Recreation Areas

Starland County is a rural community located in the heart of the Canadian Badlands, north of the Town of Drumheller. For adventure, discovery, relaxation and fun...we have it all!! Well maintained campgrounds, fishing, hiking, and sightseeing are all yours to enjoy. Please visit our attractions while you visit the Canadian Badlands.

WE DO NOT TAKE RESERVATIONS. All the campsites are first come first serve.  If you are having a large group function such as a family reunion, there is a possibility we can reserve a site.

Currently, there is no fire ban in Starland County.  All outdoor fires as defined under the “Forest & Prairie Protection Act” EXCEPT those for cooking and for warming (camp fires) are considered to be suspended at this time.  This means that you can have a campfire at the recreation areas in Starland County.

McLaren Dam Recreation Area

For those who like to get away from it all, McLaren Dam Recreation Area is a perfect spot. Located approximately 24 km north of Delia, McLaren Dam is a large informal campground. It is equipped with fire pits, picnic tables and a camp kitchen facility as well as a fresh water supply. There are no water  hookups. There are 12 electricity hookups available. There are sewer hookups. Group camping sites are available. 

In 2009, the Dam was stocked with 12,000 rainbow trout averaging 14 cm in length. Motorized craft are allowed on the Dam.

Camping is on a first come, first serve basis. We do not take reservations. Firewood is included in your camping fee. Open May 1 to October 31.  Photo Gallery

Michichi Dam Recreation Area

                                                                  Situated directly south of Michichi on Secondary Highway 849, Michichi Dam Recreation Area is a quiet getaway to enjoy fishing or camping. Conveniently located 25 km north of Drumheller, it is an excellent spot to camp and still be close enough to go visit the Royal  Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology and other tourist attractions in the area. There are eighteen formal campsites complete with firepits and picnic tables. Seventeen sites are powered sites. As well, there are twenty overflow campsites and group camping areas and camp kitchen facilities. There is CSA approved playground equipment. There is an RV water and sewer station available for your convenience. The campground is not equipped with water or sewer hookups but does have potable water. Open from May 1st to October 31st. We do not take reservations. Camping is on a first come, first serve basis.

Michichi Dam Recreation Area is stocked with fish on a fairly annual basis. In 2009, there were 14,000 rainbow trout, with an average length of 14 cm, stocked in the dam.

Home of the Ryan Savary Memorial Fishing Derby which is usually held in August of each year. A tradition at the Derby is to award the competitor who catches a fish closest to the weight of the largest fish that Savary caught in the Michichi Dam which was 1 lb., 3.2 oz.

No motorized craft are allowed on the Dam. 

Starland Recreation Area

Situated 10 km west of Morrin on Highway 27, Starland Recreation Area is located in the scenic Red Deer River Valley and  is the perfect place to get away from it all. It is a popular stopover for canoeists travelling down the river. There are three ball diamonds which are used for ball tournaments and family reunions as well as for an impromptu game. There is CSA approved playground equipment. One of our newer features is a gazebo which is useful for family gatherings and weddings.  

The area has a short formal hiking trail as well as an excellent opportunity to go hill climbing and exploring.  There is developed access to the river which allows for boat launching and fishing. There are 50 formalized sites as well as overflow and group camping areas. We do not take reservations. Camping is on a first come first serve basis and on a long weekend the sites fill up quickly. Open from May 1st to October 31st.

Starland Rec Area Photo Gallery
Tolman Bridge Rec Area Photo Gallery