Far from the touristy mountain spots and cramped campgrounds you typically find near urban areas; Black Nugget Campground is a hidden gem that is perfect for families. Located just over an hour outside Edmonton this campsite has everything you need for a quiet weekend getaway.
The drive is easy and the kids will have fun looking out the window at passing farms. If you are lucky you will see cows, horses, tractors, beautiful canola fields (depending on the season), grain elevators and more. We suggest stopping in Tofield for a milkshake from Burger Baron on your way out if you are going on Highway 14. Their Vanilla Coke milkshakes are worth the stop!
The campsite has a lot of spots but it does fill up on weekends so if you cannot make it out during the week (which we recommend because it is SO quiet and peaceful) call ahead to make reservations. They do not book online but you can call (780) 663-2421 to check availability.
The campsite was built after the coal mine in the same location closed down. The lake is long and winds around making it perfect for kayaks, bird watching, and there’s a great little hike around the water perfect for kids. They have a boat launch (for non-powered boats only), picnic shelters/cookhouses, and a sewer dump station for your convenience. There are lots of great fishing spots and some you don’t even have to leave your campsite to get to.
The sites are HUGE and can easily fit more than one trailer or book one of their group sites if you are going with friends or family.
The playground is large and works with both younger and older kids. There is also a basketball net, volleyball court and a large field for games and activities so you will not hear “I’m bored” once.
If you are a golfer right next door to the campsite is a new-ish golf course called Coal Creek Golf Resort. The family that owns the golf course has worked hard in the reclamation project of the original mine site into Coal Creek Golf Resort. The original site has stayed in the same family for three generations and even though the mine has shut down the family has brought the area back to life with this course. You can read more about the golf course and their history HERE.
We highly recommend taking kayaks or canoes out if you can. The lake has so many little spots to explore and the kids loved seeing all the wild life. This would be a bird watchers paradise! We also saw muskrats, a couple of snakes, and even though we didn’t see a coyote we heard them at night!
Overall this is a great little spot that isn’t too expensive, is far enough away from the city to be quiet and peaceful, and has large, beautiful campsites for you to enjoy.
Site Rates (not including GST):
- No Services: $30.00*
- Power Only: $36.00*
- Power, Water, and Sewer: $42.00*
- Best Average: $20.00*
