Generators Reducing Noise in Campgrounds – Fuel Generator Rules

Introduction

Excessive noise can negatively impact users, hindering their ability to connect with nature and enjoy the great outdoors. To help minimize these effects, use of fuel generators (running on gas, diesel, or propane) will only be permitted between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. at 11 Alberta Parks campgrounds. At all other provincial campgrounds, fuel generator use is permitted between the hours of 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., in accordance with quiet hours.

Participating Campgrounds

New hours in effect May 1, 2024.

• Bow River Campground at Bow Valley Provincial Park
• Bow Valley Campground at Bow Valley Provincial Park
• Ferguson Hill Campground at Cypress Hills Provincial Park
• Lodgepole Campground at Cypress Hills Provincial Park
• Gooseberry Campground at Gooseberry Provincial Recreation Area
• Long Lake Campground at Long Lake Provincial Park
• Miquelon Lake Campground at Miquelon Lake Provincial Park
• Elkwood Campground at Peter Lougheed Provincial Park
• Pigeon Lake Campground at Pigeon Lake Provincial Park
• Zeiner Campground at Pigeon Lake Provincial Park
• Wabamun Lake Campground at Wabamun Lake Provincial Park

Fuel Generator Use Rules

• Fuel generator (gas, diesel, or propane) use is permitted only between the hours of 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. in participating campgrounds.
• Fuel generators are 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. Please scroll to the bottom of the page to submit an exemption request for your visit.
• Visitors should note that a neighboring campsite during their stay may have a medical exemption.
• A campsite occupant must be present while the fuel generator is in operation.
• 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 mitigate the risk of fire.
• The fuel generator exhaust must not be pointed in the direction of a neighbouring campsite or unit.
• Quiet hours remain the same, from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m.

Kinds of Generators Permitted in Participating Campgrounds

• Fuel generators (gas, diesel, or propane) are permitted only between the hours of 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. in participating campgrounds.
• Wherever possible, we encourage the use of "inverter generators" (i.e., energy efficient/low noise) over industrial sized fuel generators. We also recommend that generators do not exceed 60 decibels (measured on the A-weighted scale at 50 feet). The use of sound barriers and base padding should be considered if a low noise generator is not being used.
• We strongly encourage using portable solar panels and batteries when possible, especially if a powered site is not available. Solar generators, which emit little to no noise, are not subject to these new rules.

Why Generator Rules are Being Instituted

• In recent years, we have received feedback through visitor satisfaction surveys suggesting that rules for fuel generators, including restricted hours, would improve overall camping experiences.
• Establishing new fuel generator rules at select Alberta Parks’ campgrounds helps reduce noise overall while continuing to provide flexibility and a range of opportunities for generating power for our visitors.
• Excessive noise complaints put pressure on Alberta Parks' staff, conservation officers and facility operators, while reducing visitor satisfaction. It is our hope that providing varied options will make the great outdoors more enjoyable for everyone.

Medical Exemption Request