Campgrounds in Banff National Park

Banff National Park Campgrounds

by Michele Kadison

Staff Writer

Rockies.com

BANFF, Alberta (Rockies.com) – The campgrounds surrounding Banff National Park, in Alberta’s Canadian Rocky Mountains, offer the most inexpensive way to lodge while providing campers with the best scenery and access to Canadian nature. The 13 Banff National Park campgrounds offer 2,468 sites and are quite affordable.

In the backcountry or at the campground, camping is a great way to experience the Canadian Rockies.

The demand for campgrounds reaches its peak 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. Canadian summer camping begins in early May, with all campgrounds open by mid to late June. Summer campgrounds close throughout September and October. Canadian 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 Canadian 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 Canadian 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 Canadian 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 your chosen campground or visitor centre staff for details.

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