ELK POINT - It may only be a temporary measure for this camping season, but Kehiwin Provincial Recreation Area is wide open and ready to accommodate campers in its 34 tree-lined campsites, 14 km north of Elk Point along Highway 41.
Kehiwin is one of 17 park sites previously identified for closure this season, but that are now open “because we want to give Albertans more opportunities to camp and connect with nature over the summer as we all recover from the COVID-19 pandemic,” according to the Alberta Environment and Parks website. The move is part of the government’s Phase 2 Relaunch strategies, which also saw Kehewin Lake’s only boat launch open for use prior to the May long weekend.
This year for the first time, all Alberta campsites are open to Alberta residents only, and the sites at Kehiwin are available only by reservation at reserve.albertaoarks.ca or by phoning 1–877–537–2757.
The recreation area’s facilities, including the boat launch and fish cleaning stand, are ready for use, but the website cautions that “Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, all Alberta Health Services natural recreational water sampling for beaches in Alberta has been postponed until further notice. Beach water quality is not being monitored.”
The lake is open for fishing for yellow perch, lake whitefish and burbot.
The Provincial Recreation Area is one of two campgrounds on the lake, with the Elks Wilderness Campground, with 12 sites located on the west side, this year available only by contacting Lorn Berg at780-724-4228 for access and reservations.
