In this article, we’ll introduce you to three fantastic campgrounds open year-round: Crimson Lake Campground, Dinosaur Provincial Park in Brooks, Alberta, and Pigeon Lake Campground.
Alberta boasts some of Canada’s most breathtaking scenery and during the fall, it takes on a new level of splendour. The changing leaves create a picturesque backdrop for your outdoor adventures, and the cool, crisp weather is perfect for hiking, fishing, and sitting around a campfire under a star-studded sky. And, even better, the reduced number of campers means you can enjoy a quieter, more serene camping experience. We’ve rounded up three amazing campgrounds that we hope you’ll check out this fall.
Crimson Lake Campground
Nestled in the foothills of the Canadian Rockies, located 14 km west of Rocky Mountain House, and off the David Thompson Highway, is the impressive Crimson Lake Provincial Park. This year-round campground offers a variety of camping options, including both serviced and non-serviced sites, including 33 winterized sites, making it an excellent choice for fall camping in Alberta.
Crimson Lake was named for its striking colours of the setting sun reflected on the surface of its waters, as first seen by the early trappers in the region. The fall season at Crimson Lake is a true spectacle, and the park's numerous trails wind through stunning forests, providing a front-row seat to the changing season. The vivid colours of the foliage create the perfect backdrop for outdoor activities. The lake takes on a serene quality with cool, misty morning risings of the sun, creating the most special of atmospheres.
Crimson Lake is accessible year-round camping, where campers can enjoy the crisp air, take in the beautiful fall scenery and even partake in winter activities like cross-country skiing, ice skating, snowshoeing, fat biking, and ice fishing as the seasons change. The solitude of the campground during the fall and winter months makes Crimson Lake Campground an excellent choice for those seeking a full-season camping experience.
Dinosaur Provincial Park
For those with a passion for paleontology and a desire to step back in time, you need to check out Dinosaur Provincial Park located in southeastern Alberta, northeast of Brooks, Alberta in the Red Deer River valley. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is not only an incredible spot to set up camp, but also a window into Alberta’s distant past. The park is renowned for its rich fossil deposits, which have yielded some of the world’s most significant dinosaur discoveries. In addition to its paleontological roots, the park boasts a stunning badlands landscape, deep coulees, and colourful geological formations.
During the fall, camping at Dinosaur Provincial Park provides many opportunities that the summer has to offer. Cooler fall temperatures make exploring the park’s hiking trails and interpretive programs more comfortable, and the absence of summer crowds allows for a more intimate connection with Alberta’s prehistoric past. As you hike through the park’s terrain, you’ll feel like a modern-day explorer, discovering ancient treasures hidden beneath the earth’s surface.
Beyond the unique geological attractions, Dinosaur Provincial Park offers visitors a chance to witness the splendour of Alberta’s stunning fall season. The park's trees turn brilliant shades of yellow, contrasting with the muted red and brown tones of the badlands.
Dinosaur Provincial Park is open year-round allowing campers to experience the changing seasons and the various moods of this remarkable landscape. Whether you’re camping in the fall or winter, the park’s scenery and rich history ensure the most interesting of adventures.
Pigeon Lake Campground
Situated in the heart of Alberta’s central region, and only an hour’s drive from Edmonton, lies Pigeon Lake Provincial Park. This campground offers year-round camping experiences on the shores of the majestic Pigeon Lake. Fall at Pigeon Lake is simply extraordinary. The park’s deciduous trees create vibrant colours that reflect off the lake’s surface, and the crisp air invigorates all the senses, making it the perfect time for hiking, biking, and wildlife watching.
One of the key benefits of year-round camping at Pigeon Lake is the chance to witness the park’s transformation as the seasons change. From the vibrant colours of fall to the quiet stillness of winter, each season brings its own unique charm to this idyllic campground. The campground provides a range of camping options, from powered and non-powered sites to group camping, and even comfort camping in yurts. Ample amenities make it well-suited for families, as well as solo adventurers.
While summer camping is undeniably popular in Alberta, the allure of fall and year-round camping should not be overlooked. Alberta is a province of stunning landscapes, and during the fall, it dons a richness of colour that calls all outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Crimson Lake Campground, Dinosaur Provincial Park, and Pigeon Lake Campground are just three of the many fantastic options that are open year-round for camping in Alberta.
Whether you’re seeking the serene beauty of a lakeside retreat, the thrill of ancient discoveries, or the enchanting allure of a forested getaway, Alberta has something to offer every camper. Pack your gear and experience the magic of fall in one of Canada’s most breathtaking provinces.
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