Updated October 27, 2022
Calgary has a unique energetic vibe, but there’s more to this city than its bustling downtown. Calgary also offers a lot of beautiful nature that any outdoor lover is sure to love. If you’re looking to spend some time relaxing in nature, one of our favorite things to do is go camping in Calgary. This area is blessed with idyllic rivers, vast mountain ranges, lush green pastures, and wild forests so you’ll have plenty of nature to immerse yourself in. Whether you want a soul-searching camping adventure in a forest, a romantic night star-gazing beside the river bank, or a fun family trip, this list has got you covered.
Want more outdoor activities in Calgary?
- 7 Stunning Calgary Kayaking and Canoeing Spots to Explore
- 15 Absolutely Stunning Hikes In & Near Calgary for All Levels
- 15 Picturesque Places to Go Snowboarding and Skiing Near Calgary
- 15 Breathtaking Hikes in Jasper National Park for All Levels
- 14 Jaw-Dropping Hikes in Banff National Park for All Levels
The Best Spots for Camping in Calgary:
Banff National Park
- Distance from Calgary: 127.4 km (1 hour 28 min drive)
- Types of Campsites: Tents, RVs, oTENTiks
- Open Dates: Year round
- Reservation and Cost: first come, first served; reservations are available; $11-$70/night
One of Canada’s most famous national parks is conveniently located right by Calgary, and it is a must for camping enthusiasts. Banff National Park has 14 campgrounds with 2,462 total available campsites and offers stunning Rocky mountain views, hiking, biking trails, boating, and a bunch of other fun outdoor activities.
If this is your first camping trip, we suggest trying out an oTENTiks. It’s a cross between a cabin and a tent, and is available at Two Jack Lake campground and Tunnel Mountain Village I at Banff National Park. If you’re going during the off season, Tunnel Mountain Village II and Lake Louise Hard-sided are the only campgrounds open all year, so make sure to reserve a spot at one of these sites.
Calaway RV Park
- Distance from Calgary: 24.7 km (27 min drive)
- Types of Campsites: RV and Tent
- Open Dates: May-October
- Reservation and Cost: reservations available; $45/night (pull through), $42/night (back in)
Calaway is a beautiful campground situated in Western Canada, with beautiful views of the mountains and enough room to accommodate 104 RVs. All the campsites are equipped with basic amenities, including power, water, and sewer facilities, so you’re sure to have a pleasant and comfortable stay. If you’re bringing little ones, this is the perfect Calgary campground for families because there’s a huge amusement park within walking distance, making for plenty of opportunities to keep the kids entertained. We recommend going here in July, as you’ll be able to experience the incredible Calgary Stampede, a rodeo and festival held near Calaway every year.
Ghost Reservoir Provincial Recreation Area
- Distance from Calgary: 55.9 km (49 min drive)
- Types of Campsites: RV, tent
- Opening Dates: Year-round
- Reservation and Cost: Reservations are available; $31/night
If you want to camp near a beautiful lake, enjoy some boating time, and have access to plenty of nature without going far from Calgary, then Ghost Reservoir is perfect for you. It has 80 non-serviced campsites with amenities like firepits, firewood, pit/vault toilets, and a water pump, so you’ll be all set for a weekend full of relaxing. For our water lovers, you’ll be in paradise at this campground, thanks to it being near the Ghost Reservoir and Bow River. Try out wind surfing on the reservoir, or bring your canoe down to the river and go for a nice paddle. However you like to spend your days on the water, you can enjoy them at this campground.
Calgary West Campground
- Distance from Calgary: 18.1 km (24 min drive)
- Types of Campsites: Tents, RV
- Open Dates: April 15 to Oct 15
- Reservation and Costs: Reservations are available; $18-$56 / night
For those wanting to visit Calgary’s famous attractions, Calgary West offers easy access to all the incredible sights and activities this city has to offer. Whether you want to do some animal watching at the Calgary zoo, gaze up at the majestic Calgary Tower, or learn about Canada’s history at the Glenbow Museum, this campground is a short drive away from everything you could possibly want. Here you’ll find 320 sites with a variety of camping types so you can find the perfect one for you. Whether you’re looking for a full hookup, a site with water/electricity, or simply a non-serviced spot to set up your tent, Calgary West has you covered.
Nature’s Hideaway Family Campground
- Distance from Calgary: 49.2 km (40 min drive)
- Types of Campsites: RVs and Tents
- Open Dates: From Late April/Early May to October
- Reservation and Costs: Reservations are available; $38-$43 / night
Located just 15-minutes south of Calgary and 15-minutes northeast of Okotoks, Nature’s Hideaway Family Campground is the perfect spot to enjoy some family time. It has fully serviced and non-serviced campsites, along with some awesome amenities like a play area, private beach, and horseshoe pit. Even better, the park officials organize different events on the weekends, so you’ll always have something fun to do! If you want to venture outside of the campground, rafting at the Highwood River is an awesome activity for white water enthusiasts who want to get their heart racing.
Aspen Crossing
- Distance from Calgary: 90.2 km (59 min drive)
- Types of Campsites: Cabins, RV, Tents
- Open Dates: April-October
- Reservation and Cost: Reservations available; $28 – $70
Aspen Crossing, located 45 minutes southeast of Calgary, is a wonderfully unique RV campground that is sure to bring a smile to any train lover’s face. The major highlight of this spot is the train excursions for people of all ages, including the famous “Polar Express” Christmas train to the North Pole. You can even choose to stay at a caboose cabin instead of in your RV if you really want to get the full train experience. The caboose cabin’s have all of the modern amenities to make you feel like you’re staying at a luxury hotel, when really you’re in a train car in the middle of the wilderness. How cool is that!?
Dawson Equestrian Campground
- Distance from Calgary: 75.0 km (1 hr 1 min drive)
- Types of Campsites: Tents, RVs, Equestrian
- Open Dates: Apr 29 – Oct 10
- Reservation and Cost: First come, first served,$31-38 / night
If you want to bring your horse so you can enjoy some trail riding while camping, definitely check out Dawson Equestrian Camground. This campground is meant exclusively for owners and their horses, and there are plenty of beautiful horseback riding trails around the area for you and your beloved companion to enjoy. Once your horse needs a break, put on your hiking boots and hit one of the epic trails, or try out mountain biking for a wild adventure. Keep in mind that if you’re heading here in a car, you’ll require a Kananaskis Reservation pass to park.
Camping in Calgary for RVs only:
Mountain View Calgary Camping
- Distance from Calgary: 18.5 km (22 min drive)
- Open Dates: Year-Round
- Reservation and Cost: Reservations are available; $40-$45+ / night
Mountain View Calgary Camping has 180 fully serviced RV sites featuring awesome amenities like firewood, showers, a grocery store, a laundry service, and a dumpsite. Whatever you need, you’re sure to have easy access during your stay here. If you want to partake in a bit of fun and maybe some competitiveness, head down to the mini golf course and practice your swing. While this campground is a great place to spend the night, it’s mainly for those needing a quick overnight spot while traveling, and not for campers looking for a peaceful and long trip.
Bow River’s Edge Campground
- Distance from Calgary: 39.9 km (41 min drive)
- Open Dates: April 1 to Oct 31, Nov 1 through March 31 (for long-term winter stay)
- Reservation: Reservations available; $52/ night for 30 AMP, $62 for 50 AMP
If visiting the Canadian Rockies is on your list, then bring your RV down to Bow River’s Edge Campground and enjoy a weekend full of incredible views. There are plenty of activities to keep you busy here, including hiking, biking, swimming, and even playing basketball at the available court. We love that this Calgary campground is situated right alongside the Bow River, so you can hear the soothing sounds of rushing water as you relax in nature.
For art lovers, be sure to visit the Studio West Bronze Foundry & Art Gallery, which is full of stunning pieces of art and is only 15 minutes away on foot. While the 144 campsites are always available during the summer months, they’re also often open during the winter depending on weather conditions.
