Starland Public Campgrounds

Starland County Campgrounds will be closed from *October 10, 2023, and will reopen on May Long Weekend in 2024.

*Please note that all dates are subject to change due to weather conditions

Note Recent Changes:

  • Campgrounds are NOT stocked with firewood. 
  • Online registration is NOW required for Michichi Dam Campground.
  • Online registration is required for the McLaren Dam sites 1 -  18
  • Online registration is required for the Tolman Bridge East Group Site. Maximum of 5 units (totalling 20 people) . Please follow all AHS guidelines. Please go to campreservations.ca to make your booking.
  • Tolman East and West campgrounds individual camping sites are all first come first serve.
  • Rate Changes: Unserviced sites are now $25/night. Serviced sites are now $35/night. 
  • Please note there are other camping websites that are not managed by Starland County that often have outdated or incorrect data. We can not be held responsible for misleading information found on other sites.

For the enjoyment of our residents and visitors Starland County operates five seasonal campground/recreation areas. 

Please note that most of our sites are occupied on a first come first serve basis with no reservations. However, due to a successful online registration trial last year,  Michichi Campground (all non-seasonal sites), McLaren Dam Campground (18 sites) and a single group site at the Tolman Bridge East Campground will require online reservations. You can access the online registration for those sites by visiting campreservations.ca


Tolman Bridge Campground Areas

Tolman East Campground

Tolman East Campground is deep in the Red Deer River Valley beneath the shade of the cottonwood trees. Sites are suitable for tents and RVs and most are sheltered by trees and shrubs. Paddle through the badlands or fish along the river.  The campground is located on Highway 585 at the Red Deer River crossing. 40 unserviced sites are available for camping on a first come, first served basis, with fire pits located in each site. There is a group area that must be reserved through Starland County’s online reservation system (will be onlin eMay 3, 2021). There is also a playground, pit/vault toilets and a hand launch area for canoers available. Camping fees are $25/night per unit. *Note: In the neighbouring county boundaries there is a community gun range located within close proximity of this campground.

Tolman West Campground

Large, open sites are well suited to RVs. Paddle through the badlands or fish along the river. This campground is located on Highway 585 at the Red Deer River crossing on the west side of the Tolman Bridge. 25 unserviced sites with fire pits are available on a first come, first served basis. A large camp kitchen is also available for day use visitors as well as pit/vault toilets. A boat launch area can also be accessed within this campground. Camping fees are $25/night per unit. *Note: In the neighbouring county boundaries there is a community gun range located within close proximity of this campground.


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.

Current Rate: $25/night per unit, unserviced sites only

Thanks to Helge Nome who sent us this excellent aerial video showing the beauty of the area at sunset along with his comments "Great campground, good fishing" Video: Starland Campground: Badland Sunset 

Michichi Dam Recreation Area

Situated directly south of Michichi on Secondary Highway 849, Michichi Dam Recreation Area is a quiet getaway a midst the rolling grass hills of the prairie. 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. Eighteen sites are powered sites. As well, there are twenty overflow campsites and group camping areas and camp kitchen facilities. There are coin operated shower facilities with handicap access. There are flush toilets available in the shower house. There is CSA approved playground equipment. There is an RV water and sewer station available for your convenience. The campground is equipped with 8 water hookups and no sewer hookups. There is potable water.

You can also enjoy the newly built Michichi Creek Boardwalk which has its trail head inside the campground. This 1 km trail borders the edge of the picturesque reservoir, and makes it way to a beautiful gazebo. 11 interpretive signs highlight information about the area including flora, fauna, geology, history and more. 

Michichi Dam Recreation Area is stocked with fish on a fairly annual basis. In 2011, 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.

Current Rates: $25/night per unit unserviced, $35/night per unit serviced. Click here to register your site at this campground.

Directions: Just immediately South of Michichi on Highway 849 (0.33km).

Please note no motorized craft are allowed on the Dam and the Shower House may only be open on weekends.

McLaren Dam Recreation Area

For those who like camping and fishing 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. There are 16 electricity hookups available. Group camping sites are available.  In 2011, the Dam was stocked with 12,000 rainbow trout averaging 14 cm in length. Motorized craft are allowed on the Dam.

Current Rates: $25/night per unit unserviced, $35/night per unit serviced

Directions: Go North on Highway 851 to Township Road 33-4, turn left and go two miles to Range Road 18-2 then turn south 1 mile. (There should be a sign on Highway 851 at Township Road 33-4)

McLaren Dam map

Updated 6 months, 4 weeks ago on Sep 29th, 2023