Notable Campgrounds
- Best for lake views: Two Jack Lakeside Campground features dozens of lakeside tent camping sites and RV spots.
- Best for having fun in town: Tunnel Mountain Village Campground is just eight kilometers (five miles) from downtown Banff and offers well-equipped campsites with flush toilets and RV hookups.
- Best for canyon exploring: Johnston Canyon campground offers prime access to the Johnston Canyon Trailhead, the gateway to one of Banff’s most popular and easily accessible day hikes.
Tips for Snagging a Campsite Reservation
- Make your plans early to reserve a campsite in Banff National Park. Set a calendar reminder for the day and time reservations open on Parks Canada’s online booking system—normally in early January—since many of the park’s reservable campgrounds fill immediately. These campgrounds are in the Tunnel Mountain, Two Jack Main, Johnston Canyon, Lake Louise, and Rampart Creek areas.
- If you do arrive without a reservation, claim your campsite first thing in the morning at one of the first-come, first-served campgrounds: Castle Mountain, Protection Mountain, Mosquito Creek, Silverhorn Creek, or Waterfowl Lakes.
- Be sure to check seasonal opening and closing dates, which vary by camping area.
When to Go
Banff is busiest in July and August, the mild summer months. Consider visiting on weekdays in September or October, when crowds begin to thin and the larch trees turn gold, or in the less packed (but sometimes rainier) spring, when wildflowers peek through the lingering snow. Most campgrounds are open from late June to early October, but Tunnel Mountain Village II and the Lake Louise campground for trailers stay open year-round for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, ice climbing, and other cold-weather adventures.
Know Before You Go
Nearby Attractions
- Experience the magic of camping at Abraham Lake, where pristine waters meet majestic mountains. Visit in winter to see the incredible ice bubbles created by wild winds.
- Immerse yourself in the landscapes of the Canadian Rockies when camping near the Columbia Icefield, where glacial vistas and icy wonderlands create an otherworldly setting.
- Offering a blend of history, wildlife, and scenery, camping near Lake Minnewanka is a true Canadian wilderness adventure. Explore its trails by day and indulge in stargazing by night.
- Unwind to the sound of cascading waters while camping near Bow Falls, where you'll find the rush of the falls and serene woodland trails.
- Find your perfect getaway at Crescent Falls Provincial Recreation Area. The thunderous falls and lush forest trails will fill your camping trip with tranquility.
- Ascend to new heights while camping near Tunnel Mountain, home to panoramic views, scenic hiking trails, and star-studded nights.
- Camping near Moraine Lake is all about turquoise glacial waters and towering mountains.
- Surrounded by mountains, a Two Jack Lake camping experience is perfect for a reset.
Banff National Park
Glaciers, hot springs, and aqua lakes make this Rocky Mountain national park Canada’s most popular.
Try to picture an iconic Canadian national park and you’ll likely imagine Banff. In Alberta’s Canadian Rockies, Banff has 13 campgrounds and more than 1,600 kilometres (1,000 miles) of hiking paths that wind around glacier-topped peaks, rocky canyons, and turquoise lakes, including the unmistakable Lake Louise. This is Canada’s busiest national park, meaning that the town of Banff, within the park, often heaves with people. Campers can beat the crowds with dispersed backcountry camping or stays at some of Banff’s more than four dozen designated backcountry sites in all different sections of the park. Don’t miss the glacier-lined Icefields Parkway, the scenic drive that connects Banff with Jasper National Park.
Try to picture an iconic Canadian national park and you’ll likely imagine Banff. In Alberta’s Canadian Rockies, Banff has 13 campgrounds and more than 1,600 kilometres (1,000 miles) of hiking paths that wind around glacier-topped peaks, rocky canyons, and turquoise lakes, including the unmistakable Lake Louise. This is Canada’s busiest national park, meaning that the town of Banff, within the park, often heaves with people. Campers can beat the crowds with dispersed backcountry camping or stays at some of Banff’s more than four dozen designated backcountry sites in all different sections of the park. Don’t miss the glacier-lined Icefields Parkway, the scenic drive that connects Banff with Jasper National Park.
Notable Campgrounds
Notable Campgrounds
Tips for Snagging a Campsite Reservation
When to Go
Banff is busiest in July and August, the mild summer months. Consider visiting on weekdays in September or October, when crowds begin to thin and the larch trees turn gold, or in the less packed (but sometimes rainier) spring, when wildflowers peek through the lingering snow. Most campgrounds are open from late June to early October, but Tunnel Mountain Village II and the Lake Louise campground for trailers stay open year-round for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, ice climbing, and other cold-weather adventures.
Know Before You Go
Some campsites have fire pits, but fire permits must be purchased at the campground per night.
Nearby Attractions
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to camp in Banff?
Camping fees in Banff National Park vary depending on the campground and the type of site you choose. Prices generally range from $21 to $38 CAD per night for basic tent and RV sites. Some campgrounds also offer group camping and equipped campsites, which have higher fees. Keep in mind that you'll also need a valid park pass to camp in Banff National Park, which is an additional cost. For more information on camping fees, visit the Parks Canada website.
Can you free camp in Banff?
No, you cannot free camp in Banff National Park. Camping is only allowed in designated campgrounds within the park, and all campgrounds require a fee. Banff National Park has a variety of campgrounds, including tent and RV sites, as well as backcountry camping options. Reservations and fees are required for all these campgrounds to ensure the protection of the park's natural resources and maintain the overall camping experience for visitors. For more information on camping in Banff, visit the official Parks Canada website.
Is it hard to get a campsite in Banff National Park?
It can be challenging to secure a campsite in Banff National Park during the peak season (June to September) due to its popularity. To increase your chances of getting a campsite, it's highly recommended to make a reservation in advance. Parks Canada accepts reservations for many campgrounds in Banff National Park, and you can book a site through their reservation website. Booking early will give you the best chance of securing a campsite during your desired dates. However, some campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-served basis, so arriving early in the day might help you secure a spot in those cases.
How do I get a campsite in Banff?
To get a campsite in Banff National Park, you'll need to reserve a spot through the Parks Canada Reservation System. Follow these steps:
Keep in mind that campgrounds in Banff can fill up quickly, especially during peak season (June to September). It's recommended to book your campsite well in advance to secure your spot.