Coalhurst campground switches gears to reservable group event site

The Town of Coalhurst's Miners Park campground will no longer be reservable for individual campers - but groups can book the whole thing for $350 per night. (Supplied/Town of Coalhurst)

A southern Alberta community is going in a new direction this season by shifting its municipal campground from a first-come, first-served basis to a private group booking facility.

The Town of Coalhurst says the Miners Park campground is no longer available for individual overnight camping starting this season.

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Officials say the entire 14-site facility, which includes a picnic shelter, flush toilets, pay showers and an RV sani-dump station, can be rented for $350 per night.

“This is more than a campground,” said Coalhurst Mayor Deborah Florence in a news release. “We’ve created a unique outdoor gathering space that gives people a new way to celebrate, connect and spend time together.”

For groups that need more space, they can also rent the nearby David A. Veres social area, which provides a private kitchen, gas barbecues, another picnic shelter and open green space.

A children’s playground, three soccer fields and four baseball diamonds are also available in Miners Park, but all are for public use.

Officials say the new rental model is expected to improve overall site management and encourage greater use of the facility.

“We’re proud to offer something that is truly different,” said Florence. “We believe this creates a special opportunity for Coalhurst and for the people looking for a memorable place to gather.”

More details about the Miners Park group campground can be found online.