the eyes, transitioning into expansive badlands and picturesque prairies in the south, and further transforming into the dense forests of the north. With such a vast variety, I'm going to share with you my absolute favorite ATV friendly campsites in Alberta that you must add to your summer adventure list.
Outwest Camping & R.V. Park is a favorite destination among ATV enthusiasts. Open year-round, its peak season runs from April 28 through October 2, with the off-season spanning October 3 to April 27. For reservations and more information, you can reach them via telephone at (403) 844-3083 or email to outwestrv@telus.net. Nestled in its secluded enclave, just 30 minutes southwest of Rocky Mountain House, the park boasts a world of privacy. It's conveniently located just 300 meters off a paved road, yet it feels miles away from everything. The park's position between the Ram and Clearwater rivers offers a scenic backdrop for your ATV adventures. Plus, it's a mere 15-minute drive from four picturesque fishing lakes.
Here's what you can expect at the Outwest Camping & R.V. Park:
100 drive-through stalls, each equipped with a picnic table and firepit.
Graveled pads with fire boxes and picnic tables.
30 amp & 50 amp stalls with power and water, as well as 15 amp power-only stalls for tent trailers or tenting.
Quad wash bay for your ATV.
Direct ATV access from the campground, making it easy to hop on your four-wheeler and hit the trails.
Ultra-modern, ultra-clean shower/bathroom facilities & laundry room.
A central dumping station and "honey wagon" service for longer stays.
Propane sales and a selection of retail items, including ice and dry firewood.
Staging area for day use.
Rates for 2023 vary depending on the services you require. For tent trailers or tenting, stalls with 15 amp power only are priced at $28.57 per night or $171.42 per week. Stalls with 30 amp power and water go for $45.00 per night or $270.00 per week, and 50 amp service stalls are available at $47.25 per night or $283.50 per week. Monthly rates are also available. Please note that all prices are subject to a 5% GST.
Day use of the staging area costs $10 per vehicle. For those who need it, cold storage is available at $1 per day. Firewood is available at $9.50 per bundle, and honeywagon service can be arranged for $20.00, preferably with 24 hours' notice.
Booking is easy, but it's advisable to call early for long weekends or groups, as they tend to fill up quickly. A valid credit card is required at the time of booking, with charges processed upon arrival.
Poacher's Landing Campsite & Provincial Recreation Area is a haven for ATV enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Tucked 25 km east of Athabasca on Hwy. 55, then 20 km north on Range Rd. 195A, and finally, 1 km east to the access road, this riverside campground is set in an idyllic location that offers a blend of tranquility and adventure.
The trails surrounding Poacher's Landing are noted for their easy, flowing nature, making for an enjoyable ATV experience. The terrain is primarily sandy, ensuring minimal mud and great trail conditions even after rain. Although it's essential to note that this is a quad-only area, dirt bikes are not permitted. The campground itself is beautifully situated by the river, and there are no hook-up facilities, enhancing the feeling of getting back to nature.
The campsite also grants access to the adjacent La Biche River Wildland Provincial Park, providing an expanded area for exploration and enjoyment. Registered campers can take advantage of a small equestrian staging area equipped with hitching rails and a corral for overnight stays for horses, making it a great destination for equestrian enthusiasts as well.
Amenities at Poacher's Landing Campsite include:
Fire pits and firewood availability.
Equestrian facilities.
Boat launch and hand launch.
Playgrounds for the little ones.
A shelter for cooking and a picnic shelter.
Pit/Vault toilets.
Water pump (Please note, potable water is NOT available, so you'll need to bring your own drinking water).
The 2023 season runs from May 18 to September 5, with an affordable rate of $22 per night for an unserviced site. The information line can be reached at (780) 623-7189. Remember to respect the site's regulations and enjoy the ATV-friendly trails this site has to offer.
Chrystina Lake Campground is an ideal destination for adventurers seeking a blend of serenity and thrill. Nestled in the Chrystina Lake Provincial Recreation Area, the campground is situated 15 km northeast of Swan Hills just off Hwy. 33. This campground offers direct access to a dedicated ATV trail system, making it a perfect spot for ATV enthusiasts. The camping season for 2023 runs from June 1 to October 1, and the campsite operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Campsites are unserviced and unreservable, available at a reasonable rate of $20 per night. Please note, there's no onsite water available, so campers are advised to bring their own. The lake, which is stocked with trout, provides excellent fishing opportunities. Canoeists will also enjoy exploring the lake's shoreline. In addition to its summertime offerings, the campsite allows direct access for snowmobiling in the winter, though the road is not plowed.
As for the ATV use, it's important to note that while direct access to the trail system from the campsites is permitted, respect for other campers is paramount. Campers are encouraged to use their ATVs to directly access trails ONLY, ensuring a harmonious camping experience for everyone.
For more information, you can contact the staff at 780-960-8170. Whether you're seeking a peaceful retreat or a thrilling ATV adventure, Chrystina Lake Campground delivers an enjoyable camping experience.
Rocky Top ATV Park and Campground is an all-ages-friendly destination where families can create unforgettable camping and ATV riding memories. Located north of Westlock, this campground stands out for its dual-track mud bogs that cater to ATVs, quads, and motocross. With amenities like a pressure washer, playground, and serviced campsites equipped with picnic tables, Rocky Top ensures a comfortable and fun-filled stay for all its guests. The 2023 season's full-service seasonal sites are currently sold out. However, nightly camping options are available at varying rates based on the level of service:
Partial service (power & water) at $29.00 + GST per night.
Power only at $27.00 + GST per night.
No services at $22.00 + GST per night.
Riding fees also apply, with a daily charge of $5.00 + GST per machine for campers and $20.00 + GST per machine for day riders. Please note, all machines must carry valid insurance.
The campground is more than just a place to sleep and ride; it offers several amenities to enhance your stay:
Fire pits
Firewood (available at a charge of $7.00 per bundle; you can bring your own as long as it's not spruce or pine due to bug transmission)
Picnic tables
ATV Mud Bog Pit
Showers and pressure washers
A Snack Shack and ice for quick bites and refreshments.
Guests are reminded that helmets are mandatory on the trails, riding off the property is prohibited, machines must be trailered from the property when heading to the crown land, and waivers must be signed upon arrival. All machines must also carry valid insurance. For more information or to make a reservation, call Rocky Top ATV Park and Campground at (780) 206-7684.
Fallen Timber South Campground & Provincial Recreation Area Fallen Timber South Campground, part of the Provincial Recreation Area, is an outdoor enthusiast's paradise located approximately 70km north of Cochrane on highway 940. Known for its majestic natural landscapes, this campground allows visitors to immerse themselves in pristine wilderness while enjoying a multitude of recreational activities. It is designated as an ATV staging area by the Alberta Forest Service, with numerous trails, some of which are marked, in the general area.
Activities available include camping, fishing, geocaching, front-country hiking, ATV trail riding, and snowmobiling. The campground provides direct access to a vast network of developed ATV and snowmobile trails in the vicinity. Moreover, the Fallen Timber ATV trail, a 3 km green doubletrack trail near Cochrane, can be used in both directions, offering an exciting experience for ATV riders.
Amenities at the campground include:
Pit/Vault Toilets
Fire Pits
Water pump
Free firewood
Picnic tables
Fishing allowances
Day-use area for picnics
ATV off-loading and direct access to trails from the campsites
Fallen Timber South Campground is a perfect base camp for nearby hiking and ATV trails. With its serene natural beauty, abundant wildlife, and numerous recreational activities, it is an excellent choice for a family outdoor camping adventure.
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As always, thanks for reading!
Your friend,
Fred