Banff 
A waterfront campsite can offer many different advantages to different people.
In Alberta, during the summer, waterfront camping offers instant access to many activities.
For some, it could mean instant access to swimming or lying on the sand. For others, it could mean a quick and easy way to get canoes or kayaks on the water. For many, a waterfront campsite simply adds to the relaxing vibe of camping and the sunset or sunrise scenery.
Here are 12 spectacular waterfront campgrounds in Alberta for a fun water-themed summer getaway:
National Park Waterfront Campgrounds
Rampart Creek, Banff National Park
Camp right beside the rushing and scenic parts of the North Saskatchewan River this summer. The Rampart Creek campground is one of many beautiful camping choices within Banff National Park and offers a premium waterfront camping experience.
While within the Park boundaries, this campground is about 150km north of the town of Banff on the Icefields Parkway.
When: May 28 to September 20
Where: 13km north of the Saskatchewan River Crossing on Highway 93/Icefields Parkway
How much: $22 per night
Two Jack Lakeside Campground, Banff National Park
The Two Jack Lake campground is only 10km or so from the town of Banff and quite close to Lake Minnewanka and all of its attractions. These beautiful sites are suited to RVs or tents; Two Jack Lake is also a place for comfort camping with the Parks Canada oTENTik options.
When: June 18 to September 7
Where: Lake Minnewanka Scenic Drive from Highway 1
How much: $26.75 to $86.50
Wabasso Campground, Jasper National Park
There are a few riverside campgrounds within Jasper’s park boundaries, but none get your tent or RV quite as close to a river as the Wabasso Campground. The campsites are south of the town of Icefields Parkway, with spots overlooking the Athabasca River. This is an excellent choice for campers looking for fishing spots in Jasper or anyone wanting to get away from the business of town. The campground offers sites with or without services and up to 30-amp power.
When:
- Closed for 2026
Where: 18km south of Jasper on 93, then Highway 93A
Provincial Park Waterfront Campgrounds
Zeiner Campground, Pigeon Lake Provincial Park
Pigeon Lake is easily one of central Alberta’s top day trip and weekend destinations. The lake is great for swimming, boating, other water sports like fishing, or for quiet hikes in the trees and wildlife viewing.
The Provincial Park’s Zeiner Campground is on the quieter west side of the lake with a beach for swimming and several sites that line the shore. For the other campsites, the beach is only a minute or two walk away.
When: May 13 – Sep 8
Where: Gilbert Ave., Mulhurst
How much: $34-$42 per night
Brewers Campground, Aspen Beach Provincial Park
Aspen Beach Provincial Park is on the south shores of Gull Lake in Central Alberta with two large campgrounds: Lakeview and Brewers. Both are close to the lake and beaches, with Brewers giving campers the best bet for a waterfront spot. All sites have power, so even tent campers have a way to charge phones or power other devices.
The campground and park offer several amenities like a concession, a fish cleaning station, boat launches, a grocery store, and showers.
When: May 13 – September 20
Where: 28314 Hwy 12A, Lacombe County
How much: $43per night
Firerock Campground, Cypress Hills Provincial Park
Cypress Hills Provincial Park is home to several wonderful campsites, all of which are a bit different from one another. At Firerock Campground, campers in tents or RVs can try to snag the lakeside campsites on the west end of Elkwater Lake. The campground is also within walking distance of the Elkwater townsite and beach. Cypress Hills is also great for hiking, cycling, and paddle sports.
When: May 13 – October 11
Where: Lakeview Drive, Elkwater
How much: $31-$39 per night
Interlakes Campground, Peter Lougheed Provincial Park
The Interlakes Campground sits nestled between the two Kananaskis Lakes, with Lower Kananaskis Lake the closer of the two. Many of the campground’s sites are within steps of the lake’s shores, perfect for any kayakers, canoers, or fishers.
Peter Lougheed Provincial Park has a massive trail system for hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrian riders as well.
These peaceful spots are also perfect for nighttime stargazing. As popular first-come, first-served sites, availability is not always guaranteed. But it is a good place to keep in mind for mid-week camping trips!
When: May 14 – October 11
Where: Kananaskis Lakes Trail
How much: $31 per night
Kinbrook Island Campground, Kinbrook Island Provincial Park
The campsites at Kinbrook Island Provincial Park line the shores of the small island (still connected by a single road). Plus, some sites are open for winter camping. During the summers, the sites are serviced for the most part with power; 14 other sites are also available without power.
The island is on Lake Newell, a popular boating and fishing destination. The park also has a beach with a swimming area.
Make the Best of Your Trip to Brooks: Explore Alberta’s Southeastern Attractions
When: Year-Round
Where: Use Highway 873 to access the park in Newell County
How much: $27 to $36 per night
Privately Owned Waterfront Campgrounds
Gold Springs Park Campground
The Gold Springs Park Campground in Milk River offers RV, cabin, or tent camping in a pretty riverside location. The campsites include powered sites or sites without services.
The Gold Springs cabins can sleep up to 4 people. Enjoy numerous water activities during your stay like swimming, paddling, or waterslides.
When: May-September
Where: 7 km south of Milk River on Highway 4
How much: TBA
How to reserve: phone or email 403-647-2277/gspoffice@mrcable.ca
Wilson’s Beach Campground
Experience the quieter side of the large Gull Lake in central Alberta with a trip to Wilson’s Beach Campground. They offer a variety of lakeside camping on a nightly, weekly, or monthly basis with several sites located right beside the shore. While you’re here, you can take advantage of bike rentals or paddle rentals to take on the water. They also offer cabin or “beach bunkie,” rentals!
When: open May 15-September 15
Where: Gull Lake 41216, Range Rd 282, Lacombe County
How much: $42 & up
Shaw’s Point Resort
Upon booking your nightly camping with Shaw’s Point Resort, they offer the waterfront filter option. So, you can guarantee a waterfront campsite for a tent or an RV. Shaw’s Point also offer cabin rentals.
The resort is on the northwest side of Lesser Slave Lake and is closer to High Prairie than the town of Slave Lake. It has several activities on-site, with Hilliard’s Bay Provincial Park also right next door.
When: year-round
Where: Range Rd 141, High Prairie
How much: $52 – $58 per night
Cold Lake Municipal District Campground
Bring your camping trip to the heart of Cold Lake this summer for several reasons. First and foremost is the beautiful municipal campground located right beside Kinosoo Beach. Second, this beach is the location for Cold Lake’s summer events and festivals, and is home to dining, dessert shops, and shopping.
The campground itself offer amenities like another swimming and beach area, a playground, showers, laundry, and flush toilets.
When: May 8 to September 6, 2026
Where: 2301 1 Ave, Cold Lake
How much: $30 & up per night
