Belly River Campground

Waterton Lakes National Park

A pleasant area of mixed aspen forest, located along the Belly River. This campground is favoured by those wanting a more secluded experience.

Belly River Campground is closed for the season.

Operating season (nights): May 16 through September 1, 2025 (weather permitting)

Located along Chief Mountain Highway, 26 km from Waterton townsite and 5 km from the Chief Mountain border crossing. Cellular service is extremely limited in this area of Waterton Lakes National Park.

  • This self-registration, primitive campground offers 24 unserviced sites, available only on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • There is no potable water available at Belly River Campground. Visitors are required to bring their own water or filtering systems.

Checkout or re-registration time is 11:00 a.m.

Campground amenities

  • Each site contains: picnic table, fire pit, gravel parking area, food storage locker
  • Information
  • Kitchen shelter
  • Flush and pit toilets
  • Picnic tables
  • Communal area
  • Parking
  • Fire rings and firewood (fire permit required)
  • Grey water disposal

Campground map

Belly River Campground Map
Download the map in a print-ready format (PDF format, 910 kb)

Additional information

Group camping

Belly River Group Campground

Group camping is available at Belly River Campground, by reservation only, for groups with a minimum of 25 people and maximum of 100.

 Operating season (nights): May 16 through September 1, 2025 (weather permitting)

Call 403-859-5133 for reservations (starting April 1)

Belly River Campground is located along the Chief Mountain Highway, 26 km from Waterton townsite and 5 km from the Chief Mountain border crossing.

Group campground amenities

  • Kitchen shelter
  • Picnic tables
  • Washrooms (dry toilets only in group camp areas)
  • Communal area
  • On-site parking
  • Fire pit
  • Grey water disposal

Water: There is no potable water available at Belly River Campground. Visitors are required to bring their own water or filtering systems.

Group camping fees

Information about group camping is available on the Fees page.

Additional information

General information

  • Group camping is available by reservation only, for groups with a minimum of 25 people and maximum of 100.
  • Each single campsite at Belly River Campground may contain up to two camping units: two tents or one RV/camper and one tent. Do not park in roadways or on undergrowth. Tents must be located on tent pads.
  • Sites can accommodate RVs up to 21’ (6.4 m) in length. All sites are back-in only.
  • Camping and fire permits must be always displayed.
  • Individual food storage bins are located at each site. Do not leave items in these bins when checking out.
  • Maximum length of stay: 14 nights
  • Maximum persons per site: 6
  • Quiet hours: 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. Only registered campsite occupants are allowed in the campground after 10 p.m. Excessive noise is not permitted at any time of the day. Please report disturbances to park wardens or staff.

Off-season and winter camping

Belly River Campground operates from mid-May to early September (weather dependent). Winter camping is available at Pass Creek day use area.

Fees and permits

Information about camping fees is available on the Fees page.

Campers must acquire the following permits to camp in Waterton Lakes National Park:

National Park Entry Pass: available at park gates, the visitor centre and online.

Camping permit: One non-transferable camping permit will be issued per campsite, per party (maximum 6 persons). Upon arrival, check-in at the campground kiosk. Campers must register (at kiosk or self-registration) with their camping unit prior to setting up camp.

Campfires

A fire permit is required for each night you have a fire.

Fires are permitted only in designated stoves or fire pits.

Firewood is available near the campground entrance.

Cutting live or dead standing trees and gathering deadfall is not allowed.

Generator use

Permitted during the following hours:

  • 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.
  • 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
  • 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Quiet hours: 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.

Pets

Pets must be always kept on a leash. They must not be left unattended. You must pick up after your pets and ensure that all pet food is stored in your vehicle. Pets are not allowed in kitchen shelters. Do not leave pets unattended outside, especially at night. They may attract bears, cougars, wolves, or coyotes, and may be attacked. If they must be left out, confine them in a kennel with a secure top. Be cautious when walking your dog. The mule deer may have fawns and will aggressively defend them, especially in spring. They may attack without provocation and seriously injure or kill a dog. If you see a deer, leave the area immediately.

See the "Bare" Campsite Program for more information.

Wildlife

Extra caution is required at Belly River campground. Bears and other wildlife live in the area. A special effort is being made by Parks staff and campers to ensure that no wildlife attractants are ever left unattended at any sites in campgrounds. The "Bare" Campsite Program is in place for your safety, and to help keep the wildlife alive and wild.

Campers who fail to comply with the "Bare" Campsite Program or other regulations may have their camping permit revoked, without a refund. They may also be charged under the Canada National Parks Act. The permit holder is responsible for ensuring the campsite is maintained in a satisfactory condition.

Alcohol and cannabis

Consuming alcohol, cannabis and cannabis products is only allowed at registered campsites, and not permitted in kitchen shelters. Cannabis is legalized and strictly regulated in Canada. It is your responsibility to understand federal, provincial and municipal regulations for cannabis and alcohol consumption while visiting Waterton Lakes National Park.

If there is no vacancy in the campground

There is a reservable campground located in the Waterton Townsite. Crandell Mountain Campground is closed due to extensive infrastructure damage from the Kenow Wildfire. There are several privately-operated campgrounds near the park. Visit the Waterton Chamber of Commerce website for more information.

Campground host volunteer program

Volunteer as a host at the Belly River Campground! Greet campers and provide them with necessary information for their visit to Waterton Lakes National Park. Contact us for more information on this program.

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