I am usually more of a “variety is the spice of life” kind of girl, but the campground at Dinosaur Provincial Park is one of those places I just can’t get enough of. The scenery is like something from another planet. Wildlife is everywhere. Plus, the desert weather is reliably warmer there compared to the rest of Alberta.

We camped at Dinosaur a few weeks ago, over the Victoria Day long weekend. After a very close encounter with a grizzly around this time last year, we thought it might be nice to head away from the mountains for a change. Hot weather, a rattlesnake sighting, and several walks through the hoodoos were highlights on this camping trip. Oh yeah, I also ran a Beer Mile, but let’s leave the debauchery for another day.

Getting to Dinosaur Provincial Park

A lot of people automatically assume that Dinosaur Provincial Park is near Drumheller. Understandable. Drumheller takes its dinosaur theme very seriously. The campground is actually near Brooks, though, almost two hours away from Drum.

The easiest way to get to Dinosaur Provincial Park is to follow Highway 1 east from Calgary. If you drive past Brooks, you’ve gone too far. If you pass Medicine Hat, heck, you might as well just keep going and set up camp at Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park.

As you leave the highway around Brooks and approach the park, look out for local farms with kitschy dinosaur sculptures along the sides of their fields. Entering the park boundaries, the road dips into the Great Valley (you know you like that Land Before Time reference) and opens up into grand vistas of badlands and hoodoos. Don’t worry if your jaw gapes a bit at the spectacular scenery. It probably will.

Amenities at Dinosaur Provincial Park

With a full store, bathrooms complete with showers, and a cafeteria, Dinosaur Provincial Park is the perfect gateway campground, a safe place for novice campers to try their hand at “roughing it”. They even have reservable wall tents complete with queen bed and private deck. The entertainment options are rounded out by a kid-friendly museum, world class interpretive loop, and educational theatrical events.

I really can’t over-emphasize what a family friendly place this is. Around every corner is a scene from your favourite coming-of-age films. Kids muck about in the river or run barefoot up and down the hoodoos. Gangly pre-teens play fliers up and search the bushes when they lose their ball. Awkward teenage couples walk together to buy ice cream.

In the three trips I have made to this campground, I have never had obnoxious neighbours. The only overt drunkenness I have seen was among a large group of my own friends, in the group campsite, hidden from the rest of the grounds in a private loop.

Activities at Dinosaur Provincial Park

3 km interpretive loop

On the north side of the campground is a three kilometer interpretive loop that lets visitors take a look at fossils in a natural environment. Seeing fossilized dinosaur bones that are still in the ground is a cool learning experience for kids and grown ups alike. These displays really ignite the imagination, and bring to life a different time in world history.

Most people seem to drive the loop, but I recommend cycling or walking (although walking would definitely be a bit challenging for those pushing a stroller). There are a few walking trails that shoot off from the main loop, and offer visitors more of an isolated experience.

tours and guided hikes

There are a few short trails that take you off the beaten path, but none of them are longer than a kilometer or two. Hiking through the valley and up the hoodoos is fun, but if you really want to get deep into the park, you will have to book a guided hike or tour.

Since Dinosaur Provincial Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, most of it is inaccessible to the general public unless you book a tour. These can be very popular, especially during peak summer season, so book in advance. From sunset photography tours to actual digs there is something for every age group and level of paleontological interest.

I just booked the Great Badlands Hike for our next trip to Dinosaur, in July. It was $29 per person for a 3.5 hour, 6 kilometer hike. I am looking forward to getting into the backcountry in that area for the first time, and hoping for a few cool surprises along the way.

Summary

As if Banff and Jasper weren’t enough, Alberta has also been blessed with this gorgeous system of badlands. The heart of these badlands is in Dinosaur Provincial Park, and I consider it a must-visit for all Albertans.

What is your favourite campground in Alberta? Do you have any pro tips for camping in badlands or desert environments? Let me know in the comments!