Tolman east Campground Alberta Recreational Area.

Tolman east Badlands campground is located in the Red Deer valley approximately 60km north of Drumheller and 23km east of Trochu. The natural, odd shaped land formations here are called the Badlands. These arid softer sedimentary rock formations have been created by several million years of erosion. There are 39 campsites with picnic tables and fire pits. The campground offers water, dry toilets, refuse containers, playground and a boat launch. Firewood is not provided at Tolman east campground and that visitors should bring their own wood. Tolman east Campground is nestled in a mature Cotton Wood forest next to the Red Deer River. Most of the campsites are divided by willow bushes that create a wind break and privacy. This area is well known for it's Dinosaur fossils. Several years ago a Tyrannosaurus Rex Dinosaur fossil was discovered near here and is now in the nearby Royal Tyrrell Museum. You can hike for several miles in both directions along the Red Deer River and explore the surrounding Badlands. Make sure to pack plenty of water in the summer as it can get very hot and dry here. The Cactus plants found growing is a good indication of just how arid the Badlands are. Black flies seem to love this area and can be very annoying during the summer months and early fall. Tolman Bridge would make a good starting point for canoeing the Red Deer River south to the Starland Campground 20km downstream, or an overnight float to Drumheller. Night skies here are very dark and rank # 3 on the Bortle Scale , the highway to the campground entrance is paved.