Are you the owner for this park? Make it a featured listing and be seen in the top search results!
Etherington Creek
Overview
Etherington Creek Provincial Recreation Area offers a rugged, back-to-basics camping experience in the heart of the Alberta Rockies. Unlike commercial resorts, this park focuses on wilderness immersion and stunning mountain scenery. It serves as a vital gateway for those exploring the Highwood area of Kananaskis Country, providing a serene environment where the rhythmic sound of the creek replaces city noise and digital distractions.
Location & Surroundings
Situated southwest of Longview along Highway 541, the park is nestled within the beautiful Highwood River valley. The landscape transitions from rolling foothills to jagged mountain peaks, characterized by dense stands of lodgepole pine and white spruce. Visitors can enjoy the immediate proximity of Etherington Creek, which winds through the campground, offering a tranquil natural backdrop for evening relaxation and wildlife spotting.
Amenities & Park Features
As a provincial recreation area, the facilities are simple and cater to self-sufficient travelers who appreciate a traditional camping style. The park features:
- Unserviced sites suitable for various RV sizes and configurations.
- Hand-pumped water, pit toilets, and well-maintained fire pits.
- A specialized equestrian-friendly area equipped with hitching rails and loading ramps.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
The surrounding Kananaskis Country is a sprawling playground for outdoor enthusiasts. Anglers often frequent the nearby Highwood River for world-class trout fishing, while hikers can tackle the scenic trails leading toward Raspberry Pass. For a taste of local history, the Bar U Ranch National Historic Site is a short drive away, offering a fascinating glimpse into Alberta's rich ranching heritage and the famous Cowboy Trail culture.
Who This Park Is Best For
This park is ideal for travelers seeking a rustic mountain getaway deep within the Canadian wilderness. It is a premier choice for equestrian campers and those who enjoy boondocking-style amenities in a secluded forested setting. If you value solitude and direct nature access over modern luxuries like Wi-Fi or full hookups, Etherington Creek provides the perfect authentic basecamp for your Alberta RV adventure.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Ron Strauss
Nice campground. It was quiet when we were there. Toilets were clean.
Sara Smrtka
We had a great weekend camping at the Walk-In sites in loop B. Couple good things to know - the sites are about 100m from the parking area - no cell reception - there’s a small store at the road turnoff with essentials (no wifi or cell reception) - washrooms close by! - great green space next to the walk in sites for games Very kind campground managers!! :D
wanda mcminn
Nice equestrian trails at this site
Laura Scott
We were there last weekend. The park itself is nice and well maintained. The shallow creek is especially pretty and was always empty. The equestrian area is particularly lovely, the meadow there looks like something out of Midsommar. There are some issues though that I would have found useful before I booked the site. There isn't any drinking water in the park, only non-potable. Thankfully, Highwood House is right at the turnoff from Hwy 40 and they have good quality wood ($10) and a water spigot (free). Bring containers. The park itself is 6km away on a gravel road, that's a long, brutal drive for your undercarriage. We anticipated a bug problem with mosquitoes but didn't see any. The flies however, were unbelievable and relentless. Keeping a fire going for the smoke helps. There's also a type a bird there with a call like an emergency alert system. Valley Bottom trail is impassible, a crazy steep, boggy mess. There is no store onsite, or any place to check-in, just a park manager who's rarely home (they also sell $10 bundles). Just leave your permit on the post, and on your dash, and hunker down. I would come back to the park now that I know what to expect, but only if all my other preferred options weren't unavailable.
John Chik
It is a nice campground with widely separated camping spots (see photo). It is close the eastern gate to the Highwood Pass. However, the water is not considered drinkable and some of the pit toliets are little nasty. But the place is nice enough.