Little Fish Lake Provincial Park
RV Guide
Introduction
Located in southern Alberta, Little Fish Provincial Park is a secluded weekend getaway that’s perfect for anglers. The lake’s seven square kilometers of water are home to a large population of yellow perch. You can also enjoy the water via kayak or canoe, with miles of shoreline to explore.
The shores of the lake are a popular staging area for dozens of species of waterfowl during migration seasons. You can see thousands of Canadian and snow geese flying south if you visit the park during the fall. You’ll also spot dozens of species of songbirds near the lake, including spotted sandpiper, piping plover, and Wilson’s phalaropes. Waterfowl hunting is allowed after fall migration season ends in November. You can also hike along the shores of the lake, or head to the Hand Hills Ecological Reserve on the western side of the lake, where you’ll find a number of endangered and threatened species.
The small onsite RV campground is located right on the shores of the lake. The ten rustic sites give you quick access to fishing and boating, and you can also access trails that lead you into the surrounding badlands.
RV Rentals in Little Fish Lake Provincial Park
Transportation
Driving
Little Fish Lake Provincial Park is located in southern Alberta, just a few hours away from Calgary and Edmonton. The area around the lake consists mostly of rolling badlands, so the campground near the park is relatively easy to access via RV.
If you are driving from Calgary, take AB-564 out of the city to reach the park in around two hours. From Edmonton, take AB-21 south out of the city to AB-56, and you’ll get to the park in about three and a half hours.
The main campground is located on the eastern side of the lake. To get to the campground, turn off AB-851, and you’ll arrive at the RV sites in a few hundred feet. You should have few issues getting to the campground, although you should watch out for ice on the roads if visiting during the colder months of the year.
Parking
Public Transportation
Campgrounds and parking in Little Fish Lake Provincial Park
Campsites in Little Fish Lake Provincial Park
First-come first-served
Little Fish Lake Campground
This small campground is tucked right against the water. The ten sites are all rustic, with no hookups of any kind. The sites have fire pits, and there are pit toilets located throughout the campground. There are water taps in the campground, but they should not be used for drinking or cooking water. Pets are allowed in the campground, although you’ll have to keep dogs on a leash at all times.
The main attraction to the campground is the lake, where you’ll find excellent boating and fishing. The shores of the lake provide habitat for dozens of different bird species, making the campground a popular choice for bird enthusiasts. From November through late March, the area around the lake is open to waterfowl hunting.
Sites cannot be reserved in advance. The campground is not usually very busy, although it may start to fill up on summer weekends, so arrive early if planning an RV trip during peak season.
Seasonal activities in Little Fish Lake Provincial Park
In-Season
Boating
With over seven square kilometers of water, Little Fish Lake is a great RV getaway for weekend kayak or canoe trips. You’ll have scenic views of the rolling badlands surrounding the lake. If you visit during spring or fall, you can witness the seasonal migration of large numbers of waterfowl.
Although boating is safe, swimming is not recommended in the lake, as algae blooms can reach dangerous levels and become toxic late in the summer. Boat rentals are not offered by the park.
Fishing
Little Fish Lake is a relaxing angling destination where you can enjoy the sun and cast a line. The lake has a large population of yellow perch, which tend to be active running from late spring through early fall, although you may have some luck with ice fishing in the winter. A boat launch can be found near the RV campground, making it easy to get out onto the water. The park does not rent fishing equipment so bring along everything you need with your RV.
Hiking
Although there aren’t many marked trails around Little Fish Lake, you can explore the area on your own and enjoy the cool shores. You can also head to the western side of the lake, where you’ll find the Hand Hills Ecological Reserve, home to over 130 species of birds and a number of threatened mammal species.
Hiking tends to be best in the spring and fall. You can enjoy the rolling badlands in the spring when they are coated in wildflowers. Or come in the fall for picturesque views of the grasslands draped in autumn colors.
Off-Season
Wildlife Viewing
The prairie land surrounding Little Fish Lake is home to a diverse mix of wildlife, including dozens of species of mammals, birds, and amphibians. You’ll be able to spot mule deer, antelope, jackrabbits, Richardson’s ground squirrels, coyotes, and badgers. You may also find small snakes along the shores of the lake and in the grasslands. Cross to the western side of the lake to the Hand Hills Ecological Reserve, where you can spot ferruginous hawks and long-tailed weasels.
Hunting
Little Fish Lake is home to large populations of waterfowl, making it a popular hunting area. Hunting for waterfowl is allowed starting in November, when the fall migration season has ended. Hunting runs through early spring, closing when the spring migration begins.
You’ll need an Alberta hunting license if you plan on hunting anywhere around the lake. Make sure to follow all hunting seasons, as they are strictly enforced. Also make sure that you stay on public land while hunting, as there are a number of private plots near the edge of the park.
Birdwatching
Birdwatching is a highly popular activity around Little Fish Lake, with dozens of species calling the area home. The lake is a staging area for waterfowl during their seasonal migration, so you can spot a wide range of species if you visit during spring or fall.
Canada geese are seen in large numbers, and you’ll also be able to see thousands of snow geese in the fall. Spotted sandpiper, marbled godwit, and piping plover are some of the commonly spotted shorebirds.
