Scenic Views · Fishing · Camping & Hiking · Alberta
Cow Lake
A clear, shallow lake southwest of Rocky Mountain House with a county campground, sandy beach and boat launch. Pike and stocked rainbow trout draw anglers, though pike must be released.
What visitors say
Cow Lake sits in the rolling, treed country about 15 minutes southwest of Rocky Mountain House. Visitors describe it as clean and calm, with meadows and forest around the campground and golden larches in the fall. One camper watched a bald eagle cross the lake under a rainbow, which gives a sense of the mood.
The lake is open to angling under Alberta's sportfishing regulations and is stocked with rainbow trout. Northern pike and yellow perch are here too, and the regulations currently require pike to be released, so check the current rules before you keep anything. Reviewers report steady pike action and some big trout. The shallow bottom means weeds can get in the way.
Clearwater County runs a large campground on the lake with a boat launch, a sandy swimming area, a playground and volleyball. Campers like the private, roomy sites, and the Cow Lake store and restaurant nearby is handy. Alberta Parks manages the adjacent Cow Lake Natural Area, which is day use only.
The one real complaint is the outhouses. A recent visitor found them dirty and full of flies, so bring your own supplies if you're fussy.
Summarised from visitor reviews on Google Maps. Based on 55 Google reviews. Conditions and rules change — check current park, access and fishing regulations before you go.