Exploring the Forestry Trunk Road between Nordegg and Hinton, we stumbled across Fairfax Lake campground. Our only regret, not having anything to get on the water with! Fairfax Lake is a decent size lake which seemed like a great fishing spot based on the number we saw. Pre August long weekend, it was incredibly peaceful with only four sites being occupied. We heard rumbles of thunder in the distance but ended up staying dry for the whole time.
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The Fairfax Lake Campground
Number of sites: 27
Services: There are no power or water services here.
Reservable: Most of the sites can be reserved.
Cost: $20 per night
Cell reception: Very limited and definitely not reliable.
The Fairfax Lake campground is such a beautiful spot. At least when we visited it was well maintained, the sites had recently had the grass cut in them, while the surrounding areas were lush green and filled with wildflowers. We were one of only four groups camping at Fairfax Lake that evening, so it was unbelievably peaceful.
I’ve never really stayed at a campground with the kind of site layout that Fairfax Lake campground has, almost every site is a double site with no privacy from your neighbour. We saw one single site, right at the very end of the upper arm of the campground.
Otherwise each site shares a rectangular driveway, this is also where we had to pitch our tent since there was no space anywhere else, you’d also have to park a trailer or RV in this space. Directly in front of this area is where the picnic benches and firepits for the sites are. Mostly separated from the parking area by trees and a short path or a row of large rocks. The benches are mostly side by side with the neighbouring sites.
I can imagine on a busy weekend, this maybe isn’t the peaceful and private experience some look for in a camping trip.
All the sites at Fairfax Lake campground have a picnic table and a firepit. The wood is currently provided free of charge at the campground with a caveat that you only take what you need. Since very few campgrounds offer this, it is worthwhile not taking advantage so it continues to be provided. There were lots available when we were at Fairfax Lake campground, with each of the campground areas having a small covered but open sided shed to store it in.
The washrooms at Fairfax lake are spacious, standard dry outhouses, but immaculately clean! There was ample toilet paper and sanitizer. There were also maps available for the surrounding area including other campgrounds and areas worth visiting.
A water pump down towards the lake can provide water to put our fires, however it is classed as non potable and should be treated before consuming if you need to. We opted to take our own water jugs for the trip, to save the effort while at camp.
What we noticed when we visited Fairfax Lake campground was that a lot of the sites were reservable and although the campground is part of a Provincial Recreation Area, it is not reservable via the Alberta Parks reservation site but rather, you need to phone. Reservations can be made by calling 780-865-2154 on Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
There are a small number of first come first serve sites, which are clear from the lack of red signs on the site post, we took one of these on the upper loop. The reserved sites are clearly marked and had upcoming reservations marked on the post so you knew when the incoming parties would be arriving. If you are doing first come first serve, like we did, payment is in the form of self registration down at a kiosk near the lake.
Where Is The Fairfax Lake Campground
The Fairfax Lake campground isn’t the easiest spot to get to, it is approximately 100 kilometers south of Hinton on Highway 40, aka the Forestry Trunk Road, a good portion of the road isn’t paved but it is well maintained for the most part, but travel is slow.
Coming from the south, it is about an 80 kilometer drive from Nordegg via the Forestry Trunk Road, Highway 40. The entire route from Nordegg to the campground is on unpaved, but maintained road.
Either way, since the Fairfax Lake campground is in a Provincial Recreation Area, there is clear signage telling drivers where to turn off the Forestry Trunk Road to access the lake.
Things To Do Nearby
The biggest attraction of the Fairfax Lake campground is the lake itself, there is easy water access to the lake from a gravel sloping shore which provides a boat launch to the jetty which you can fish off. Bring your water sport activities if you are spending a few days here and you won’t be sorry!
We stopped here as part of a road trip, exploring the Forest Trunk Road, a worthwhile, scenic drive. If you want to see some of the backcountry areas of Alberta, expect rough roads, stunning views and to see very few other people if you embark on this trip. You are spoiled for choice when it comes to beautiful camping spots, but we were really pleased with Fairfax Lake campground, it was dry, peaceful and well maintained.
What We Packed For Our Trip
Tent – We love our Marmot Tungsten tent as our home away from home. Spacious and waterproof, it hasn’t let us down.
Tarp – With the forecast looking questionable we packed a tarp so if we did get stuck in a downpour we could have some shelter, luckily we didn’t need it on this trip, but always great to have.
Stove – Making cooking up meals a breeze with a double burner stove. Perfect for eggs and boiling water for coffee at the same time in the morning.
Sandals – I love my go everywhere, do anything Chaco sandals, they are perfect for around camp but secure enough to handle short trails.
Other Campgrounds
- Miette – Jasper
- Fish Lake – Nordegg
- Goldeye Lake – Nordegg
