Forfar Recreation Park (Athabasca County Park)

Kezza K

I want to start by saying this campground is very beautiful and very well maintained. Lovely walking trails myself and my dog. Outhouses were very clean. Garbages were emptied multiple times a day. The beaches were clean. The lake was honestly just something else, so very, very clear!! For all of these positives- I would give a whopping 5 stars… BUT this 2 star review I’m giving here comes from my personal interactions with the manager of this campground. The manager is extremely arrogant and very, very rude! I excitedly let her know I’d never been here before and I was expecting her to say “thank you for coming, or we hope you enjoy your stay here etc, etc” but that’s not the welcome I received. The manager said something that I didn’t hear, so I asked her to please repeat what she said. She then arrogantly said (in front of other campers) “I said there was a bear siting here, you do realize that you’re in bear country don’t you?” I literally felt so belittled. Then she gave me the map and rules and rudely stated “follow the directions and only go one way as directed, if you don’t you’ll get on my bad side” and I jokingly said “well I definitely don’t want to do that” - to which she responded loudly “Yeah no one does” -That same night, the same manager drove over to our site at 9:30pm and made a b-line to me and got very close to me and aggressively said we were being too loud (*yes, we were playing our music and we were singing some Kareoke, However, we were going to end the Kareoke 10pm to be respectful for other campers). At this point though, I was very frustrated from my entire personal experience with her and I angrily said “your rules you gave me say that quiet time is 11pm, it’s only 9:30pm surely we can play music”. She then stated that the ‘whole campsite doesn’t want to want to hear it’. So we turned our music off at that exact moment. (And yet, you could still hear other campsites partying and playing music loudly) The same manager came over to our campsite two days later and approached my friend and said that ‘she’ drove by at 12:30am the previous night and that our music was too loud. My friend stated that was 100% incorrect as all but one of us went to bed by 10pm that night. (my other friend who was still awake had taken a video of the stars and you could clearly hear the loud music and shouting coming from the other campsite) they showed her the video and the time stamp and my friend said the manager then stated “it was actually a complaint received & that once people hear you being loud, they will assume it’s you” I’d really love to go back here as it’s beautiful but unless the management changes hands or the current management take lessons on customer service, I’ll be avoiding this place at all costs.

Gavin Papirny

Let me use maple syrup for my pancakes when we forgot! Great place and have came back 3 years in a row. Love the quiet atmosphere and has no amenities feels like camping in the bush! Great clean lake.

Jeff Brassard

Very beautiful spot. We took our son camping for this first time here and it was a lovely experience. Everything is very clean and well maintained. We aren't really camping people but everything was great. The beach was lovely and we spent a couple of days just lounging and swimming. One thing to be aware of is that cell service is really spotty. I didn't mind, but if that matters to you just be aware.

Ian Gates

Staff is engaged and quick to help. The sites have reasonable privacy. The lake was lovely and the swim areas were well maintained. I do wish our campsite was a bit more level, but nothing outrageous that we couldn’t accommodate for.

Jennifer Huet

Our experience at Forfar was nothing short of enchanting! From the moment we arrived, we were captivated by the picturesque setting that greeted us – with Jackie's charming garden, spotless outhouses, and a truly stunning lake. The friendly atmosphere matched perfectly with the inviting beach and crystal-clear waters. It's an ideal spot for SUP, picnics, and swimming. We can't express how grateful we are to have stumbled upon this hidden gem near the city. It not only met but exceeded our expectations, boasting a sandy beach and pristine water that's simply awe-inspiring. If you're on the hunt for peace and tranquility, this is the ultimate destination. For us, Forfar has become a beloved family favorite. The spacious sites, impeccable facilities, and the warm management team make it stand out. The grounds and beaches are beautifully maintained, creating an oasis of serenity. Kudos to the hosts – Jackie and Ron – who truly enhance the magic of this place. (Although Jackie playfully credits the mystifying loons for the enchantment!) This year marked our second seasonal camping adventure at Forfar, and we're already counting down to the next. Of course, our return hinges on the presence of Jackie and Ron, as we can't fathom experiencing this haven without their care. Their unmatched kindness, meticulous attention to detail, and dedication to ensuring a delightful camping experience for all is unparalleled in our camping journey across Alberta. Jackie and Ron have set the gold standard for expectations. Their genuine warmth and hospitality have left an indelible mark on us. We can't sing their praises enough – they're simply the best! We've found our camping paradise, and it's all thanks to their exceptional management. If you're considering a getaway to Forfar, booking in advance is a must due to its well-deserved popularity. The impeccably maintained sites and beaches create the perfect backdrop for a rejuvenating escape, made all the more special by the presence of the caring hosts. Don't miss out on this peaceful haven – it's a destination that will leave you yearning for more.