Writing On Stone Provincial Park Campground.

Writing On Stone campground is open year round and located 256km Southeast of Calgary in the Milk River valley. There are 64 year round campsites with picnic tables and fire pits. Most of the sites are surrounded by willow bushes creating a wind break and privacy. Some of the sites are located on or near the Milk River. This campground has water, showers, flush toilets, power, telephone, refuse containers, fire wood, community kitchens, amphitheatre, interpretive centre, playground, boat (canoe) launch, beach, small concession store and sani dump. The 1st Nations Blackfoot Indians are a strong and powerful people that have a profound attachment to this area. Much of their history was ignored or not publicized until the last 25 years or so. A short stay here at the campground provides an excellent opportunity to learn about their history and view the petroglyphs and pictographs found on the sandstone walls. There is a large interpretive centre with several interactive displays. Short bus tours are available for viewing the protected Writing On Stone petroglyphs. There is also a short hike to the 'Battle Scene' petroglyphs, these are protected by a steel cage to prevent vandalism, holes are located on the cage for viewing and photography. Nearby Head Smashed In Buffalo Jump is another excellent 1st nations interpretive centre. This entire area was inhabited by the Blackfoot Indians for over a 1000 years. The history here and the areas energy is strong. I wish I could travel back in time to witness the Blackfoot's majestic way of life. This area also offers some of the most interesting landscapes found in Alberta. The Sandstone Hoodoos found all along the Milk River Valley are absolutely beautiful. There is a short 'Hoodoos Trail' where our dog Skoal seemed to revert back to a puppy, we think this may be his favorite place. Children will love it here, they can play on the Milk River beach and the playground then visit the general store for ice cream. The overflow RV area at the top of the ridge near the Interpretive centre is excellent for astronomers and star gazers. Night skies here rank # 1 on the Bortle Scale with views to the horizon.

Head Smashed In Buffalo Jump Interpretive centre is another 1st Nations Blackfoot Indians historical site located 138km West of here.

See the official web site link below for fees, opening and closing dates.