Campground Description

There are two parks in the Crane Lake Park, each with its own unique attractions. PARK office located in West Park, (Site 20) with firewood sales. West park, amenities include a boat launch, beach with designated swimming area, fish cleaning stand, picnic shelter, non-potable water, and wheelchair accessible outhouses. Each individual campsite in the West campground has 30-amp power, fire pit and table; only a few are open enough to be considered double sites. ** In the East Park, *No Power*, amenities include beach with designated swimming area, newer playground, picnic shelter, non-potable water, fish- cleaning stand, and wheelchair accessible outhouses. (Some group sites)

Local Attractions

Crane Lake is one of the most popular lakes in our region, and with good reason. It’s clear, cool water, and sandy shore make it a favourite amongst watersport enthusiasts. It also hosts a good population of northern pike and yellow perch making it equally as popular for fishermen. (Catch & release on pike, 15 max on perch). The lake itself is picturesque while being only a short distance off the beaten path. Quads are not allowed in Parks but adjacent quad trails are very popular.

Location

Campground Amenities

  • Firepit (Campsites)
  • Firewood (Charge)
  • Fish Filleting Station
  • Garbage Cans and Recycling Bins
  • Group Camping
  • Handicap Accessible
  • Parking Lot
  • Pet Friendly
  • Picnic Tables
  • Water Pump

Campground Services

  • Convenience Store

Campsite Types

  • Pull Through Sites
  • 30 Amp Hookup
  • Powered RV sites
  • RV (<40 feet)
  • RV (<60 feet)
  • Tent

Leisure

  • Beach
  • Boat Launch
  • Boating
  • Designated Swimming Area
  • Dock
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • Kayaking and Canoeing
  • Playground

To zoom, hover over chart and use the mouse scroll.

Avg Rating: 4.8
(15 reviews)

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Excellent camping experience!

Sep 2, 2021by Treena Kurek
We were in site 18 Crane Lake West. There is a large, dead tree directly behind where campers are parked. It would be in the MD's best interest to chop this tree down before it comes down on someone's camper.

Images:

Feels Like Home

Aug 4, 2021by Anonymous
Another successful year at Crane Lake. This has been our place to be for over 25 years now. Beautiful swimming lake, great place to bring our growing family, Cathleen the camp host, is very attentive, friendly and does a great job maintaining the campground and making sure we are all good. During the week the campground and beach are quiet. Boat launch and parking lot can be quite busy on weekends. Will be back next year.

Images:

Great family friendly campground

Jul 30, 2021by Anonymous
This year we booked a site on the lower level. Nice and big and flat. The grandkids had a ball for 4 days. Looking forward to next year's camp out.

Images:

Crane lake West

Jun 5, 2021by Alan Henry
1st time visit for 3 nights. We really liked the lake and the scenery. Sites overall are good on the lower level. Our site was great. Biggest issue is NO potable water or dump station on site or nearby. Only electric. Busy boat launch with launch open to the public and not just campers so makes it busy with traffic. Nice small kids park by the water. Small store onsite.

Images:

W18

Sep 9, 2020by Myles O'Rourke
Nice sized site, nice lake, could be more private of sites. Only down side is too many sites for size of park. Very little privacy between you and neighbors

Crane Lake West 18

Aug 15, 2020by Treena Kurek
This large site provided us with plenty of room and was within walking distance to the beach and the Bodina store. We found the inner loop private. Cathleen the manager was very friendly and kept us up-to-date on the happenings of the campground. The campground is well maintained and clean, including the washrooms. The washrooms also provided hand sanitizer which, while living with the pandemic was appreciated. We will most certainly return to this campground and specifically this site.

A family tradition!

Aug 5, 2020by Stephanie Matwie
My husband’s parents started coming here 20 or so years ago with some extended family. Now that the “kids” are all grown up and have families of their own, we all like to come spend some time in the summer. It’s wonderful to see our own kids make memories where the generation before them did. Beautiful lake and campground. The camp host was amazing this year. She stayed on top of everything going on in the campground, couldn’t have asked for better! We already look forward to next year’s annual family camping trip!

Camp Life

Aug 4, 2020by Erin Cloutier
I love coming to Crane lake! It is small and usually quiet. This year was particularly busy, I am sure due to covid, and I am very grateful that we had peace officer presence to help control the parking issues! It is meant to be a small quiet place, family friendly!! Great camp host!! She was very busy and dealt with situations very well!!

Feels Like Home

Aug 4, 2020by Linda Matwie
Another fantastic time at Crane Lake! We have been coming for over 25 years bringing our 6 kids (and because we didn't seem to have enough kids we brought others!). Not to mention aunts, uncles and cousins. Well, we started something! Our kids and cousins are now grown and this is their place to be with their spouses and their kids. This brings the total to over 40 of us.....The memories our children share over the years coming to Crane they so want their families to now experience. We are such a large group, each family had to book their sites online. This was a very stressful as the site kept crashing (it might have been us as we all kept trying to book a site!) We eventually got sites and it worked out perfectly. The problem being, is there was a couple of people who did not like that we got the sites and ended up complaining a lot....about as many little things as they could. All of us went out of our way to be friendly, chatting with the individuals when ever we seen them and even personally going to talk to them letting them know if they had concerns with us to please let us know. To our face they were friendly, unfortunately they started taking pictures of our sites, taking notes, talking to other campers around us complaining about how unfair it is that we had the sites we had and even made suggestions to other campers to complain about us. This has been really disheartening and I believe a form of harrassment. We have talked to the camp host (Cathleen) about our concerns and if there was anything we should have done differently. She has been fantastic towards us and our families, there are two sides to every story and I think we should have a side. I am writing here in the reviews and will also send this to the MD as I am sure they are getting an earful from these individuals. I also want to thank the MD and the Peace Officers and their noticeable and very agreeable presence at Crane Lake.

Loving Lake Life

Jul 21, 2020by Erin Cloutier
I am always amazed how coming to Crane Lake is like coming home to me. I look forward to this time here with family and friends every year! The MD and camp hosts have always been so wonderful, this year included! We are building so many great memories here and we appreciate all the work that goes into the care and maintenance of this beautiful campground! We SO appreciate being here! I am loving lake life!!

Loving Lake Life

Jul 21, 2020by Erin Cloutier
I am always amazed how coming to Crane Lake is like coming home to me. I look forward to this time here with family and friends every year! The MD and camp hosts have always been so wonderful, this year included! We are building so many great memories here and we appreciate all the work that goes into the care and maintenance of this beautiful campground! We SO appreciate being here! I am loving lake life!!

26 years and still loving it!

Jul 21, 2020by Linda Matwie
We are a large family, and are constantly building memories! Now our kids are grown and are bringing their families. We so appreciate Crane Lake and the M. D. Cathleen, the camp host, is new this year and she has been fantastic working together to ensure that everyone has a great stay. Thank you!

July camping - could be better

Jul 18, 2020by Kathleen Reid Farrell
Considering this camp ground has been there for at least fifty years and the amount of gravel in the MD,s yard. You figure by now they could improve road and level out the camp sites so that you do not have to elevate your trailer feet in the air to get level. Washer room could have a higher standard for cleaning.

Favourite Lake

Jul 17, 2020by Linda Matwie
We have been coming to this lake for many many years with our family and friends. Beautiful lake, great camp host always willing to work with us. The weekend when nice, is busier than we have ever seen it. Some concerns around how busy it was, especially the boat use and day area.

Busy lake

Jul 15, 2020by Bruce Crain
Campground well looked after - Caretaker was friendly and helpful- busy day use area with limited parking- I’ve heard rumours over a few years of moving boat launch- this would be a great improvement

Rules and Regulations for Visitors:

 

To ensure your stay with us is as enjoyable as possible, the Municipal District of Bonnyville has established several guidelines to ensure safe and responsible camping.

•No person shall interfere with the rights of others to the quiet and peaceful enjoyment of the park.  Please also refrain from running your generators continuously throughout the day. There will be zero tolerance for excessive noise from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m.  Please respect your fellow campers.

• The campground shower house is open 24 hours. Registered campers will be provided with an entrance code.

• The swimming and playground areas are NOT supervised. Use at your own risk.

• Secure all valuables. The M.D. of Bonnyville is not responsible for any loss or damage of personal or private property.

• All dogs must be leashed AT ALL TIMES. Dogs are not allowed on the beach AT ANY TIME. Cleaning up after your pets is mandatory.

• Only motor vehicles licensed for highway usage may be operated within the campground. ATVs are prohibited.

• Park guests are expected to maintain clean sites.  Please use the designated garbage bins for waste - not the fire pits. Campsites left in an unacceptable condition may result in a fine of $250.

• Alcohol is not allowed off of your assigned campsite at any time.

• Fireworks are prohibited in all M.D. Parks.

 

Cancellation Policy

In the event that you have to cancel your reservation, please provide at least 72 hours notice, prior to your expected check-in — one night’s stay will be deducted from your camping fees. Failure to notify the park caretaker 72 hours prior to check-in will result in the loss of your entire camping fee.  To read our Campground Operations Bylaw, please visit: www.md.bonnyville.ab.ca/304/Municipal-Owned

 

M.D. CAMPGROUND REGULATIONS DURING COVID-19

As we move into the second stage of resuming business in Alberta, and in order to keep our campers and staff safe and healthy as possible during the global pandemic, there have been a number of changes to our campground regulations.

Following Alberta Health Services,  all Municipal District of Bonnyville owned/operated campgrounds will be implementing changes, this includes opening up tent sites, outhouses, fish cleaning stands, beaches, and day use areas. Playgrounds are open for use, however not sanitized. All of these facilities are “use at your own risk”. Outhouses will be sanitized or cleaned as per provincial guidelines.

Campers will be responsible for their own water and sewer services. Our caretakers will have a list of contractors who will be able to fill up your water tanks and pump out your grey water.

  • If you aren’t feeling well, please stay home.
  • Campers are encouraged to bring their own hand sanitizer.
  • Site-to-site visits are discouraged, unless the site is occupied by immediate family members or cohort family as recommended by the Alberta Chief Medical Officer of Health.
  • M.D. firewood sales will be available. Only credit or debit will be accepted as payment.
  • M.D. campgrounds will not be accepting cash or cheques until further notice.


As always, it is up to you, our visitors, to camp responsibly during this time of COVID-19. You must maintain a social distance of at least six feet at all times, including when gathering outside in groups larger than 10 people. Please remember to wash or sanitize your hands frequently.

The above are based on provincial guidelines, and the M.D. appreciates the cooperation of our campers in following these regulations. Failure to do so, could result in your expulsion from the campground.

Updates to these regulations will be communicated through our website and our Facebook page.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation Policy

In the event that you have to cancel your reservation, please provide at least 72 hours notice, prior to your expected check-in. One night’s stay will be deducted from your camping fees. Failure to notify the park caretaker 72 hours prior to check-in will result in the loss of your entire camping fee.  To read our Campground Operations Bylaw, please visit: www.md.bonnyville.ab.ca/304/Municipal-Owned

For any changes or cancellation to this reservation, you must contact the campground directly at CraneLake@md.bonnyville.ab.ca or by phone at 780-573-6443.

Rules and Regulations for Visitors

To ensure your stay with us is as enjoyable as possible, the Municipal District of Bonnyville has established several guidelines to ensure safe and responsible camping.

  • No person shall interfere with the rights of others to the quiet and peaceful enjoyment of the park.  There will be zero tolerance for excessive noise from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m.  Please respect your fellow campers.
  • The management reserves the right to deny access or terminate the stay of those guests whose behavior is deemed unsuitable. No refunds will be offered.
  • The swimming and playground areas are NOT supervised. Use at your own risk.
  • Secure all valuables. The M.D. of Bonnyville is not responsible for any loss or damage of personal or private property.
  • All dogs must be leashed AT ALL TIMES  and are limited to a maximum of 2 per campsite.  Cleaning up after your pets is mandatory.
  • Only motor vehicles licensed for highway usage may be operated within the campground. ATVs are prohibited.
  • Park guests are expected to maintain clean sites.  Please use the designated garbage bins for waste - not the fire pits. Campsites left in an unacceptable condition may result in a fine of $250.
  • Alcohol is not allowed off of your assigned campsite at anytime.  Cannabis products may only be used INSIDE your camping unit.
  • Fireworks are prohibited in all M.D. Parks.
  • No more than (1) ONE RV unit per site.  (1) small tent for minor children permitted.  Maximum occupancy is (6) six adults.
  • TENTING RULES -  a maximum of (2) TWO tents per site are permitted.  Maximum occupancy is (6) six adults.
  • Vehicles are limited to 2 (two) if the site allows without either vehicle being parked on the road.  Parking for boats and additional vehicles is available within the park in designated areas.  NO PARKING ON ROADWAYS OR GRASSED AREAS.
  • Fires are permitted in firewood rings only.
  • Barbecues are permitted but must always be raised off the ground and attended by an adult.

 To read our Campground Operations Bylaw, please visit: 

https://www.md.bonnyville.ab.ca/DocumentCenter/View/1053/Bylaw-1624---Control-and-Operation-of-Parks-and-Campgrounds-PDF

To read the Public Cannabis Consumption Bylaw, please visit:

https://www.md.bonnyville.ab.ca/DocumentCenter/View/3076/Bylaw-1704---Regulate-Public-Cannabis-Consumption-in-MD-of-Bonnyville

 

Camper Reviews

4.8
(15 reviews)
We were in site 18 Crane Lake West. There is a large, dead tree directly behind where campers are parked. It would be in the MD's best interest to chop this tree down before it comes down on someone's camper.
Treena Kurek
Sep 2, 2021
Another successful year at Crane Lake. This has been our place to be for over 25 years now. Beautiful swimming lake, great place to bring our growing family, Cathleen the camp host, is very attentive, friendly and does a great job maintaining the campground and making sure we are all good. During the week the campground and beach are quiet. Boat launch and parking lot can be quite busy on weekends. Will be back next year.
Anonymous
Aug 4, 2021
This year we booked a site on the lower level. Nice and big and flat. The grandkids had a ball for 4 days. Looking forward to next year's camp out.
Anonymous
Jul 30, 2021
1st time visit for 3 nights. We really liked the lake and the scenery. Sites overall are good on the lower level. Our site was great. Biggest issue is NO potable water or dump station on site or nearby. Only electric. Busy boat launch with launch open to the public and not just campers so makes it busy with traffic. Nice small kids park by the water. Small store onsite.
Alan Henry
Jun 5, 2021
Nice sized site, nice lake, could be more private of sites. Only down side is too many sites for size of park. Very little privacy between you and neighbors
Myles O'Rourke
Sep 9, 2020
This large site provided us with plenty of room and was within walking distance to the beach and the Bodina store. We found the inner loop private. Cathleen the manager was very friendly and kept us up-to-date on the happenings of the campground. The campground is well maintained and clean, including the washrooms. The washrooms also provided hand sanitizer which, while living with the pandemic was appreciated. We will most certainly return to this campground and specifically this site.
Treena Kurek
Aug 15, 2020
My husband’s parents started coming here 20 or so years ago with some extended family. Now that the “kids” are all grown up and have families of their own, we all like to come spend some time in the summer. It’s wonderful to see our own kids make memories where the generation before them did. Beautiful lake and campground. The camp host was amazing this year. She stayed on top of everything going on in the campground, couldn’t have asked for better! We already look forward to next year’s annual family camping trip!
Stephanie Matwie
Aug 5, 2020
I love coming to Crane lake! It is small and usually quiet. This year was particularly busy, I am sure due to covid, and I am very grateful that we had peace officer presence to help control the parking issues! It is meant to be a small quiet place, family friendly!! Great camp host!! She was very busy and dealt with situations very well!!
Erin Cloutier
Aug 4, 2020
Another fantastic time at Crane Lake! We have been coming for over 25 years bringing our 6 kids (and because we didn't seem to have enough kids we brought others!). Not to mention aunts, uncles and cousins. Well, we started something! Our kids and cousins are now grown and this is their place to be with their spouses and their kids. This brings the total to over 40 of us.....The memories our children share over the years coming to Crane they so want their families to now experience. We are such a large group, each family had to book their sites online. This was a very stressful as the site kept crashing (it might have been us as we all kept trying to book a site!) We eventually got sites and it worked out perfectly. The problem being, is there was a couple of people who did not like that we got the sites and ended up complaining a lot....about as many little things as they could. All of us went out of our way to be friendly, chatting with the individuals when ever we seen them and even personally going to talk to them letting them know if they had concerns with us to please let us know. To our face they were friendly, unfortunately they started taking pictures of our sites, taking notes, talking to other campers around us complaining about how unfair it is that we had the sites we had and even made suggestions to other campers to complain about us. This has been really disheartening and I believe a form of harrassment. We have talked to the camp host (Cathleen) about our concerns and if there was anything we should have done differently. She has been fantastic towards us and our families, there are two sides to every story and I think we should have a side. I am writing here in the reviews and will also send this to the MD as I am sure they are getting an earful from these individuals. I also want to thank the MD and the Peace Officers and their noticeable and very agreeable presence at Crane Lake.
Linda Matwie
Aug 4, 2020
I am always amazed how coming to Crane Lake is like coming home to me. I look forward to this time here with family and friends every year! The MD and camp hosts have always been so wonderful, this year included! We are building so many great memories here and we appreciate all the work that goes into the care and maintenance of this beautiful campground! We SO appreciate being here! I am loving lake life!!
Erin Cloutier
Jul 21, 2020
I am always amazed how coming to Crane Lake is like coming home to me. I look forward to this time here with family and friends every year! The MD and camp hosts have always been so wonderful, this year included! We are building so many great memories here and we appreciate all the work that goes into the care and maintenance of this beautiful campground! We SO appreciate being here! I am loving lake life!!
Erin Cloutier
Jul 21, 2020
We are a large family, and are constantly building memories! Now our kids are grown and are bringing their families. We so appreciate Crane Lake and the M. D. Cathleen, the camp host, is new this year and she has been fantastic working together to ensure that everyone has a great stay. Thank you!
Linda Matwie
Jul 21, 2020
Considering this camp ground has been there for at least fifty years and the amount of gravel in the MD,s yard. You figure by now they could improve road and level out the camp sites so that you do not have to elevate your trailer feet in the air to get level. Washer room could have a higher standard for cleaning.
Kathleen Reid Farrell
Jul 18, 2020
We have been coming to this lake for many many years with our family and friends. Beautiful lake, great camp host always willing to work with us. The weekend when nice, is busier than we have ever seen it. Some concerns around how busy it was, especially the boat use and day area.
Linda Matwie
Jul 17, 2020
Campground well looked after - Caretaker was friendly and helpful- busy day use area with limited parking- I’ve heard rumours over a few years of moving boat launch- this would be a great improvement
Bruce Crain
Jul 15, 2020
We were in site 18 Crane Lake West. There is a large, dead tree directly behind where campers are parked. It would be in the MD's best interest to chop this tree down before it comes down on someone's camper.
Treena Kurek
Sep 2, 2021
Another successful year at Crane Lake. This has been our place to be for over 25 years now. Beautiful swimming lake, great place to bring our growing family, Cathleen the camp host, is very attentive, friendly and does a great job maintaining the campground and making sure we are all good. During the week the campground and beach are quiet. Boat launch and parking lot can be quite busy on weekends. Will be back next year.
Anonymous
Aug 4, 2021
This year we booked a site on the lower level. Nice and big and flat. The grandkids had a ball for 4 days. Looking forward to next year's camp out.
Anonymous
Jul 30, 2021
1st time visit for 3 nights. We really liked the lake and the scenery. Sites overall are good on the lower level. Our site was great. Biggest issue is NO potable water or dump station on site or nearby. Only electric. Busy boat launch with launch open to the public and not just campers so makes it busy with traffic. Nice small kids park by the water. Small store onsite.
Alan Henry
Jun 5, 2021
Nice sized site, nice lake, could be more private of sites. Only down side is too many sites for size of park. Very little privacy between you and neighbors
Myles O'Rourke
Sep 9, 2020
This large site provided us with plenty of room and was within walking distance to the beach and the Bodina store. We found the inner loop private. Cathleen the manager was very friendly and kept us up-to-date on the happenings of the campground. The campground is well maintained and clean, including the washrooms. The washrooms also provided hand sanitizer which, while living with the pandemic was appreciated. We will most certainly return to this campground and specifically this site.
Treena Kurek
Aug 15, 2020
My husband’s parents started coming here 20 or so years ago with some extended family. Now that the “kids” are all grown up and have families of their own, we all like to come spend some time in the summer. It’s wonderful to see our own kids make memories where the generation before them did. Beautiful lake and campground. The camp host was amazing this year. She stayed on top of everything going on in the campground, couldn’t have asked for better! We already look forward to next year’s annual family camping trip!
Stephanie Matwie
Aug 5, 2020
I love coming to Crane lake! It is small and usually quiet. This year was particularly busy, I am sure due to covid, and I am very grateful that we had peace officer presence to help control the parking issues! It is meant to be a small quiet place, family friendly!! Great camp host!! She was very busy and dealt with situations very well!!
Erin Cloutier
Aug 4, 2020
Another fantastic time at Crane Lake! We have been coming for over 25 years bringing our 6 kids (and because we didn't seem to have enough kids we brought others!). Not to mention aunts, uncles and cousins. Well, we started something! Our kids and cousins are now grown and this is their place to be with their spouses and their kids. This brings the total to over 40 of us.....The memories our children share over the years coming to Crane they so want their families to now experience. We are such a large group, each family had to book their sites online. This was a very stressful as the site kept crashing (it might have been us as we all kept trying to book a site!) We eventually got sites and it worked out perfectly. The problem being, is there was a couple of people who did not like that we got the sites and ended up complaining a lot....about as many little things as they could. All of us went out of our way to be friendly, chatting with the individuals when ever we seen them and even personally going to talk to them letting them know if they had concerns with us to please let us know. To our face they were friendly, unfortunately they started taking pictures of our sites, taking notes, talking to other campers around us complaining about how unfair it is that we had the sites we had and even made suggestions to other campers to complain about us. This has been really disheartening and I believe a form of harrassment. We have talked to the camp host (Cathleen) about our concerns and if there was anything we should have done differently. She has been fantastic towards us and our families, there are two sides to every story and I think we should have a side. I am writing here in the reviews and will also send this to the MD as I am sure they are getting an earful from these individuals. I also want to thank the MD and the Peace Officers and their noticeable and very agreeable presence at Crane Lake.
Linda Matwie
Aug 4, 2020
I am always amazed how coming to Crane Lake is like coming home to me. I look forward to this time here with family and friends every year! The MD and camp hosts have always been so wonderful, this year included! We are building so many great memories here and we appreciate all the work that goes into the care and maintenance of this beautiful campground! We SO appreciate being here! I am loving lake life!!
Erin Cloutier
Jul 21, 2020
I am always amazed how coming to Crane Lake is like coming home to me. I look forward to this time here with family and friends every year! The MD and camp hosts have always been so wonderful, this year included! We are building so many great memories here and we appreciate all the work that goes into the care and maintenance of this beautiful campground! We SO appreciate being here! I am loving lake life!!
Erin Cloutier
Jul 21, 2020
We are a large family, and are constantly building memories! Now our kids are grown and are bringing their families. We so appreciate Crane Lake and the M. D. Cathleen, the camp host, is new this year and she has been fantastic working together to ensure that everyone has a great stay. Thank you!
Linda Matwie
Jul 21, 2020
Considering this camp ground has been there for at least fifty years and the amount of gravel in the MD,s yard. You figure by now they could improve road and level out the camp sites so that you do not have to elevate your trailer feet in the air to get level. Washer room could have a higher standard for cleaning.
Kathleen Reid Farrell
Jul 18, 2020
We have been coming to this lake for many many years with our family and friends. Beautiful lake, great camp host always willing to work with us. The weekend when nice, is busier than we have ever seen it. Some concerns around how busy it was, especially the boat use and day area.
Linda Matwie
Jul 17, 2020