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Compiled by the Road Trip Alberta team
Last Updated February 18, 2021
With colossal mountains, turquoise lakes, and boundless forests, Banff is the epitome of Canadian nature – and it’s the place to head if you’re looking for an authentically ‘Canuck’ experience in the great outdoors. And that’s why we’re excited to bring you this guide to the best spots for camping in Banff!
Established in 1885 (the country’s first national park!), Banff offers a range of camping spots from right inside its quaint townsite – to the heart of its picturesque mountains – allowing you to experience all of this gorgeous park’s outdoor splendour.
To help you sift through which campsite is best for you, we’ve gathered a list of Banff campgrounds that will make planning your camping trip easy as pie!
**Note that online reservations for all of the campsites noted below open on April 12th for the 2021 season.
Camping in Banff – A Little Something for Everyone
Whether you’re looking for some bare-bones camping, higher-end ‘glamping’, or you’re renting an RV to trek the Rockies in style, Banff has plenty of campsites to choose from.
For those who like that #campinglifestyle but don’t have the gear, both oTENTik (it rhymes with authentic 😉) and equipped campsites offer almost everything you need on-site. These Banff camping spots have gear rentals, or even pre-pitched canvas tents so you don’t have to carry your home on your back like a turtle. Of course, for those who prefer that #turtlelifestyle, choose any of the below and enjoy your stay in Banff!
And consider this a wee warning – the mountains get super busy in summer. Get your planner out and schedule in the dates that Banff camping reservations open so that you don’t miss out on securing a spot.
Tunnel Mountain Campground – Village 1
Open from May 13 to October 3, 2021 – Reservations required
A quick drive (or a long walk) from Banff townsite, Tunnel Mountain Village is great for those looking to stay rustic, without getting too far off the beaten path. The campsite is well-treed, offering privacy and a very wilderness feel.
Just 8 kms from Banff Townsite, there’s plenty of ‘après-hikes’ available. Speaking of hiking, those keen on seeing the local sights en plein air can head to Hoodoo Viewpoint (located right outside the campsite) for views of the Bow River and Rundle Mountain. From here, follow the trail west for a gorgeous lookout at Surprise Corner Lookout. (Want more? We also have a guide to the best Banff hikes.)
Campground highlights:
- Size: 618 sites.
- Cost per night: $27.40 + $8.80 for a fire pit.
- Amenities: Washroom and shower facilities, potable water, fire pits, wheelchair accessible, sani-dump.
Tunnel Mountain Campground – Village 2
Open year-round (oTENTik – May 13 to October 10) – Reservations Required
The closest of the Tunnel Mountain Trio to both Banff Townsite and the Tunnel Mountain Reservoir, Tunnel Mountain Village offers all the amenities of the trailer court (listed below), along with the above-mentioned oTENTik glamping tents.
Perhaps the least-treed, this Tunnel Mountain campsite still offers a bit of shade and privacy for campers and a short (by comparison) 25-minute walk to downtown.
Campground highlights:
- Size: 188 sites.
- Cost per night: $32.30 + $8.80 for a fire pit.
- Amenities: Washroom and shower facilities, potable water, fire pits, wheelchair accessible, electricity, cooking shelter, sani-dump.
Tunnel Mountain Trailer Court
Open May 13 to October 3, 2021 – Reservations required
A little closer to town and a lot more comfort-focused, the third Tunnel Mountain campground offers more rooms for RVs and even more amenities.
While not as natural as its counterparts, this Tunnel Mountain Village still features plenty of trees to keep campsites private, with easy access to the Hoodoos Trailhead. Once you’re all done checking out the sights (well, once you’re satisfied cause you’ll never be ‘done’), take the 5-km drive into town and enjoy all of the best things to do in Banff!
Campground highlights:
- Size: 321 sites.
- Cost per night: $38.20.
- Amenities: Washroom and shower facilities, potable water, wheelchair accessible, full RV hookups, sani-dump.
Two Jack Main Campground
Open June 24 to September 6, 2021 – Reservations Required
The Two Jack Main Campground is a more rustic camping experience that features campsites with plenty of room for tents and smaller RVs – but unfortunately, there’s a lack of hookups.
The campsite itself is a veritable forest, and is a quick walk from Two Jack Lake or a quick drive from the larger, scenic Lake Minnewanka. Befitting its more rustic vibe, this camping spot is a bit further from Banff townsite.
For those without camping equipment, there are “equipped campsites” available that include:
- A campsite orientation.
- 6 person tent.
- Stove with propane.
- Sleeping pads.
- Lantern and broom kit.
Campground highlights:
- Size: 313 sites + 30 equipped sites.
- Cost per night: $21.50 + $8.80 for a fire pit.
- Amenities: Washroom facilities, potable water, fire pits, cooking shelter, sani-dump.
Two Jack Lakeside Campground
Open May 20 to October 3, 2021 – Reservations required
The closest thing you’ll find to backcountry camping in the front country, Two Jack Lakeside Campground offers gorgeous views and access to the picturesque lake. It even features 22 walk-in campsites nestled right along the shore.
If you do find yourself yearning for a night in town instead of sitting under the stars as the lake waters lap at the shore, Banff is only 12 kms away. For those who want to enjoy the rustic charm of the campsite but don’t have the equipment, there are also 10 oTENTik sites at this campground.
Campground highlights:
- Size: 64 sites + 10 oTENTiks.
- Cost per night: $27.40 + $8.80 for a fire pit.
- Amenities: Washroom and shower facilities, potable water, fire pits, cooking shelter.
Johnston Canyon Campground
Opening date TBD – Reservations required
Smack dab between Lake Louise (about 33 km) and Banff Townsite (about 22 km), Johnston Canyon Campground puts you in a prime location for seeing it all.
If you prefer a day sans driving, head directly across the road to Johnston Canyon where you can trek to the Lower Falls (2 km there and back), Upper Falls (5 km there and back), or all the way to the famous aquamarine Ink Pots (just over 11 km there and back).
With room for tents and small RVs, Johnston Canyon is best for those who prefer long hikes and starry skies to bright lights and townsites.
Note that the Johnston Canyon campground is currently closed with no mention of an opening date for summer 2021.
Campground highlights:
- Size: 132 sites.
- Cost per night: $27.40 + $8.80 for a fire pit.
- Amenities: Washroom and shower facilities, potable water, fire pits, cooking shelter, wheelchair accessible, sani-dump.
Protection Mountain Campground
Open June 18 to September 6, 2021 – First come, first served
Protection Mountain Campground is just minutes south of Lake Louise on the Bow Valley Parkway, keeping it close to both restaurants and hiking trails. As a new site, Protection Mountain doesn’t have many trees, but the star and mountain-filled views make up for the lack of privacy.
Lots are easy to access for small RVs or tenters, but don’t offer any hookups.
Campground highlights:
- Size: 72 sites.
- Cost per night: $21.50 + $8.80 for a fire pit.
- Amenities: Washroom facilities, potable water, fire pits, cooking shelter, wheelchair accessible.
Castle Mountain Campground
Opening date TBD – Reservations required
Another rustic gem bundled between Lake Louise and Banff townsite, Castle Mountain offers acres of forests, plenty of hiking – and not too much else! Though the sites are good for campers and smaller RVs, there are no hookups at this site.
If you do need a slice of civilization, gas and groceries are available at the nearby Castle Mountain Chalets. Anything more than that will require a ‘trip into town’ to either Lake Louise, a 20-minute drive, or Banff, a 25-minute drive.
Note that the Castle Mountain campground is currently closed with no mention of an opening date for summer 2021.
Campground highlights:
- Size: 43 sites
- Cost per night: $21.50 + $8.80 for a fire pit
- Amenities: Washroom facilities, potable water, fire pits, cooking shelter
Lake Louise Campground – Tent
Open from June 12 to September 24, 2021 – Reservations required
Just across the river from the highway (and minutes from town), camping at Lake Louise Campground offers a little slice of luxury just outside of town. The tent Campsites are quiet and very private (thanks to the plentiful trees in the area), along with access to great trails that follow the rushing Bow River. Those concerned about wildlife can rest assured as the entire campground is surrounded by an electric fence to ward off any curious animals.
The campground itself is just 1 km from the village of Lake Louise, and just 4 kms from the Lake itself, making booting around this scenic area quick and simple!
Campground highlights:
- Size: 206 sites.
- Cost per night: $27.40 + $8.80 for a fire pit.
- Amenities: Washroom and shower facilities, potable water, fire pits, cooking shelter, wheelchair accessible, sani-dump.
Lake Louise Campground – Trailer
Open year-round – Reservations Required for stays from June 12 to September 24, 2021
The Lake Louise Trailer Campground is a haven for those with large RVs that the quaint, smaller sites just don’t have the faculties for. With plenty of full-serviced, pull-through sites for big motorhomes and trailers, this site is ideal for those carrying more than just their pack on their back, and one of the most popular spots for camping in Banff National Park. Note that all soft-sided units must use the Lake Louise Tent campground.
Situated right on the Bow River, a scenic trail follows the rushing water for the length of the campground, offering a peaceful walk. And, with Lake Louise just a 3-minute drive (or 15-minute walk away), there’s a lot to do nearby – like Afternoon Tea at the Fairmont Lake Louise!
Campground highlights:
- Size: 189 sites.
- Cost per night: $32.30.
- Amenities: Washroom and shower facilities, potable water, firepits, electricity, cooking shelter, wheelchair accessible, sani-dump.
Waterfowl Lakes Campground
Open from June 24 to September 12, 2021 – First come, first served
Snuggled between Upper and Lower Waterfowl Lake, this Waterfowl Lakes Campground really tucks you into nature, surrounding you with gorgeous scenery – and offering zero cell reception!
For groceries or gas, Saskatchewan River Crossing is your closest bet – just a 16-minute drive north. While there may not be many amenities at the Waterfowl Lakes, there are plenty of options for hiking and wildlife watching.
Campground highlights:
- Size: 116 sites
- Cost per night: $21.97 + $8.80 for a fire pit
- Amenities: Washroom facilities, potable water, fire pits, cooking shelter, wheelchair accessible
Mosquito Creek Campground
Open June 3 to October 11, 2021 – First come, first served
Though it’s named after the most annoying bug to ever fly, Mosquito Creek Campground is no more infested by the tiny blood-suckers than the rest of the park. Just 15 minutes north of Lake Louise, Mosquito Creek Campground is an inexpensive, self-registration option for tents and small RVs. Much like many of the campsites on the Parkway, there’s no cell reception.
It doesn’t offer much in amenities, but the scenery, including Mosquito Creek and Bow River, more than make up for it.
Campground highlights:
- Size: 32 sites.
- Cost per night: $17.99 + $8.80 for a fire pit.
- Amenities: Outhouse facilities, potable water, fire pits, cooking shelter.
Rampart Creek Campground
Open June 10 to September 12, 2021 – Reservations required
A small campground on the shores of the Bow River, Rampart Creek is perfect for those looking for a more rustic camping experience. The closest place for groceries and gas is at the Saskatchewan River Crossing, which is 12 minutes south of the campsite.
The campground is open to all tents and small RVs, but offers only the basics – and that means no cell phone reception or flushing toilets, folks. It does, however, offer quick access to a great variety of hikes and sightseeing opportunities!
Campground highlights:
- Size: 50 sites.
- Cost per night: $17.99 + $8.80 for a fire pit.
- Amenities: Outhouse facilities, potable water, fire pits, cooking shelter.
Silverhorn Creek Campground
Open from June 3 to September 12, 2021 – First come, first served
On the shores of Silverhorn Creek, this campground/picnic site offers unlimited access to the great outdoors – and that’s about it. For gas and groceries, head north about 20 minutes to Saskatchewan River Crossing.
There’s lots of hiking and exploration opportunities around – all you need to do is step outside your tent or RV!
Campground highlights:
- Size: 45 sites.
- Cost per night: $16.05 + $8.80 for a fire pit.
- Amenities: Outhouse facilities, firepits.
Backcountry Camping in Banff National Park
For the more adventurous among you, stuff your backpack, strap on your hiking boots, and explore the best of Banff’s backcountry. There’s a lot of gorgeous wide-open spaces to be explored, and you can even set your sights on some alpine huts or other shelters along the way. Trip ideas for varying lengths of time can be found here.
Backcountry permits must be purchased in advance. Nightly rates are $10.02 per person, plus an additional booking fee depending on how you do it ($11.50 per booking online, $13.50 per booking by phone – call 1-877-RESERVE).
Winter Camping in Banff
For those who want to challenge ‘Old Man Winter’, there are some winter camping sites available in Banff National Park – both near Banff Townsite and near the village of Lake Louise. Scroll back up to review the details for Tunnel Mountain Village II and Lake Louise Trailer, which are both open for the snowy months.
For more details, see our guide to winter camping in Alberta.
Don’t Forget
If you get tired of roughing it outdoors and want to add some luxury to your stay, we’ve got guides to our favourite accommodations in Banff and the best Banff restaurants.
Heading up the Icefields Parkway to Jasper, too? Read this post on the best Jasper camping spots plus this one on what to do in Jasper National Park!
