Camping

Camping is permitted in designated areas only with a valid national park camping permit and a national park entry pass. Visitors are required to have a reservation in order to camp at a Parks Canada places.

Where to camp

The weather in Banff National Park is pleasant, but unpredictable. The average high temperature during the day in spring and summer ranges from 10° to 18° Celsius, though temperatures at night can drop below zero. It can also rain, snow or hail any time of year! In order to be prepared for your camping experience, ensure you have:

• warm clothes (bring various layers to help you dress for the weather)
• waterproof clothing (jackets and pants)
• hats and mitts
• umbrellas
• a groundsheet for your tent
• sleeping mat
• warm sleeping bag
• extra blankets
• camera (no drones)

In Canada, national parks enjoy special protections that may differ from other protected places. Please know “what not to bring” to a national park.

In addition to keeping a clean campsite, a number of regulations are in effect to ensure campers have a safe and enjoyable experience.

Campgrounds and campsite sizes have been designed to reduce our impact on the ecosystem. Exceeding the maximum occupancy of a campsite places stress on campgrounds and the natural environment.

• A maximum of six people (including children) are permitted on each site.
• The maximum number of vehicles and tents per site varies by campground. Select your campground below for details.
• Check-in time: 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. (OTENTiks and Equipped camping: 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.)
• Check-out or re-register by 11 a.m.
• After hours, please refer to signage in kiosk window.
• Payment accepted: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, JCB, CPU, debit, traveler's cheque or cash.
• For self-registration campsites, please have exact change or a credit card. Debit is not accepted.
• There is no Internet/Wi-Fi Access.
• Maximum stay – 14 nights.
• Camping is only permitted in a designated campground and site.
• Vehicles, trailers and tents must be set up or parked on the allocated gravel or paved area within the designated site, not on vegetation.
• Do not tie anything to the trees (this includes tarps). Tarps should be secured using pole.
• All campgrounds have some accessible facilities except for Two Jack Main, Two Jack Lakeside, Castle Mountain, Mosquito Creek and Silverhorn.

Campers must acquire the following permits to camp in Banff National Park:

• National park entry pass - available at national park entry gates, Parks Canada visitor centres, or staffed campground kiosks. Also available online.
• Camping permit - available online, over the phone (1-877-RESERVE) or at the campground kiosk. Upon arrival, check-in at the campground kiosk.
• Fire permit - if you would like to have a fire, permits are available for a fee at the time of reservation or at a campground kiosk. Check the wildfire and fire ban information.

You can ensure you are a good neighbour and contribute to a good camping experience for all, by respecting and adhering to the following guidelines:

• Washing dishes - use the outdoor sink or a personal basin for washing dishes. Do not use the sinks inside the bathrooms. Dump dish water down outdoor sinks or at the sani-dump in campgrounds. Leave sinks in a better state than you found them. Do not dump in bushes or on the ground.
• Washing laundry - please use your own tub and dump water down the outdoor sink or sani-dump. Do not use the sinks inside the bathrooms. Laundry facilities are available in the town of Banff.
• Recycling - bottles and cans (refundable containers) can be recycled in each campground
• Children - to ensure the safety of your children, please supervise them at all times. Children may become lost in the campground or may unknowingly trespass on a neighbouring campsite.
• Driving - respect the posted speed limits and remain alert while driving in the campground. Trees may obstruct your view and pedestrians, especially children, may suddenly dart out onto the road. Watch for stumps close to the road and campsites that might be hidden in the grass.
• Accessing facilities - please use roadways and pathways to access campground facilities (picnic shelters, bathrooms, etc.) and your own campsite. Cutting through a neighbouring campsite will disturb other campers and may cause damage to the fragile vegetation.

• Quiet hours are in effect from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m.
• During quiet hours, music, campfires, alcohol and cannabis are prohibited.
• Only site occupants are allowed on a campsite after 11 p.m.

Generator use is only permitted between the hours of 9 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. daily, in order to provide campers with a quiet and enjoyable experience.

In order to keep your campfire safe for you and for the environment, adhere to the following regulations:

• Fire permit - each registered party wanting to have a campfire must purchase a fire permit. Permits are included when reserving your site, or at self-registration kiosks
• Fire size -fires must be contained within the metal fire ring provided. It is illegal to have a fire outside of a designated ring. Rock rings are prohibited but portable gas burning firepits are allowed. To reduce the negative impact of campfires on the environment, keep your fires to a reasonable size. Stack the firewood no higher than the top of the ring.
• Wood - only burn wood obtained from the campground woodlot. Take what you need, leave what you don't burn. Do not burn food or garbage or collect deadfall from the surrounding forest for burning. Use an axe to make your own kindling from the firewood provided
• Times - Campfires are permitted from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. Fires must be attended at all times, and completely extinguished before leaving the area or going to sleep.

Fire Bans
In periods of elevated fire danger, a full fire ban might be implemented to all areas of the national park, 24 hours a day. Check the wildfire and fire ban information.

A number of policies are in place to ensure visitors get a good night’s sleep. An alcohol and cannabis consumption ban are in effect daily at campgrounds during quiet hours from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. During summer long weekends, a complete ban on the possession of alcohol and cannabis is in effect at all campgrounds.

Provincial fishing licenses are not valid in national parks. A national park fishing permit is required. Permits are available at Parks Canada visitor centres, the Lake Minnewanka boat dock or various retail outlets in the area. Learn about special rules related to fishing in a national park.

Banff National Park is a gateway to nature, adventure and discovery. The chance to observe wildlife as they go about their natural lives is a fascinating experience that draws millions of people to the park each year. Along with this opportunity, however, comes the responsibility to treat wildlife with the respect they deserve. Learn the #WildlifeRules to help protect wildlife and keep Banff National Park a special place.

A special effort is being made by park staff and campers to ensure that no wildlife attractants are ever left unattended at any sites in these campgrounds. The "Bare" Campsite program is in place for your safety, and to help keep the wildlife in our National Parks alive and wild.

Failure to comply: Parks Canada staff are here to help and may enter your site to remind you of these regulations. Campers who fail to comply with keeping a clean site and other regulations may have their camping permit revoked without a refund. Campers may be charged under the Canada National Parks Act and/or other national parks of Canada regulations, be required to appear in court, and could pay fines up to $25 000. The permit holder is responsible for ensuring their campsite is maintained in a satisfactory condition. Parks Canada staff may enter open and plainly visible areas of an unattended campsite to remove and secure plainly visible wildlife attractants. Keep your campsite clean to reduce the risks to your personal safety and to wildlife.

Campgrounds in Banff National Park

Reservable

First come first served

Closed

May 16 to October 6

*Dates include all nights that the campground is open for use. Any operational dates before or after the reservable dates are weather dependent and subject to change.

Tunnel Mountain Village I campground

Located 4.5 km from the town of Banff, this campground offers a more traditional camping experience with mountain views, firepits for cooking, and access to hiking and biking trails. This campground has options to suit many camping preferences and has a limited number of large campsites.

• Campers, please take into consideration when selecting a site that J loop is a no-fire loop; it does not have fire rings.
• Food lockers are available in all loops for walk-in campers.
• Maximum 1 RV per site. A maximum of 2 vehicles, 2 tents and 6 people are permitted on each site.
• All showers and washrooms have hot and cold running water.
• There are no picnic shelters in this campground.

Tunnel Mountain Village II campground

The Tunnel Mountain Village 2 Campground’s shower building will be closed until further notice to complete required capital improvements. We apologize for the inconvenience.

Located just 2.5 km from the town of Banff, this campground is perfect for people wanting power without full hook-ups, and/or needing space for larger units. Some sites can accommodate RVs that are 12+ metres (40+ feet). It is close to local attractions, offers three-season camping in 21 oTENTiks and year-round camping for tents and RVs. From the campground, you can enjoy mountain views, year-round public transit to town and access to hiking and biking trails.

• Campers who want to camp together, please take into consideration that there are fire and no-fire sites when selecting a site.
• Electrical-only sites (15, 30, and 50 AMPS) can accommodate units up to 12 metres (40').
• There are 85 electrical sites with firepits and 21 oTENTiks, available through reservation.
• Maximum 1 RV per site. A maximum of 2 vehicles, 2 tents and 6 people are permitted on each site.
• This campground is not designed for tent camping in the summer.
• All showers and washrooms have hot and cold running water.

Tunnel Mountain Trailer Court

This campground, located 2.5 km from the town of Banff, is for trailers and larger units. Some sites can accommodate RVs that are 15+ metres (50+ feet). The sites have full three-way hook-ups and are either single or shared sites. Enjoy mountain views, access to biking and hiking trails and public transit to town.

• Full service sites with 15 and 30 AMPS can accommodate units up to 15 metres (50').
• Campfires are not permitted in the campground.
• A maximum of 1 vehicle, 1 wheeled camping unit and 6 people are permitted on each site.
• All showers and washrooms have hot and cold running water.
• There are no picnic shelters in this campground.

Two Jack Main campground

This campground offers a more secluded camping experience. Located just minutes from Lake Minnewanka and nearby attractions, and 10 km from the town of Banff, this rustic, no-service campground has scenic sites available for tents or RVs up to 7.3 metres (24 feet), as well as equipped campsites.

• There are designated loops with food lockers for walk-in campers.
• Maximum 1 RV per site (up to 8 metres/27' in length). A maximum of 2 vehicles, 2 tents and 6 people are permitted on each site.
• Washrooms with hot and cold running water and flush toilets.
• Showers are not available at this campground. Campers can visit the Banff Upper Hot Springs, where showers are included with entry.

Two Jack Lakeside campground

This is one of Banff's most popular campgrounds. Located 10 km from the town of Banff and close to Lake Minnewanka, this no-service campground is beautifully situated on the shores of Two Jack Lake. It is perfect for tents or small RVs up to 8.2 metres (27 feet). It offers some lakefront sites, 10 oTENTik sites, mountain views and access to the lake for non-motorized recreation.

• There is a 22-site walk-in tenting area. Campers must park in their designated parking spot and access campsite by foot. There is a strict maximum of 1 tent, 1 car and 4 people per walk-in campsite.
• There are food lockers for walk-in campers.
• Maximum 1 RV per site (up to 8 metres/27' in length). A maximum of 2 vehicles, 2 tents and 6 people are permitted on campsite except for walk-in campsite.
• All showers and washrooms have hot and cold running water.

Johnston Canyon campground

Only 25 km from the town of Banff, this campground is a good option for a more rustic camping experience. Sites are available for tents and small RVs up to 8.2 metres (27 feet). Its central location, along the Bow Valley Parkway/Hwy 1A, provides access to the popular Johnston Canyon Trail. Public transit is available to the town of Banff during summer.

• There are designated loops with food lockers for walk-in campers.
• Maximum 1 RV per site (up to 8 metres/27' in length). A maximum of 2 vehicles, 2 tents and 6 people are permitted on each site.
• All showers and washrooms have hot and cold running water.

Castle Mountain campground

This campground is small and intimate. It offers rustic, no-service camping in a beautiful wooded area along the Bow Valley Parkway (Hwy 1A). Just 32 km from the town of Banff, the campground is suitable for tents or small RVs up to 7.3 metres (24 feet). It is close to nearby attractions, such as Silverton Falls and Johnston Canyon. Sites are available on a firstcome, first-served basis only. Self-register as you enter Castle Mountain Campground. Pay by leaving your credit card information or bring exact cash.

• This is a self-registration campground (Register at entrance kiosk).
• There are food lockers for walk-in campers.
• Maximum 1 RV per site (up to 7 metres/24' in length). A maximum of 2 vehicles, 2 tents and 6 people are permitted on each site.
• All showers and washrooms have hot and cold running water.

Protection Mountain campground

Protection Mountain Campground is located 15 km east of Lake Louise on the scenic Bow Valley Parkway (Hwy 1A). This open campground offers impressive views of both Protection and Castle Mountains and is an excellent location for evening star gazing.

Campsites are unserviced and best suited for tents, or motorhomes and trailers up to 10 meters (35 feet).

RV campers may use the sani-dump located at Lake Louise Campground. There is limited cell coverage at the Protection Mountain site and on the Bow Valley Parkway.

Located on Highway 1A, 15 km east of the Lake Louise village.

• Protection Mountain Campground offers non-reservable first-come, first-served sites only.
• Maximum 6 people per campsite.
• Maximum 2 tents and 2 cars; or 1 RV/camper, 1 tent, and 1 car permitted per site.
• Can accommodate most sizes of motorhomes and trailers (under 22 m / 75 ft).
• All vehicles must fit on the driveway. All tents must be on the gravel area of the campsite.
• All washrooms have hot and cold running water and flush toilets.
• RV campers may use the sani-dump at Lake Louise Campground.
• There is limited cell coverage at this location.
• Firewood is provided.

Lake Louise Hard-sided Campground

The Lake Louise Campground lies in the heart of Banff National Park, offering access to a multitude of trails and attractions, including world-famous Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. It is a short drive to access the Icefields Parkway – one of the most scenic drives in the world! The 230 kilometers Icefields Parkway features spectacular mountains, lakes, rivers, canyons, and of course, glaciers!

Campsites are shared double-length sites best suited for units up to 15 meters (50 feet), and they are serviced with 15-30-50 amps. For groups that prefer to camp together, note that there are fire and no-fire sites when selecting a site.

This forested campground is divided from the “soft-sided” campground by the Bow River, running parallel to it and surrounded by mountain views. The “hard-sided” section is for hard-sided camping units only. Units with soft sides or pop-outs must use the soft-sided camping section, enclosed by an electric fence.

Leave your car at the campsite! Visitors to Lake Louise campground enjoy free access to the Park and Ride Connector service linking the campground with Lake Louise Village, and the Park and Ride during the summer months. Tickets for the Lake Louise Lakeshore and Moraine Lake shuttle service must be reserved in advance, learn more at this link.

Reservations are highly recommended at this location. Ask about the free evening interpretive programs hosted by Parks Canada at the campground theater.

Located at 131 Fairview Road, Lake Louise. 60 km north-west of the Town of Banff.

• Please note that for your safety, only hard-sided units are admitted to Lake Louise Hard-sided Equipment only campground.
• ALL soft-sided units (tents, tent-trailers, and units with soft-sided pop-outs) MUST camp in the Lake Louise soft-sided campground and stay within an enclosed electric fence, due to seasonal bear activity.
• All Lake Louise Campground sites are reservable.
• There are fire and no-fire sites. Reservations include fire permits where applicable.
• Maximum 6 people per campsite.
• Maximum 2 vehicles: 1 completely hard-sided camping unit, and 1 regular vehicle.
• Maximum 1 completely hard-sided camping unit per site.
• Can accommodate most sizes of motorhomes and trailers (under 22 m / 75 ft).
• All showers and washrooms have hot and cold running water and flush toilets.
• There are no picnic shelters in this campground.
• Firewood is provided.

Lake Louise Soft-sided Campground

The Lake Louise Campground lies in the heart of Banff National Park, offering access to a multitude of trails and attractions, including world-famous Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. It is a short drive to access the Icefields Parkway – one of the most scenic drives in the world! The 230 kilometers Icefields Parkway features spectacular mountains, lakes, rivers, canyons, and of course, glaciers!

Campsites are unserviced and best suited for tents, tent trailers or small motorhomes and trailers up to 7 meters (24 feet). For groups that prefer to camp together, note that there are fire and no-fire loops when selecting a site.

This forested campground is divided from the hard-sided campground by the Bow River and surrounded by mountain views. The “soft-sided” section is enclosed by an electric fence and allows tents, soft-sided trailers and camping equipment with soft-sided pop-outs.

Leave your car at the campsite! Visitors to Lake Louise campground enjoy free access to the Park and Ride Connector service linking the campground with Lake Louise Village, and the Park and Ride during the summer months. Tickets for the Lake Louise Lakeshore and Moraine Lake shuttle service must be reserved in advance, learn more at this link.

Reservations are highly recommended at this location. Ask about the free evening interpretive programs hosted by Parks Canada at the campground theater.

Located at 131 Fairview Road, Lake Louise. 60 km north-west of the Town of Banff.

• ALL soft-sided units (tents, tent-trailers, and units with soft-sided pop-outs) MUST camp in the Lake Louise soft-sided campground and stay within an enclosed electric fence, due to seasonal bear activity.
• Please note that for your safety, only hard-sided units are admitted to Lake Louise Hard-sided Campground.
• All Lake Louise Campground sites are reservable.
• There are fire and no-fire sites. Reservations include fire permits where applicable.
• Maximum 6 people per campsite.
• Maimum 2 tents and 2 cars; or 1 RV/camper, 1 tent, and 1 car permitted per site.
• All vehicles must fit on the driveway. All tents must be on the gravel area of the campsite.
• There are designated loops with food lockers for walk-in campers.
• All showers and washrooms have hot and cold running water and flush toilets.
• Firewood is provided.

Mosquito Creek campground

Mosquito Creek Campground is a good option for campers wanting a more authentic camping experience. Don't be put off by the name, mosquitoes are no worse here than in any other part of the park.

Campsites are unserviced and best suited for tents, or motorhomes and trailers up to 10 meters (35 feet). RV campers may use the sani-dump located at Lake Louise campground.

There is no cell phone coverage at any campgrounds on the Icefields Parkway.

Located 27 km north of Highway 1/93N junction, next to Mosquito Creek Hostel.

• Mosquito Creek Campground offers non-reservable first-come, first-served sites only.
• Maximum 6 people per campsite.
• Maximum 2 tents and 2 cars; or 1 RV/camper, 1 tent, and 1 car permitted per site.
• All vehicles must fit on driveway. All tents must be on the gravel area of the campsite.
• No overflow camping is permitted.
• Solar treated potable water and greywater sinks are available.
• There is no cell phone coverage at any campgrounds on the Icefields Parkway.
• Firewood is provided.

Rampart Creek campground

Rampart Creek Campground offers a secluded and rustic camping experience along the beautiful Icefields Parkway, 40 km from the Columbia Icefield. The campground backs onto the banks of the North Saskatchewan River with impressive views of the river valley and surrounding mountains.

Campsites are unserviced and best suited for tents, or motorhomes and trailers up to 10 meters (35 feet). Note that some loops are not suitable for motorhomes or trailers over 8 meters (25 feet). RV campers can fill potable water and use the sani-dump station located at Waterfowl Lakes Campground.

There is no cell phone coverage at any campgrounds on the Icefields Parkway.

Located 91 km north of highway 1/93N junction, across from the Rampart Creek Hostel.

• Rampart Creek Campground has 46 reservable sites, and 5 non-reservable first-come, first-served sites. All reservations include fire permits.
• Maximum 6 people per campsite.
• Maximum 2 tents and 2 cars; or 1 RV/camper, 1 tent, and 1 car permitted per site.
• All vehicles must fit on driveway. All tents must be on the gravel area of the campsite.
• Solar treated potable water and greywater sinks are available (no RV fill). To fill an RV, water is available 32 km south at Waterfowl Lakes Campground during the operational season.
• There is no cell phone coverage at any campgrounds on the Icefields Parkway.
• Firewood is provided.

Silverhorn Creek campground

Silverhorn Creek is an RV-friendly campground offering a rustic camping experience along the Icefields Parkway, just minutes from Waterfowl Lakes, Bow Lake, and the Peyto Lake viewpoint.

Campsites are unserviced and best suited for tents, or motorhomes and trailers up to 20 meters (70 feet). RV campers can fill with potable water and use the sani-dump station located at Waterfowl Lakes campground.

There is no cell phone coverage at any campgrounds on the Icefields Parkway.

Located on 93N, 56 km north of Highway 1/93N junction.

• All sites at Silverhorn Creek Campground are reservable. All reservations include fire permits.
• Maximum 6 people per campsite.
• Maximum 2 tents and 2 cars; or 1 RV/camper, 1 tent, and 1 car permitted per site.
• Can accommodate most sizes of motor homes and trailers (under 20 m / 70 ft).
• All vehicles must fit on driveway. All tents must be on the gravel area of the campsite.
• There is no water supplied at Silverhorn Creek Campground. To fill an RV, water is available 6 km north at Waterfowl Lakes Campground during the operational season.
• Sani-dump available at Waterfowl Lakes Campground or Lake Louise Campground.
• There is no cell phone coverage at any campgrounds on the Icefields Parkway.
• Firewood is provided.
• A reservation is required to stay at this campground. There are no first-come, first-served sites.

Waterfowl Lakes campground

Waterfowl Lakes Campground sits between Upper and Lower Waterfowl lakes on the Mistaya River. These stunning glacier-fed lakes are excellent for paddling while taking in the surrounding mountains. This wooded campground boasts easy access to moderate hiking trails and is a short drive from Saskatchewan Crossing, Bow Lake, and the Peyto Lake viewpoint.

Campsites are unserviced and best suited for tents, or motorhomes and trailers up to 9 meters (31 feet). Ask about the free Saturday evening interpretive programs hosted by Parks Canada at the campground theater.

There is no cell-phone coverage at any campgrounds on the Icefields Parkway.

Located on 93N, 60 km north of Highway 1/93N junction.

• Waterfowl Lakes Campground offers non-reservable first-come, first-served sites only.
• Maximum 6 people per campsite.
• Maximum 2 tents and 2 cars; or 1 RV/camper, 1 tent, and 1 car permitted per site.
• All vehicles must fit on driveway. All tents must be on the gravel area of the campsite.
• There are 3 dry toilet facilities and 1 washroom with hot and cold running water and flush toilets.
• Potable water and greywater sinks are available.
• There is no cell phone coverage at any campgrounds on the Icefields Parkway.
• Firewood is provided.