StettlerLocal.com March 26
When online reservations opened on March 4th, 21,000+ people had booked camping spots doubling last year's reservations.
According to an Alberta Parks Ambassador, records were broken for reservations last year and based on the start of this year, that record may soon be history.
Rochon Sands Provincial Campground, located on the south shore of Buffalo Lake, is open for reservations. The Rochon Sands Campground has amenities for day use, camping and group use (when permitted).
The Narrows Campground, situated on a narrow channel connecting two portions of Buffalo Lake, offers RV and tent-friendly sites available on a first-come-first serve basis.
If you are looking for camping spots this summer, book soon as they expect it to be another busy season.
“Rochon Sands Provincial Campground is already showing 50% of capacity is booked for the May 21 and July 1 long weekends, and we have only been taking reservations for two weeks. Last year the Rochon Sands Provincial Campground saw a 17.3% increase over the year before. The Narrows saw a 34% increase over the year before.” - Melissa Beebe, Chief Administrative Officer, Summer Village of Rochon Sands and White Sands
Front country hiking trails and birding are a few of the activities apart from the beach, boating and fishing. For avid bird watchers, many different types of birds migrate to Buffalo Lake every year for nesting.
If you’re looking for ice cream treats or a classic burger and fries, visit Kaz’s Snak Shak located by the Summer Village of Rochon Sands Community Hall and playground.
The provincial parks are operated by the Summer Village of Rochon Sands under a lease agreement with the Province of Alberta. Both campgrounds are managed by campsite managers and are monitored for the safety and enjoyment of guests.
Rochon Sands Provincial Campground opens May 17. To make reservations for the Rochon Sands Provincial Campground and group use campground, call 403-742-4338 or email park@rochonsands.net There are 69 campsites and 5 walk-in tenting spots available for $28 per night, and there is a $12 reservation fee to book online. For more details, visit https://www.albertaparks.ca/parks/central/rochon-sands-pp/information-facilities/
Rochon Sands Campground Guide with Maps - https://www.albertaparks.ca/media/3266249/rochon-sands-brochure.pdf
The Narrows Campground opens June 1 and does not accept reservations offering 61 sites that are available on a first-come, first-served basis for $22 per night. If you have questions about this campground, call 403-742-4338. For more details, visithttps://albertaparks.ca/parks/central/the-narrows-pra/
Jody Craig, Reporter