We’ve purchased a camper and we’re making good use of it this summer, however, there are campsites that are more family friendly than others, and there are things that I look for when booking campsites, especially for those quick weekend getaways.
Of course, being close(ish) to Edmonton is ideal because like most families we’re leaving on Friday after work or potentially leaving mid-day but don’t want to spend hours and hours driving.
Showers and flush toilets are also on that list for me (and for many families) as well as being within close proximity to a town preferably with a place to stop for ice cream and ideally some sort of place to swim or play in the water.
7 family friendly places to camp that are close to Edmonton
Long Lake Provincial Park – 1 hour North of Edmonton
A great beach and bike trails are on the top of the list for Long Lake! Bring along some trinkets so you can go Geocaching and switch them with other treasures.
Carson Pegasus Provincial Park – 2 hours West of Edmonton
We discovered this campground last year and fell in love with it quick. There is a small beach as the campsite to check out and it’s also under 30 minutes from the Whitecourt River Slides as well as Hard Luck Canyon which is a fun family friendly hike.
Wabamum Lake Provincial Park – 1 hour West of Edmonton
This is a great lake to camp at with the family and one of our go-to places every summer. The hiking trails are fun and you can also venture out to the town of Wamamun to check out the water spray pad & park, waterfront, and don’t’ forget to stop for ice cream.
Lindbrook Star Gazer Campground – 45 minutes South-east of Edmonton
This year I’ll be camping here at the end of August and I’m pretty excited! The campsite has well treed, private sites and while there is no beach, it does have a heated pool. Other amenities include showers and flush toilets, playground, volleyball sandpit and more.
Miquelon Lake Provincial Park – 45 minutes South-east of Edmonton
The kids love going to this campground in the summer because of their Interpretive Programming especially the theatrical performances. There are many other activities available like Geocaching (you can rent a GPS unit and explore the park to find four caches “hidden” by a Mystery Animal).
Rainbow Valley Campground – Located in Edmonton
This campground is located in Edmonton and is a good option for those that don’t want to travel too far. Yes, it’s camping in the city but it’s surprisingly not as noisy as I thought it would be and bonus – the new Aerial Park is right beside you (and registered campers get a deal)! There are also showers and flush toilets too!
Ol’Macdonald Resort – Under 2 hours South of Edmonton
The ultimate family friendly campground that’s for sure! The beach is awesome, the park is fun, and there are MANY other things to see and do such as play Mini Golf, Hayrides, go to the candy store, see the Farm Animals, go on the Merry Go Round and more.
What are some of the family-friendly campgrounds that you go to that are closer to Edmonton? Join the conversation on Instagram.
Photo credit: Ol’Macdonald’s Resort Facebook Page