County of Newell Summer Fun – This is Lake Country
The County of Newell at first glance is a scene from those western movies you fell in love with. Rolling hills of grasslands and sagebrush as far as the eye can see with grazing cattle and cowboys tending their herd from horseback. What you don’t notice though is that the region has some of the nicest lakes in Southern Alberta. Discover Rolling Hills, Crawling Valley and Kinbrook Island as the destinations for County of Newell summer fun.
With the warm summer months into full swing I visited myself to see what the County of Newell summer fun was all about. I was anxious to see how much Rolling Hills and Crawling Valley reservoir as well as Lake Newell had changed since living there decades ago. Thanks to ZenSeekers this return visit was possible and I created this fun story on their website, read more for yourself HERE.
County of Newell Summer Fun – A Hidden Water Oasis
The County of Newell with its epicentre in the community of Brooks Alberta is located on the number one highway 90 minutes SE of Calgary. A region known for hot dry summers the people overcame the climate challenges with an extensive irrigation canal system. This canal system resulted in the formation of very large man made lakes and reservoirs. Over time the lakes have become the County of Newell summer fun escape with endless boating, fishing, watersport and camping opportunities.
Stay a night & see a sight, here is help to live out your next #BucketlistAB adventure.
Kinbrook Island Provincial Park
A short drive south from Brooks, Lake Newell is the largest man-made lake in Southern Alberta. Covering nearly 70 square kms of land the lake was a natural draw to residents. Eventual Kinbrook Island provincial park was established on it’s eastern shores. Fully equipped with every facility possible from camping, playgrounds, washroom & showers, beach to marina.
Alberta Parks Kinbrook Island Provincial Park WEBSITE
Sunny days with kayaks and SUP enjoying the Lake Newell sandy beaches
Rolling Hills Reservoir Campground
Located just south of Kinbrook Island Park the next lake in my list, connected via a small control dam to Lake Newell, is Rolling Hills reservoir. It is the newest campground in the region operated by Eastern Irrigation District. I found the nicest part about this lake was its large beach is east facing as well as sits lower than the surrounding hills. This makes it the perfect beach and paddleboard location protected from the often prevailing western winds. Full ammenties round out the campground including 149 campsites and boat marina.
Rolling Hills Reservoir Campground WEBSITE
Rolling Hills reservoir is a paddleboarders escape
Crawling Valley Reservoir Campground
The northernmost lake of the County of Newell summer fun roundup is Crawling Valley. Also run by the Eastern Irrigation District, this lake has seen substantial investment into the facilities. The most recent was the development of a full inner harbour marina. Crawling Valley has always stood out most in the region as the premier destination for southern Alberta fisherman. Stocked with trout, pike and walleye it isn’t unheard to pull out 20 lb fish from the water on a good day.
Crawling Valley Reservoir Campground WEBSITE
Fishing, boating and family fun at Crawling Valley Campground
County of Newel Summer Fun – If You Go
Check into Visit Newell to start planning your tour and other activities in the area.
Travel Alberta also has lots of great information about things to do and places to see in Newell.
Canalta Hotels has partnered up with a collection of destinations across Southern Alberta. Stay a Night & See a Sight – they are ready to help.
Disclosure: This post was published in partnership with ZenSeekers
For fun summer trips and ideas be sure to check out my Travel Destinations Page
