Hangingstone Provincial Recreation Area
RV Guide
Introduction
Hangingstone Provincial Recreation Area is a scenic RV camping park near Fort McMurray in the lower boreal highlands of Alberta, Canada. Nestled amongst the trees of a mixed wood forest, the family-friendly campground is a great spot for relaxing, reading, bird watching, picnicking, and even star gazing. Bring a hammock along to string up between the trees!
The campground is pretty basic, but it has everything you need for a quiet getaway. The sites can accommodate both tents and RVs and facilities include a picnic shelter, toilets, and a children’s playground. While a water pump is available in the park, campers are advised to bring their own drinking water with them.
While the Hangingstone River can be found close to Hangingstone Provincial Recreation Area, be aware that it’s usually closed in the spring for fish spawning.
RV Rentals in Hangingstone Provincial Recreation Area
Transportation
Driving
Hangingstone Provincial Recreation Area is located on Highway 63, approximately 22 miles (35 km) south of Fort McMurray. As the campground is set within the trees, you should take care when driving through and stick to designated roadways. Keep an eye out for children and low hanging branches, particularly if you’re in a big rig.
Parking is available within the campground at Hangingstone Provincial Recreation Area if you’re staying overnight.
Parking
Public Transportation
Campgrounds and parking in Hangingstone Provincial Recreation Area
Campsites in Hangingstone Provincial Recreation Area
First-come first-served
Hangingstone Campground
Hangingstone Campground in Hangingstone Provincial Recreation Area is home to 56 unserviced campsites for tents and RVs or trailers of 35 feet in length. Larger campsites may be available for bigger rigs so call ahead to check. Facilities are very basic and include fire pits, pit or vault toilets, and a water pump - although campers are advised to bring their own drinking water with them.
Facilities within the campground include a payphone, children’s playground, and a picnic shelter. Hangingstone Campground is pet-friendly but dog owners are advised to keep their pets on a leash at all times. Please respect the quiet hours from 23:00 to 07:00 every day. Generators are permitted only outside of quiet hours and as long as they are not disturbing the peace for other guests.
Seasonal activities in Hangingstone Provincial Recreation Area
In-Season
Fishing
Anglers can enjoy catch and release fishing in the Hangingstone River during the summer months (the river is closed in the spring for spawn fishing). Popular species found here include Arctic grayling and northern pike. Please note that if you are an Alberta resident between the ages of 16 and 65 years old, you need to get an Alberta angling license to fish here. Non-residents need to get an angling license no matter their age.
Birding
If you’re an avid bird watcher, you’ll be in your element at Hangingstone Provincial Recreation Area. As the campground is nestled within the trees, it’s a great spot to see raptors and other songbirds in the treetops. Alternatively, take a walk down to the Hangingstone River and see what other interesting birds you can spot in the area. Herons are often spotted wading in the water here. Don’t forget your binoculars!
Picnicking
With a picnic shelter and lovely shady areas, Hangingstone Provincial Recreation Area is a popular picnic spot in the summer months. Pack a picnic and make use of the picnic facilities or simply take a blanket down to the banks of the Hangingstone River and enjoy fishing and bird watching. Facilities include toilets and a children’s playground which are available to day visitors and overnight campers.
Off-Season
Fall Fishing
If you enjoy fly fishing then a visit to Hangingstone Provincial Recreation Area should definitely be on the cards in the fall. According to other fishing forums, the river is available for catch and release fishing only and the off season months are much quieter (the river is closed in the spring for fish spawning). Fish found in the river include Arctic grayling and northern pike. Please note that if you are an Alberta resident between the ages of 16 and 65 years old, you need to get an Alberta angling license to fish here. Non-residents need to get an angling license no matter their age.
Winter Walks
Hangingstone Provincial Recreation Area is stunning in the off season when there are fewer crowds and the park is much quieter. This is the best time to enjoy a winter stroll through the park as you’ll be much more likely to spot interesting birds and wildlife when the campground is empty. Take a walk through the trees and along the Hangingstone River and keep an eye out for frolicking squirrels, herons, and raptors.
Winter Picnics
The off season months are much quieter in the Hangingstone Provincial Recreation Area. If you dress warmly, you can still enjoy a scenic picnic in this pretty park. There is a picnic shelter available as well as fire pits and toilets that you can use even if you’re only visiting for the day. Kids will love letting off steam at the playground. Pack a picnic and a flask of hot tea and simply sit back and soak up the serenity of this picturesque park in the winter months.
