Last updated on April 9th, 2023 at 02:20 am
This was our second time staying at Wabasso campground in Jasper. We often find ourselves spending a night frontcountry in Jasper before hitting a trail for a backcountry adventure the following day. I must admit I’m notoriously bad for leaving it, riskily, until the last minute to book my front country site in Jasper leaving me with few options, just whatever someone else cancels.
This summer after booking some backcountry trips, I made a point of booking in my front country camping spot early. Wabasso was a perfect spot and super close to the Trailhead we needed the day before. Over winter 2020 to 2021 a lot of work had been done at all of the Jasper campgrounds, removing dead and dangerous trees, thanks to the pine beetle infestation. I was interested to see what impact this had on the Wabasso campground.
The Wabasso Campground
One of the main things I like about this campground is that unlike the two bigger campsites of Wapiti and Whistlers, Wabasso campground is located away from the main entrance road to Jasper. This makes it instantly more peaceful! Our friends had a site close to the main road and we didn’t even realize it was a main road with the tiny amount of traffic using it.
The Wabasso campground has 231 unserviced and electrical sites across 6 loops, technically four but the A loop is split up into different loops! Every site has a fire pit and starting in 2021, when you book a campsite in Jasper with a fireplace you also pay for a fire permit at the time of booking. Firewood is provided as part of the permit fee, so you’ll just need to bring an axe.
It has a number of cook shelters for tent campers to make use of on rainy days. There is a playback for children and numerous washroom facilities. These are basic but modern, with running water. There are no shower facilities at Wabasso but I think this adds to the campsite feel.
Many of the sites have little privacy from their neighbours and this has become even more obvious after the tree removal. The lack of trees does mean most sites have incredible views of the mountain peaks surrounding the area. We lucked out and booked a site in loop A beside the river. In this small loop within the A loop of Wabasso most of the sites had good tree coverage and four or five of sites were right beside the river, making for great views and peaceful background noise.
For those not staying beside the river all the Wabasso campground loops have access to the riverside trail which runs the length of the campground. This is a short, easy and well maintained trail. A perfect spot for an evening walk to enjoy the sunset, river and mountain views.
All in all I think Wabasso campground is one of my favorites in Jasper. It is really peaceful and a perfect place to unwind and disconnect while still being close to Jasper and its amenities and trails. A great adventure base for those not worried about having any luxuries past running water….which I certainly appreciated!
Where Is The Wabasso Campground
If you are driving North on Highway 93 towards Jasper, the Wabasso Campground shares the same turn off as the Athabasca Falls, from here follow the 93A just over 10km and the Wabasso campground is clearly signposted.
From Jasper the turning for the Wabasso campground is clearly signposted while heading south on Highway 93 and is located just after the park gates. Again you’ll drive along Highway 93A and the Wabasso campground is shortly after the turning for Edith Cavell.
How To Book A Site At Wabasso Campground
Campgrounds in Jasper are notoriously busy during the summer months, particularly in July and August. If you don’t want to be disappointed, book early! Reservations typically open in January or February and many sites will be booked up by the end of the day on opening day. You can book the Wabasso campground here.