Drumheller, Alberta, is more than a dinosaur capital—it’s a camper’s paradise. Located in the Canadian Badlands, the area attracts over 500,000 visitors a year, many of whom trade hotel walls for open skies.
Whether you’re an RV traveler, tent camper, or cabin seeker, Drumheller’s campgrounds have you covered.
Types of Camping in Drumheller
You’ll find full-service RV sites with power, water, and sewer—perfect if you want comfort without sacrificing adventure. Tenting sites offer that back-to-nature vibe, with privacy options for those looking for quiet escapes. Cabins and “camping cabins” bring a touch of glamping to the Badlands, with cozy beds after a day of exploring. For longer stays, seasonal and monthly site rentals make it easy to set up a home base from May to September.
Amenities
Modern campgrounds here go beyond the basics. Many have coin-operated showers, laundry facilities, and convenience stores with essentials, local Hutterite products, and propane. Free perks like mini golf, playgrounds, and stocked fish ponds keep families entertained without ever leaving the site. And if you love stargazing, the low light pollution here makes for some of the clearest night skies in Alberta.
Best Locations to Stay
Most campgrounds are close to Drumheller’s main attractions. Staying near Horseshoe Canyon means you’re steps from some of the best hiking trails in the region. Choose a site near the Royal Tyrrell Museum, and you can combine a morning fossil hunt with an afternoon learning about the prehistoric giants that once roamed here.
Don’t Miss
Drumheller is home to the Royal Tyrrell Museum, one of the world’s largest displays of dinosaur fossils. Horseshoe Canyon offers panoramic views that are Instagram gold. Then there’s the world’s largest dinosaur—a 26-meter-tall T. rex you can actually climb. Summer evenings bring live shows at the Badlands Amphitheatre, an experience that blends music and theatre with epic desert-like backdrops.
Plan Your Trip
Since summer is peak season in Drumheller, book early—many campgrounds fill up weeks in advance. Check site types and amenities when you book. Pack for Alberta’s weather—sun hats and sunscreen for midday, but a fleece or light jacket for cool evenings.
Getting to Drumheller
By car, Drumheller is about 90 minutes from Calgary via Highway 9, a route that takes you through rolling prairie before dropping into the surreal Badlands. For out-of-province visitors, Calgary International Airport is the closest major hub. Public transit is limited, but shuttles from Calgary run during the high season.
Camping Safety
Weather can change fast here—summer thunderstorms roll in with little warning—so check the forecast daily. Wildlife encounters are usually limited to deer and birds, but always store food securely. Campfires are allowed in designated pits, but fire bans can be in place during dry spells, so check before you light up.
Outdoor Activities Beyond the Campsite
Hiking and biking trails crisscross the coulees and ridges, with some routes leading to hidden hoodoo rock formations. Photographers will love the changing light across the valley walls, especially at dawn and dusk. Stargazers get front row seats to the Milky Way with minimal light interference.
Local Culture
One of tourists’ favourite things about camping here is discovering local flavours—whether it’s buying fresh bread and preserves from Hutterite colonies or trying Alberta beef at a family-run diner. Many weekends bring farmers’ markets, art shows, and live music, so check the event calendar before you go.
Just One More Thing
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Why Drumheller Camping is Special
What sets Drumheller apart from other camping in Alberta is the combination of raw natural beauty and rich cultural history. In one day, you can hike through alien landscapes, dig for fossils, and watch a live concert under the stars. It’s camping, but with a story—each ridge, fossil bed, and canyon wall feels like it’s part of a bigger story.
Big rig or small tent, Drumheller has camping for you. It’s the combo of convenience—full service sites, modern amenities—and the feeling of going back in time that brings everyone back. Book early, pack light, and let the Badlands do the rest.
Last Updated on October 19, 2025 by Joshita
