Want to camp local? Missed out on a campsite at a National or Provincial Park? Look no further - camping season begins Friday in the County of Grande Prairie.

“Whether you enjoy parking your trailer for a few days, pitching a tent, picnicking, canoeing, or hiking, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors at our many parks and campground facilities,” says Christine Rawlins, Parks and Recreation Manager. “We appreciate that people are excited to get outdoors and relax after a long pandemic winter indoors.”   

The County has continued to upgrade campground facilities to improve the guest experience. Visitors can look forward to new information kiosks and site maps at all campgrounds. Pipestone Creek has 25 new powered sites in Loop A and an additional 18 are planned for Loop D by June 25. That means a total of 78 powered sites will be available at this location. The park will also see old trails rejuvenated and the opening of a 7 km nature trail later in the year.   

Campground users at all County locations are asked to follow the following COVID-19 related restrictions:  

  • Group camping at all County campgrounds is not available for the remainder of May. This will be reviewed for June if provincial outdoor gathering restrictions are relaxed.  
  • The shower house at Pipestone Creek will not be open May 14 to 31. This will be reviewed for June if provincial indoor gathering restrictions are relaxed.  
  • Cookhouses and gazebos will not be available for rental bookings in May. This will be revisited in June if provincial outdoor gathering restrictions are eased.  
  • Outhouses will be open at all County campgrounds.  
  • Enhanced cleaning measures are in place.  
  • Campground and park visitor are reminded to practice good personal hygiene and remain responsible for their own personal wellbeing.   
  • Visiting other households at their campsite is not encouraged under the current health restrictions.  

Online reservations can be made for overnight camping at Pipestone Creek and phone-in reservations are available at Bear Lake, Hommy and Kleskun Hills campgrounds, with drop ins only at Demmitt. Bear Lake is reporting normal water levels at the day-use beach making it a great local destination for water sport enthusiasts who enjoy kayaking, stand up paddle boarding and kiteboarding.   

“These are all fantastic facilities to experience a getaway close to home,” says Rawlins. “County campgrounds are some of the few facilities that still include firewood in the camping fee, making them excellent value for money”   

For complete information on County campgrounds, parks and playgrounds, including a full list of facilities, visit www.countygp.ab.ca/campgrounds or call the Parks and Recreation department at 780-532-9727. 

Information provided by the County of Grande Prairie.