Regulations

• For the safety of both swimmers and boaters, please obey all signs at boat launches and on lakes.
• Boats used on any water body must conform with the Canada Shipping Act and regulations.
• Transport Canada has information about boating regulations and safety.

• The maximum number of camping accommodation units, motor vehicles, and towed equipment permitted on a campsite is three, and only two of these may be used as sleeping quarters (accommodation units).
  • Exception: if two tents are used as sleeping quarters (accommodation units), two motor vehicles, or one motor vehicle and one piece of towed equipment are permitted on the campsite if it is large enough.
• The camping fee is charged for each accommodation unit on a campsite, unless one or both of the accommodation units on a campsite are tents. 
• A campsite must be large enough to accommodate the maximum number of allowable units. Depending on a campsite's design and dimensions, the campground may decide that only one camping accommodation unit may be assigned to that campsite. Call the campground directly to find out if a second unit will be permitted upon check-in.
• No more than six people may occupy a campsite unless they are all members of the same single family unit.
• Download the Regulations in Alberta's Provincial Parks & Recreation Areas pamphlet.

Generators

• Effective May 1, 2024, fuel generator (gas, diesel, or propane) use is permitted only between the hours of 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. in participating campgrounds. At all other provincial campgrounds, fuel generator use is permitted between the hours of 7 a.m. and 11 p.m., in accordance with quiet hours.
• A campsite occupant must be present while the fuel generator is being operated.
• Unless mounted to a truck or trailer, fuel generators must be placed on designated campsite pads (the gravel or cement area of the campsite, excluding the driveway) when in use. Generators must always be clear of surrounding vegetation to reduce the risk of fire.
• The fuel generator exhaust must not be pointed in the direction of a neighbouring campsite.
• Fuel generator use is not permitted in powered campsites except as required during a power outage for visitors requiring an electrical source for medical purposes (e.g. CPAP or BIPAP machine).
• Visitors with medical needs who are unable to secure a campsite with electricity are advised to contact Alberta Parks in advance, with as much notice as possible, to determine if alternate arrangements can be made. Alberta Parks may grant a medical exemption if no alternative is available. 
• Visitors should note that a neighboring campsite during their stay may have a medical exemption.

Permits

• Camping permits are issued on a first come-first served basis EXCEPT where there is a campsite reservation service.
• Camping fees are payable when the permit is issued.
• You must immediately occupy the campsite designated by the permit with your camping accommodation unit (tent, trailer or RV). If an accommodation unit is not present, the campsite may be re-assigned.
• Camping permits are not transferrable.
• You are not permitted to save campsites for others.
• A maximum of 6 people may occupy a campsite UNLESS they all are members of the same family unit.

• Available for public use from 7:00 a.m. until 11:00 p.m. only

Fire Prevention

• Campfires are permitted only in facilities provided.
• Never leave your campfire unattended. Ensure your campfire is completely out before retiring for the night and before leaving your campsite.
• Campfire bans and/or travel restrictions may be implemented when the fire hazard is extreme.
• Campgrounds may be closed if a forest fire situation in the vicinity threatens public safety. Check public advisories.
• To report a wildfire, call 310-FIRE (310-3473) toll free from anywhere in Alberta.

Firearms & Hunting

• Hunting and carrying or discharging firearms are not permitted in most provincial parks and recreation areas.
• Hunting is permitted in wildland parks and in some provincial parks and recreation areas. Check our hunting section for details about where and under what conditions hunting is allowed.
• The Alberta Guide to Hunting Regulations contains detailed information about hunting licenses, hunting regulations and wildlife management units.
• Dressing, hanging and storing big game are not permitted without authorization from a conservation officer.

Horses

• The use of horses and pack animals is limited to designated areas and trails.
• Listing of equestrian campgrounds.

Liquor

• In accordance with the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Act.
• Consumption of liquor is restricted to registered campsites, and to some specifically designated provincial day use area picnic sites where liquor is permitted from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm.
• Liquor may be allowed with special permits when an AGLC liquor license is in place.
• Liquor is prohibited in public areas including:
  • on roads, trails and walking paths;
  • public beaches;
  • in washrooms and shower buildings;
  • in cook shelters; and
  • in boats.

Motor Vehicles

• Drive cautiously and obey all speed limits. Children may be playing in the area and campground roads are often used as pathways.
• Keep all vehicles on designated roadways to prevent damage to trees and other vegetation.
• Limited use of off-highway vehicles (OHV) may be permitted in some Alberta Parks’ sites. Where it is allowed, riders must stay on designated OHV trails and obey all signs. Check locations where OHVs are permitted. Please follows rules for responsible OHV use.

Pets

Pets are allowed in Alberta Provincial Parks and Protected Areas. Please review all of our regulations before bringing a pet to a park.  

• All pets are required to be leashed no more than 2 meters, or caged, at all times while in Provincial Parks, Wildland Provincial Parks and Provincial Recreation Areas. This includes campgrounds.  
• Pets must be kept under control at all times.  
• Pick up after your pets and dispose of waste in garbage containers.  
• Pets are not allowed in or around comfort camping sites. 
  • Exception: At Sir Winston Churchill Provincial Park, pets are allowed in an additional camping units (trailer/tent) on site. Cabins #8 and #9 are pet friendly cabins. Guests will be charged an additional non-refundable fee of $20 per stay. 
  • Exception: At Cypress Hills Provincial Park, pets are allowed without an additional fee or deposit for Aspen Ridge Huts 1-6.
• With the exception of certified partner dogs accompanying people with disabilities, pets are not allowed in public:  
  • Swimming areas 
  • Beaches 
  • Buildings 
• Pets are not permitted on most groomed ski trails unless designated. 
• Please ensure your dog doesn't bark excessively. 
• Do not leave your pet unattended at campsites.  
• When camping, store pet food in your vehicle or in bear-safe storage areas, as you would human food and garbage.  

Read more about Pets in Parks here. 

Plants & Fossils

• It is illegal to remove, deface, injure or destroy plants, fossils and rocks.
• Using dead wood lying on the ground (deadfall) for firewood is also prohibited.
• Picking wild fruits and mushrooms MAY BE permitted IF you have verbal approval from the district conservation officer.

UAVs/Drones/RPAS

• In Alberta’s provincial parks, the use of any drone, Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) or Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS), regardless of size, is prohibited for recreational use.
• UAV or drones may be approved in certain circumstances for research purposes or commercial filming. Read more about permit conditions on our Use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles page. 

Wildlife

• Do not approach, feed or harass wildlife. These actions can cause a wild animal to feel threatened, which can pose a danger to humans and their pets. It is illegal to feed wildlife in provincial parks and recreation areas. Read more on our Wildlife & You page. 
• To Report A Poacher phone 1-800-642-3800 toll-free from anywhere in Alberta.