Hinton and the Alberta Northern Rockies Camping and Campgrounds

Camping is a great way to immerse yourself in nature and enjoy beautiful scenery. There’s nothing like spending a night under the stars away from the city lights and appreciating the simplicity of tenting and cooking over a fire.

Hinton and the Alberta Northern Rockies have many options for camping whether you are looking for somewhere close with lots of amenities to take the whole family, to somewhere right off the grid for an authentic backwoods experience. For the comforts of home on wheels, there are also many full-service campgrounds to park and plug in your RV.

The Foothills Recreation Management Association (FRMA) is a group of companies and organizations committed to providing safe and affordable outdoor recreation opportunities in Alberta’s foothills area. Through the FRMA, the partners in the association provide quality camping near the communities of Hinton, Edson, Robb, Cadomin, and Brule. The FRMA campsites all have free firewood and nightly rates ranging from $11 to $23.

The Foothills Recreation Management Association’s campgrounds are maintained by Fox Creek Development Corporation. The corporation is an Indigenous owned and operated not-for-profit company committed to creating and maintaining jobs for Indigenous peoples in the Hinton area. Reservations for campgrounds can be made by calling Fox Creek Development (780-865-2154) during office hours (8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) Monday through Friday.

FRMA Campgrounds

Big Berland Campground | 70 km northwest of Hinton

Big Berland Campground is located in Big Berland Provincial Recreation Area, 70 km northwest of Hinton and 70 km south of Grande Cache on Hwy. 40. The campground is in a mature spruce forest and situated along the Berland River with a few sites backing onto the river. There is nearby access to an equestrian staging area into the Willmore Wilderness Park, and anglers can enjoy fishing in the Berland River.

Brazeau River Campground | 122 km southeast of Hinton

Brazeau River Campground, in the Brazeau River Provincial Recreation Area, is 122 km southeast of Hinton on Forestry Trunk Road (Hwy. 734). This small, treed campground along the Brazeau River has 7 sites, a cook shelter and provides opportunities for activities in the surrounding area. These include canoeing/kayaking, fishing, horse riding trails, and OHV trails (outside the recreation area). 

Brown Creek Campground | 128 km southeast of Hinton

Brown Creek Campground, in the Brown Creek Provincial Recreation Area, is 128 km southeast of Hinton on Forestry Trunk Road (Hwy. 734). This small, treed campground has 7 sites and provides opportunities for activities in the surrounding area: fishing, mountain biking, OHV trails (outside the recreation area), wildlife viewing and backcountry skiing.

Elk River Campground | 132 km southeast of Hinton

Elk River Campground is found in Elk River Provincial Recreation Area, 132 km southeast of Hinton. A small campground with large, well spaced sites nestled in a mixed forest. Some sites have a view of the river. There is nearby access to OHV and horse trails, though they are not permitted inside the recreation area.  

Emerson Lakes Campground | 56 km northeast of Hinton

Emerson Lakes Campground is found in Sundance Provincial Park, 56 km northeast of Hinton on Emerson Creek Road. The park is off the beaten path, but once you find it, you’ll be rewarded with a chain of 5 small lakes and about 7 km of trails to explore. You can fish, canoe, or take an electric powered boat on the lakes and view the hoodoos on the Wild Sculpture Trail. 

Fairfax Lake Campground | 95 km southeast of Hinton

This campground is located in Fairfax Lake Provincial Recreation Area, 95 km southeast of Hinton on Hwy. 40. It has 27 spacious and private sites near the shores of Fairfax Lake. It is ideal for fishing and canoeing on the lake, and hiking trails are available in the surrounding area.  It has reserveable and first come first serve sites.

Gregg Cabin Recreation Area | 32 km southeast of Hinton

The Gregg Cabin Recreation Area is a well-used recreational area with 11 campsites located beside the historic Gregg Cabin in the southern portion of Hinton Wood Products’ Forest Management Area (FMA) – ATV use is permitted in and around the campground. Also located at the Gregg Cabin Recreation Area is the new Gregg picnic shelter (including a wood burning stove), cedar toilets, bear-proof garbage cans, numerous signs, a wood bin, and three kiosks with interpretive media. The site is also a starting point for the Pine Management Interpretive Trail, and a starting or finishing point for the Bighorn Trail.

Kinky Lake Campground | 25 km southwest of Hinton

Kinky Lake Campground is found in Wildhorse Lake Provincial Recreation Area, about 25 km southwest of Hinton off Hwy. 16. Here there are open  sites suitable for both RVs and tents, with close lake access. Enjoy the scenic mountain views while fishing for trout (non-motorized or electric-powered boats only), hiking or mountain biking the trails. 

Lovett River Campground | 90 km southeast of Hinton

Lovett River Campground is found in Lovett River Provinical Recreation Area, 90 km southeast of Hinton on Hwy. 40. A nice little campground with well-spaced sites surrounded by trees. Fish for trout or whitefish, hike on trails in the area or go canoeing on the river.

McLeod River (North) Campground | 27 km southeast of Hinton

The McLeod River (North) Campground is a relatively large campground located in a pleasant forested setting adjacent to the McLeod River. Fishing for rainbow trout, eastern brook trout, whitefish and bull trout in McLeod River is the main recreational activity. There are also hiking and mountain bike opportunities in the area. This campground can also be used as a pick-up or take-out point for canoeing trips down the McLeod River.

McLeod River (South) Campground | 27 km southeast of Hinton

The McLeod River (South) Campground is a beautiful 29 site campground located adjacent to the confluence of the Gregg and McLeod Rivers. This campground was newly constructed in 2010 through a partnership between Hinton Wood Products and Alberta Tourism, Parks, and Recreation.

McLeod River Group Campground | 27 km southeast of Hinton

The McLeod Group Campground is a specially designed and designated campground for large groups of people wanting to camp together. The campsite is available by reservation only for one group at a time. Family reunions, large gatherings of friends and specialty groups are examples of people who may want to use this site.

Obed Lake Campground | 35 km east of Hinton

A small campground found in Obed Lake Provincial Park, 35 km east of Hinton off Hwy. 16. This is a small access point to a large lake along the Yellowhead Highway. Sites are suited to both RVs and tents. A great spot to launch a canoe or power boat to fish or explore the expansive lake.

Pembina Forks Campground | 99 km southeast of Hinton

 A medium-sized campground in Pembina Forks Provincial Recreation Area, 99 km southeast of Hinton on Hwy. 40. Large, well-spaced sites are nestled among spruce trees near the Pembina River. 

Petite Lake Campground | 40 km north of Hinton

The Petite Lake Campground is a small campground located adjacent to Petite Lake and contains 18 campsites. It is typically used by people fishing or canoeing in Petite Lake, people interested in using quads, and as a base camp for hunters. Petite Lake contains rainbow trout to 1 pound and is regularly stocked.

Rock Lake Campground | 82 km northwest of Hinton

This large campground is found in Rock Lake Provincial Park. It is 7 km west on Hinton on Hwy. 16, 40 km northwest on Hwy. 40 and 35 km west on a gravel access road. Here there are a variety of well-spaced sites with trees for privacy. Enjoy awe-inspiring views of Alberta’s Northern Rockies while fishing, boating, mountain biking or hiking. Staging areas for the Wildland and Willmore Wilderness Park are accessible here, including hitching rails and corrals for equestrian users.

Watson Creek Campground | 60 km southeast of Hinton

Watson Creek Campground is found in Watson Creek Provincial Recreation Area, 38 km southwest of Robb on a gravel road. This scenic, remote campground has over 35 well-treed sites, with a few next to the McLeod River. A quiet place to fish for trout in Watson Creek.

Whitehorse Creek Campground | 63 km south of Hinton

Whitehorse Creek Campground is found in Whitehorse Creek Provincial Recreation Area, about 6 km southwest of Cadomin on a gravel access road. It is a staging area for the Whitehorse Wildland Provincial Park. The campground is situated along scenic Whitehorse Creek, near the confluence of the Whitehorse Creek and McLeod River. There are corrals, hitching rails and a loading ramp available for equestrian users, reservations are recommended.

Wildhay Group Campsite | 50 km northwest of Hinton

The Wildhay Group campsite is located adjacent to the north side the Wildhay River. The campground is available for groups only – there is a locked gate across the road into the Wildhay Group. The key is given to the group using the campground. Fishing in the Wildhay River for grayling, whitefish, and rainbow trout, is one of the main recreational activities that campers using this campground partake in.

Wildhorse Lake Campground | 25 km southwest of Hinton

This scenic campground is found in Wildhorse Lake Provincial Recreation Area, about 25 km southwest of Hinton off Hwy. 16. Enjoy fishing this small mountain lake in a non-motorized or electric powered boat. There are 19 drive up sites and 3 walk in tenting sites.

Other Campgrounds in the Region

Cache Lake Campground | 22 km northwest of Hinton

Cache Lake is a quiet little campground is in William A. Switzer Provincial Park, 3 km west of Hinton on Hwy. 16, 19 km north on Hwy. 40, and a few km east on a gravel access road. Well spaced sites are suitable for tents and RVs and are surrounded by mature trees. Jarvis Creek, a stocked trout pond, Graveyard Lake and Cache Lake are nearby, offering good opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, swimming and fishing. Activities and amenities in the park include a Visitor Centre, beaches, boat launches, trails, interpretive programs, sani dump and showers within short driving distance.

Cougar Creek Cabins & Campground | 11 km east of Hinton

Located 11km east of Hinton (less than 10 minutes away) Cougar Creek Cabins and Campground have a variety of camping options for the whole family. 30 amp power and water sites (water available in summer only), or NON Serviced Sites, or FULL service sites (30 amp power, water & sewer – limited quantity). Most RV / camper sites are gravel based, with some wild grass area. Tent sites are non serviced with no power or water at site – power is available in the cook house, and there are water stands located throughout the camp ground. Each site has a picnic table, fire pit with grill, and a wood chopping block. Many sites have ropes tied through trees, for setting up shelter if needed. Some sites have pole shelters with tarps. Many tent sites are located along the creek.

Gateway RV Park | In Hinton

At Gateway RV Park you can park your RV right in the Town of Hinton. 30 sites available and a location close to restaurants and shopping. Address 685 Gregg Ave, Hinton, AB T7V 1X6. Phone: 780-865-1873

Graveyard/Halfway Campground | 22 km northwest of Hinton

Halfway and Graveyard Lake campgrounds are found in William A. Switzer Provincial Park, 3 km west of Hinton on Hwy. 16, 19 km north on Hwy. 40, and a few km southeast on a gravel access road. These two small camping areas include open sites suitable for RVs and tents. Many sites back directly on to Jarvis Creek. Graveyard Lake and Cache Lake are both within short walking distance on interpretive trails, and provide a peaceful setting for paddling or fishing. A stocked trout pond is nearby as well. There are many activities and amenities in the park, including a beach, boat launches, trails, interpretive programs, and showers within short driving distance.

Gregg Lake Campground | 22 km northwest of Hinton

Gregg Lake Campground is a large campground is found in William A. Switzer Provincial Park,  3 km west of Hinton on Hwy. 16 and 19 km north on Hwy. 40. Sites are suitable for both RVs and tents, including unserviced, powered, power/water, and pull-through options. Most sites are surrounded by mature trees for privacy, with one loop located right next to Gregg Lake. There are playgrounds, a boat launch, dock and swimming area. This campground also has showers, interpretive programs, hiking and biking trails, and a small campground store. Within the park there is a Visitor Centre, beaches, power boating opportunities, and additional trails in close driving distance.

Hinton Centre Campground | In Hinton

Authentic camping right within the valley district of Hinton. The Hinton municipal campground has 39 sites with cook shacks. Pets welcome, reservations accepted, sani-station next to campground, free fire wood, fire pit at each site, showers – free, flush toilets, wheelchair access, bike trails, horseshoe pit(s), playgrounds. Generators allowed. Phone: 780-865-0876.

Hinton/Jasper KOA Campground | 9 km west of Hinton

At Hinton/Jasper KOA Campground you can watch the sun sink behind the awesome Canadian Rockies at this KOA’s quiet, peaceful setting. Three creeks border the beautiful clean-air campground in an open, treeless meadow at the foot of the mountains. It’s a perfect base for trips to area parks. The entrance to Jasper National Park is 15 minutes away.

Jarvis Lake Campground | 22 km northwest of Hinton

Jarvis Lake Campground is located in William A. Switzer Provincial Park, 3 km west of Hinton on Hwy. 16, 19 km north on Hwy. 40, and a couple of km west on a paved access road. There are about 25 sites next to Jarvis Lake which are suitable for RVs and tents. A playground, trails, pier and hand launch area for boats are located here. A beach, boat launch and dock are located at the nearby day use area.  Activities and amenities in the park include a Visitor Centre, beaches, boat launches, trails, interpretive programs, sani dump and showers within short driving distance.  

Jasper Gates RV & Resort | 21 km west of Hinton

Jasper Gates has 100 RV & Campsite stalls including 40 fully serviced pull-through sites. Large treed sites with security lighting throughout the property. Fully renovated public washrooms with free showers.

Pierre Grey’s Campground | 111 km northwest of Hinton

Four campground loops are found in Pierre Grey’s Lakes Provincial Park.  This beautiful park has a series of small lakes, each with lakeside camping. Sites are suitable for tents and RVs, with both unserviced and power options. Take in the scenery while you hike, birdwatch, mountain bike on the 48 km of trails, or go boating or fishing on the collection of peaceful lakes.