Lower Lake campground is located in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park in Kananaskis. When the weather turned and we only had one night to camp, I set my sights on Kananaskis, for us this is close enough to make an overnight camp feasible and of course the Upper and Lower Kananaskis Lakes are always a draw for us with the canoe. I was super lucky to get a reservation on a lake front spot at the Lower Lake campground last minute and so it was decided, we would try out a new campground in Kananaskis.
About Lower Lake Campground
Lower Lake Campground consists of 96 sites spread across three loops. Most are large, tucked back from the road and surrounded by trees offering plenty of privacy. Some sites are even pull through, making it nice and easy for people pulling trailers to avoid the reverse park. A number of sites in the B loop are waterfront sites, offering beautiful views of Lower Kananaskis Lake and the mountains behind it. That being said it is still a far walk to the lake from these sites.
Facilities at the Lower Lake Campground are fairly basic, drop toilets and no powered sites all add to the rustic and remote feel of the site, however there is a playground to help entertain some of the children. There are a number of paths suitable for pedestrians and cyclists which run throughout the campsite and join the campground to the Lower Lake Day Use area. In order to drive to the day use area, you have to go back on to the main road and up to the next junction, however for those using their own power you can cut across from one to the other.
Lower Lakes Campground used to be most first come first serve, however due to the current pandemic it is operating as a reservation only campground for at least summer 2020. In order to make a reservation, you can book online here. If you book on your day of arrival you don’t have to pay the $12 booking fee, however demand for campsites is high this summer, so check regularly and book whenever there is a spot!
Where is Lower Lake Campground
Lower Lakes Campground is approximately a 1 hour and 45 minute drive from Calgary. From Highway 1, take the exit for Kananaskis Country at the casino and hotel. Follow Highway 40 for approximately 50km, then take the right hand turning into Peter Lougheed Provincial Park, just before where the winter road closure is located. About 10km down the road there is a clearly signposted exit for the Kananaskis Lower Lake Campground. It is just after the turn off for the Lower Kananaskis Lakes Day Use area.
What I Loved About Camping at Lower Lake
The best part of the Lower Lakes Campground for me personally, was the big and really private site we had, most looked very similar. If you don’t want to be overlooked or even be able to see your neighbours from your site, Lower Lakes Campground could be for you! Along with this we were truly spoiled with the views from our site, the trees towards the lake were sparse, giving shelter from any wind but still allowing us to take in the views while hanging out around the site.
To top it off being on the edge of the campground, closest to the lake meant we had easy access to explore the lake shore straight from our site. The old tree stumps and roots which litter the lake shore are really quite something to take it.
What I didn’t Like So Much
The only disappointing part of the Lower Lakes Campground for me was the inability to launch our canoe from the campground. The water level was very low and we had to traipse through sticky mud to get to the water once we got close to the lake. When we got the canoe into the water we were unable to launch due to the shallow water level over the top of even more deep, sticky mud.
We gave up and took our canoe for a drive over to the Upper Kananaskis Lake. If your main reason for visiting the Lower Lake Campground is to go canoeing or do watersports, your best bet would be the Interlakes Campground on the other side of the Lower Kananaskis Lake. Find out more about the Interlakes site here.
Be Animal Aware
Never forget Kananaskis and Peter Lougheed Provincial Park are full of wild animals and bear encounters are common. If there is a bear in the area there are usually warnings put up around the campsite. While we were eating breakfast a coyote ran along the road and through the campsite opposite us. If you don’t want any unexpected visitors make sure to always keep a clean campsite!
I loved the peace and quiet of the Lower Lake Campground teamed with some gorgeous views and for that reason I’m sure I’ll be back.