Peter Lougheed Provincial Park

Alberta Parks

Kananaskis Conservation Pass is required to park your vehicle in Kananaskis and the Bow Valley


Forks Backcountry Campground

Information: 403-678-0760
Lat: 50.634741 Long: -115.232454

 Advisories and Closures ()

Bear Closure - Elpoca Day Use Area and Valleyview Road

    Effective Date: May 31, 2020 - Until Further Notice

    Where: Elpoca Day Use , Little Highwood Pass Day Use , Pocaterra Warming Hut , Valleyview Trail

    Details: Frequent bear activity has been noted along Valleyview Road from Elpoca Day Use Area to HWY 40 (South) near Little Highwood Day Use Area, including Valleyview Day Use Areas.

    Although an advisory is in place for this area, bears can be encountered at any time. To avoid a surprise encounter with a bear:

    • Make plenty of noise and travel in groups.
    • Be aware of your surroundings. Look and listen for bears and their signs.
    • Keep your pet on a leash.
    • Carry bear spray. Make sure it’s easily accessible and know how to use it.
    • Secure attractants like food, garbage, pet food and any scented items in hard sided vehicles or bear proof lockers.
    • Learn more about bear safety.

    Report sightings and incidents to 403-591-7755.

    Map of Affected Area

Updated: January 20, 2026 
Bear Closure - Kent Ridge North and James Walker Drainage

    Effective Date: November 30, 2025 - Until Further Notice

    Where: Peter Lougheed PP , Kent Ridge North, James Walker Drainage, Mount Chesmill, Mount Inflexible, Mount James Walker Access

    Details: A Grizzly Bear denning close to an undesignated trail (route).

    Although an advisory is in place for this area, bears can be encountered at any time. To avoid a surprise encounter with a bear:

    • Make plenty of noise and travel in groups.
    • Be aware of your surroundings. Look and listen for bears and their signs.
    • Keep your pet on a leash.
    • Carry bear spray. Make sure it’s easily accessible and know how to use it.
    • Secure attractants like food, garbage, pet food and any scented items in hard sided vehicles or bear proof lockers.
    • Learn more about bear safety.

    Report sightings and incidents to 403-591-7755.

    Map of Affected Area

Updated: January 20, 2026 
Closure - Blackshale Suspension Bridge

    Effective Date: November 30, 2025 - Until Further Notice

    Where: High Rockies (Winter) Trail , Peter Lougheed PP , Blackshale Suspension Bridge

    Details: The bridge is designed for summer use only. Snow accumulation reduces effective handrail height and creates slippery conditions, making winter use unsafe.

Updated: January 20, 2026 
Construction Closure - Elkwood Campground Amphitheatre

    Effective Date: September 1, 2025 - Until Further Notice

    Where: Elkwood Campground , Peter Lougheed PP , Elkwood Campground Amphitheatre

    Details: Amphitheatre refurbishment is scheduled to occur at Elkwood Campground in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park. Construction is anticipated from September 1, 2025 to June 6, 2026 (subject to change/weather dependent). To facilitate construction activities, the Elkwood Amphitheatre will be closed to visitors. Heavy equipment will be working on-site. We recognize construction is inconvenient, however it is necessary to uphold public safety and to support construction efficiency. Please ensure you follow all signage posted on-site, do not cross construction barriers and keep a safe distance from the active work zone.

    Follow the direction of all signage and personnel in the area and stay out of active construction zones.

Updated: January 20, 2026 

Forks Backcountry Campground is in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park, 50 km south of Hwy. 1 on Hwy. 40 and south on Kananaskis Lakes Trail. The closest access is at North Interlakes Day Use Area. It is 7.3 km from the trailhead via Upper Kananaskis Lake Circuit/Three Isle Lake Trail. About 20 tent sites are nestled in the forest at this lovely creekside campground. Here there are pit/vault toilets, firepits with firewood provided and secure food storage lockers. 

This trail is 7.3 km one way with 100 meters of elevation gain and is rated easy. 

Note: Please note that it is illegal to remove, deface, injure or destroy trees and using dead wood lying on the ground for firewood is also prohibited.

Camping

Sites Rate / Person / Night Water Source Camping Season Current Status
20 $12 River Jun 15 - Nov 29 Seasonal Closure


* Forks Backcountry campground is in the Kananaskis Lake permit area
* Reservations can be made 90 days in advance of arrival date.
* A maximum of 6 people and 1 tent is permitted on each site with some exceptions.

Currently Booking to
Apr 24, 2026

1-877-537-2757
1-877-537-2757

Amenities

    Maps & Guides

    • Backcountry Etiquette Parks: Peter Lougheed PP Big Elbow PRA Bow Valley PP Bow Valley WPP Spray Valley PP Elbow-Sheep WPP Facilities: Aster Lake Backcountry Campground Big Elbow Backcountry Campground Elbow Lake Backcountry Campground Forks Backcountry Campground Lillian Lake Backcountry Campground Jewell Bay Backcountry Campground Mount Romulus Backcountry Campground Mount Romulus Equestrian Backcountry Campground Point Backcountry Campground Quaite Valley Backcountry Campground Ribbon Falls Backcountry Campground Ribbon Lake Backcountry Campground Rummel Lake Winter Backcountry Campground Three Isle Lake Backcountry Campground Tombstone Backcountry Campground Tombstone Equestrian Backcountry Campground Turbine Canyon Backcountry Campground -- 7cdaac4f-8452-47da-8214-d83eeb277794 True
    • Spray Valley & Peter Lougheed Map (Geo Referenced) Map, Kananaskis Country, Spary valley PP, Peter Lougheed PP, map Campground: Eau Claire, Lillian Lake Backcountry, Ribbon Falls Backcountry, Ribbon Lake Backcountry, Spray Lakes West, Rummel Lake Winter Backcountry,Boulton Creek, Canyon, Elkwood, Interlakes, Lower Lake, William Watson Lodge, Mount Sarrail Walk-in Tenting, Aster Lake Backcountry, Elbow Lake Backcountry, Forks Backcountry, Point Backcountry, Three Isle Lake Backcountry, Turbine Canyon Backcountry Group Use: Lower Lake, Pocaterra Walk-in Tenting Day Use: Buller Mountain, Driftwood, Galatea, Goat Creek, Mt. Shark, Opal, Sparrowhawk, Spray Lake, Wedge Pond, Black Prince, Boulton Bridge, Burstall Pass, Canyon, Chester Lake, Elbow Pass, Elk Pass, Elpoca, Grizzly Creek, Highwood Meadows, King Creek, Little Highwood Pass, Lower Lake, North Interlakes, Panorama, Peninsula, Pocaterra, Rock Glacier, Sawmill, Upper Lake, White Spruce, Elkwood Trailhead Trails: Banff, Galatea Creek, Mount Shark, Terrace South, Wedge Connector, Frozen Toad Loop Snowshoe, Rolly Road Training Grid, South Sawmill Loop, Tailwater Snowshoe, Torpor Loop, William Watson Lodge Connector -- 7cdaac4f-8452-47da-8214-d83eeb277794 True
    • Forks Backcountry Campground Map Map, Kananaskis, Forks Backcountry Campground, Peter Lougheed PP, Kananaskis Country -- 7cdaac4f-8452-47da-8214-d83eeb277794 True
    • Regulations

    • Safety

    • Avalanche Reports
    • Backcountry Campgrounds
    • Backcountry Safety
    • Suggested Routes
    • Bear Smart Pamphlet
    • Hanging a Bear Bag
    • Hiking Safety
    • Leave No Trace
    • Winter Survival
    • Bear Smart
    • Living With Cougars

Updated: Jan 7, 2026