Aspen Beach Provincial Park
RV Guide

Introduction

If you're pondering where to take your next RV vacation, consider a trip to Alberta's Aspen Beach Provincial Park. It's one of Canada's most popular spots for an outdoor adventure.

Aspen Beach Provincial Park was founded in 1932 and was Alberta's first provincial park. Located just outside the small town of Lacombe, AB, this recreational area and camping facility sits along the banks of Gull Lake. Gull Lake is the home of the much beloved Ebeling Beach and is considered one of the province's best places for swimming, boating, and other summertime activities. The beach itself houses a concession stand, picnic areas, a boat launch, and a playground. The sandy coastline is the ideal spot for working on a suntan, reading a good book, or taking a stroll.

Winter activities abound at Aspen Lake Provincial Park as well. There are several well-maintained trails that are well-suited to snowshoeing and cross country skiing. The property also bears an outdoor skating rink which features fire pits, picnic benches, and vault toilets.

Aspen Beach Provincial Park is situated near to both Red Deer and Sylvan Lake, allowing families the opportunity to relax in a country setting but still maintain close proximity to the amenities and attractions of big city life. This park is open year-round for families to enjoy: however, the campgrounds are open only seasonally from May through October.

For an idyllic RV vacation, plan a trip to Aspen Beach Provincial Park. It's a fantastic place to enjoy a holiday.

RV Rentals in Aspen Beach Provincial Park

Transportation

Driving

To travel to Aspen Beach Provincial Park from Red Deer, AB, the route will encompass 40 km (25 miles) in totality. At the juncture for AB-2 N, follow AB-12 W in Lacombe County.to exit 422. At the fork in the road, remain to the left, carefully following signs for Bentley W. Continue to follow AB-12 W until you reach the park. Since Red Deer is a large city in Alberta, you will encounter stretches of the highway that see heavy traffic. The highway itself moves from four to two lanes in several portions. Traffic remains fluid though road construction does occur occasionally in the summer months. The roads are kept clear and are in good condition. Keep an eye for any wildlife that may enter the road.


Travelling from Sylvan Lake to Aspen Beach Provincial Park is quite simple. The drive is short and scenic at only 28 km (17 miles). To begin the route, take AB-20 N to Lacombe County. Continue along this highway until you reach your destination. This stretch of highway sees a steady flow of traffic but moves well. The highway alternates from four lanes to two but is in good condition and kept both clean and clear year-round. Wildlife sometimes likes to cross the highway, so always remain alert to avoid an accident. Road construction is a possibility during good weather.

Parking

There are six parking lots interspersed throughout this large park and campground where you can safely leave your vehicle.

Public Transportation

Due to its remote location, no public transportation is available to Aspen Beach Provincial Park.

Campgrounds and parking in Aspen Beach Provincial Park

Campsites in Aspen Beach Provincial Park

Reservations camping

Brewers and Lakeview Campgrounds

Aspen Beach Provincial Park is home to two campgrounds which comprise a total of 200 sites: Brewers Campground and Lakeview Campground. Reservations are highly recommended for both of these camping facilities. Brewers Campground is open seasonally from May 8th through October 9th with Lakeview Campground enjoying a slightly shorter camping period from May 1st through September 14th each year.

The sites at Brewers Campground offer water hookup and sewage disposal, but there are no serviced lots which offer power. By comparison,. Lakeview Campground offers fully serviced sites which include power, sewage, and water hookups. Campers may also access Ebeling Beach directly from the campsites at Lakeview Campground.

Leashed dogs are welcome, and generator use is permitted.

The amenities are the same at both camping facilities. These include firewood for a fee, baseball diamonds, playgrounds, beach access, trails, a boardwalk, a boat launch, picnic areas, sewage disposal stations, toilets, and showers.

Among the most popular activities at these campgrounds are swimming, boating, fishing, and hiking in the summer months. During the winter, families can enjoy ice fishing, snowshoeing, ice skating, and cross country skiing.

Seasonal activities in Aspen Beach Provincial Park

Off-Season

Ice Skating

Just outside Ebeling Beach is an ice skating rink that is maintained for public use during the winter. Grab your mittens and your skates and head out for one of winter's most popular outdoor activities.

The rink is also home to fire pits, picnic benches, and vault toilets for your comfort and convenience.

Since the concession stand does not operate during the winter months, pack a Thermos full of hot chocolate and bring along some drinking water and snacks.

Snowshoeing

When the snow begins to fall, there are still lots of fun things to do at Aspen Beach Provincial Park. Snowshoeing is one of the most popular activities enjoyed at this recreational area. There are up to 7 km (4 miles) of well groomed trails that are perfect for enjoying a trek through Alberta's winter wonderland.

These trails are reserved for use by snowshoers and skiiers only during the winter months. Since Alberta winters can get cold and very dry, be sure to dress in layers and bring along drinking water to prevent dehydration.

Skiing

Aspen Beach Provincial Park is home to 7 km (4 miles) of well-groomed trails designed for use in classical country skiing style. These trails are reserved for use by skiers and snowshoers only during the winter months.

When the ground is blanketed with a fresh coating of snow, there is nothing more tranquil than swishing through these paths, inspired by the beauty of nature in the crisp Alberta woods.

Bring along drinking water and snacks and be sure you dress warmly as Alberta winters can get very chilly.

In-Season

Hiking

There are several hiking trails that are well-suited to hikers of all different ages, health conditions, and activity levels. Aspen Beach Provincial Park is surrounded by abundant tree cover. The forest itself contains several walking paths and leads through interesting plant and animal life. Bring along a camera to capture some photos of the magnificent terrain and unusual sights.

The hiking trails also form part of a geocaching course. Pack some water and snacks and head out in search of hidden treasure within the forest.

For families who fancy a less vigorous walk, there is also a boardwalk that is the ideal spot for a leisurely stroll.

Boating

The boat launch at Ebeling Beach is located just off Gull Lake within Lakeview Campground, one of two camping facilities at Aspen Beach Provincial Park. The ideal spot from which to launch canoes, kayaks, or other boats, it is important to note that power boats are limited to small watercraft only.

While out on the water, why not take a chance on catching some of Alberta's finest fish? Bring along snacks and drinks or pick up a treat at the concession stand located on the beach.

Swimming

The swimming is fine at Ebeling Beach. Located just a short walk from Aspen Beach Provincial Park, Ebeling Beach sits on the shores of Gull Lake. This beautiful beach is quite spacious and offers an abundance of sand where families can recline and enjoy a picnic lunch, take a stroll, or even just work on their suntan.

The waters of Gull Lake are warm and refreshing. There is a boat launch on-site where families can deploy their canoes, kayaks, or other watercraft. It is important to note that the boat launch is only equipped to handle small boats and watersports equipment.

The beach is also home to a concession stand and playground.