Last updated on February 18th, 2022 at 04:29 am
Little Elbow Campsite in Kananaskis might be one of my favorite sites in Kananaskis….I know, that is a big statement! I’ve stayed here three times now and enjoyed every single time, even when I woke to an inch of snow on my tent. After five years of living in Banff and enjoying ‘Kananaskis’ I’m slightly embarrassed to admit that I had never heard of the Elbow valley and definitely hadn’t visited. When I decided to see what was south of Bragg Creek I found an absolute gem of an area and I haven’t stopped talking about it since!
Where Is The Little Elbow Campsite?
Little Elbow Campsite is really easy to get to and a just over one hours drive from Calgary or 1 hour and 45 minutes drive from Banff. Heading south on Highway 22, go past the turn off for Bragg Creek and when you get to a T junction, turn right onto Highway 66. Follow this road all the way to the end, you’ll pass lots of stops for hikes and great views so leave some time to complete the drive. As Highway 66 ends and before it turns into the graveled Powderface Road, turn left for Little Elbow. Follow the clear signs to access the campground and find your spot.
What You Need To Know About Little Elbow Campsite
Little Elbow Campsite consists of 64 drive in campsites and 30 walk in campsites, spread across 5 loops. Loops A and B are equestrian sites, C loop is walk in sites and then D and E loops are mostly drive in spots with a few walk in spots. Don’t be afraid of the walk in spots, they aren’t a big hike in and offer a much more secluded experience compared to other sites. Some sites are also doubles, meaning you’ll be nice and cozy with your neighbour.
None of the sites at Little Elbow Campsite are serviced and the only facilities to speak of are drop toilets which are usually well maintained and clean. These toilets, especially the ones on the road beside the trail see a lot of use from day hikers passing through the site as well, I’ve always found the toilets off the main path to be the nicest. Most sites are fairly private, surrounded by trees, however some spots are overlooked by their neighbours from behind.
Little Elbow Campsite previously had a mix of sites to reserve, mostly confined to a specific loop and the rest were first come first served sites. Due to the current pandemic, all sites at Little Elbow Campsite (along with a lot of other previously mixed sites) are now by reservation only. Make sure to check on the Alberta Parks website here, to find out if you need a reservation or not before you head out!
What I Love About Little Elbow Campsite
Even though Little Elbow Campsite is on the larger side it feels very quiet and peaceful, I’ve never seen the campsite full. It’s location at the end of the main road and being next to the river and surrounded by forests and mountains mean there is a sense of remoteness at the campsite which you don’t find in that many places. I have always camped in one of the sites along the road facing the river valley and I find nothing more relaxing than listening to the river thundering along down below.
Little Elbow Campsite also has an interpretive trail which winds along beside the river through the campsite, which is a perfect place for an evening stroll, there is easy access in places to the river and once you cross the suspension bridge there are even more trails to explore at a leisurely pace. There are loads of places to stop and enjoy a picnic beside the river and it is a fantastic place to soak up some sun and dip your feet in the river to cool off.
Along with the more leisurely strolls, Little Elbow Campsite plays host to many larger and longer trailheads, you can access Nihahi Ridge from the end of Loop E, as well as Forget Me Not Ridge by crossing the suspension bridge. It is also the starting point for the Little Elbow Trail which is a multi use trail going out through the valley to a series of backcountry campsites.
I have been to Little Elbow Campsite three times and I’m sure it will continue to feature highly in my must visit sites in the coming years. Its feeling of remoteness teaming with its location and ease of access to some incredible trails make it a winning site in my opinion.