Elkwater Campground
The spot
About this campsite
Elkwater Campground serves as the primary accommodation hub on the Alberta side of Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park, sitting elevated significantly above the surrounding prairie.
Surrounded by lodgepole pine forests and spruce stands, campers enjoy cooler summer temperatures, access to Elkwater Lake for boating and paddleboarding, and extensive mountain biking and hiking trails.
As part of a designated Dark Sky Preserve, night skies at Elkwater are exceptionally clear, making it a favorite for astronomy lovers and overlanders.
What makes it worth the drive
- Dark Sky Preserve
- High-elevation lodgepole pine forest
- Elkwater Lake beach & marina
- Mountain biking trails
- Full hookup sites
Amenities & ground rules
Community reviews
Aug 2025
A true oasis in southeast Alberta. Tall pine trees, cool mountain-like air, and unbelievable stargazing at night.
Getting there
Location
Approximate coordinates. Download offline maps before you lose signal — cell coverage around Elkwater Campground is unreliable.
Loading map…
Keep exploring
Nearby campsites
Tunnel Mountain Village I Campground
Banff National Park, Alberta
The ultimate basecamp right next to the Banff townsite. Massive, heavily treed, and perfect for staging your Rockies adventure.
Two Jack Main Campground
Banff National Park, Alberta
A serene forest setting near Two Jack Lake offering a quiet alternative to Tunnel Mountain while remaining close to Banff.
Johnston Canyon Campground
Banff National Park, Alberta
Ideally positioned right across from the famous Johnston Canyon trail, perfect for beating the crowds to the lower and upper waterfalls.