Naturalists' Backyard
This is a Boondockers Welcome host in Lacombe County, AB
Max Rig Size
< 25 (ft)
Parking Spaces
1
Same Day Requests
Yes
80 acres of mixed pasture and forest, on either side of a creek ravine, in a rural/agricultural area. This is the land that was no good for farming, but is great for nature lovers. Lots of birds & wildflowers. Easy walking around the property; ~ 10 minutes from an extensive trail/boardwalk system, and 25 minutes to the hundreds of km of trails in Red Deer's urban park system, and to a branch of the Trans Canada Trail. Park in our graveled yard, use the fire pit, plug in, hook up a hose, and use us as a base of operations for your central Alberta explorations. We speak English, French, & Polish. Maybe a little bit of bad Spanish, too. Suggested Local Attractions:Red Deer (25 minutes west) with its fabulous urban park system + nature centre, federal migratory bird sanctuary, historic (Riel Rebellion) fort, museums, shopping, RV service, etc. 45 minutes east to Stettler and its steam train. 2 hours south to Drumheller, badlands, Royal Tyrrell Museum. 3 hours west to Banff National Park. 1.5 hours to Edmonton or Calgary.
Vehicle Suitability Information
Pets Welcome
Electric Hookup: 15A
Wifi
Slideouts Allowed
Outdoor Cooking Allowed
Generators Allowed
Water Hookup
Separate Tow Vehicle Parking
Campfire Ring Provided
House Rules
We have cats, horses, and sometimes pasture cattle here. Pets are welcome, but must be under control. (Don't chase the domestic or wild critters!) Travelling with a horse? You are welcome to pasture it here too. Generators off by 10 p.m. Smoking? Only inside your unit, please. Take your garbage with you. Generally, a 3 day (max.) stay.
Location
Access Road Conditions: 2 miles/3 km on good gravel off of Hwy 11. Have to do a tight (hairpin) U-turnaround if parking in our yard, OR (if "boondocking" (i.e. not in our yard) drive a few hundred metres (yards) on fairly smooth pasture to be by yourself in a meadow surrounded by trees. No problem most of the time, but might be a bad idea after a lot of rain! We have a 28' 5th wheel & can do the turnaround -- bigger might have difficulty. There is a pull-through entrance occasionally (if we aren't blocking it). Call 1st to confirm! Tow Vehicle Parking Details: Lots of room to park next to the RV.
Parking Surface
Grass
Hosted By Jim_Robertson
Age:
65+
Retired park naturalists. Details: I am a retired park naturalist/interpreter. My partner is still working as an ESL teacher (English as a Second Language for adults/new Canadians), and interpretive planner/writer (museum, historic site & park exhibits, interpretive signs etc.) and is an excellent naturalist. We both hike, canoe/kayak, horseback ride, and camp/travel. We speak English, French, a bit of Spanish, and one of us speaks Polish. Home Town: In a rural area in eastern Lacombe County, 20 minutes east of Red Deer, Alberta. (Red Deer is a city of ~100,000, 1/2 way between Calgary & Edmonton, and is on the main driving route to Alaska.) Favorite Boondocking Locations: So far, our main boondocking experience is in the foothills/mountains of western Alberta, as well as a 6 week trip south to Utah, northern Arizona, then to Las Vegas & north through Idaho on our way home. Skills or Expertise to Share: We know the natural history of western Canada, particularly Alberta, including the mountains, foothills, prairies, and badlands. Pretty good knowledge of the human (pre-contact to recent) history, too, & the various museums, interpretive & historic sites, and recreation opportunities.
Availability for RV Camping
References for this location from other RVers
LamFamCamp
9 months ago
Beautiful quiet place to stay. Host Jim and Anna were friendly and informative. Jim took me on a walk through fields, streams, hills and explained about the native species both plant and animal. Lilly their puppy was friendly and willing to let you throw her sticks. Thanks to both of you and Lily for a great overnight. This was our first time using Boondockers and I think we started at one of the best. I would highly recommend!
Prairie_Bees
1 year ago
Thank you for the nice camping spot. The host was wonderful and very kindly showed us the spot we could stay at for the night. we even got to use water and electricity. To bad we had to leave on time and we could not go see the horses our 14 year would have loved to pet. we would love to come back some time when we have more time. Thank you for a beautiful quiet spot in the country.
J_and_R_R
1 year ago
Very helpful and accommodating . Jim did his utmost to deliver the activities were were looking for; like a 5 star hotel concierge with us as the only client. The site and facilities were great. A relaxing and enjoyable stay.
MrAndMrsB
1 year ago
Quiet, peaceful—a true naturalist’s haven. The site was protected, level and everything a traveller could hope for. The hosts, well, out of a five star, they’d be several stars above the best. Gracious, kind, generous, knowledgeable and great conversationalists, would be how we’d describe Anna & Jim. Thank you so much for one of the best stays of our trip.
Mado5555
1 year ago
it's a nice place to stay. We've walked around the trails on the property with the owner and the dogs.
