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Camping and Hiking at Abraham Lake

Camping and Hiking at Abraham Lake

Word is starting to get out – Abraham Lake camping and hiking adventures are some of the best in the Rocky Mountains. You can camp near this beautiful lake for free and enjoy lovely mountain scenery and wonderful hiking trails without paying the fees associated with entering a national park. Bighorn Backcountry, also known as David Thompson Country, is one of the prettiest places in Canada.

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About Abraham Lake and David Thompson Country

With a surface area of nearly 54 square kilometres, Abraham Lake is Alberta’s largest man-made reservoir. It lies east of Banff and Jasper National Parks in Bighorn Backcountry, also known as David Thompson Country. It is 145 kilometres southwest of Rocky Mountain House and about 60 kilometres southwest of Nordegg. Like other Rocky Mountain lakes, it has a beautiful blue color. The lake was created in 1972 when the Bighorn Dam was built. Highway 11, also known as the David Thompson Highway, runs through this area. Several free camping areas are located along the edge of Abraham Lake and there are other campgrounds nearby. There are also lovely trails for hiking throughout this region and plenty of other opportunities for recreation. Surrounded by mountains and filled with wildlife, this area is absolutely beautiful. Alberta’s Bighorn Backcountry is an area of public lands that includes more than 5,000 square kilometres (1.2 million acres) of land.

An image of a black bear crossing the highway near Abraham Lake in Alberta, Canada.
Wildlife is abundant near Abraham Lake. Pack bear spray and be bear aware. Do not leave food in your tent. Photo by Greg Olsen.

Related: Read our post Allstones Lake – Adventure in Bighorn Backcountry to learn more about another hiking and camping area close to Abraham Lake.

Who was David Thompson and Why is this Region Named for Him?

David Thompson has been called the greatest land geographer who ever lived. He was a British-Canadian fur trader, surveyor and mapmaker who was employed by the Hudson’s Bay Company beginning in 1784 and the North West Company starting in 1797. Over the course of his career, he traveled 90,000 kilometres across North America and mapped 4.9 million square kilometres along the way – including the region that surrounds Abraham Lake. David Thompson mapped much of Alberta and many places, structures and organizations in the province bear his name.

An image of a bighorn sheep.
Seeing bighorn sheep is almost guaranteed when you visit Abraham Lake. We see them every time we visit. Photo by Greg Olsen.

Alberta Public Lands Camping Pass – Crown Land Camping – New for 2021

As of June 1, 2021, a Public Lands Camping Pass is required to random camp on public land along the Eastern Slopes of the Rocky Mountains from Grande Prairie to Waterton Lakes National Park. This includes the area around Abraham Lake. The fee is $20 for a 3-day pass or $30 for an annual pass. It applies to campers over the age of 18. There are some exemptions for Indigenous people, low income individuals and others. The Alberta government says the funds raised from the pass will be reinvested in the region to improve recreation experiences and help conserve these beautiful landscapes. Visit the Public Lands Camping Pass website for more details.

Random Camping at Abraham Lake

There are several camping areas along the edge of Abraham Lake where you can camp without a permit or the associated fees. Some of these areas have pit toilets, but there are no other facilities. There is also no cell signal or Wi-Fi in this area. One popular camping area can be found at the well-signed Preacher’s Point staging area. You’ll have almost no amenities when you’re random camping, but you’ll also get the opportunity to camp in a beautiful place for free. Preacher’s Point is easy to access and the access road is reasonably good. You’ll also find several other primitive camping spots along Abraham Lake. The dirt roads leading into these sites can be a little rough and pitted. Travel very slowly.

An image of a campsite overlooking Abraham Lake  in Bighorn Backcountry in Alberta, Canada.
There are some beautiful campsites overlooking Abraham Lake where you can enjoy random camping at no charge. Photo by Greg Olsen.
An image of a trailer camping near Abraham Lake in Alberta, Canada.
It can get very windy beside the lake, so it’s a good idea to choose a spot with some shelter. Photo by Greg Olsen.
An image of the gravel road leading to a camping area beside Abraham Lake in Alberta, Canada.
The gravel or dirt roads leading to some of the camping spots beside the lake are quite rough. Go slowly. Photo by Greg Olsen.

Tips for Random Camping at Abraham Lake

It should be noted that during the COVID pandemic, bathrooms are not being maintained and could even be closed. It’s a good idea to bring your own portable toilet. Bring your own toilet paper and hand sanitizer if you plan to use the public bathrooms. You should also bring your own drinking water. This camping area is incredibly popular in the summer months and you’ll want to arrive early to get one of the best spots. It can be windy in some sites right beside Abraham Lake. Look for a spot that provides a little shelter. You should familiarize yourself with the government regulations and information about random camping in Alberta before you go.

An image of the toilets beside Abraham Lake in Alberta, Canada.
The pit toilets beside the lake said they were closed, but they were unlocked and people were using them during the pandemic. If you choose to use them, make sure you bring your own toilet paper and hand sanitizer. Photo by Greg Olsen.

What is a Non-Serviced Recreation Site?

The camping areas surrounding Abraham Lake are classified as non-serviced recreation sites. This means there is no one hired to come in and pick up garbage and toilets are not maintained very often. Make sure you pack out everything you bring in and leave no trace of your visit behind. We try to carry out our own garbage as well as any additional garbage we find. People who leave garbage behind create a hazard for the environment and for wildlife. Abuse of these areas could lead to the end of free camping and recreation for everyone.

An image of a random camping sign near Abraham Lake in Alberta, Canada.
There are regulations for random camping in Alberta. Here are a few of them. Photo by Greg Olsen.

Nearby Campgrounds and Accommodations

There are a number of other campgrounds in this area that are regularly maintained and offer more amenities. Alberta Parks operates the Kootenay Plains Provincial Recreation Area, which is located one kilometre north of the Siffleur Falls staging area. Two O’Clock Creek campground has 20 unserviced campsites and six walk-in tent sites. There is a Cavalcade Group Camp for group camping. There are pit toilets, a water pump (you should boil the water before drinking it), a picnic table at each site, firewood and some sites also have access to picnic shelters. David Thompson Resort also has a campground with coin operated showers, flush toilets, an onsite restaurant, laundry, Wi-Fi and more. They also rent RV units and there is an onsite hotel. You could also check out Aurum Lodge or HI Nordegg Hostel if you prefer to sleep in a bed.

An image of a camp site at Two O'Clock Creek in Kootenay Plains ecological reserve near Abraham Lake in Alberta, Canada.
If you’d like a traditional campsite with a fire pit, a picnic table, firewood and maintained toilet facilities, check out the Two O’Clock Creek campground in the Kootenay Plains area not far from the lake. Photo by Greg Olsen.

Need a Little Comfort with Your Camping? Read our post about How to go Glamping in Alberta.

Kootenay Plains Ecological Reserve is a Sacred Place

Alberta Parks campgrounds and facilities are located in the Kootenay Plains Ecological Reserve. This area near Abraham Lake has been an important hunting and trading area for Indigenous people for thousands of years. Archaeologists have found the remains of camps that date back 5,000 years in this area. You may see sun dance ceremonial sites and sweat lodges as you hike near the Kooteney Plains and in other areas in Bighorn Backcountry. These religious sites should be respected and allowed to return to nature.

An image of some campsites at the far end of Abraham Lake in Alberta, Canada.
Abraham Lake is about 32 kilometres long and there are beautiful camping spots all along it. Some are easier to get to than others. Photo by Greg Olsen.

Best Hikes Near Abraham Lake

There are so many good hiking trails in Bighorn Backcountry! Some of my family’s favorite hikes include Siffleur Falls, Allstones Lake, Allstones Creek, Crescent Falls, and Landslide Lake Interpretive Fire Trail. Other popular trails include Landslide Lake Trail, Kinglet Lake (Tuff Puff), BATUS Canyon and Glacier Trail. BATUS Canyon is also popular with rock climbers. Check out the links above to find more details about some of these hikes. In our experience, Alberta Parks staff at the Two O’Clock Creek campground and the group camping area are a wonderful resource for information on local trails. There are also several books on the topic – including the one below.

Abraham Lake Hiking Tips

Some of the trails near Abraham Lake are challenging and hiking poles can be helpful. Take plenty of water. Be prepared for all kinds of weather – especially if you’re hiking to a high elevation. Good hiking boots can also make a huge difference when it comes to your comfort level.

An image of a couple overlooking the top of Siffleur Falls in Alberta, Canada.
Siffleur Falls is one of the most popular places to go hiking at Abraham Lake. Photo by Greg Olsen.
An image of two men near a waterfall on the Allstones Creek hike in Bighorn Backcountry, Alberta, Canada.
Allstones Creek is a nice easy day hike that is particularly fun on a hot summer day. The creek flows into Abraham Lake and you hike up the creek bed to the falls. Photo by Greg Olsen.

More Great Hiking Trails in David Thompson Country: Read our post, Crescent Falls Hike – Family Fun in Summer and Winter.

21 Comments

Stop advertising hidden gems. Tourists are ruining nature for the love of selfies.

Thanks for your comment, Shane. Abraham Lake is a very special place and more people are discovering it every year. I don’t believe it’s hidden anymore. Regardless, my hope in writing about it is to inform readers so they can take steps to visit responsibly. To that end, I included a lot of information about area campgrounds and random camping. If people are going to do it, they should know the rules and understand why it’s important to protect this beautiful region.

We like to camp at Preacher’s point at the end of our season. Truly a majesty area. WE have a campground at Nordegg . STARTING on June 01, there will be a $30.00 annual fee to random camp in Clearwater .

Thanks for sharing that information. I included a note about the proposed public lands camping fee in the post. If Bill 64 passes (and I assume it will), I’ll do further edits to make it clear what fees need to be paid. It’s good for readers to realize there are other camping options in the area.

Thanks so much for this information, we are newly retired and starting to “watch the pennies”. I understand why Crown Land campers don’t wish for the word to get out on their fav spots, hopefully the majority of visitors are responsible – we will be! Appreciate the information and knowing what to expect before we arrive.

Thanks for the comment, Dawn. I am glad you found the information helpful. I just wanted to give you a heads up that the Alberta government has proposed a “Public Lands Camping Pass” for this region of Alberta. If Bill 64 passes, there will be a $30 per person annual fee for Crown land camping in the east side of the Rockies. There won’t be a charge for other spots in Alberta – yet. I agree with you about the majority of visitors being responsible. There’s also a Facebook group called “Crown Land Camping Alberta” that might be worth following. People often offer camping tips and share their favourite spots. -Debbie

Is camping along Abraham Lake in the area that bill-64 will encompass. Ie. is there now a $30 fee for yearly camping there?

Thanks so much for your comment, Leanne. Yes, you’re right. There is now a $30 annual fee for random camping on the east slopes of the Rockies. That includes Abraham Lake. The fee went into effect on June 1, 2021. Thanks o much for the reminder. I will update the post to include the latest info. -Debbie

Hi Debbie, it is possible to know where to pay or buy the 30$ annual fee please?

Many thanks

Sandra

Hi Sandra, I forgot to mention that if you don’t want to buy the public land camping pass online, you can also purchase it wherever hunting and fishing licenses are sold. Thanks, Debbie

Hi Debbie,
Was there a pit toilet at Preacher’s point or is the picture from another location?

Thank you!
Geoff

Hi Geoff, Sorry for the delay getting back to you. We were camping this past weekend. The picture is from one of the crown land camping areas beside Abraham Lake, but it wasn’t taken at Preacher’s Point. I think Preacher’s Point has a pit toilet too though. I hope that helps. -Debbie

Can we get in there with a motor home in early April, or is that too early in the year?

Hi Becky, I think it depends on the year and how much rain there is. It might be okay, but it could be a problem. The Alberta Parks campground (Two O’clock Creek Campground), doesn’t open until May 4. The roads into the crown land camping sites along Abraham Lake are gravel and they are not as well maintained as they could be. They can be a bit challenging if it gets very wet – some spots more than others. I hope that’s not too vague of an answer for you. Thanks, Debbie

Hi Cynthia, Thanks for the question. It’s $30 per person (over age 18) for an annual pass. There’s also a $3.25 system-processing fee plus GST per transaction. And a one-time Wildlife Identification Number (WIN) purchase is required to access the system ($8, but with a $2 discount if purchased online). Hope that helps. All the best, Debbie

In regards to the Crown Land Camping fee, I have been informed and confirmed by email from Alberta Parks if you are a senior on low income you are exempt from the fee. You may however need to prove that exemption. This means if you receive an income supplement like the Alberta Seniors benefit. This wasn’t clear on the website so I sent them an email. Their answer quote “Thank you for your email. We do apologize for any confusion. Please note you do not require a pass because you are exempted. You can always show your Alberta Health ID card or carry your Health benefits card.

Hi Wanderwoman! We would like to camp near and around Abraham Lake in mid July. We have a truck and 26′ RV Trailer. We are self contained. Do people camp with Trailers? Are there places to park a trailer? We have PLU permits (2 seniors) ??

Hi John! There are sites that can accommodate trailers, but there are no plugins or services for the trailers in the public land use area. The best sites for trailers can fill up quickly. If you get there and have trouble getting a space in the random camping area, you could head to Two O’Clock Creek, the Alberta Parks Campground. There are fully serviced sites there. We’d love it if you’d let us know how it goes in a comment back on the website, please. We’d really love to hear about your experience and it will provide more information for other readers who want to do the same thing. Thanks so much. We hope you have a wonderful time camping there. It’s one of our favourite places.Make sure you have bear spray and are bear conscious in your camping. We saw two bears in that area a couple of weeks ago. -Debbie

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