Tolman East Campground

Location: 60kms north of Drumheller. 23kms east of Trochu. Red Deer valley Alberta.

Description: These natural odd looking landscapes are called badlands created by the erosion of softer sedimentary rock formations. The campground is nestled in a mature cotton wood forest located next to the Red Deer river. It contains 39 campsites suited for both RV’s and tents.

Amenities include picnic tables, fire pits, water, dry toilets, refuse containers, playground and boat launch. Fire wood is not available. Most of the campsites are divided by thick willow bushes that provide good privacy and a wind break. This area is well known for it’s dinosaur fossils. Several years ago a fossilized Tyrannosaurus Rex dinosaur was discovered in this area and is now in the nearby Royal Tyrrell Museum.

You can hike along the Red Deer River for several kilometers if you want to explore the surrounding badlands. The cactus plants found growing is a good indication of how arid it is. Black flies seem to love this area and can be a real nuisance during the summer months and early fall. Tolman Bridge is a good starting point for canoers who want to float the Red Deer River south to the Starland Campground located 20kms downstream or an overnight float to Drumheller.

Night skies here are ink black and rank #3 on the Bortle Scale.

Red Deer River Canoe Access in PDF

Tolman East Area Map PDF

Tolman East Campground Layout Map PDF