Suggest a good camping spot near Calgary!

Envitro · #1 08-20-2018, 10:19 AM

So the Mrs. and I are in a bit of a pickle. Our Labour Day plans got punted on us and now we're wondering what the hell to do!

She suggested going camping (we're tenters with a pickup, so no services needed) and I thought about going somewhere in the Waiparous area. I've never camped there but have spent lots of time scouting and on day-hunts.

We're looking for some peace and quiet, hang out and read some books, maybe do some plinking in the bush, and don't necessarily want to be inundated with 4x4 and offroad bike noise, since that's likely to be the scenario in that area.

Anyone have any honest recommendations? Feel free to PM me.

Thanks!

Scott N · #2 08-20-2018, 10:31 AM

I think the Indian Graves area west of High River / Chain Lakes is similar to Waiparous, but maybe not quite as busy with the off roaders. Might be worth checking into for you. Keep in mind that crown land on a long weekend is going to be pretty busy.

lannie · #3 08-20-2018, 10:49 AM

Waterton area might be of interest. plinking etc. could be done surrounding park.
Lots of similar places in the South West....if the smoke ever clears.

Envitro · #4 08-20-2018, 11:07 AM

Thanks!

Yeah, thought about Waterton, it's a maybe.

Also considering the Porcupine Hills area but that's bound to be busy with offroaders too.

bessiedog · #5 08-20-2018, 11:47 AM

Castle random camping.

No ones there.... Tonnes of nice swimming holes.

kevinhits · #6 08-20-2018, 03:41 PM

Cattaract creek west of Longview...Quiet, no services including cell phones

Dubious · #7 08-20-2018, 03:44 PM

anywhere the is a bridge over the red deer river usually has a campground there usually pretty nice and quiet. if you can let your self break from the typical Calgary attitude of all camping must be in the mountains then you can fine some really fantastic spots in the prairies

Okotok · #8 08-20-2018, 09:53 PM

Carsland Wyndham Provincial Park is nice. Lots of space, bush and privacy between most sites. Some rafting, fishing and bird watching too. My wife likes it as she thinks bears don't go there. Ahem. Who am I to change her mind.

heybert · #9 08-20-2018, 09:59 PM

Hogg Park, west of High River

matt1984 · #10 08-20-2018, 10:14 PM

No go on the Waterton/castle area if you want to do some “plinking”. No target shooting of any kind in the newly formed provincial park, including pellet guns, rifles and even bows. Not to mention all the other rules. There’s a reason it’s empty now

landowner · #11 08-20-2018, 11:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lannie

Waterton area might be of interest. plinking etc. could be done surrounding park.
Lots of similar places in the South West....if the smoke ever clears.

Most of Waterton is burnt , roads within the park closed ,campgrounds will be full on long weekend. I wouldn’t bother

JonWalter · #12 08-21-2018, 07:06 AM

If you have a good 4 wheel drive, then Ghost River Wilderness area is pretty sweet. You have to make multiple river crossings, but there' s some sweet spots back there. The front ranges have lots of people on dirt bikes and quads ripping around, but the further back you go the less you see other people.

Jalan · #13 08-21-2018, 09:19 AM

Blue Rock

Envitro · #14 08-21-2018, 11:14 AM

Thanks all for your fantastic feedback!

We ended up booking at Indian Graves and are very much looking forward to it.

I think next spring/summer we're definitely going to try random camping in the Ghost/Waiparious area as per some suggestions here. We have a 4x4 so not worried about river crossings (as long as they're relatively shallow LOL).