Saddle Hills County
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Bordered on the north by the mighty Peace River, and the south by the rolling Saddle Hills, outdoor recreational opportunities abound in Saddle Hills County. Paddlers can begin their summer Peace River canoeing adventure at the Cotillion Recreation Area campground.
Those with an interest in machines on four wheels will enjoy the mud bog event at the Bonanza Fair on July 23 and 24. The Savanna Fair (August 21 and 22) also offers a real country fair experience with a bench show featuring a vast display of local produce, baking and crafts. Savanna Fair’s equestrian gymhana events show off the impressive skills of horse and rider in timed games that provide entertainment for all ages. Moonshine Lake Provincial Park, Cotillion Recreation Area and Hilltop Lake Campsite offer the full range of lake- and river-side camping experiences, without the crowds.
Even when the cooler weather arrives, Saddle Hills County is bustling with activity, including the Bonanza Craft Sale, on October 23, the Halloween Dance in Gordondale on October 30, the Cotillion Chinese Supper on November 20 and the Savanna Craft Club Christmas Show on November 27.
Moonshine Lake Provincial Park
The lake offers boating (no gas motors), sport fishing and swimming at the beach, and in the winter, ice fishing. Enjoy the colder months, at the outdoor skating rink or the 20 km or more of groomed cross-country ski trails.
The park offers 110 campsites, 23 with electrical hook ups, shower facilities and a large group use area.
Try hiking all 20 km of trails throughout the park! A watchable wildlife trail that circles the lake is the most used trail during the summer. Jack Bird pond provides a peaceful experience a few kilometers from the main park.
The day use area includes a beach, playground, a large open area, 6 horseshoe pitches, a baseball diamond, tether ball, etc.
For special events, long weekends, and on request from school groups, the park staff may offer an interpretative service, such as a nature walk.
Directions: 26 km west of Spirit River on Hwy 49, travel 4.5 km north on Highway 725, then turn west into the park entrance.
Cotillion Recreation Area
The Cotillion Recreation Area offers boating access into the Peace River. There are 20 overnight stalls
complete with fire pits, camping area / parking area and picnic tables. The day use picnic area is complemented by a sheltered group gathering area with a covered fire pit, washroom and shower facilities.
Directions: 57 km west of Spirit River on Hwy 49, travel north on gravel Pillsworth Road (Range Road 115) and paved Highway 681 for a total of 19 km. Turn west and travel 1.6 km on gravel Township Road 812, then turn north and travel 14.4 km on Range Road 120, into the Peace River valley to the park.
Hilltop Lake Campsite
The campsite consists of about 10 overnight stalls with fire pits, camping area, parking, picnic tables,
outdoor washroom facilities. The camping is free, as is the firewood. For day use, picnic tables may be used near the playground and horseshoe pit.
The site offers a sheltered group gathering area, with picnic tables and a nearby outdoor fire pit. The lake offers a sandy beach area for swimming and canoes and non-motorized boats are authorized for use on the calm waters. A hand water pump offers non-potable water.
Directions from Rycroft: 18 km south of Rycroft on Highway 2
Directions from Sexsmith: 2.5 km north of Sexsmith on Highway 2, turn west on Highway 59 and travel 23 km west and north. After navigating the 2nd curve in Highway 59, turn north to travel on Highway 724 for 14.5 km to the campsite., turn west at Woking turnoff, traveling 10 km on Highway 677. Turn south, remaining on Highway 677 for 13 km as it turns west. Turn south and travel 6.5 km on Highway 724 to the campsite.
