Campground Description

Rochon Sands Provincial Park, Located on Buffalo Lake, is one of the older provincial parks in Alberta with a wonderfully natural feeling. The park is full of treed sites, picnic tables, and fire pits, and it is very close to the lake. It is the perfect place to make memories with your family and friends! We are open the week of May Long until Thanksgiving Weekend. Reservations can be made the week of May Long to Labour Day Weekend (Sept Long).  The provincial park has 67 RV sites, 11 walk-in tenting sites, 6 large group sites, 2 smaller group sites, and 3 group tenting sites.  We can accommodate any size of unit in the campground.  Most of our sites are UNSERVICED.

Rochon Sands Provincial Park only has non-potable water in the campground. There is a coin and card-operated potable bucket fill station on the east side of HWY 835 as you enter the boundary of the Summer Village of Rochon Sands if you need to fill up when you arrive. 

Firewood, ice, beach toys, and some miscellaneous food and camp items are available for sale at the Park Office. Firewood can be purchased in small bundles or large totes. Totes contain about 25 bundles worth of firewood.

This campground allows 2 pets per site, if you are bringing more, please contact the campground directly. 

Local Attractions

The Buffalo Lake Area provides swimming, fishing, water sports, disc golf, walking trails, wildlife, bird watching, playground, boat launch, treed sites, free "take-a-book, leave-a-book library.

Location

Campground Amenities

  • Disc Golf
  • Firepit (Campsites)
  • Firepit (Common)
  • Firewood (Charge)
  • Fish Filleting Station
  • Garbage Cans and Recycling Bins
  • Group Camping
  • Handicap Accessible
  • Parking Lot
  • Pet Friendly
  • Picnic Shelter
  • Picnic Tables
  • Powered Sites
  • Sani Station
  • Tap Water
  • Walk-in Sites

Campground Services

  • Internet access (WiFi)

Campsite Types

  • 15 Amp Hookup
  • Big Rig Friendly
  • RV (<20 feet)
  • RV (<30 feet)
  • RV (<40 feet)
  • RV (<50 feet)
  • RV (<60 feet)
  • Tent

Leisure

  • Beach
  • Bird Watching Station
  • Boat Launch
  • Boating
  • Cycling trails
  • Dock
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • Kayaking and Canoeing
  • Playground

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

Avg Rating: 4.4
(14 reviews)

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It’s okay

Jul 16, 2024by Anonymous
Been a few years since we were here last. 15 to be exact. The sites are a bit overgrown, lots of dead rotted trees, on a windy day they could fall on your tent or RV. The bathrooms are pit toilets but they are nasty, there is a small truck driving around with a mop, hoses and water tank in the back but I’m sure the mop has not touched any floors for weeks, maybe clean the cobwebs too. There is no potable water, the water that comes out of the taps is just as brown as what’s in the lake. So fill your tanks before you leave home! The fees are $32 a night which is a bit steep for no amenities, just a picknick table and a firepit with someone else’s garbage. The lake and beach is just ok , the water levels are low, the beach is rock, sand and gull with goose poop. The walking are nice, they been maintained nice. All in all this campground has a lot of potential but it needs a clean up/ makeover. If it had all that and then being be taken care off it could be thriving.

Images:

Quaint, but ants!

Jul 1, 2024by Vanessa Lee
We camped in one of the walk-in tenting locations (#30). The spot itself was lovely, and we all loved the lake and walking trails. Unfortunately, there was a very vicious colony of red biting ants beneath our parking spot and the non-potable water tap that made loading/unloading our vehicle very difficult and almost impossible. I was attacked quite viciously by them when I tried to get non-potable water to have on hand for extinguishing our campfire. Other than that, it was a fantastic and fun weekend!

Mediocre

Aug 26, 2023by SHANTEL PALASH
The campsite we stayed in was very nice. Was disappointing the lake was so shallow we couldn’t swim in it. Had to go past the buoys before it even got to hip depth. The washrooms stunk, no hand sanitizer and almost out of toilet paper (we booked for four sleeps). The garbages were over full and stunk so bad. It was gross. We went to the hostess site twice who had the big “fire wood for sale” sign and the first time they had a fire going but couldn’t be found, the second time we went there was no one there. Thankfully the security guy could get us wood. The disc golf course was very mediocre, probably the worst we have played so far. The snack shack was over priced. We liked the pickle ball court. As mentioned, we liked the actual site we were in but we won’t be back.

Manager Reply

Aug 26, 2023 by Campground Manager
Hi Shantel. I am sorry you feel this way. Unfortunately, the lake is very low due to no moisture for many winters and a few summers where it has not been as wet. The deepest Buffalo Lake gets is 25' and the edges are very shallow (even when the water is higher...takes a bit for adults to walk out to get any depth...great for smaller kids though). As for the outhouses and garbage, we are trying our best with a small limited amount of staff. I will bring this up with my maintenance manager. Firewood: There are 3 ways to buy firewood which are through the main office, the security truck, or the campground hosts. As for the Snak Shak and Disc Golf, the Provincial Park is not apart of that since it's the municipality's and a private business. Sorry that you did not have a good experience at those two, but many locals and guests enjoy them.

Group Camping

Aug 21, 2023by Nancy Ramirez
We did a group camping from friday Aug 18 to Sunday Aug 20th, 2023. Everyone liked it and enjoyed it despite the rainy and cold weather we had that weekend. The lake is well maintained the beach is clean, washrooms too and the little hike up to the viewpoint is beautiful specially for a sunset or sunrise. We will definitely come back for next year during the hot season to enjoy the lake a bit moree. Something i gotta add is that we got lost as it was night when we arrived but the workers from the campground helped us and guide us to our site. Very nice people. Only bad thing is that for tenting u cant park in the site but the parking lot its not to far. Overall very nice place. Highly recommend.

Images:

Manager Reply

Aug 21, 2023 by Campground Manager
We are glad you had a great time!

Super helpful!

Aug 21, 2023by Lan Diep-Young
We didn't get a chance to explore the whole campground and its trails, as we were mainly there to be nearby beach residents for a quick weekend hangout. But on the really late & rainy Friday that we arrived, we were kindly helped out by the hosts (didn't catch their names) when they flagged us down and led us to our site in the pitch dark night –thank you! Despite no power being available on the majority of the sites, I can see us booking back in the future.

Manager Reply

Aug 21, 2023 by Campground Manager
So glad that our Hosts, Doug and Cathy, were able to help you out and that you enjoyed your time here.

Beautiful getaway

Aug 17, 2023by Dale & Terry
We have stayed here 2x and have enjoyed ourselves very much. We have taken in the Rochon Sands Doubles Disc Golf tournament both times and will definitely be back to enjoy both!

Manager Reply

Aug 18, 2023 by Campground Manager
Thank you for staying at our campground! We are glad you had a great time and even partook in the Doubles Disc Golf Tournament! It keeps getting better every year! We hope to see you next year!

Rochon Sands

Aug 15, 2023by Henry P Klassen
This was a great camp site It is a hidden gem we did not know was there. We will be back again and finish the stump walk.

Manager Reply

Aug 15, 2023 by Campground Manager
This is lovely to hear! Thank you for visiting us and we hope to see you again!

Beautiful Camping and scenic view of Buffalo Lake

Aug 13, 2023by Darryle Simmers
Have been camping at Rochon Sands for over 25 years and have always had a great relaxing time. However this year it seemed like every most every campsite had dogs and the owners not controlling the dogs from barking was terrible. I do hope the campground manager looks into this so people that check in know letting the dogs bark and not controlling them is unacceptable. If you are going to bring your pets please don’t let them bark and respect the other people camping that are there for a quiet and relaxing time.

Manager Reply

Aug 15, 2023 by Campground Manager
Thank you, Darryle, for coming to our campground for so many years. We love that you keep coming back here. As for dogs and barking, we do have rules that the dogs must be picked up after, on a leash at all times, not left at the site alone, and well-behaved. In the future please let the office or our security/firewood staff know of any complaints that we can address. We try to make this an enjoyable time for everyone. We will try to work on this as best as possible. Thank you again for your review.

Very clean and quiet

Jul 17, 2023by Peter Kendrick
We spend a lot of time out here and the camping is always great there was lots of activities going on in the park this weekend to keep entertained

Manager Reply

Jul 21, 2023 by Campground Manager
Thanks so much Peter and Emily for camping with us! You came at a good weekend with the Sand Building Sculpture Competition!

sadly becoming a party campground

Jul 14, 2023by Jessica Cordner
We have been coming to Rochon for years now and were disappointed to see how over run with generators it has become. And to have the "quite time" start at 11pm is a bit ridiculous. Generators are not a requirement and should be more restricted. We were there last weekend and had loud music, yelling, and generators running until 3 am both nights.

Manager Reply

Jul 21, 2023 by Campground Manager
Hi Jessica. I am sorry for your stay with the generators. We try as much as possible. For the yelling, music, and partying after quiet hours, you can call the RCMP non-emergent line, since we do not have the power to do much (which is unfortunate). I have called and left a message (Erin), and I would love to chat with you. Thanks!

Always beautiful

Jul 10, 2023by Tyler Hanson
Great little spot; we've come here for years with our kids! The beach is great for little ones; huge shallow area with a pleasant sandy bottom.

Manager Reply

Jul 21, 2023 by Campground Manager
Thank you so much! We look forward to your family when you come to stay with us! Thank you for creating some of your family's summer memories here.

Relaxing

Jul 9, 2023by Helen Lacroix
I came to "the lake" for some rest and relaxation. We enjoyed walks by the lake and walking for ice cream. Loved our stay. Thank you Rochan!!

Manager Reply

Jul 21, 2023 by Campground Manager
You are so welcome! We are glad that you had a great time!

Very nice family campgraund

Jul 4, 2023by Anonymous
We stay on Rochon Sands for so many years, we just love it !!! Will keep book it again!

Manager Reply

Jul 5, 2023 by Campground Manager
Thank you so much! We are so glad that you love to make your memories here!

Good Family campground

Jul 4, 2023by Anonymous
The park is great, however would be much better if they had potable water and some power sites

Manager Reply

Jul 4, 2023 by Campground Manager
Thank you so much. We appreciate you for all the many times you have camped with us and your family. We would also love to see more power and potable water (and water lines not breaking all the time). Those are big infrastructure items and the Summer Village knows of the need for them and it will just take time, considerable planning, and phases of execution. Thank you again!

Full payment is required at the time of reservation. Please scroll down to see the Cancellation and Refund Policy. 

Campers who are tenting, please note that you must book in a tent site and not an RV site.  This is due to the demand for RV sites for RVs, especially in the high season on weekends.  RVs cannot fit in tent sites; therefore, tents must be in tent sites.  Walk-in means the vehicle is not right on the site but the parking is very close (approximately 30 seconds from the parking spot to the site). Tenters in an RV site may asked to move to a tent site if there are tent sites available.  If you have any questions, please make inquiries through the office.

The Summer Village of Rochon Sands has the operating lease at Rochon Sands Provincial Park and follows the Regulations of the Alberta Parks (https://www.albertaparks.ca/media/445808/regulations-brochure-web.pdf) unless noted. 

We believe in buying and burning local firewood in our provincial park to help prevent the spread of disease and pests. We strongly urge campers that if they bring their own firewood, it is local to the area. There is firewood available for purchase at the Park Office and the Security Truck in the evenings. 

Rochon Sands Provincial Park only has non-potable water in the campground. There is a coin and card-operated potable bucket fill station on the east side of HWY 835 as you enter the boundary of the Summer Village of Rochon Sands if you need to fill up when you arrive. 

If a camper would like to launch their boat, there are two boat launches, one in the Provincial Park Day-Use Area, and the other at the Rochon Sands Bay. Boats may not be moored at either boat launch dock, so please remove your boat daily, or anchor it along the shoreline for a short period of time. 

Campers are welcome to enjoy the playground, picnic area, and beach in the Day-Use Area. Please make sure to pick up after yourself and leave the Day-Use Area in good shape so others can enjoy it too. 

Check-in time is 4 pm, check-out time is 1 pm. Early check-in/ late check-out is permitted if it does not affect another guest's stay, but must be cleared with Park Staff. The gates are not closed in the provincial park during the camping season since it is a fire hazard.

Quiet hours are between 11 pm and 7 am. Visitors are encouraged to leave quietly by 11 pm in accordance with quiet hours. Generators are permitted when campers are at their site but must be turned off from 11 pm to 7 am. (exceptions may be allowed for medical reasons, please discuss with Park Staff). Please be courteous to other campers when using your generator. 

Please ensure your campsite is cleaned up before you leave (waste bins are located throughout the campground) Please do not leave garbage anywhere in the campsite, or the person registered to the site will be charged a $250 clean-up fee.

Free Wi-Fi is available at the park office. Please ask the Park Office Staff for the password if you wish to use it.

Pets are welcome in the provincial park. All pets must be leashed/contained, cleaned up after, under control at all times, and never left alone at the campsite. Failing to do so may lead to eviction. Pets are permitted at the beach, as long as they are leashed and not bothering others. 

If you wish to amend your reservation after you have completed it, there will be a $5 amendment fee for each time you need to make changes. 

Cancellation Policy

Refunds are NOT provided for ADVISORIES including weather (rain, wind, snow, temperature), water quality (blue-green algae, non-potable water), air quality, wild animals, insects/pests (mosquitoes, wasps, mice, geese, etc.), fire bans, liquor bans, car trouble, getting lost, or evictions. 

For individual camping sites, If you cancel more than 72 hours before 4 p.m. on the scheduled arrival date, you will receive a full refund of all camping fees (for example, if you are scheduled to arrive on Friday, July 8 and you cancel before 4 p.m. on Tuesday, July 5, you will receive a full refund of camping fees). Reservation fees are non-refundable.

  • If 72 hours notice is not provided, up to three nights camping fees will be forfeited depending on how much notice is given. Any remaining camping fees will be refunded to the card used for the original transaction.
  • 1 night penalty if less than 72 hours but greater than 48 hours notice before 4 p.m. of originally scheduled arrival date
  • 2 nights penalty if less than 48 hours but greater than 24 hours notice before 4 p.m. of originally scheduled arrival date
  • 3 nights penalty if less than 24 hours notice before 4 p.m. of originally scheduled arrival date

For group sites, AT LEAST 30 days of notice prior to 4 pm check-in time for the date of the reservation, must be given to the park to receive a refund of your camping fees. 30 day to 2 weeks notice the first night is forfeited. Less than 2 weeks the full amount will be subject to a forfeit of ALL camping fees placed on the camping site.

The camper accepts camping privileges with the understanding that he/she/they hereby release the Campground, its officers and employees of all liability for loss or damage to property and injury to his/her/their person arising out of his/her/their use of its camping facilities, and agrees to indemnify the Campground, its officers and employees, against claims resulting from loss or damage to property or injury to the person of any member of the family or guest of the registered camper arising out of the use of its camping facilities. 

Camper Reviews

4.4
(14 reviews)
Been a few years since we were here last. 15 to be exact. The sites are a bit overgrown, lots of dead rotted trees, on a windy day they could fall on your tent or RV. The bathrooms are pit toilets but they are nasty, there is a small truck driving around with a mop, hoses and water tank in the back but I’m sure the mop has not touched any floors for weeks, maybe clean the cobwebs too. There is no potable water, the water that comes out of the taps is just as brown as what’s in the lake. So fill your tanks before you leave home! The fees are $32 a night which is a bit steep for no amenities, just a picknick table and a firepit with someone else’s garbage. The lake and beach is just ok , the water levels are low, the beach is rock, sand and gull with goose poop. The walking are nice, they been maintained nice. All in all this campground has a lot of potential but it needs a clean up/ makeover. If it had all that and then being be taken care off it could be thriving.
Anonymous
Jul 16, 2024
We camped in one of the walk-in tenting locations (#30). The spot itself was lovely, and we all loved the lake and walking trails. Unfortunately, there was a very vicious colony of red biting ants beneath our parking spot and the non-potable water tap that made loading/unloading our vehicle very difficult and almost impossible. I was attacked quite viciously by them when I tried to get non-potable water to have on hand for extinguishing our campfire. Other than that, it was a fantastic and fun weekend!
Vanessa Lee
Jul 1, 2024
The campsite we stayed in was very nice. Was disappointing the lake was so shallow we couldn’t swim in it. Had to go past the buoys before it even got to hip depth. The washrooms stunk, no hand sanitizer and almost out of toilet paper (we booked for four sleeps). The garbages were over full and stunk so bad. It was gross. We went to the hostess site twice who had the big “fire wood for sale” sign and the first time they had a fire going but couldn’t be found, the second time we went there was no one there. Thankfully the security guy could get us wood. The disc golf course was very mediocre, probably the worst we have played so far. The snack shack was over priced. We liked the pickle ball court. As mentioned, we liked the actual site we were in but we won’t be back.
SHANTEL PALASH
Aug 26, 2023
We did a group camping from friday Aug 18 to Sunday Aug 20th, 2023. Everyone liked it and enjoyed it despite the rainy and cold weather we had that weekend. The lake is well maintained the beach is clean, washrooms too and the little hike up to the viewpoint is beautiful specially for a sunset or sunrise. We will definitely come back for next year during the hot season to enjoy the lake a bit moree. Something i gotta add is that we got lost as it was night when we arrived but the workers from the campground helped us and guide us to our site. Very nice people. Only bad thing is that for tenting u cant park in the site but the parking lot its not to far. Overall very nice place. Highly recommend.
Nancy Ramirez
Aug 21, 2023
We didn't get a chance to explore the whole campground and its trails, as we were mainly there to be nearby beach residents for a quick weekend hangout. But on the really late & rainy Friday that we arrived, we were kindly helped out by the hosts (didn't catch their names) when they flagged us down and led us to our site in the pitch dark night –thank you! Despite no power being available on the majority of the sites, I can see us booking back in the future.
Lan Diep-Young
Aug 21, 2023
We have stayed here 2x and have enjoyed ourselves very much. We have taken in the Rochon Sands Doubles Disc Golf tournament both times and will definitely be back to enjoy both!
Dale & Terry
Aug 17, 2023
This was a great camp site It is a hidden gem we did not know was there. We will be back again and finish the stump walk.
Henry P Klassen
Aug 15, 2023
Have been camping at Rochon Sands for over 25 years and have always had a great relaxing time. However this year it seemed like every most every campsite had dogs and the owners not controlling the dogs from barking was terrible. I do hope the campground manager looks into this so people that check in know letting the dogs bark and not controlling them is unacceptable. If you are going to bring your pets please don’t let them bark and respect the other people camping that are there for a quiet and relaxing time.
Darryle Simmers
Aug 13, 2023
We spend a lot of time out here and the camping is always great there was lots of activities going on in the park this weekend to keep entertained
Peter Kendrick
Jul 17, 2023
We have been coming to Rochon for years now and were disappointed to see how over run with generators it has become. And to have the "quite time" start at 11pm is a bit ridiculous. Generators are not a requirement and should be more restricted. We were there last weekend and had loud music, yelling, and generators running until 3 am both nights.
Jessica Cordner
Jul 14, 2023
Great little spot; we've come here for years with our kids! The beach is great for little ones; huge shallow area with a pleasant sandy bottom.
Tyler Hanson
Jul 10, 2023
I came to "the lake" for some rest and relaxation. We enjoyed walks by the lake and walking for ice cream. Loved our stay. Thank you Rochan!!
Helen Lacroix
Jul 9, 2023
We stay on Rochon Sands for so many years, we just love it !!! Will keep book it again!
Anonymous
Jul 4, 2023
The park is great, however would be much better if they had potable water and some power sites
Anonymous
Jul 4, 2023
Been a few years since we were here last. 15 to be exact. The sites are a bit overgrown, lots of dead rotted trees, on a windy day they could fall on your tent or RV. The bathrooms are pit toilets but they are nasty, there is a small truck driving around with a mop, hoses and water tank in the back but I’m sure the mop has not touched any floors for weeks, maybe clean the cobwebs too. There is no potable water, the water that comes out of the taps is just as brown as what’s in the lake. So fill your tanks before you leave home! The fees are $32 a night which is a bit steep for no amenities, just a picknick table and a firepit with someone else’s garbage. The lake and beach is just ok , the water levels are low, the beach is rock, sand and gull with goose poop. The walking are nice, they been maintained nice. All in all this campground has a lot of potential but it needs a clean up/ makeover. If it had all that and then being be taken care off it could be thriving.
Anonymous
Jul 16, 2024
We camped in one of the walk-in tenting locations (#30). The spot itself was lovely, and we all loved the lake and walking trails. Unfortunately, there was a very vicious colony of red biting ants beneath our parking spot and the non-potable water tap that made loading/unloading our vehicle very difficult and almost impossible. I was attacked quite viciously by them when I tried to get non-potable water to have on hand for extinguishing our campfire. Other than that, it was a fantastic and fun weekend!
Vanessa Lee
Jul 1, 2024
The campsite we stayed in was very nice. Was disappointing the lake was so shallow we couldn’t swim in it. Had to go past the buoys before it even got to hip depth. The washrooms stunk, no hand sanitizer and almost out of toilet paper (we booked for four sleeps). The garbages were over full and stunk so bad. It was gross. We went to the hostess site twice who had the big “fire wood for sale” sign and the first time they had a fire going but couldn’t be found, the second time we went there was no one there. Thankfully the security guy could get us wood. The disc golf course was very mediocre, probably the worst we have played so far. The snack shack was over priced. We liked the pickle ball court. As mentioned, we liked the actual site we were in but we won’t be back.
SHANTEL PALASH
Aug 26, 2023
We did a group camping from friday Aug 18 to Sunday Aug 20th, 2023. Everyone liked it and enjoyed it despite the rainy and cold weather we had that weekend. The lake is well maintained the beach is clean, washrooms too and the little hike up to the viewpoint is beautiful specially for a sunset or sunrise. We will definitely come back for next year during the hot season to enjoy the lake a bit moree. Something i gotta add is that we got lost as it was night when we arrived but the workers from the campground helped us and guide us to our site. Very nice people. Only bad thing is that for tenting u cant park in the site but the parking lot its not to far. Overall very nice place. Highly recommend.
Nancy Ramirez
Aug 21, 2023
We didn't get a chance to explore the whole campground and its trails, as we were mainly there to be nearby beach residents for a quick weekend hangout. But on the really late & rainy Friday that we arrived, we were kindly helped out by the hosts (didn't catch their names) when they flagged us down and led us to our site in the pitch dark night –thank you! Despite no power being available on the majority of the sites, I can see us booking back in the future.
Lan Diep-Young
Aug 21, 2023
We have stayed here 2x and have enjoyed ourselves very much. We have taken in the Rochon Sands Doubles Disc Golf tournament both times and will definitely be back to enjoy both!
Dale & Terry
Aug 17, 2023
This was a great camp site It is a hidden gem we did not know was there. We will be back again and finish the stump walk.
Henry P Klassen
Aug 15, 2023
Have been camping at Rochon Sands for over 25 years and have always had a great relaxing time. However this year it seemed like every most every campsite had dogs and the owners not controlling the dogs from barking was terrible. I do hope the campground manager looks into this so people that check in know letting the dogs bark and not controlling them is unacceptable. If you are going to bring your pets please don’t let them bark and respect the other people camping that are there for a quiet and relaxing time.
Darryle Simmers
Aug 13, 2023
We spend a lot of time out here and the camping is always great there was lots of activities going on in the park this weekend to keep entertained
Peter Kendrick
Jul 17, 2023
We have been coming to Rochon for years now and were disappointed to see how over run with generators it has become. And to have the "quite time" start at 11pm is a bit ridiculous. Generators are not a requirement and should be more restricted. We were there last weekend and had loud music, yelling, and generators running until 3 am both nights.
Jessica Cordner
Jul 14, 2023
Great little spot; we've come here for years with our kids! The beach is great for little ones; huge shallow area with a pleasant sandy bottom.
Tyler Hanson
Jul 10, 2023
I came to "the lake" for some rest and relaxation. We enjoyed walks by the lake and walking for ice cream. Loved our stay. Thank you Rochan!!
Helen Lacroix
Jul 9, 2023
We stay on Rochon Sands for so many years, we just love it !!! Will keep book it again!
Anonymous
Jul 4, 2023
The park is great, however would be much better if they had potable water and some power sites
Anonymous
Jul 4, 2023