Saddling up for rides May 15, 2026

Camping

You wake up to mountain air and the sound of a nearby creek. Outside your tent, Mount Stelfox rises against the morning sky, and the Cline River Valley stretches out in every direction. Your phone has no signal. There's nowhere you need to be.

This is wall tent camping in the Alberta Rockies. There's nothing else quite like it.

McKenzie's Trails West offers authentic outfitter tent stays in the heart of the Cline River Valley, located between Banff and Jasper National Park in one of the most scenic and unspoiled stretches of the Canadian Rockies. It's a real camping experience; there’s no electricity, no running water, no cell service. But you do have a comfortable bed (bedding provided) and a heater stove keeping you warm through the night.

Book Now

Page Summary
  • Outfitter wall-tent stays offer authentic Alberta camping without electricity.
  • Queen bed, wood stove, coffee gear, outdoor furniture, and hammock included.
  • Fire pit, BBQ, nearby trail rides, hiking, Abraham Lake fishing available.

Your Wall Tent

Spend the night in a traditional 10x12 canvas wall tent; it’s the same style used by early travellers as they explored this valley. Your tent is furnished and ready when you arrive for your camping trip.

Your tent includes:

  • Queen bed with essential bedding provided
  • Wood burning heater stove
  • Hot water kettle and coffee pot
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Hammock
  • Fire extinguisher

Tents are unserviced, so there is no electricity or running water. Toilets, hot showers, potable water, and phone service are all within a five-minute walk.

Where You're Staying

The tents are located in a shared outdoor area just outside McKenzie's Trails West base camp, near the base of Mount Stelfox in the Cline River Valley. Whitegoat Lakes are just steps away. The surrounding wilderness offers immediate access to hiking trails, with bigger adventures a short drive in either direction. If you want a quiet moment casting your reel, you can try out fishing in the Cline River and Abraham Lake.

This part of the Alberta Rockies sits between Jasper National Park to the north and Banff National Park to the south. These are familiar names to most visitors, but this stretch of backcountry is quieter, less travelled, and off the beaten path.

Safety at Camp

Camping in the Alberta Rockies means sharing the wilderness with the wildlife that calls it home. McKenzie's Trails West takes that seriously, and camp safety is our priority.

The campsite operates within an electric fence perimeter, providing a reliable layer of protection against wildlife entering the camp area overnight. Bear safe policies are in effect at all times, and guests are briefed on protocols upon arrival. 

Our guides are first-aid trained and experienced in backcountry safety. 

Our goal is to ensure you feel safe enough to actually relax and take it all in.

 

 

Activities and Adventures Nearby

The wall tent stay works as a base camp for as much or as little adventure as you want.
The area around the Cline River Valley has no shortage of things to do.

On site or steps away:

  • Guided horseback trail rides with McKenzie's Trails West
  • Hiking trails directly from camp
  • Fishing at Whitegoat Lakes

Within a short drive:

  • Helicopter tours
  • Canyoning
  • Golf
  • Shopping and dining

Whether you want to fill every hour or simply sit by the fire and let the mountains do the work, this is the right place for it.

Pricing and Availability

$140/night based on double occupancy.

McKenzie's Trails West has four outfitter tents available. Book a single tent for two, or reserve the full set for a small group trip. It's the kind of place that gets better with company.

Book Now

The 'Good to Knows' About Your Camping Trip

  • Check-in: 3:00 PM
  • Check-out: 11:00 AM
  • Quiet hours: 10:00 PM
  • Gate hours:
    Closes 11:00 PM
    Opens 7:00 AM
  • No unregistered guests
  • Pets welcome on leash
  • Children must be supervised at all times
  • Bear safe policies are in effect at all times. Guests will be briefed on arrival
  • This is a quiet, natural environment. Loud or disruptive behaviour is not permitted
  • Guests assume all risks and responsibilities of wilderness camping

Frequently Asked Wall Tent Camping Questions

Wall tent camping is an authentic wilderness camping experience in a traditional canvas outfitter tent. Unlike modern camping tents, wall tents are sturdy, weather-resistant structures with enough room to stand up and move around. McKenzie's Trails West offers wall tent stays in the Cline River Valley in the Alberta Rockies, furnished with a bed, bedding, and a wood-burning heater stove. These tents create a rustic glamping experience you’ve been looking for.

The wall tent campsite is located at McKenzie's Trails West base camp in the Cline River Valley, near the base of Mount Stelfox in the Alberta Rockies, between Jasper National Park and Banff National Park. Whitegoat Lakes are within walking distance.

Not in the traditional sense. This is a genuine, unserviced camping experience with no electricity, no running water, and no cell service in the tents. Toilets, hot showers, and phone service are available within a five-minute walk. If you're looking for a real outdoor experience with a comfortable place to sleep, this is it.

Each tent comes with a queen bed, essential bedding, a wood-burning heater stove, a hot water kettle and coffee pot, outdoor furniture, and a hammock. Firewood is available on site.

Guided horseback trail rides with McKenzie's Trails West are available on site and can be booked alongside your camping stay. Daily rides range from 30 minutes to 4 hours through the Cline River Valley and the surrounding backcountry.

Yes. The wall tent area is a quiet, natural environment suitable for families. Children must be supervised at all times, and bear safe policies are in effect throughout the stay.

There are four outfitter tents available. They can be booked individually or as a group.

Bedding is provided. Bring your clothing suited to mountain weather. Layers are recommended as temperatures can drop overnight. Personal toiletries, any food or drinks you'd like for the BBQ, and a sense of adventure.

Start Planning Your Camping Experience

Book Now