When it comes to beautiful spots to go camping, you may not have considered Tombstone backcountry campground in Kananaskis but you are missing out. Perfect for anyone just getting into backpacking due its relative ease of access, or in my case my first solo backpacking mission. The Tombstone campground is the perfect spot for a one night trip, or as a base for other adventures in the valley. I’ve also camped at the Tombstone backcountry campground as part of the Elbow Loop multiday backpacking trip.
Please note that some of the links below are affiliate links, so I may earn a small commission on any purchase made, at no additional cost to you. This helps me keep the blog running, so thank you for your support!
Table of Contents
Key Stats For Backpacking To Tombstone Backcountry Campground
Distance: 7.3km one way
Elevation: 125m gain
Time: 2-3 hours one way
Cell Reception: None, not even at the trailhead.
Reservations: Yes, reservations are required through Alberta Parks
Pass Required: Yes, you’ll need a Kananaskis Conservation Pass
Hiking To Tombstone Lakes
If I’m honest, for the most part, the hike into Tombstone backcountry campground is relatively easy. However the first few kilometers which take you to Elbow Lake are by far some of the hardest of the hike. Follow the signs from the parking lot to the trail and you immediately start to climb, you think it’ll level out round the corner, it doesn’t. But the trail is wide and well populated with day hikers, so just keep your head down and keep climbing. There is the odd view to enjoy which will take your mind off it but otherwise this section is mostly in the trees.
When you pop out at Elbow Lake, you can feel confident that the worst of the elevation is behind you. Take a break, enjoy the lake and the stunning views. The trail here goes either side of the lake, keep left for an easy to navigate hike to the back of the lake. Also I found the further from the start of the lake I got, the fewer people I found I stumbled across and there are plenty of spots to sit and take a break at.
Once at the back of the lake, cross the wood plank bridge across the outflow and then keep left to head down the valley. From here on out the views are stunning almost the entire way! The trail is wide, although at times rocky, so watch your footing and not just the views. The trail undulates a little but there is barely any extended or steep elevation change to contend with.
It works its way up to the high point along the trail, a gorgeous spot to stop and enjoy the views of the valley. This continues along to a junction which looks down across the tombstone campground valley below. There is a signpost here but keep left and head down the hill, follow the trail around and along the bottom of the valley where a bridge helps you cross the river, the campground is just up the hill on the other side, clearly signposted on the right. Destination for the night, reached!
The Tombstone Backcountry Campground
There are two camping areas at Tombstone backcountry campground, the upper campground is an equestrian campground and is booked separately. It has many of the amenities as the hiker campground but also has equestrian specific items such as hitching posts at each campground.
The lower campground, the one you reach first when coming from Elbow Lake, is the hiker specific Tombstone backcountry campground. This is hands down one of the nicest backcountry campgrounds I have ever stayed at! Clearly defined tentpads which mostly run alongside the creek offer up some wonderful background noise when you go to sleep. They are mostly in the forest so otherwise offer little in the way of tent views.
If you are looking for gorgeous views, just head to the cooking and firepit areas, with nice new benches and plenty of firepits, all of which open up to views across the valley. It is the perfect spot to relax and chat with fellow campers.
The cooking area also has a clearly defined greywater pit to use and bear lockers. Next to the cooking area is a large communal firepit area with benches surrounding it, perfect to keep warm in the evening. There is also provided firewood at the Tombstone campground along with an axe, although if you want to save yourself the struggle after a long day, I’d also bring a firestarter.
There are two more modern outhouses which were super clean and were even stocked with toilet paper, which is always a pleasant surprise in the backcountry, although I still always pack some just in case!
Drinking water can be collected from a number of places but the most convenient to the cooking area is by going to the creek which runs through the campground, grabbing water from here was easy, follow the well beaten path next to the sign which recommends you boil water if you don’t have a filter.
How To Reserve Your Spot
Reservations are required to camp at Tombstone backcountry campground and they can be made through the Alberta Parks reservations website. You can book your spot up to 90 days in advance, however it should be noted that the campground is only open mid June to the end of November every year.
The cost is $12 per person per night to stay in the backcountry campgrounds in Alberta Parks and there is an additional booking fee. It is a popular spot so it is worth making your booking in advance.
Hikes To Do While Staying At Tombstone Backcountry Campground
The Tombstone backcountry campground is a fantastic spot to base yourself out of to explore the area.
I was only able to book one night, but I headed out at a reasonable time and so once I arrived and set up, I still had time to hike up to the Tombstone Lakes, a relatively short but at times, very steep hike, to two gorgeous lakes! I saw lots of people fishing at these lakes if that floats your boat (just remember you need a fishing licence)
Some of the people in camp who were spending two nights at the Tombstone campground, had day hiked out to the stunning Piper Pass. This worthwhile day hike is stunning but it isn’t sign posted so make sure to have a map before you head out.
On my hike out, I took a very short detour to Edworthy Falls, a gorgeous waterfall, this isn’t a maintained trail once you get off the main trail. There isn’t a sign for the falls either but a large rock pile beside a well worn trail tells you it is turn off time. This can easily be done as a side mission on your way in or out of the Tombstone campground or as a day hike from the campground.
Alternatively if you are looking for a longer backpacking trip you can stay at Tombstone backcountry campground as part of the Elbow Loop backpacking trip which starts and ends at the Little Elbow campground. It would also be possible to hike up to the Elbow Pass from the Tombstone campground to see one of the highlights of the loop.
Items I Packed
Hiking Boots – Comfortable boots will make the hike much more enjoyable. I like to go fast and light but waterproof for those wet days!
Tent – A great tent allows you to know you can have a place to hide from the elements if you need to.
Stove – For solo backpacking adventures like this, I use my Jetboil. It is the perfect all in one stove system for making dehydrated meals and coffee.
Garmin InReach 2 – For peace of mind I never head into the mountains without my Garmin InReach Mini 2, great for tracking my route and communicating with people.
Bear Spray – Kananaskis is home to plenty of bears, carry bear spray and make sure you know how to use it.
Other Backpacking Trips In Kananaskis
- Point Campground
- Jewell Bay
- Quaite Valley
- Elbow Loop
