Last updated on May 5th, 2024 at 04:11 pm
We are always on the lookout for new spots to camp and we had swung through the Fish Lake Campground a few years ago during a camping trip to Crescent Falls just down the highway. The stars aligned and on my search of the Alberta Parks reservation site I stumbled across a last minute lakeside spot at Fish Lake Campground, how could we say no!
The stars truly aligned for this trip as we caught the beginning of the June heatwave across Alberta along with our lakeside tent spot. The Campground was busy and most of the sites were taken and yet it was still incredibly quiet with the only noise being the lake lapping against the shoreline and one of any number of birds singing its tune.
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The Fish Lake Campground
The Fish Lake Campground has 104 campsites, 80 un-serviced sites and the rest with electric hookups. The sites are spread across four loops, with only loop three having electrical services at the sites. Loop one and two offer some of the closest sites to the lake. While loop three and four offer more treed and private options. All the sites have a firepit and picnic bench. The Fish Lake campground is currently by reservation only, if you want to go, book early and reserve here.
There are pit toilets in each loop which are immaculate! I mean some of the cleanest outhouses I have ever come across! For this reason alone I’d come back! There is also a small store which carries essentials for your trip in case you left anything at home. There is also wood to purchase here if you need it.
Loop one also of the Fish Lake campground also plays host to a large day use area, including ample parking, picnic benches and day use shelters, plus a boat launch and jetty with benches on for fishing! There is a lakeside loop trail which is easy to navigate and gets you away from the crowds.
The lake provides ample paddling opportunities, it’s not huge but it is certainly big enough, there was an easy spot for us to put our canoe in almost right opposite our site in loop 2 and plenty of space to store our canoe, so we didn’t have to carry it to and from our site. It is also possible to fish here. We met a group who camp at Fish Lake campground every year and they gave us some great tips which resulted in me catching my first fish….ever!
The lovely friendly people we met at the campsite are one the reasons this place is an absolute treasure! Fish Lake campground is in a provincial recreation area and you need an Alberta fishing license to fish here, you can purchase one online here.
Where Is The Fish Lake Campground
The Fish Lake Campground is located a short distance from the small town of Nordegg, on Highway 11. It is approximately an hour’s drive from Saskatchewan Cross on Highway 93N between Banff and Jasper. It is approximately 94km from Rocky Mountain House for anyone coming from the other direction.
The campground is clearly signposted from the highway and once you turn off its a short drive along a gravel road. Turnings on the right hand side are for loop one and then loop two while turning off on the left side of the road will take you to loop three and four and the general store.
Things To Do Close By
Just over five minutes down the road is historic Nordegg, this tiny town has a lot to offer. The Nordegg Heritage Centre is home to a museum exhibit and you can also book guided tours of the Brazeau Collieries Mine Site. Just down the road is a golf course and there is an ice cream stand for those hot days!
For those looking for a little more exercise there are numerous hikes a short drive from the Campground including Coliseum Mountain near Nordegg as well as a whole lot of options heading back towards the mountains. Popular options include Siffleur Falls and Wind Ridge.
If you are looking for a picturesque spot to check out a waterfall, try Crescent Falls a short drive away. The Falls have a viewpoint which is a matter of steps from the parking area and they are stunning waterfalls. There are lots of unofficial trails which will take you closer, but I recommend sticking to the viewing areas. The sides can get slippery and are steep in spots. Never go for a swim here either.
Thing You Might Need
If you are camping, you’ll need a tent to stay at the Fish Lake campground, we recently got the Marmot Tungsten tent for front country camping and we love it! It had two doors and two vestibules, so easy access and plenty of storage for everyone.
I lived in my Chaco sandals while at the Fish Lake campground, these were perfect for getting in and out of the water with the canoe as well as enjoying the easy stroll around the lake.