Dinosaur Provincial Park: Camping, Hoodoos, and Fossils in Alberta’s Badlands
If you’re planning an Alberta road trip, you’ll want to make space in your itinerary for Dinosaur Provincial Park. Nestled deep in the heart of the Badlands, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the most remarkable places in Canada to experience prehistoric landscapes, rich fossil beds, and a peaceful camping environment far from the bustle of bigger tourist hubs like Drumheller.
Located about two hours from Drumheller and 2.5 hours from Calgary, Dinosaur Provincial Park offers visitors the chance to explore striking hoodoos, learn about ancient history, and fall asleep under a brilliant canopy of stars. Whether you’re a seasoned camper, a first-time glamper, or simply a lover of unique landscapes, this park delivers an unforgettable experience.
Why Visit Dinosaur Provincial Park?
The first thing you notice when you arrive is how different the landscape feels from the rolling prairies that surround it. The Badlands appear almost suddenly, revealing deep coulees, jagged cliffs, and towering hoodoos carved over millions of years by wind and water. These formations create a dramatic setting for hiking, photography, and simply marvelling at nature’s artistry.
Of course, the real star of Dinosaur Provincial Park is its name—this region holds one of the richest dinosaur fossil sites in the world. More than 50 species of dinosaurs have been discovered here, and fossils from the park have been sent to museums across the globe. Even without digging yourself, you can feel the history beneath your feet and take in a number of the preserved dig locations.
Camping in the Park
One of the park’s biggest perks is the campground, which offers just over 120 camping and RV sites. This relatively small number means that even when the campground is full, it never feels busy.
You have a choice between:
- Traditional tent or RV camping – Perfect for those who like to bring their own gear and set up camp surrounded by nature.
- Glamping wall tents – These spacious, furnished tents give you the camping experience without sacrificing comfort. They’re a great choice for families or anyone who prefers a softer landing after a day of exploring.
During our stay, we were impressed by the park’s amenities. There are hot showers, laundry facilities, and an air-conditioned comfort station with a small café that sells camping essentials, snacks, and cold drinks—very welcome after hiking in the summer heat.
Facilities and Amenities
For a park located in such a remote, wild setting, Dinosaur Provincial Park has a surprising number of conveniences:
- Showers & Laundry – Essential for longer stays, especially after a dusty day on the trails.
- Air-Conditioned Café – A cool escape from the hot Alberta sun with coffee, cold drinks, and basic supplies.
- Visitor Centre – Packed with interpretive exhibits, fossil displays, and a small gift shop. It’s a must-visit stop to learn more about the park’s history.
- Evening Programs – Every night of our visit featured a different event. We especially enjoyed an engaging talk on paleontology from a student.
Hiking and Exploring the Badlands
The park has several self-guided trails, each showcasing different aspects of the Badlands landscape:
- Badlands Trail – A loop that winds past hoodoos, fossil displays, and striking rock formations.
- Prairie Trail – A gentler walk through native grasslands with sweeping views of the valley.
- Coulee Viewpoint Trail – A short but rewarding trail leading to one of the best viewpoints in the park. This was our favourite.
Be prepared for intense summer heat—temperatures can soar well above 30°C. We were lucky with the weather, dodging the rain that can make trails incredibly slippery. Make sure to carry plenty of water, wear sunscreen, and plan hikes for early morning or late afternoon if possible.
A word of caution: signs throughout the park warn about rattlesnakes and scorpions. We didn’t encounter either during our visit, but it’s a reminder to watch where you step and stay on designated trails. I considered myself pretty brave for sleeping in a tent in this park.
Guided Tours and Dig Sites
If you want to dive deeper into the park’s prehistoric treasures, book one of the guided tours. These range from easy interpretive walks to full-day expeditions into restricted fossil-rich areas. Highlights include:
- Fossil Safari – A family-friendly outing to search for real dinosaur bones with a guide.
- Centrosaurus Bonebed Hike – An extraordinary chance to stand in a place where hundreds of dinosaur fossils have been discovered.
- Sunset Tour – Explore the Badlands in the golden evening light, perfect for photography.
These tours give you access to areas that are otherwise off-limits, helping to protect sensitive fossil sites while allowing visitors to experience them with expert interpretation. Book early, as these go fast. Unfortunately, we weren’t able to get one of these in on our visit.
Hoodoos and Unique Rock Formations
The hoodoos of Dinosaur Provincial Park are smaller and more weathered than those in Drumheller, but they’re just as fascinating. These mushroom-shaped pillars are formed from soft sedimentary rock topped with harder stone that protects them from erosion—at least for a while.
As you wander, you’ll also notice bands of red, brown, and cream running through the cliffs and buttes, telling a geological story millions of years in the making. For photographers, sunrise and sunset are the best times to capture the park’s colours.
A Star-Filled Night
One of the joys of camping here is the dark sky. With so little light pollution, the night sky comes alive with thousands of stars. On clear nights, you can see the Milky Way stretching overhead—a magical experience.
Best Time to Visit
The park is open year-round, but the camping season runs from early May to mid-October. The best months for comfortable exploring are late May to early June and September, when temperatures are cooler and the crowds are smaller.
Summer is still the most popular time to visit, but it can be extremely hot. If you’re planning a July or August trip like we did, bring extra water, a wide-brimmed hat, and light, breathable clothing.
How Long to Stay
You could easily spend a week here if you want to explore every trail and take multiple guided tours. However, for most visitors, two to three nights is the perfect amount of time to:
- Settle into your campsite
- Hike the main trails
- Take at least one guided tour
- Enjoy an evening program or two
- Relax and watch the stars
We spent three days in the park before heading to Drumheller to visit the Royal Tyrrell Museum, and we’re so glad we visited Dinosaur Provincial Park first. The experience felt more intimate and less commercial, making Drumheller’s attractions all the more exciting afterwards.
Tips for Visiting Dinosaur Provincial Park
- Book ahead – Camping spots and glamping tents fill up quickly, especially in summer.
- Prepare for heat – Bring sun protection, plenty of water, and plan hikes during cooler hours.
- Respect wildlife – Stay on trails and watch for snakes or other creatures.
- Join an evening talk – The interpretive programmes are informative and family-friendly.
- Don’t rush – Give yourself time to appreciate the landscape at different times of day.
Final Thoughts
Dinosaur Provincial Park is a must-see for anyone interested in Alberta’s natural and prehistoric wonders. From camping beneath star-filled skies to walking among hoodoos and learning about the dinosaurs that once roamed here, it’s a destination that blends history, nature, and tranquillity in a truly unique way.
Whether you’re adding it to a longer Alberta road-trip or planning a special weekend getaway, this park promises an experience that feels both adventurous and grounding. It’s not as touristy as Drumheller, but it’s every bit as awe-inspiring—maybe even more so.
So pack your tent (or book a cosy glamping tent), lace up your hiking boots, and get ready to explore the Alberta Badlands. This is one place where history really does come alive.
