Dinosaur Provincial Park Camping

Camping at Dinosaur Provincial Park offers a rare and unforgettable experience. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is located in southern Alberta, about 48 km northeast of the town of Brooks, and is one of the richest dinosaur fossil beds in the world. Set in the dramatic landscape of the Canadian Badlands, the park combines outdoor adventure, educational experiences, and unique camping options, making it one of Alberta’s top destinations for nature lovers, families, and RV travelers alike.

Campground Overview

Dinosaur Provincial Park is home to one main campground—Dinosaur Campground—situated in a scenic valley along the Red Deer River. The campground features over 120 well-maintained sites suitable for tents and RVs. Options include unserviced, powered, and pull-through sites. Amenities at the campground include flush toilets, hot showers, a laundry facility, a playground, picnic tables, fire pits, and a hand launch for watercraft. Some campsites are shaded by cottonwood trees and back onto Little Sandhill Creek, offering a peaceful atmosphere. A dump station is available for RVs, and although firewood and some concessions are sold at the park store, it’s best to bring your own supplies due to limited availability.

For those looking for more comfort, the park offers seven Comfort Camping tents. These canvas wall tents are equipped with a queen bed, futon, table, chairs, mini-fridge, electrical outlets, lamps, a propane BBQ, picnic table, and a private deck. Available from late May to late September, these units allow visitors to enjoy nature with added convenience and comfort.

Reservations are strongly recommended, particularly during the peak season from May through October. Campsites can be booked up to 90 days in advance, while Comfort Camping units can be reserved up to 180 days ahead. Outside of peak season, the campground remains open but with limited services—no running water, flush toilets, or firewood sales.

Visitor Centre and Attractions

A highlight of any stay at Dinosaur Provincial Park is a visit to the park’s Visitor Centre. Open year-round (with seasonal hours), the centre features interpretive exhibits on the region’s paleontology, geology, and ecology. Visitors can explore a fossil prep lab, watch informative films in the theater, and shop for souvenirs in the gift store. Just a short walk away, you’ll find John Ware’s Cabin, a restored early 20th-century structure that tells the story of one of Alberta’s pioneering Black ranchers.

Recreation and Activities

Dinosaur Provincial Park offers plenty of ways to explore its remarkable landscape. Five self-guided interpretive hiking trails range from 0.3 to 1.5 kilometers and traverse the park’s three unique ecosystems: prairie grasslands, badlands, and riverside cottonwoods. While the hikes are relatively short, they provide excellent opportunities to learn about the area’s natural history and view its striking geological formations.

For those interested in the park’s fossil heritage, guided interpretive programs are offered from May through October. These range from one-hour sessions to multi-day adventures and include activities such as fossil safaris, cast-making workshops, guided excavations, and hikes into otherwise restricted areas of the park. One popular option is the Centrosaurus Quarry Hike, a 3 km walk that ends at a real fossil dig site.

The Red Deer River, which runs through the park, offers canoeing and fishing opportunities. Though there are no rentals available onsite, visitors are welcome to bring their own kayaks or canoes. Fishing is permitted along the riverbank or from watercraft, with species such as goldeye, walleye, sauger, and northern pike commonly caught. Alberta Sportfishing Regulations apply.

In July and August, amphitheater shows at the Dinosaur Service Centre add another dimension to the park experience, offering evening programs for visitors of all ages.

Getting There and Practical Info

The park is accessed via Highway 876, with the entrance located about 14 km from the highway turnoff. The drive is easy and scenic during warmer months, but conditions can be challenging in winter due to ice. Nearby communities include Patricia (12 km), Duchess (35 km), and Brooks (43 km). There is no public transportation to the park, so driving is essential.

Expect limited to no cell phone service throughout the park. Pets are welcome at campsites but not permitted in Comfort Camping units, interpretive programs, or inside the Visitor Centre. Two of the park’s trails are barrier-free, making them accessible for visitors with mobility challenges.

Why Camp at Dinosaur Provincial Park

Camping at Dinosaur Provincial Park is more than just a place to spend the night—it’s an immersive experience in one of the most scientifically significant and visually stunning regions of Canada. Whether you’re relaxing by your campfire, learning about fossils, or exploring the striking badlands terrain, this park offers a one-of-a-kind camping destination. The combination of ancient history, unique geology, and modern amenities makes Dinosaur Provincial Park a must-visit for anyone interested in camping in Alberta.