Little Bow Provincial Park is located in southern Alberta along the Travers Reservoir. The reservoir was built in 1954 to control water flowing from McGregor Lake to Little Bow Lake Reservoir. Today, the main purpose of Travers Reservoir is to provide water for irrigation and to help prevent river flooding. Little Bow Provincial Park provides beach access to the reservoir. It is a popular lake destination during the summer months.
The provincial park has numerous activities for park visitors to enjoy during their stay. The sandy beach along Travers Reservoir is great for swimming and sunbathing. The reservoir is also popular for boating and fishing. Birding enthusiasts won’t be disappointed either. Great Horned Owls and the threatened peregrine falcon may be sighted. Between activities, kids will have fun playing on the equipment at two playgrounds within the park.
Little Bow Campground has over 200 campsites which are a mix of serviced and unserviced sites. The spots fill up quickly during the summer and it is encouraged to make a reservation prior to your stay. Camping season at Little Bow is open from May to September. The park remains open during the off-season, but only to foot traffic. If you are planning to visit during the off-season, keep in mind that there are no services.
Little Bow Provincial Park is located in Champion, Alberta, about 12 miles (20 km) south of the town of Vulcan. There are some services and supplies in both Champion and Vulcan. The park does offer some services as well, including firewood and a concession stand that is open during the summer months.
The drive to the park should be mostly hazard-free. If visiting late or early in the season or during the off-season, there may be snow or ice. It’s wise to check weather and road conditions, especially during the winter months. During the off-season, the park remains open for foot traffic, though it is unserviced.
The road into the park is paved, making it easy to navigate even for those with large rigs. Once settled in at a campsite, visitors can walk or bike to the beach, playgrounds, and many other activities the park offers.
There are parking lots near the beach as well as the picnic area and each site has a gravel parking area.
Little Bow Campground has over 200 campsites which are a mix of electric and non-electric sites. Many campsites can accommodate travel trailers and RVs up to 40 feet in length. Reservations can be made in advance for the peak season months of May to September. Camping opens at the park in April and ends in October.
The many trees scattered throughout the campground provide shade and some privacy. There are fire rings are at each campsite that can be used for cooking or to enjoy a campfire under the starry night sky. Firewood is available for purchase at the park. Leashed pets are welcome at Little Bow. Bring your pet along to enjoy the park and camping experience.
For those staying in unserviced sites, generator use is allowed, but be respectful of neighboring campers late at night and in the early morning. There are restrooms with showers, however, water systems are shut off throughout the park from September to May. If visiting late in September or early October plan to bring extra water for your stay. There is a sewage dump station that may be used for a small fee.
The sandy beach along the shore of Travers Reservoir is a fantastic spot to enjoy a warm summer day. Take a swim in the refreshing water or instead lounge on the beach watching those boating, windsurfing, or playing in the water. A parking lot is near the beach area, though it is also a short walk from the campground.
Travers Reservoir is great for boating in addition to other water sports. A boat launch is located near Little Bow Campground and provides quick, simple access to the lake. Don’t have a boat or couldn’t bring yours a long? During the summer months, visitors can rent fishing boats and paddle-boards at the park.
Travers Reservoir is known to be breezy, making it a desirable lake for windsurfers. Spend the day touring the reservoir's shores by letting the breeze take you away. Access to deeper water should be easy from the sandy beach at Little Bow Provincial Park. Check conditions before you head out onto the water.
Little Bow Provincial Park is located within an important bird area. Great Horned Owls may be spotted perched high in trees throughout the park and campground. The peregrine falcon is a threatened species that makes appearances at Little Bow and nests along the north shore of Travers Reservoir.
Those looking to fish will find Travers Reservoir an excellent fishing lake. With walleye, perch, pike, and burbot the fishing at Little Bow is great no matter the season. It’s also known for ice fishing in the winter. A fish cleaning station is located at the park to tend to any fish you may catch during your stay. Check fishing rules and be sure to obtain the necessary license if prior to your visit.
Kids will be happy to discover the two playgrounds at Little Bow. When not on the water or enjoying other activities, children will enjoy playing on the equipment at the playgrounds. One playground is next to the picnic area. Prepare lunch while the kids run and play. The parking lot nearby makes it easy to transport picnic supplies from your campsite. The other playground is next to the beach area, which is also convenient.
