Drumheller isn’t well known outside of Western Canada but is locally famous for its incredible dinosaur fossils, archaeological history, famous hoodoos and outrageous badlands scenery. It is one of the most popular summer road trip spots in Alberta and is a particularly great place to visit with kids. There are tonnes of things to do in the area, including outstanding hiking, making Drumheller camping a must on your Canadian summer wish list.
Obviously, camping is a hugely popular summer pastime but each year motorhome travel and “van-life” get more popular as well. Every spring and summer, thousands of people pack up their vans and motorhomes and head out to see Canada by RV, which is why most Drumheller campgrounds also cater to vehicles as well as tenters (some are even exclusively available to vehicles).
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So, whether you are into solo camping in your tiny lightweight tent, plan to stuff the whole family into a roomy mega-tent or about to cross the country in a 1985 Econoline, this very subjective list should help you pick the the best Drumheller camping option for you.
Drumheller Quick Links
The Best Things to Do in Drumheller
The Best Hikes Around Drumheller
Guide to the Drumheller Hoodoos Trail
Reasons to Visit the Royal Tyrrell Museum
Best Drumheller Camping Options
If you are looking for a Drumheller campground that is right in the city so you are walking distance to most places, there are two options.
1. River Grove Campground: Best for Convenience
This full service campground has the best location for walking around town and enjoying all the great activities available right in Drumheller. Located next to the river among a lot of trees (hence the name) it is nice and central, within easy walking distance of the giant dinosaur, spray park, indoor and outdoor swimming pools and even downtown shops and restaurants.
There are also some nice hiking and biking trails nearby. Keep in mind, they take quiet time seriously, which can be a pro or con depending on your camping goals. This is probably the most well known Drumheller RV park so if you are looking for Drumheller RV camping this might be the choice for you.
Sites
140 serviced, shaded RV sites
9 unserviced RV sites
44 tent sites
10 cabins
River Grove Campground Prices
$65 + GST Fully Serviced RV sites (power/water/sewer)
$60 + GST Partially serviced RV sites (no sewer)
$45 + GST Unserviced RV and tent sites
Facilities
There are two washroom facilities (one wheelchair accessible) with hot water and coin-operated showers and dishwashing stations.
Other amenities include basic, limited wifi, a children’s playground, laundromat and general store.
Address and Contact Information
25 Poplar Street
Drumheller, Alberta
Phone: (403) 823-6655
Email: info@camprivergrove.com
Website: https://www.camprivergrove.com/
2. Dinosaur RV Park: Best for Facilities
The second Drumheller camping option located right in town, at the north entrance just after the “Welcome to Drumheller” sign. It has a wide range of serviced RV sites and lots of amenities. Like River Grove, this Drumheller RV park is within (slightly longer) walking distance to the swimming pools, spray park, shops, restaurant and, of course, that giant dinosaur that dominates the Drumheller skyline.
Choose your site carefully as sizes vary, only a few have shade and the spots near the road get a bit of traffic noise. Dinosaur RV Park is a good choice for Drumheller RV camping.
Sites
200 serviced RV sites
Dinosaur RV Park Prices
$60-73 – depends on amp size and season
Facilities
Each site has a picnic table and portable fire pit (firewood available). Along with nice washrooms and showers, there is wifi, coin laundry, a convenience store and ATM. For the kids (and fun-loving adults) there is mini-golf, an arcade and children’s playground. It is wheelchair accessible and pet friendly.
Address and Contact Information
500 N Dinosaur Trail, Drumheller, Alberta, T0J 0Y0
Phone: (403) 823-3291
Email: reservations@dinosaurrvpark.com
Website: https://www.dinosaurrvpark.ca/
3. Hoodoo RV Resort & Campground: Best for Space and Views
Located about a 15-minute drive southeast of town with the beautiful Red Deer River on one side and the famous Hoodoos Trail on the other side, the Hoodoo RV Resort features great scenery and lots of natural space. It is a great Drumheller camping choice.
Because it is out of town, there is plenty of room for large RVs and some nice shaded tenting areas, some of which are even large enough for big groups with huge, comfortable family tents. There is even an off-leash area for pets. It is popular with families and they offer monthly and seasonal rates.
If you are tenting the best sites are near the river and large trees – sites 3, 4, and 5 are good choices. These might be our favourite Drumheller camping sites. If RV-ers are looking for shade the sites in a the back are best for that.
The Sunny Spot restaurant is right next door and there is a corn maze later in the year.
Sites
135 power and water RV sites
70 RV unserviced RV sites
32 tent sites
Hoodoo RV Resort & Campground Prices
$50 Trailer/RV with water and power
$30 Trailer/RV – unserviced
$30 Tent – unserviced
$185 Fully serviced trailer rental
Minimum 3-night stay on long weekends
Facilities
Most sites have picnic tables and can get wifi, in addition to water, washrooms, coin-operated showers and laundry, sewage dumps, firewood and river access. There are actually two children’s playgrounds, a volleyball net, soccer field and even a pair of full-sized ball diamonds.
Address and Contact Information
5075 AB-10, Drumheller, AB T0J 0Y4
Phone: (403) 823-2790
Email: reservations@hoodooresort.com
Website: https://www.hoodooresort.com/
4. Dinosaur Trail KOA: Best if You Want a Pool
Just a few minutes from the Royal Tyrrell Museum, staying here makes it easy to visit this fascinating collection of dinosaur history either early or late when there aren’t as many people around. Of course, if natural beauty is more your thing, Horsethief Canyon is about the same distance in the other direction, with terrific views and as much (or little) hiking as you want. If you plan to do some serious exploring plan to get there early to avoid the heat of the day.
There is a wide variety of sites available, from spacious but open to tighter together but nicely shaded. The road in is a bit rough but they really make an effort to help people enjoy their stay, hosting movie nights and pancake breakfasts and doing their best to enforce quiet time. And, of course, they have a pool. The only Drumheller campground with a pool. So, obviously, if you are looking for Drumheller camping with a pool this is the place for you.
Sites
250 sites
Dinosaur Trail RV Resort Prices (summer)
$60-70 + tax From power only to fully serviced
$50 + tax Tent sites
Facilities
One of the big draws is their heated pool, plus washrooms, showers, a children’s playground, laundromat, horseshoe pitch, playing field, craft room and even a recreation hall.
There is a general store where you can buy firewood, fill propane, rent canoes and rafts, plus a dinosaur fossil hut.
Address and Contact Information
294004 North Dinosaur Trail, Drumheller AB
Phone: (833) 946-2267
Email: operations@summerhillresorts.com
Website: https://koa.com/campgrounds/drumheller/
5. 11 Bridges Campground, RV and Cozy Cabin Park: Best for Seclusion
Also in the tiny village of Rosedale, a 10-minute drive southeast of Drumheller, the 11 Bridges Campground is a small, quiet getaway nestled in among giant cottonwoods.
Close to the famous 11 bridges of the Red Deer River valley, it also features a fascinating set of stairs built out of rocks and trees that leads down to the river. The area is quiet and scenic and management enforces the rules to ensure a peaceful stay.
Some sites have no shade so if that matters to you mention it when booking.
Sites
21 full service sites
6 partial service sites
14 sites with no services
6 camping sites
11 Bridges Campground, RV and Cozy Cabin Park Prices
$60 full service sites
$55 partial service sites
$40 no service and tent sites
Facilities
There is free wifi and a clean, modern washroom with flush toilets and hot, coin-operated showers. In addition, there are fire pits and picnic tables at every site, plus shared dishwashing stations, laundry, a sewage dump and a children’s playground. There is even an ice cream shop just down the street.
Address and Contact Information
332 4th Ave South in Rosedale, Alberta T0J 2V0
Phone: (403) 823-2890
Email: info@11bridgescampground.ca
Website: http://www.11bridgescampground.ca/
6. Bleriot Ferry Campground: Best for Rustic Camping
Another quiet riverside campground set in picturesque trees, the very basic Bleriot Ferry campground is located in a provincial recreation area known for lots of wildlife and with easy access to canoeing, kayaking, fishing and general floating. People rave about the quiet, scenic location and there are many who return every year.
All sites are first come, first served (no reservations) and there is no potable water or firewood available so you’ll have to bring all you need. It is located just along the river from the classic Bleriot cable ferry, 23 kilometres northwest of Drumheller.
Sites
28 unserviced sites
Bleriot Ferry Campground Prices
$25
Facilities
There are picnic areas, fire pits and vault toilets.
Address and Contact Information
23 km northwest of Drumheller on Hwy. 837 at ferry crossing
Phone: 403-742-7516
Email: N/A
Other Drumheller Camping Options
7. Horseshoe Canyon Campground
On the far side of Drumheller along Highway 9 toward Calgary, the Horseshoe Canyon Campground is, unsurprisingly, located very close to the famous Horseshoe Canyon. Weird, I know. This gorgeous canyon is a favourite for the panoramic views and excellent trails. Staying so close gives you a chance to enjoy it without the mid-day crowds, although there is basically no shade in the campground.
Being out of town means clear skies for stargazing and it is also pretty close to the charming little town of Rosebud, where many guests go to enjoy a night out at the Rosebud Theatre.
They have sites large enough for any size of RV, plus offer monthly and seasonal rates. You can even book helicopter tours on-site through Mountain View Helicopters.
They also now offer camping cabins for rent.
Sites
48 fully-serviced sites
6 camping cabins
Horseshoe Canyon Campground Prices
$154 Camping cabins
$63 Full service 50-amp
$58 Full service 30-amp
$53 Power/water
$40 Unserviced tent sites
Facilities
There are washrooms, showers, children’s playgrounds, hiking trails and wifi. Pets are allowed and the general store has drinks, snacks, ice cream and info.
Address and Contact Information
Box 892, Drumheller, AB T0J 0Y0
Phone: (403) 856-8107
Email: info@horseshoecanyon.ca
Website: https://horseshoecanyon.ca/
8. High Eagle RV Park Campground
Located right in the cute little town of Rosebud, the High Eagle RV Park is walking distance to the famous Rosebud Dinner Theatre, an antique shop, nice hiking trails and the Rosebud river. Most sites are tucked away in the trees and some are even riverfront.
They only accept RVs and trailers, no tents, but do offer long-term rates. And if you don’t happen to have your own RV, they have some that they rent out. Unfortunately, they prefer not to allow dogs on site.
Sites
50 30-amp RV sites with water
High Eagle RV Park Prices
$48 and up
$125 RV rental
Facilities
There are clean washrooms with flush toilets, fire pits, a sani-dump and a group area. The managers live on-site and there is a convenience store that sells groceries, ice, firewood and even ice cream.
Address and Contact Information
Highway 840 S, Rosebud, AB T0J 2T0
Phone: (403) 677-2577
Email: Can send a message on their website
Website: http://www.higheaglervpark.com/
9. Wayne Community Campground
About 15 minutes southeast of Drumheller, you have to cross all of the famous 11 bridges of “11 Bridges Road” to get to the pleasant village of Wayne, which is particularly popular with bikers because of the Last Chance Saloon. This classic road trip bar features a great outdoor setting, awesome ambience and occasional live music. The whole place looks like one of the outpost towns you find in the Dakotas or Montana.
There is very little shade or privacy but you can book the whole campground for events like family reunions.
The Last Chance Saloon also has a few campsites near the river but they are also on the entrance to the restaurant and hotel so there will be traffic during the day. The sites are first come first served.
Sites
10
Wayne Community Campground Prices
$20
Facilities
The outhouses are clean (and even have mirrors), and there is drinking water available as well as a children’s playground, camp kitchen, horseshoe pits and an event hall.
Address and Contact Information
16-12 Atlas St, Rosedale, AB T0J 2V0
Phone: 403-823-3964
Email: rymalshelley@gmail.com
Website: https://www.facebook.com/Wayne-Community-Association-255972734843483/
10. Badlands Campground
The interesting thing about this campground is that all profits go to supporting the Badlands Amphitheatre which is a non-profit arts and culture venue. They have Canada’s largest outdoor stage and host the Badlands Passion Play each July, as well as music events, Movies Under the Stars and various other events.
The campground is quiet with lots of large cottonwoods and a nice hiking trail to the town of Nacmine, where you’ll find a small convenience store. This Drumheller camping option is on the other side of the river from most of the top things to see and do but at least is close to the city (and the bridge).
It doesn’t have the bells and whistles of many other campgrounds in the area like playgrounds but there is a basic washroom, showers and adequate electricity. The sites are small and quite close together but there are a few better ones in the trees. If you get to choose, try for site 5.
They only accept bookings of two weeks or longer during some parts of summer.
Sites
45
Badlands Campground Prices
$38.50
Facilities
Some sites have power. There are firepits and showers and potable water in the bathrooms.
Address and Contact Information
Nacmine Ball Diamond Rd, Drumheller, AB T0J 0Y0
Phone: (403) 823-2944
Email: badlandscampground@gmail.com
Website: http://badlandscampground.ca/
Drumheller Camping Map
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Other Camping Options in Western Canada
Mount Kidd RV Park in Kananaskis is one of the best campgrounds in the Rockies and definitely worth a couple nights. Also, if you are planning a road trip and looking for other amazing campgrounds on the way through BC and Saskatchewan we also have lists of great camping options in Cypress Hills Provincial Park, Grasslands National Park, Pemberton, Squamish, Tofino, Port Renfrew, Hornby Island and Porteau Cove.
Outstanding Mountain Hiking Within Driving Distance of Drumheller
Many people visit Drumheller on their way to or from the magnificent Rocky Mountains. If that happens to describe your situation, there is a lot of incredible hiking we can recommend (and describe in detail) in the Canmore and Banff areas.
A good place to start is with our Best Hikes Near Canmore post. In addition, phenomenal Lake O’Hara is tough to access but if you can get a spot on the bus or in the campground you can enjoy some of the best hiking in Canada. Some of our other favourites in the area are Smutwood Peak, Tent Ridge and Big Beehive. For something a little more leisurely, check out the Elbow Lake and Rae Glacier hike or 15 Easy Hikes Near Canmore. If you find yourself in the mountains in September you should definitely look into the Best Larch Hikes Near Canmore.
Our Complete Day Hike Packing List
Of course, not everyone wants to spend their days sweaty and exhausted (your loss), but thankfully there are other options:
You really can’t go wrong, wherever you choose.
Trip Planning Resources
Here is a list of the most important resources we use when planning our travels, all in one convenient spot. Full disclosure, when you use any of these links to reserve or sign up for something, we receive a small commission which is greatly appreciated. However, your price does not change and we have only included products and websites that we can honestly recommend.
- DuckDuckGo is now far and away the best search engine for travel planning. While Google still provides quick answers to a specific questions, the rest of the results are completely overrun by ads and big company sites with only vaguely related info. DuckDuckGo, on the other hand, still offers useful lists of firsthand articles and posts about potential destinations, perfect for planning your next trip.
- We book the majority of our hotels on Booking.com. With frequent stay discounts, thousands of reviews and free cancellation, it is very rare for us to have a bad hotel experience these days.
- Wise is by far the best international multicurrency bank account we’ve found. We can now send and receive money in half a dozen different currencies, convert to dozens more with no exchange premium and pay or withdraw local currencies. Highly recommended.
- When travelling we always get SIM cards with data for our phones. Local SIM cards are sometimes a bit cheaper but if you have a relatively new smartphone (iPhone XR or newer, Samsung S20 or newer) you can just buy an eSIM online, get a QR code by email and you’re good to go. After extensive research we have found that JetPac sim cards usually have the best coverage and prices.
- If you’re interested in local guided tours, including everything from city tours to cooking lessons to adventure activities, check out the huge range of options at Get Your Guide.
Summary
So, there you have it, 10 unique campgrounds to choose from during your visit to Drumheller, Alberta – the badlands capital of Canada. Whether you are looking for a rustic camping experience far from the city or a place in the middle of the action where your kids can spend the day at the pool and you can take endless fake dinosaur selfies, this list should help you choose.
Check out our lists of the best Camping Quotes and Camping Captions.