Count Down to Camping
In Alberta, camping enthusiasts are counting down to February 18, 2023, when they can book a campsite for the May long weekend at a provincial campground. The Alberta Government has recently updated their website, so it may be wise to ensure your log-in works before 9 am on the 18th. Here is the link.
Additionally, Parks Canada is launching a new reservation system. Even if you have previously used their booking system, you will need to create a new account as of March 3, 2023. If you prefer the National Parks for camping, see their website for the launch dates based on location. You will notice that most of the Banff area campgrounds are open for booking around March 23.
Consequently, like thousands of others, we will be online to book a campsite on Feb. 18. If we’re lucky enough to get one, it will be the first time Holly will get to enjoy the whole camping experience. No doubt she’s in for a treat. Here’s one of our favourite places.
Crimson Lake Provincial Park
We have spent a lot of time camping at Crimson Lake Provincial Park. Although it is a two-hour drive from Calgary, it fits our needs in so many ways. Crimson Lake is located about 14 kilometres west of Rocky Mountain House.
Travel the Cowboy Trail
The drive along Highway #22, the Cowboy Trail, north of Cochrane, through Cremona, Sundre, Caroline and up to Rocky Mountain House is the perfect way to relax and shake off a busy work week. In addition, the scenery is varied and gorgeous and the perfect prelude to a weekend camping in the great outdoors.
Great Campsites
Crimson Lake Campground is great whether you have a trailer, RV, or tent. The campsites are well treed for privacy. They have showers that cost a toonie, flush toilets in one central area, and outhouses in each camping loop. They have a small store where you check in when you arrive. Firewood is available for purchase for the fire pits available at each site. Equally important, if you forget to bring something, Canadian Tire in Rocky Mountain House likely has you covered.
Amerada Trail
One of our favourite activities at Crimson Lake is walking the Amerada Trail. Ideally, we get up and head out on this ten-kilometre trail first thing in the morning. If you get really lucky, you can see dew on the spider webs near the boardwalk or catch an owl swooping between trees.
We pass through sand hills, wetlands, and forests as we walk around the lake.
Holly is going to love this.
It is quiet and lush and so good to be surrounded by nature.
Well-placed benches can be found at a variety of lookout points around the lake.
Trail Tip: The first outhouse is near Pioneer Ranch Camp road, the second one at Cabin Road, and the last in the Crimson Lake day-use area.
Water Sports
The beach at Crimson Lake is a popular spot for families who spend the day playing in the sun and sand. It’s great for boating enthusiasts and those into waterskiing and other water sports. This is a very popular area, however, the lake has leeches, so as much as we like water, we tend to stay away, opting for the quiet campsite instead.
Camping Tip: Plan a menu for the weekend and only bring what you need to.
Back to Nature
We love just about everything about camping. It is a feast for the senses. Being outdoors in the fresh air, listening to the wind rustle the trees, watching chipmunks scuttle around looking for treasure. The smell of a campfire, or the taste of a steak cooked over the open fire. Who doesn’t love roasting marshmallows or stoking the campfire? Above all, there’s nothing like reading a good book while sitting under the shade of lodge pole pines with a coffee or beverage on your side table. Or how about spending an afternoon playing board games on the picnic table? So much fun.
The campfire becomes the main attraction when the dinner dishes are washed up and the day falls to dusk. While settled in a camp chair at the end of the day, the haunting call of a loon echoes through the darkness. For this reason, and all the others, Crimson Lake campground fits the bill for one of the best ways to escape city life and enjoy being immersed in nature.
Camping Tip: If you’ve never camped before, go out with experienced campers to learn tips and tricks.
Happy Camper
In conclusion, we hope you take the opportunity to get out camping this year. By all means, don’t forget to mark your calendar for Feb. 18 to book a provincial site or investigate your options at a National Park campsite. Either way, there are loads of options depending on the things you enjoy. Although camping might seem like a lot of work, it truly is worth the effort.
However, if you’ve never camped before and have any questions, drop us a note below. We’d love to hear from you and offer any information we can. Or, if you’re interested in glamping, see our adventure at a yurt.
Finally, we look forward to taking Holly on her first camping adventure. We know she’s going to love the Amerada Trail not to mention hot dogs!
