Gleniffer Reservoir Provincial Recreation Area
RV Guide
Introduction
Gleniffer Reservoir Provincial Recreation Area has an activity for everyone to enjoy. The prized jewel of the park is Gleniffer Lake, a 4 mile (7 km) long reservoir that provides drinking water to the surrounding areas and ample opportunities for sport and recreation.
Visitors can spend the day playing on Gleniffer Lake’s sandy beaches or boating on the water. The reservoir is typically dotted with sailboats, powerboats, kayaks, and canoes. The long lake is a favorite spot for water skiing and windsurfing.Fishermen can cast a line in the lake or take advantage of the stocked Rainbow trout pond. Just be sure to have a valid fishing license.
Gleniffer Reservoir Provincial Recreation Area’s secluded location away from city lights makes it the perfect venue for exploring the night sky. Stargazers and astronomers can set up in the grassy area adjacent to the lakeshore for an evening of observation.
The park features three campgrounds with sites for RVs: Dickson Point, North Dyke, and South Dyke. The sites are primitive. No hookups are available. Campers will need to bring their own drinking water. Water taps are available with unfiltered water for putting out fires.
RV Rentals in Gleniffer Reservoir Provincial Recreation Area
Transportation
Driving
Gleniffer Reservoir Provincial Recreation Area is located 22 miles (36 km) west of Innisfail, Alberta, and 22 miles (36 km) east of Caroline, Alberta. Visitors driving to the park can reach it in about 90 minutes from Calgary or about two hours if coming from Edmonton.
Campers can access Glennifer Lake from Highway 54. Park roads are paved, and make traveling with an RV or trailer simple. Resort developments share the lake with the park, so the roads are well-maintained year round.
There is room for three vehicles to be parked at each reserved campsite. RVs or trailers count as one of those vehicles. Additional parking can be found throughout the park and along the lake. Parking is allowed only in designated parking areas.
Mountain bikes are permitted on park roads and off road areas. All bicyclists under the age of 18 must wear a helmet.
Parking
Public Transportation
Campgrounds and parking in Gleniffer Reservoir Provincial Recreation Area
Campsites in Gleniffer Reservoir Provincial Recreation Area
First-come first-served
South Dyke Campground
South Dyke Campground offers 14 sites suitable for RV use. The campground is open May through October for overnight camping, but remains open the rest of the year for day use only. Campsites are primitive without hookups. Campers should bring their own drinking water and water for cooking and washing, but a water tap is present for putting out fires. Campsites can be booked for a minimum of 16 consecutive nights when camping permits are issued. Camping permits and site assignments are issued on a first come, first served basis. Each site includes a fire pit, and the campground offers fish cleaning stations and a boat launch. Dry toilets are available for use. Firewood is for sale in the park.
North Dyke Campground
North Dyke Campground offers 30 sites suitable for RV use. The campground is open May through October for overnight camping, but remains open the rest of the year for day use only. Campsites are primitive without hookups. Campers should bring their own drinking water and water for cooking and washing, but water is on tap for putting out fires. Campsites can be booked for a minimum of 16 consecutive nights. Camping permits and site assignments are issued on a first come, first served basis. Each site includes a fire pit, and the campground offers fish cleaning stations and a boat launch. Dry toilets are available for use. Firewood is for sale in the park.
Dickson Point Campground
Dickson Point Campground offers 18 sites suitable for RV use. The campground is open May through October for overnight camping, but remains open the rest of the year for day use only. Campsites are primitive without hookups. Campers should bring their own drinking water and water for cooking and washing, but water is on tap for putting out fires. Campsites can be booked for a minimum of 16 consecutive nights. Camping permits and site assignments are issued on a first come, first served basis. Each site includes a fire pit, and the campground offers fish cleaning stations and a boat launch. Dry toilets are available for use. Firewood is for sale in the park.
Seasonal activities in Gleniffer Reservoir Provincial Recreation Area
Off-Season
Fishing
While other lake activities are only available May through October, fishing is open year round. During the warmer months, fishermen can cast a line on the reservoir by boat or on the shore. Setting up shop below the Dickson Dam is a favorite location for many anglers. Additionally, fishermen can take advantage of the stocked Rainbow trout pond. In the winter months, ice fishing is permitted at the trout pond as well. Be sure to have a valid fishing license.
Dickson Dam
Gleniffer Reservoir was originally created as a source for hydroelectric power. Dickson Dam, located on the east end of the lake, holds back the Red Deer River. Hike or mountain bike to the dam for a scenic view of the lake and an up close and personal look at how the natural resources are used to create sustainable power for the surrounding area. Hike down below the dam to a popular fishing spot for another unique perspective.
Stargazing
Gleniffer Reservoir Provincial Recreation Area’s unique location away from city lights makes it a popular spot for taking in the stars. Night skies in the park rank #4 on the Bortle Scale. Astronomers and stargazers like to set up shop on the grassy area next to Gleniffer Lake. Campers are welcome to join them and explore the view overhead. Whether you have a telescope, camera, binoculars, or just a blanket and lawn chair, anyone can enjoy unobstructed views.
In-Season
Picnicking
Enjoy a picnic on the shores of Gleniffer Lake. Day use areas are scattered throughout the park and include picnic tables and fire pits. If you plan on catching your meal, fish cleaning stands are available. Bring your own drinking water, as water from the tap is not suitable for consumption. You can, however, use water from the taps to extinguish fires when your picnic is done. Please dispose of trash properly, and leave the beach as you found it.
Boating
From May through October, Gleniffer Lake is dotted with boats of every shape and size. Power boats pull water skiers across the waves. Sailboats take advantage of the cool breezes. Hop into a canoe or kayak to enjoy the scenery at a leisurely speed, or try your hand at windsurfing. Boats are not allowed in designated swimming areas. Public boat launches are placed at several locations around the lake, and local boat rentals are available.
Swimming
Gleniffer Reservoir Provincial Recreation Area is open for swimmers from May through October. The lake waters run very cool, so the warmest summer months are the most popular for spending time in the water. Swimmers can enter the reservoir at several designated swim beaches. Boating is not allowed in the swimming areas. There is a swimming location within walking distance of each campground. Lifeguards are not on duty, so swimmers are encouraged to use caution and never swim alone.
