Last updated on April 23rd, 2024 at 10:48 pm
There are lots of options when it comes to camping in Banff National Park. There are different sizes of campground as well as different core locations throughout the park where you might want to stay.
Whether you need a full service site, are looking for something a bit rustic or you are camping for a week and a shower and flushing bathrooms are a must, you are sure to find something suitable when it comes to camping in Banff National Park.
Some sites are reservable and it can be hard to snag a reservation at some of the most popular spots, you’ll want to book when booking open. Other sites operate on a first come first serve basis.
We’ll break down the spots where you can go camping in Banff based on location and give you all the key details to decide if the campground is what you are looking for or if you want to keep looking!
Please note that some of the links below are affiliate links, so I may earn a small commission on any purchase made, at no additional cost to you. This helps me keep the blog running, so thank you for your support!
Table of Contents
Campgrounds In Banff National Park
Close To The Town Of Banff
Tunnel Mountain Village 1
The Tunnel Mountain campground is the closest to downtown Banff, this large campground is split into a number of different areas and offers all the amenities you’ll need for a pleasant stay including showers and potable water. There is also a convenient bus service which connects you with the town.
Number of sites: 618
Service level: Unserviced
Operating dates: May 9th to October 6th 2024
Can you reserve: Yes
Tunnel Mountain Village 2
Number of sites: 209
Service level: Electrical only
Operating dates: Year Round
Can you reserve: Yes
Tunnel Mountain Trailer Court
Number of sites: 322
Service level: Power and water
Operating dates: May 9th to October 6th 2024
Can you reserve: Yes
Two Jack Lakeside
One of my favorite camping spots near Banff, located along the shores of Two Jack Lake, this is the perfect spot for water lovers.
Number of sites: 74
Service level: Unserviced
Operating dates: May 9th to October 6th 2024.
Can you reserve: Yes. Reservable from May 23rd
Two Jack Main
Camping in Banff is easy at Two Jack Main campground with the option of ready set up sites with all the gear you need! Not to mention its a short walk to the bus stop which will take you into town.
Number of sites: 380
Service level: Unserviced
Operating dates: June 20th to September 2nd 2024
Can you reserve: Yes
Along Highway 1A Between Banff And Lake Louise
Johnston Canyon
A popular option for camping in Banff, the Johnston Canyon campground is located on the other side of the highway to the famed Johnston Canyon hike. Camping here gives you easy access to this must do trail.
Number of sites: 132
Service level: Unserviced
Operating dates: May 23rd to September 22nd 2024
Can you reserve: Yes
Castle Mountain
Currently closed
Number of sites: 43
Service level: Unserviced
Operating dates: Closed for 2024
Can you reserve: No. First come first served
Protection Mountain
A peaceful spot, surrounded by nature with minimal facilities, perfect for those camping in Banff who want to escape the crowds.
Number of sites: 72
Service level: Unserviced
Operating dates: June 20th to September 2nd 2024
Can you reserve: No. First come, first served
Close To The Town Of Lake Louise
Lake Louise Hard Sided
A short drive from the main attraction of Lake Louise itself, this campground is open year round but only to hard sided camping equipment.
Number of sites: 189
Service level: Electrical
Operating dates: Open year round
Can you reserve: Yes. Reservable from May 17th to September 22nd 2024
Lake Louise Soft Sided
Camping on the doorstep of the world famous Lake Louise, you’ll still be a short drive away so it’s worth checking out the shuttle to get to the lake itself if you are looking to enjoy the hiking there.
Number of sites: 206
Service level: Unserviced
Operating dates: May 31st to September 22nd 2024
Can you reserve: Yes
Along The Icefields Parkway In Banff National Park
Mosquito Creek
A primitive experience for camping in Banff but the views make this a must stay at site along the Icefields Parkway. Close enough to Highway 1 to make a great base to explore Banff and Yoho National Parks.
Number of sites: 38
Service level: Unserviced
Operating dates: June 7th to October 14th 2024
Can you reserve: No. First come first served.
Silverhorn
A modern campground ideally suited to hard sided campers but can also be used by tents. The views of the surrounding mountains are unrivalled here although campsite to campsite privacy isn’t high here.
Number of sites: 45
Service level: Unserviced
Operating dates: May 31st to September 29th 2024
Can you reserve: Yes.
Waterfowl Lakes
My absolute favorite spot for camping in Banff, this larger campground is sandwiched between the two Waterfowl Lakes, with easy hiking options right from the campground as well as paddling options on the lakes.
Number of sites: 110
Service level: Unserviced
Operating dates: June 20th to September 2nd 2024
Can you reserve: No. First come, first served
Rampart Creek
A larger campground located in the trees, perfect for hot summer weeks, the location is unrivalled for exploring what the Icefields Parkway has to offer.
Number of sites: 51
Service level: Unserviced
Operating dates: May 31st to September 22nd 2024
Can you reserve: Yes
Can’t Find Any Camping In Banff
There are lots of camping opportunities just outside of Banff National Park. In Kananaskis you’ll find the awesome Bow Valley Provincial Park campground, a large campground just outside of Canmore with some riverside sites with beautiful mountain views.
North of Banff National Park on the Icefields Parkway there are a number of camping options in Jasper National Park, including one of my favorite spots, the Icefields tenting site where many of the sites offer views of glaciers.
Head into Yoho National Park to the west of Lake Louise and check out the popular Kicking Horse campground or the short walk in site at Takakkaw Falls which is a great spot for many amazing day hikes including the Iceline.
Backcountry Camping
There are so many backcountry camping options in Banff National Park depending on your experience. Some of my favorites include:
When Is The Best Time To Camp In Banff
Peak times for camping in Banff National Park are typically June through to September with July and August being the busiest months.
Many of the campgrounds on the Icefields Parkway don’t open until June since they are often snowbound and it can be cold overnight until then.
Meanwhile one loop of the Tunnel Mountain Campground is open year round so it is possible to winter camp in Banff National Park.
Always check campground operating dates before heading out if you are planning on going in the shoulder seasons since dates can change based on weather.
How To Reserve A Campground In Banff
If you have the luxury of planning in advance and particularly if you want to camp on a weekend, it is worthwhile reserving a spot at one of the campgrounds which accept reservations. These spots are highly sought after and many book up completely on the day reservations open! You can easily reserve online through the Parks Canada website as well as by calling the reservation line.
Items You Might Need For Camping In Banff National Park
You might need a tent for camping in Banff, depending on your preference. We just upgraded to the Marmot Tungsten four person tent. We have the two person version for backpacking and love it, we wanted a bit more space for front country camping and this is perfect, it fits a queen size air mattress in with extra space and it is so weatherproof!
We always take a tarp or a gazebo, dinner tent. The weather in the mountains can change quickly and it’s nice to be prepared for the worst to still have a great experience regardless of the weather.
I never leave home on a camping trip without my faithful Chaco sandals, these are perfect for wearing day to day as well as doing short walks in. The perfect summer shoe!
You are camping in bear country. Don’t leave home without your bear spray and make sure you know how to use it!