Last updated on November 16th, 2023 at 03:53 pm
Interlakes Campground is in Kananaskis and our first trip here was in early June. With no plans and with variable (to say the least) weather in the forecast along with a desperate desire to finally get out and use our new canoe we settled on heading to Interlakes campground in Kananaskis, since half of the site’s look out onto Lower Kananaskis Lake with easy lake access. It makes a perfect spot for those looking to get out on the water, go fishing or explore the hiking trails of Peter Lougheed Provincial Park.
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Where Is The Interlakes Campground
Interlakes Campground is located in the Peter Lougheed Provincial Park. Approximately 50km down Highway 40 after turning off of Highway 1, you’ll find the junction for the Peter Lougheed Provincial Park. Once in the Park, the Interlakes Campground is almost at the very edge of the park, at the end of the road.
The Interlakes Campground
The Interlakes campground is first come first serve and so we tried to get up and out of the house earlier than usual. By the time we had packed up and got groceries it was midday when we pulled into the site! Interlakes is the last front country campsite you hit on the road through Peter Lougheed and fairly small in comparison the Elkwood and Boulton Creek campgrounds.
If you want to get a site in this popular spot, I’d recommend getting there early, especially during the peak months of July and August. Have a backup plan if it doesn’t work out as well. Peter Lougheed has lots of camping options some are fully reservable, while others like Canyon and Sarrail are first come first served.
Interlakes campground boasts 48 campsites of which approximately half are along the shore above the Kananaskis Lower lake, with access to the shoreline and water easily. This was our main reason for choosing this campground. As we pulled in we were lucky enough to snag one of these sites and set our canoe down on the shore before setting up camp.
The campsites are in the forest and for the most part you get a reasonable amount of privacy site to site. As with most Alberta Parks campsites they don’t recommend you drink the pump water unless treated (we find it easier just to take our own in) and there are no hook ups here and just drop toilets. The site manager is friendly and helpful and the campsite is clean and well maintained.
The biggest issue I found at this campsite is people’s non stop desperation to get a site on the lake. We got very little peace and quiet as people regularly stopped and approached us to find out when we were leaving.
On our second visit during the same summer we opted for a site on the opposite side to the lake. It was still really easy to access the lake with our canoe but offered a much more relaxed and peaceful trip while still affording us a beautiful view out over the Lower Kananaskis Lake. If you are looking for a quieter experience, check out the Interlakes campground in the Fall, we drove through here in September and the place was almost empty. Of course, you need to be prepared for cold weather camping in the mountains at the time of year.
If you are looking for a lakeside backcountry camping option nearby, check out the Point Campground, accessible by boat or on foot, this popular lkaeside backcountry camping spot is a great option.
What To Do Near The Interlakes Campground
The Lower Kananaskis Lake proved to be a great place to practice canoeing, there was the odd cross wind and a fair amount of rain at times but the lake is beautiful and not as busy as the Upper Kananaskis Lake with its boat launch. There weren’t many times where we found ourself sharing the lake with anyone, which meant for a tranquil outing where we could spot lots of water birds.
If canoeing isn’t your thing, Interlakes campground is a fantastic location to explore the many trails Peter Lougheed has to offer. You can take a short walk and you have access to the Upper Lake, from there you can complete the Upper Lake Loop (Check out my trail report here). You can also access Rawson Lake and check out the Lower Kananaskis Falls from the loop trail. There is also an abundance of longer and harder options, including a scramble up Mount Indefatigable which looks out over both the upper and lower lakes and the trail is just a short walk from the campsite.
Be Animal Aware In The Area
Always be animal aware, on one of our trips we were warned about a bear at the campsite entrance, we have also spotted coyotes on the lake shore while canoeing. Around every campsite in Kananaskis there is a lot of information posted regarding keeping a clean campsite, it is important to follow these guidelines for your safety as well as the animals. For more information from Alberta Parks regarding being bear safe, check out their information leaflet here.
Overall Interlakes Campground in Kananaskis is in a beautiful location with great access to hiking trails and easy access to the lakes for watersports, a perfect camping spot. I will always stay on one of the sites away from the lake moving forward though, I found this to be a much more enjoyable experience.
What You Might Need For A Camping Trip At Interlakes
Although there are plenty of trees surrounding most of the sites at the Interlakes on a hot summer day we always enjoy having some extra shade, consider taking a tarp or gazebo. We prefer a gazebo since it’s easy to move around. Either way, both are great for sun or rain, whatever the mountain weather brings!
When you are camping at Interlakes, make sure to be bear aware, you are sharing the park with a number of different animals, pack bear spray and carry it with you.
I love my Chaco Sandals for roaming around the campground, getting in and out of the water and hiking shorter trails. For cooler evenings I wear socks with them. They are so comfortable.
For anyone looking to use the Interlakes campground as a base for hiking in the provincial park, you won’t want to leave home without a great pair of hiking boots. I personally find the La Sportiva Raptor 2 boots cover all the bases for me, light weight, grippy and super comfortable.