Let’s face it…campers just have s’more fun
We’ve had the good fortune of exploring most of this region’s campgrounds, and we’re happy to share what we have learned along the way.
There are a variety of different styles of experiences, whether you prefer backcountry camping or RV resorts, but sadly, none of them are on a swimmable lake. That question gets asked a lot on the “Asking Strathcona County” Facebook page, so we thought we would just clear it up right at the start for you. The lakes were swimmable at one time, but that’s not our current reality. Lots of them are still great for kayaking, canoeing and, of course, our incredible dark skies.
Enjoy Stargazing? You’ve come to the right place
Most of the region is included in (or nearby) the Beaver Hills Dark Sky Preserve, so you are usually in for a treat when you look up at our night skies, especially if you can stay awake past midnight.
Fun fact! The Beaver Hills Dark Sky Preserve was the first in the province, established in 2006. The Royal Astronomical Society of Edmonton throws a Northern Prairie Star Party each September out at Black Nugget Lake Campground (home to the BNL observatory).
Want to learn more about the Dark Sky? Check out Alberta Parks Dark Sky Guide or DarkSky International. Hoping to spot Aurora? The University of Alberta hosts a website called Aurora Watch that can help you pick the best time to increase your likelihood of spotting this incredible display.
Private Campgrounds
Elk Island Retreat (EIR)
W: https://elkislandretreat.com/
Located just 3 km from Elk Island National Park, about 20 minutes from Fort Saskatchewan, EIR has transformed from a few small un-serviced sites to a spot that truly offers something for everyone, including ‘glamping’. A small selection of semi-private RV sites (seasonal or daily); yurts; trapper’s cabins; teepees; and now geodomes! If you love being in nature but can’t stand the thought of sleeping in a tent - this place should be added to your ‘explore’ bucket list.
Amenities include serviced sites, showers, laundry, wi-fi, horseshoes, volleyball and extensive trails. Onsite office offers ice, firewood, bug spray, snacks for sale, along with a small selection of camping gear for rent. Book early to avoid disappointment.
Fort Lions Campground
W: https://www.fortlionscampground.com/
Small 24 site campground located right in Fort Saskatchewan, just down the hill from downtown. Fort Sask has a great farmer’s market on Thursdays that would be within walking or biking distance. Some tenting sites are available. There are washrooms, showers and the campground is located right in the heart of Turner Park, a beautiful river valley park with playground and a great trail system. Fires are not permitted, but propane fire bowls are allowed. Quiet time starts at 9 pm. We’ve never stayed here, but it appears to be clean and well-kept, definitely more of a convenient RV site than wilderness camping.
Half Moon Lake Resort
W: https://halfmoonlakeresort.com/
Located about 15 minutes south-east of Sherwood Park, on the shore of Half Moon Lake, this appears to be a resort-style experience. We tried to get in to have a look around since the renovations from the last ownership group, but it isn’t open to the public to look around, you must be staying there. That was a first for us, but we suppose a little extra security adds some peace of mind for the seasonal campers.
They have 330 RV sites; the place is massive. Mixed reviews on the size of the new sites but appears to be a great spot for families with a tonne of amenities.
Kawtihk RV Resort
This small RV resort has 58 treed and private sites, located about 20 minutes southwest of Sherwood Park, on the shores of Hastings Lake. They are moving to a seasonal ownership model, but there are currently still options for weekend rentals. There are some amenities, a playground, flush toilets, hot showers, and there is a small beach, but Hastings Lake is not ideal for swimming or fishing. It is a popular area for bird watching and canoeing. We had an opportunity to stay there once and enjoyed it - most sites are treed and well-shaded, very quiet.
Parks & Rec Site Campgrounds
Astotin Lake Campground
W: https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/ab/elkisland/activ/camping/astotin
Elk Island is about ½ hour from Sherwood Park or Fort Saskatchewan. 64 unserviced sites, with free firewood, washrooms with hot showers and flush toilets. Group camping, teepee camping and oTentiks are all available. There is a nearby playground, golf course, lots of great trails, a lake (not suitable for swimming) and lots of exploring to do in the park. The lake features beautiful sunsets and is popular for canoeing and kayaking.
Elk Island National Park – Oster Lake Backcountry Camping
W: https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/ab/elkisland/activ/camping/oster
Hike in tenting sites only, a beautiful spot along Oster Lake, a waterfowl sanctuary. Great wildlife viewing opportunities. *Note that water is not available, you will need to bring your own.
Miquelon Provincial Park
W: https://www.albertaparks.ca/parks/
Large campground with options for tents, RVs and groups. Lots of great trails, wildlife viewing and clean showers. The lake is no longer swimmable, it is a bird sanctuary.
Strathcona County Wilderness Centre
Walk-in camping only, for individuals and groups, some sites with bunk houses. The lodge itself is also available for rental with 41 beds in dorm-type accommodation. The area is popular for its interpretive trails, cross country skiing and the recent addition of disc golf.
Not quite here, but some nearby favs...
Black Nugget Lake Campground
W: https://www.beaver.ab.ca/tourism/campgrounds/black-nugget-lake
This one is about 50 minutes from Sherwood Park, in Beaver County. It is the site of an old mine, the lake is definitely not swimmable but beautiful for kayaking, canoeing, bird watching and enjoying an incredible sunset. Fishing right from shore, the website says rainbow and tiger trout are ample and we did see many people fishing.
Sites 1 – 42 are sort of ‘regular campground’ sites, fairly spacious, with power hookups, and many are treed for shade but not really super private. These sites give you the convenience of being near the flush toilets, showers, onsite store, playground and horseshoe pits. Lots of group sites, some with power.
In our opinion, some of the nicer sites were around the lake, a little more private and not powered. Some don’t have a tonne of shade either, so you will want to consider that. There is a golf course directly beside the campground, so golfers will enjoy that convenience. Stargazing is exceptional here, the Royal Astronomical Society of Edmonton even has an observatory here.
Lindbrook Stargazer Campground
W: https://lindbrookstargazer.ca/
Technically not within Strathcona County, this great little hidden gem is in Beaver County, closer to Tofield than Sherwood Park, but it is only 30 minutes out and we love it. It books up super fast so book early, but please don’t be a jerk and book an entire summer worth of sites on speculation only to release them later.
30 sites, 3 group sites, flush toilets, showers and outhouses. Sites are sort of a happy medium between wilderness and ‘resort-style’ camping. Amenities include a pool, volleyball area, playground and sani-dump. The campground is very popular among families, it’s a great spot for kids. If you don’t love kids, we’d recommend you avoid sites 1-4, they are very close to the pool and playground. If you prefer more privacy, we’d recommend looking at sites towards the east side of the campground.