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Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park

Alberta Parks
Information

Please respect this sacred place: writing, carving or otherwise leaving marks on the rocks at Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park is considered vandalism and is illegal. Protect this place for future generations by educating your group and reporting vandalism to staff.

Writing-on-Stone Day Use

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Effective Date: September 8, 2026 - Until Further Notice

Where: Area A Group Use , Area B Group Use , Writing-on-Stone Campground , Writing-on-Stone Day Use

Details: Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park Campground and group use areas will be closed for a septic system replacement from October 13 to November 22, 2026. The day use area in the valley will remain open, but the access road will be closed to both vehicle and foot traffic. Visitors will be able to park at the Visitor Centre and walk down through the Hoodoos along Visitor Centre trail.

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

Effective Date: September 1, 2026 - Until Further Notice

Where: Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park

Details: Alberta Forestry and Parks is temporarily closing a portion of the Coffin Bridge Management Unit of Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park to allow construction of a new walk-in campground southeast of Coffin Bridge, adjacent to the hand boat launch on the Milk River. The new campground will support multi-day paddling trips and will include 12 walk-in campsites, an access trail, and a boat-trailer parking area. Please refer to the enclosed Area Closure Map for the exact location. Construction will occur from September to November 2026, with minor work continuing in 2027. The active construction area will be closed to visitors during this time, with signage posted and the closure enforced under the Provincial Parks Act. The hand boat launch will remain open. A portable toilet will be provided when construction limits access to the existing vault toilet. This temporary closure is necessary to ensure public and worker safety, support efficient construction, and meet environmental requirements. Please follow all posted signage and stay clear of the construction area.

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

Map of Affected Area

Information: 403-647-2364
Season: Year-round
Directions

The Writing-on-Stone Day Use Area is centrally located in the Milk River Valley, under the cottonwood trees next to the Hoodoos. Visitors can enjoy a playground, access to hiking trails, and a hand launch for canoes and kayaks, with parking nearby. For those looking to spend the day, visitors will find individual fire pits and picnic tables, and two large group fire pits for small groups. There are also two cooking shelters with wood burning stoves and power that are available on a first-come, first-served basis at no charge. 

Firewood and snacks can be purchased at the Hoodoo Hut Campground Store during the summer. In the winter, firewood can be purchased by cash envelope.

Note: There is no parking for large buses or RV's in the Day Use Area. Larger and long vehicles must park at the overflow parking lot east of the Visitor Centre. 

Amenities

Maps & Guides

  • Backcountry Map Writing-on-Stone PP, park map, backcountry map, map -- edd468f5-14d5-4ab5-862f-b5018aca67f6 True
  • Battle Scene Writing-on-Stone PP -- edd468f5-14d5-4ab5-862f-b5018aca67f6 True
  • Campground Map Writing-on-Stone PP, Map, Campground, Hoodoo Trail, Visitor Centre Trail, Writing-on-Stone PP, Hoodoo Hut Campground Store, Trail Map -- edd468f5-14d5-4ab5-862f-b5018aca67f6 True
  • Hoodoo Trail Guide Writing-on-Stone PP, Hoodoo Trail Guide, Trails, Hoodoo Trail Map, Matapiiksi (Hoodoo) Trail, Writing-on-Stone, PP, Hoodoo Hut Campground Store, Trail Guide -- edd468f5-14d5-4ab5-862f-b5018aca67f6 True
  • Park Guide with Map Writing-on-Stone PP, Park Brochure & Map, Matapiiksi (Hoodoo) Trail, Writing-on-Stone PP, Hoodoo Hut Campground Store, Park Guide with Map -- edd468f5-14d5-4ab5-862f-b5018aca67f6 True
  • Site Etiquette Writing-on-Stone PP -- edd468f5-14d5-4ab5-862f-b5018aca67f6 True
  • Snakes Writing-on-Stone PP, Park Brochure & Map, Matapiiksi (Hoodoo) Trail, Writing-on-Stone PP, Hoodoo Hut Campground Store, Park Guide with Map -- edd468f5-14d5-4ab5-862f-b5018aca67f6 True
Updated: May 12, 2026
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