[OT] any suggestions for camping in the bow valley?

[ras]

I'm heading up next weekend, and going to stay for the week. I'm worried it'll be crazy busy on the long weekend, and just worried the camping will be expensive the rest of the week.

If I'm going to pay +$20 to camp somewhere, I'd at least like it to be nice.

Any beta? Favorite spots, hidden gems, places to avoid?

Better forums to post to?

Thanks,
Sam

[csg]

Campgrounds in K-country are usually a lot less busy than in the parks. There are a lot of campgrounds throughout Kcountry, and they are typically far more low key and less crowded than, say, the Banff or Lake Louise campgrounds.

My favorite pay spot is Spray Lakes campground. The sites are on the shore of a beautiful lake (reservoir, whatever), very convenient to Grassi and EEOR, 10 - 15 minutes from downtown Canmore.

[XXXX]

live-the-vision.com

can you still camp for free at Yam?

[Trick]

I last heard that you can no longer camp at Yam at all anymore. It was rezoned or something last year and the camping is now no longer.

Lac Des Arcs has a nice little campsite that is pretty cheap (can't remember how much), quite and pretty much across the highway from Heart Creek climbing. You're about a 15 minute drive from Canmore.

We stayed there one long weekend and had no trouble finding a site. Plus you are right on the lake (free bathing).

It's right on Hwy 1 East of Canmore. About 40 min west of Calgary.

P