Elkwater Campground
Photo: Georgialh, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
An RV-friendly campground with power and water at every site, in mixed forest near Elkwater Lake and the hamlet of Elkwater. Showers and flush toilets are close by, and trails lead down to the waterfront. The Cypress Hills are cooler and greener than the surrounding prairie.
Family-friendlyHikingLake/BeachPaddling/BoatingBikingPlaygroundDark skiesWinter camping
Nearby: “Hike, bike, or enjoy an interpretive program.” (Alberta Parks page)
Why these tags? (sources)
- Family-friendly: “A playground... or enjoy an interpretive program.” Alberta Parks page
- Hiking: “Hike, bike, or enjoy an interpretive program.” Alberta Parks page
- Lake/Beach: “Laze on the beach, go boating on the lakes, hike, bike, or enjoy an interpretive program.” Alberta Parks page
- Paddling/Boating: “Go boating on the lakes.” Alberta Parks page
- Biking: “Hike, bike, or enjoy an interpretive program.” Alberta Parks page
- Playground: “There is close access to a playground, flush toilets, showers.” Alberta Parks page
- Dark skies: “In 2004... an agreement that declared the park a dark-sky preserve.” Wikipedia: Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park
- Winter camping: “Reservable/serviced season: Year-Round” Alberta Parks page
Cost
Typical cost per night: about $47 (approximate average of the listed rates, before extras)
| Power/Water | $47.00 |
|---|
Source: official rates page. Rates checked October 2026, confirm before booking.
Campground details
| Park | Cypress Hills Provincial Park |
|---|---|
| Operator | Alberta Parks (Government of Alberta) |
| Location | In Cypress Hills Provincial Park, 20 km south-east of Medicine Hat on Hwy 1 and 30 km south on Hwy 41. |
| Season | Jan 1 - Oct 11 (reservable/serviced season: Year-Round) (2026 dates; they change yearly and with weather) |
| Site types | Power Power/Water: 70 sites (15/30 amp as listed) |
| RV length | No maximum RV length published on the campground page; check site details when booking. |
| Showers | Yes |
| Sani-dump | No |
| Flush toilets | Yes |
| Other amenities | Firepits, Horseshoe Pitch, Pit/Vault Toilets, Playground, Power, Shelter - Cook, Shelter - Picnic, Water - Hookup, Water - Tap |
| Reservations | Alberta Parks reservation system (online or 1-877-537-2757); bookings open 90 days ahead Book or check availability |
| Official page | www.albertaparks.ca |
Details are from the official/operator pages listed above, checked October 2026. Seasons, rates, closures and rules change; confirm with the operator before you go. Check fire bans and road conditions. Explore: Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park.
