Park Lake Provincial Park
RV Guide
Introduction
Famously known for being the first Provincial Park in Alberta, Park Lake Provincial Park is a must-visit on your next RV getaway. Park Lake Provincial Park has a long history of being a public area that dates back to 1929 when an irrigation reservoir was built on the land that is now part of the park. The official establishment of the park came in 1932 due to the demand from the community for a local beach and the chance to participate in water sport activities.
Nowadays, Park Lake Provincial Park is still a well-known gathering place for locals who are seeking a relaxing nearby getaway and also for RV travelers looking to explore the natural features of the area. The most well-known aspect of the park is the lake that provides water for thousands of acres of farmland in southern Alberta, and it also provide a refuge for many birds, including those migrating and looking for a breeding habitat. The lake is also the main place in the park to enjoy recreational activities, including swimming, boating and fishing. Those interested in nature will also be thrilled to know the park is home to significant plant species, such as the western blue flag and other prairie plants.
Camping at Park Lake Provincial Park is provided via two campgrounds that are located at the north and south sides of the lake. Both campgrounds feature powered sites and can be reserved before arrival. Peak season at Park Lake Provincial Park runs from May to September.
RV Rentals in Park Lake Provincial Park
Transportation
Driving
Park Lake Provincial Park is located in the southern region of Alberta and it is situated to the west of the small town of Diamond City. The park has one entry and exit point that is serviced by multiple roads that surround the park.
One of the great things about visiting Park Lake Provincial Park is that it is very close to Lethbridge, one of the largest city in southern Alberta. Here you will find all the supplies and amenities you will need to enjoy your stay at the park, whether it be a short or long one. Besides Lethbridge there are also other towns located nearby, including Diamond City (around six miles or 10kms away), Shaughnessy (around six miles or 10kms away) and Picture Butte (around 10 miles or 17kms). Lethbridge is only 11 miles (18km) to the south-east of the park so we recommend checking it out if you haven't been before.
Accessing the park should be very straightforward as the roads in and around the park are flat, very well maintained and there are no known no obstacles that you should be aware of. The road into the park and campground is quite short and is kept in very good condition. You will be pleased to know that it is also very wide to allow for ease of turning. During the winter the park is open, however heavy snowfall can close the park's amenities. Make sure you call the park if you are visiting in winter to confirm that the park will be open.
Parking
There is plenty of parking available at Park Lake Provincial Park.
Public Transportation
There are no public transport options for Park Lake Provincial Park.
Campgrounds and parking in Park Lake Provincial Park
Campsites in Park Lake Provincial Park
Reservations camping
North Campground
North Campground is the largest of the two campgrounds at Park Lake Provincial Park and is also the closest to the boat ramp and the picnic area. The campground has a total of 41 sites that are mostly located under the shade of cottonwood trees near the lake. The sites are known for being quite wide, flat and offering privacy from other neighboring campers.
Out of the 41 sites at the North Campground, there are 23 sites that feature electrical hookups, while the other 17 are primitive sites that have no services. Sites also include fire pits and a picnic table for you to enjoy. Other amenities in the campground include multiple water collection points, portable toilets, ADA accessible sites and overflow parking. If you want to use the dump station you will have to make your way down to the South Campground. The campground is also pet friendly and you should be able to get cell phone service on all of the major providers.
Since the campground is a popular destination due to its proximity to Lethbridge we recommend that you book a reservation in advance before you begin your journey to the park. Camping at North Campground is available all year round.
South Campground
South Campground is the smaller of the two campgrounds at Park Lake Provincial Park and is also the closest campground to the park entrance. There are 31 sites for visitors to choose from and all of them have electrical hookups for you to enjoy. While there are less sites at the south campground the sites that are there are a little larger than those in the North Campground. Sites also include fire pits and a picnic table for you to enjoy.
Other amenities in the campground include multiple water collection points, portable toilets, ADA accessible sites, a playground and dump station The campground is also pet friendly and you should be able to get cell phone service on all of the major providers.
Since the campground is a popular destination due to its proximity to Lethbridge we recommend that you book a reservation in advance before you begin your journey to the park. Camping at South Campground is available all year round.
Seasonal activities in Park Lake Provincial Park
In-Season
Swimming
During the summer months, taking a swim at the lake is a very popular activity for locals and visitors alike. The lake is designed with swimmers in mind as it has a soft, sandy beach area, easy access and a clearly marked swimming area. Once you have finished with your dip there is also plenty of shade to relax in thanks to the many trees that are located near the lake. Please note that there are no lifeguards on duty at the lake so swim to your abilities.
Boating
Once you have finished having fun in the water, you have the chance to explore the lake via watercraft. There is a boat launch into the lake that is available for park guests at the northern tip of the lake near the "A" campground. Some of the most popular boating activities on the lake include canoeing, sailing and wind surfing. If you don't have your own watercraft there may be rentals available from the park but we recommend calling the park office to confirm.
Picnicking
Once you are finished on the lake, one of the best ways to relax is to have a leisurely picnic under the cottonwoods in the park. There is plenty of room among the trees for you to throw down a picnic blanket, kick back and enjoy the quiet atmosphere that is on offer at the park. If you need supplies for your picnic, we recommend visiting the city of Lethbridge since it will have everything you need.
Off-Season
Birding
Park Lake Provincial Park is a fantastic spot for the bird lovers who are looking to see some of the local birds that call the park home. The park is known for being home to many beautiful pelicans that keep watch over the waters of the lake throughout the year. Along with pelicans keep a look out for cackling red-winged blackbird, sun colored American goldfinch, sora and wren. For more information on birding at Park Lake Provincial Park contact the park office.
Fishing
As you would imagine, the chance to land the big one attracts many visitors to the lake at Park Lake Provincial Park. Visitors have a wide range of fish that they could end up catching, including perch, walleye, sauger, whitefish, burbot, trout, and northern pike. Once the weather starts to turn and the lake freezes over, you can also try your luck at ice fishing. If you do decide to go ice fishing be aware of the ice thickness as it is not actively monitored.
Hiking
Since the majority of Park Lake Provincial Park is taken up by the lake there are limited hiking opportunities for visitors to the park. Despite this, you can explore around the lake as there are trails that will give you the chance to go for a lovely lakeside walk. While you are walking around the lake you can listen out of the local wildlife and maybe even spot some fish jumping out of the water. There is also a trail that connects the northern and southern campgrounds together which can be a good way to see all of the amenities that the park has on offer.
