Elbow Valley
Explore the Elbow Valley
Conveniently located just outside of Calgary near Bragg Creek, the Elbow Valley is a premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts. It offers a dynamic mix of activities, including extensive trails for mountain biking, hiking, equestrian and off-highway vehicles (OHV). With year-round camping and a wide array of facilities, the Elbow Valley is a hub of year-round adventure and unforgettable experiences.
Store
McLean Creek Camper Centre
Open May 5th-October 15th
Stop in at the McLean Creek Camper Centre for everything you might need during your visit to the Elbow Valley. We carry a range of groceries, camping essentials, coffee, cold drinks, treats, and camping toys for the kids. Need to freshen up? Laundry and coin-operated showers are available on-site — a welcome convenience after a day outdoors.
Campgrounds
McLean Creek Campground
Open Year-Round
A year-round hub for both regular outdoor enthusiasts and OHV enthusiasts. The campground is designed so that both user groups are well separated. OHV enthusiasts can access an extensive trail network directly from their sites, while campers on foot can enjoy the nearby McLean Creek Interpretive Trail and McLean Pond.
The McLean Creek Camper Centre is on-site for supplies and services—everything you need to make your mountain adventure seamless. The Camper Centre is open from early May until Thanksgiving.
70 Regular Sites with Power
26 OHV Sites with Power
74 OHV Sites Non-serviced
Reservable campsites
Showers
Store
Dump Station
Playground
Little Elbow Campground
Seasonal (May 15 - Sep 14)
A fantastic basecamp for hikers and adventurers, offering access to over 24 nearby trails, including the scenic Little Elbow Trail. Whether you're planning a day hike or a multi-day backcountry expedition, this is your perfect starting point.
64 Regular Sites
30 Walk-In Tenting
Unserviced
Little Elbow Equestrian Campground
Seasonal (May 15 - Sep 14)
Dedicated facilities for you and your horses, with hitching rails, covered horse stalls, and loading ramps. Experience unmatched beauty and incredible proximity to equestrian trails and backcountry access. Bring your four-legged companion and explore the mountains the way they were meant to be seen.
46 total Reservable
Equestrian
Unserviced
Gooseberry Campground
Seasonal (May 1 - Oct 13)
Offering powered sites and excellent access to hiking and biking trails, including proximity to Moose Mountain and West Bragg Creek. A great choice for those who want the comfort of power hookups without sacrificing access to world-class trails and scenery.
51 Powered
28 Regular
6 Walk-In Tenting
Reservable
Seasonal Power
Unserviced
Playground
Paddy's Flat Campground
Seasonal (May 1 - Sep 14)
A popular self-registration campground nestled along the Elbow River, offering a classic camping experience with great access to trails near Moose Mountain and West Bragg Creek. Perfect for those who like to keep things simple and spontaneous.
97 FCFS sites
Unserviced
Playground
Beaver Flats Campground
Seasonal (May 15 - Sep 1)
A scenic, self-registration campground offering a more rustic experience with beautiful riverside sites and access to hiking trails including the beautiful Beaver Flats Interpretive Trail. This is where you come to unplug and reconnect with nature.
49 Regular
6 Walk-In Tenting
FCFS
Unserviced
Group Camping
River Cove Group Camp
Open Year-Round | Minimum 10 Units Reservable
Perfect for year-round group adventures, from winter camping trips to summer gatherings. Offers a private, rustic setting for larger groups to bond and create lasting memories together.
Paddy's Flat Group Camp
Seasonal (May 1 - Oct 13) | Minimum 10 Units Reservable
A great option for medium-sized groups looking to camp together in a beautiful riverside setting with easy access to trails. Ideal for family reunions, club outings, or group adventures.
Cobble Flats Group Camp
Seasonal (May 15 - Sep 14) | Minimum 10 Units Reservable
A spacious group area ideal for larger gatherings, offering a private setting with access to the Elbow River and nearby trails. Everything you need for an unforgettable group experience.
Day Use Areas
The Elbow Valley features numerous day-use areas perfect for picnicking, hiking, and enjoying the outdoors. Most are open year-round, offering opportunities for recreation in every season. Explore these popular spots: