The Ultimate Guide to Camping in Banff National Park

Find Campgrounds in and near Banff, Alberta

Looking to explore the great outdoors this summer? Why not set up camp in one of the many beautiful campgrounds located in and around Banff National Park? With so many options to choose from, it can be tough to know where to start. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to the best campgrounds in and around Banff National Park. No matter what your camping style may be, you’re sure to find a campground that suits your needs. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your adventure today!

Quick Facts on Banff Camping

The campgrounds surrounding Banff National Park offer the most inexpensive way to lodge while providing campers with the best scenery and access to nature. The 13 Banff National Park campgrounds offer 2,468 sites and they are very affordable.

The demand for campgrounds peaks from June through September, with July and August being the busiest. Most of the campgrounds operate on a first come – first serve basis. It is advisable that campers without reservations arrive at a campground early to have the best chance of getting a site.

Dates of Operation

Dates of operation vary. Summer camping begins in early May, with all campgrounds open by mid to late June. Summer campgrounds close throughout September and October. Winter camping is available at Tunnel Mountain Village II and Lake Louise Campground.

Banff National Park Reservations

Campers can make a reservation at any of these national parks on-line, 24 hours a day, at www.pccamping.ca. You can also dial 1-877-737-3783 (1-877-RESERVE), a toll-free number, to make a reservation through a call centre in operation from 07:00 to 19:00 local time each day.

Passes and Permits

All campers must purchase a camping permit at the campground kiosk or at the self registration kiosk. Campers have the option of purchasing a fire permit at these locations as well and must have a valid Park Pass to camp. Campers failing to purchase a pass are subject to fines.

Interpretive programs are available in some of the campgrounds during the summer months. These programs are free and everyone is welcome to attend. Consult with campground or visitor centre staff for details.

Banff National Parks campgrounds garner an enormous amount of traffic. Please pick up after yourself and never leaf food behind. Open containers and available food will attract bears.

Banff Area Campgrounds

If you’re looking for stunning views, Lake Louise Campground and Two Jack Lakeside Campground are both great options. If easy access to hiking trails is a priority, Johnston Canyon Campground and Rampart Creek Campground are both worth considering. And if you’re looking for a campground with a variety of amenities, Bow Valley Park Campground offers everything from showers to laundry facilities.

Tunnel Mountain Campground

Tunnel Mountain Campground is located in Banff National Park, just a short drive from the Town of Banff. The campground offers stunning views of the Canadian Rockies and is a great base for exploring all that Banff National Park has to offer. The campground is open year-round, and RVs are permitted in the summer months (May to October). However, due to the limited number of RV sites, reservations are strongly recommended. For those looking to experience all that Banff has to offer, Tunnel Mountain Campground is the perfect place to stay.

Waterfowl Lake Campground

Waterfowl Lake Campground is situated in Banff National Park, just a short drive from the bustling town of Banff. The campground offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains, and it is a popular spot for hiking and camping. However, Waterfowl Lake is also home to a variety of wildlife, including bears, elk, and bighorn sheep. As a result, visitors to the campground are advised to take precautions to avoid encountering wildlife. When hiking in the area, it is important to stay on marked trails and to make noise to avoid startling any animals. In addition, all food and garbage must be stored in bear-proof containers. By following these simple guidelines, visitors can help to ensure their safety as well as the safety of the local wildlife.

 

 

Mosquito Creek Campground

Mosquito Creek Campground is located in Banff National Park, just minutes from the town of Banff. The campground is nestled in a picturesque valley, surrounded by towering mountains and lush forest. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities in the area, including hiking, canoeing, horseback riding, and cross-country skiing. The campground itself offers RV and tent sites, as well as simple cabins for those who want to rough it. Mosquito Creek Campground is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and explore the natural beauty of Canada.

 

Lake Louise Campground

Located in the heart of Banff National Park, Lake Louise Campground is a popular destination for campers from all over the world. Surrounded by majestic mountains and pristine forests, the campground offers stunning views and plenty of opportunities for exploration. There are three main loops in the campground, each with its own distinct character. The Aspen Loop is ideal for those seeking a more rustic camping experience, while the Pine Loop offers more amenities for RVs and trailers. Regardless of which loop you choose, you’ll be sure to appreciate the natural beauty of Lake Louise Campground.

 

 

Protection Mountain Campground

Protection Mountain Campground is located in Banff National Park, Canada. The campground offers a variety of amenities including RV hookups, showers, laundry facilities, and a playground. The campground is also close to hiking trails and the town of Banff. Protection Mountain Campground is open from mid-May to mid-September. Reservations are required and can be made up to six months in advance. Fees for the campground range from $30 CAD per night for a standard site to $60 CAD per night for an RV site with full hookups. Protection Mountain Campground is a great option for those looking for an affordable place to stay in Banff National Park.

 

Johnston Canyon Campground

Johnston Canyon Campground is one of the most popular campgrounds in Banff National Park. The campground is located in a stunning canyon, and it offers direct access to some of the most beautiful hiking trails in the park. The campground has 90 sites, and it is open from mid-May to early September. Reservations are strongly recommended, as the campground often fills up quickly.

 

 

Two Jack Lakeside Campground

Two Jack Lakeside Campground is a beautiful spot for RV camping in Banff National Park. The campground is situated on the shores of Two Jack Lake, with stunning views of the mountains. There are 36 RV sites at the campground, all of which have electrical hookups. There are also flush toilets and showers available for guests. The campground is open from mid-May to early October, and reservations are required. Fees start at $35 per night. Two Jack Lakeside Campground is the perfect spot for nature lovers who want to enjoy the beauty of Banff National Park.

 

Two Jack Main Campground

Two Jack Lake is located just a short drive from the town of Banff, making it the perfect place to enjoy all that the area has to offer. The campground offers stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains, as well as a variety of amenities for visitors to enjoy. There are over 100 sites available for RVs and tents, as well as a laundry facility, picnic tables, and fire pits. The campground also has its own store, offering groceries, camping supplies, and souvenirs. Best of all, the campground is located close to a number of hiking trails, making it easy to explore the area’s natural beauty. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful getaway or an action-packed vacation, Two Jack Main Campground is the perfect place to stay.

 

Bow Valley Park Campground

The Bow Valley Park Campground is located in the stunning Bow Valley Provincial Park, just a short drive from Calgary. The campground offers a wide range of amenities, including flush toilets, showers, and laundry facilities. There are also over 100 campsites available, making it the perfect place to pitch a tent and enjoy the great outdoors. The campground is open from May to September, and reservations can be made online. Whether you’re looking for a weekend getaway or a longer vacation, the Bow Valley Park Campground is sure to offer something for everyone.

 

No matter what your camping style may be, you’re sure to find a campground that suits your needs in and around Banff National Park. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your adventure today!

Camping in Provincial Parks Near Banff

There are several Provincial parks near Banff offer a great way to experience the beauty of the area while getting some exercise and fresh air. Provincial parks provide an opportunity to learn about the local flora and fauna, as well as the history of the area. provincial parks also offer a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy, from hiking and camping to fishing and bird watching. If you’re looking for a beautiful place to camp that is close to Banff, one of these provincial parks is sure to be perfect for you.

The Canmore Nordic Centre Provincial Park

Canmore Nordic Centre Provincial Park is a year-round recreation destination located in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. The park offers a variety of activities for visitors, including camping, hiking, mountain biking, and cross-country skiing. The camping facilities at Canmore Nordic Centre Provincial Park are top-notch, with plenty of space for tents and RVs. There are also several cabins available for rent, which are perfect for groups or families.

Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park

Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park is a sprawling 672 square kilometers of pristine wilderness located in the heart of the Canadian Prairies. The park is home to an abundance of wildlife, including deer, elk, bison, and cougars. Camping at Cypress Hills is a truly unique experience, as it offers visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in the natural world. There are two campgrounds within the park, both of which offer a variety of amenities such as flush toilets and showers. The campgrounds are also centrally located, making it easy to explore all that the park has to offer.

Dinosaur Provincial Park

Dinosaur Provincial Park is one of the world’s most important paleontological sites, and it is also a beautiful place to camp. The park is located in the Canadian province of Alberta, and it is home to a wide variety of dinosaur fossils. Visitors can explore the park’s many hiking trails, and they can also go on guided tours to see some of the fossilized remains up close. Camping at Dinosaur Provincial Park is a great way to experience the beauty of this unique place while also getting a taste of Canada’s rich paleontological history.

Kananaskis Country

Kananaskis Country is a beautiful provincial park in Alberta, Canada that offers plenty of opportunities for camping, hiking, and other outdoor activities. The park is located in the Rocky Mountains, so there are plenty of scenic trails to explore. In addition, the park features several lakes and rivers, making it a great place to go swimming, canoeing, or fishing. There are also several campgrounds within the park, so you can easily find a spot to set up your tent or RV.

Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park

Situated in southern Alberta, Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park is a unique and fascinating place to camp. The park gets its name from the thousands of Aboriginal carvings and paintings that can be found on the sandstone cliffs that line the Milk River. For centuries, these cliffs have served as a canvas for Indigenous people to record their stories and lives. Today, visitors can explore this rich history by taking part in a guided tour or hiking along one of the many trails. The park also offers a range of camping options, from backcountry sites to RV hookups.

With so many different activities available, there is something for everyone to enjoy. provincial parks also provide an opportunity to learn about the local flora and fauna, as well as the history of the area.