This Alberta Camping Destination Is Your Family’s New Favourite Spot
By Britanny Burr on August 2, 2024.
Nestled on the tranquil shores of the Little Deer Deer River, Red Lodge Provincial Park is a perfect destination that promises an unforgettable experience for families who love to camp. Conveniently located just west of Bowden off the QE2 Highway, this park is within easy reach from Edmonton and Calgary, making it an ideal weekend getaway. Even closer for those in Red Deer, the park offers a blend of natural beauty, outdoor activities, and family-friendly amenities.
Red Lodge Provincial Park boasts a well-maintained campground with over 60 sites suitable for tents and RVs. The sites are spacious, with many offering shade under a canopy of mature trees, creating a relaxing, kick-your-heels-up vibe. Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table and a fire pit, perfect for evening marshmallow roasts and family gatherings.
The campground features clean, modern washroom facilities with flush toilets and hot showers, ensuring a comfortable stay for all visitors. There are also several potable water taps and a sewage disposal station for RV users.
A cute playground located within the campground is a hit for the kids, offering them a safe and fun place to burn off energy. Additionally, there are open grassy areas ideal for playing catch, flying kites, or simply lounging around in the sun.
One of the most popular activities at Red Lodge Provincial Park is floating down the Little Red Deer River. The gentle flow of the river makes it perfect for a leisurely float on a hot summer day. Bring your own floaties, tubes or inflatable rafts, and let the current carry you through the scenic surroundings. The calm waters are also ideal for families with young children, providing a safe and enjoyable water experience.
Nearby Attractions
Discovery Wildlife Park
A short drive from the park, Discovery Wildlife Park in Innisfail offers families a fun opportunity to get up close and personal with a variety of animals. The park is home to bears, tigers, lions, and many other species, providing educational and entertaining animal encounters. Daily shows and interactive activities make it a hit.
Red Lodge Ranch
For those interested in a more rustic experience, Red Lodge Ranch offers horseback riding and a taste of ranch life. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or a beginner, the ranch provides guided trail rides that take you through the beautiful countryside, giving you a different perspective of the area. It’s a perfect activity for families looking to add a bit of adventure to their camping trip. You might even want to book one of their rustic cabins for a night or two!
Discovery Canyon
Just a short drive away, near Red Deer, is Discovery Canyon, a natural water park and lazy river channel carved out by the flowing waters of the Red Deer River. Visitors can rent tubes and float down the gentle current, making it a perfect spot for a leisurely day in the sun. The park features a sandy beach and shallow wading pools ideal for young children to splash around safely. Picnic at the surrounding grassy areas, or grab a bite at the snack shack. Discovery Canyon is a great way to spend a warm summer afternoon.
Red Lodge Provincial Park is a perfect spot for families looking for an easy weekend getaway.
The campground’s family-friendly facilities, including the playground and spacious campsites, ensure that both kids and adults have a comfortable and enjoyable stay. The proximity to the river allows for a fun day on the water, while the nearby attractions provide plenty of options for day trips and adventure. There’s still plenty of time to check it out this summer!
Britanny Burr is a freelance writer and a contributor to Great West Media. This story was written for the Great West Media & Southern Alberta Newspapers Hot Summer Guide advertising feature. The Hot Summer Guide is a special feature about summer activities, bucket list adventures, staycation options, road trips, attractions, events, and road trip-worthy food & beverage destinations across Alberta. It is not written by and does not necessarily reflect the views of the editorial staff.
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