Pros & cons
PROS
- Forested sites with real privacy in older loops
- Hookup options, hot showers, and a handy Trading Post on-site
CONS
- Little to no cell service; rely on the store’s Wi‑Fi
- Full‑service loop near the road feels tighter and less private
Overview
Boulton Creek is the classic basecamp in this part of Kananaskis: tall pines, mountain air, and a central spot for the Upper and Lower Kananaskis Lakes. Older loops feel woodsy and secluded; the newest loop near the Trading Post trades some privacy for full hookups and convenience.
Campsites & Services
- Mix of unserviced, power, power+water, and full‑service (power/water/sewer) RV sites.
- Token‑operated showers and flush toilets at the comfort station; pit toilets around the loops. Tokens are sold at the Trading Post.
- Walk‑in tent pads exist within the campground if you want a quieter, car‑free setup.
- Loop notes from campers: Loop B offers 15A power (bring extra cord/hose; hookups can be toward the front of pads). Loop E has full hookups but closer‑spaced sites near the entrance and store.
- There is an on‑site dump station by the entrance that can be closed in the shoulder season; an alternate RV sewage disposal is listed at Fortress Gas Plus on Hwy 40 (north of the PLPP Visitor Information Centre).
Trading Post & Rentals
The Boulton Creek Trading Post doubles as registration and a well‑stocked store for groceries, camp gear, propane, firewood, souvenirs, and treats. There’s an ice‑cream counter and small café‑style concession, plus seasonal rentals (canoes, kayaks, bikes, even rollerblades).
Trails, Lakes & What to Do
Paved and gravel multi‑use paths stitch the campground together, making bikes the easiest way to reach showers, the store, and nearby trail junctions. You’re minutes from the two big Kananaskis lakes for paddling or a mellow shoreline stroll; boaters should expect cold water and fast‑changing weather. If you’re after evening interpretive programs, they typically run up the road at Elkwood’s amphitheatre.
Wildlife & Camp Vibe
This is genuine bear country—grizzlies wander the area—so keep a clean camp and carry bear spray on trails. The vibe trends family‑oriented and quiet; there’s no playground here, which helps keep nights mellow.
Connectivity & Practicalities
Expect little to no cell service across the campground. The store has Wi‑Fi, but plan offline: download maps and share your itinerary before you drive in. Showers are time‑limited via tokens, and early season can mean some services (water, dump, store) open later than the campsites. This is a reservation‑only campground—book ahead for summer weekends.
Best Time to Visit
Mid‑summer brings the fullest slate of services and rentals. For a quieter stay, aim for weekdays. If you’re visiting in shoulder season (spring or late fall), assume the store, water, or dump may be limited and plan accordingly.
Where it is
50.6339, -115.1029Tips for Boulton Creek Campground
- 01Book ahead—this campground is reservation only.
- 02Older loops (A, C, D) feel most private; Loop E is closest to the store but more compact.
- 03If you’re in Loop B, bring extra hose and power cord to reach hookups comfortably.
- 04Buy shower tokens at the Trading Post and expect time‑limited showers.
- 05Plan offline: cell service is spotty; the store’s Wi‑Fi helps in a pinch.
Amenities
Near Boulton Creek Campground
All places →All trails →
0.2 mi awayBoulton Bridge Day Use AreaQuiet picnic stop and trail access by the Boulton Creek bridgePicnic Table · Restroom
0.2 mi awayBoulton Creek InterpretiveShort climb to a historic cabin, ridge views, then a creeky strollEasy · 3 mi · 1.8 hr
0.3 mi awayBoulton Creek Trading PostIn-park resupply and campground check-in with showers and ice creamStore · Food
0.8 mi awayLower Lake CampgroundForested, reservable lakeside base with a handy playgroundCampground · Restroom
0.8 mi awayLower Kananaskis Lake Lakeside TrailGentle lakeshore walk with big views and easy logisticsEasy · 4.3 mi · 2.3 hr
0.8 mi awayLower Lake Day Use – SouthWinter picnic spot with firepits and mountain‑lake viewsRestroom · Picnic Table
1.2 mi awayElk PassEasy border pass on an old road with options into Elk LakesModerate · 7 mi · 3 hr
1.7 mi awayThree Isle LakeLakeshore cruise, spicy headwall, and a serene alpine basinChallenging · 12.7 mi · 9.5 hr
