Little Elbow Campground

Location: 56.3kms west of Calgary. 14.5kms west of Bragg Creek. Kananaskis Country Alberta.

Description: Little Elbow campground contains 137 well treed campsites nicely suited for both RV’s and tents. Tenters will find several secluded walk-in sites with amble parking nearby. The campground consists of 4 separate loops allowing generous space between each campsite.

Little Elbow is very popular and fills fast on weekends due to it’s close proximity to the city of Calgary. Amenities include amphitheater, playground, equestrian gate with loading ramps, interpretive trails, dry toilets, water, picnic tables and fire pits. Dry firewood is available here for a fee.

The campgrounds location is the starting point for several hikes located in this area. There are several easy to moderate hikes starting from the campground. A short easy 1.25 hour hike up Powder Face Ridge offers a classic transitional view of prairies to mountains with the city of Calgary visible on the eastern horizon. Moose Mountain, Moose Mountain Ice Cave, Prairie Mountain, Nihahi Ridge and Forget Me Not Ridge are also easy to moderate 3.5 hour hikes near here.

Nihahi Ridge starts at the west end of the campground. This hike offers exceptional views of Mount Glasgow and Mount Romulus, allow 3 hours return. You can also ride a mountain bike around the Elbow Loop. The Elbow Loop offers beautiful views of Mount Glasgow, Mount Cornwall, Outlaw and Banded Peaks, Mount Romulus and Mount Tombstone. Allow 6 to 8 hours to complete the Elbow Loop on bike.

There are also nice easy walks on groomed trails along the Little Elbow River. The Harold Chapman bridge crossing the Little Elbow River leads towards the bottom end of elbow loop and to more hiking trails to the southeast. Elbow Falls and Forgetmenot Pond day use picnic areas can make a nice day trip. Nearby Forgetmenot pond is stocked with Rainbow Trout. You’ll need a fishing license to try your luck.

Night skies here rank #3 on the Bortle Scale. This is bear country, food and food related items must be stored properly.

Elbow River Area Map PDF

Little Elbow Campground Layout Map PDF