Whether it's your first time out or you've lost count of your nights beneath the stars, camping in Banff National Park is always a special experience.
There's no better way to immerse yourself in nature than with a night (or more) in the great outdoors. So, we've created a Banff camping guide to help you prepare and enjoy your adventure to the fullest, featuring the best campgrounds, what to pack and our top picks for things to see and do.
Tip: You'll save 25% on Banff National Park camping and receive free park admission from June 20 to September 2, 2025, thanks to the Canada Strong Pass.
Find your slice of paradise in nature. From quiet lakeside retreats to campsites equipped with elevated comfort, there's a spot for every camping style in Banff National Park — and it’s time to find yours.
This campground is a local favourite for a reason. It’s an al fresco alpine escape with easy access to Banff Avenue and all the amenities of town. Tunnel Mountain Village is a great option when it comes to family-friendly campgrounds in Banff and can accommodate a range of camping setups. Village I offers a back-to-basics experience, with 618 fire pit-equipped campsites. Village II is a three-season option with 209 campsites and electricity available for RV campers. Or you can reserve a Parks Canada OTENTik and enjoy maximum comfort with minimal effort — think of them as a cross between a tent and an A-frame cabin. The Tunnel Campground Perimeter Trail provides an easily accessible hike, and the campground is just across the road from the Hoodoos trailhead.
Unplug and relax in a magical forested setting that's still close to town. The Two Jack Main Campground offers 380 reservable campsites minutes from Lake Minnewanka, while the Two Jack Lakeside Campground is one of the most popular scenic camping spots in Banff. This shoreside campground features 74 sites on beautiful Two Jack Lake, ideal for tents or small RVs and complete with lake access for non-motorized watercrafts. Sites at both campgrounds are un-serviced and offer a more rustic experience, but there are 10 oTENTiks available to book if you’d like more amenities.
Venture an hour beyond Banff to the Lake Louise Campground. There, you'll find two sections — one with 189 sites for full-service, hard-side RV camping and another with 206 forested sites for soft-side tents and tent trailers. The campground's idyllic Bow River setting allows for effortless exploration of the national park's attractions — including icons like Lake Louise, Moraine Lake and the Icefields Parkway. Plus, the nearby village of Lake Louise is a convenient stop to stock up on supplies.
Does your itinerary include visiting the Columbia Icefield and other world-class sights along the Icefields Parkway? Waterfowl Lakes Campground is picturesque and perfectly positioned for exploring the area's lakes, peaks, glaciers and trails. Each of the 116 campsites include a picnic table and firepit, and the campground offers picnic shelters with wood-burning stoves, an amphitheatre and food storage lockers, too. It's all first-come, first-served, so it's an excellent option for impromptu camping trips.
This tent- and small RV-friendly campground includes 32 first-come, first-served wooded sites, potable water, a picnic shelter and bear-safe food lockers for walk-in tenting. Mosquito Creek's location along the Icefields Parkway means cell service is non-existent, so you can truly unplug and soak up the natural beauty. And don’t worry — the campground's name isn't an indicator of the bug population you'll encounter; it's on par with the rest of Banff National Park.
Banff National Park offers first-come, first-served camping options as well as sites that can be reserved online or by phone through Parks Canada. Popular campgrounds like Tunnel Mountain Village, Two Jack Campground and Lake Louise Campground all must be reserved in advance, and bookings open in mid-January. The booking site will let you know which campsites have availability and what type of site is open.
Tip: No luck finding a campsite? Sign up to receive alerts when one becomes available. To register, visit the Parks Canada reservation system webpage, navigate to your desired campsite and click the “Notify Me” button.
Camping in Banff means legendary attractions are within reach. Here are a few ways you can experience the best things to do in Banff.
Picture yourself on top of a mountain, enjoying the sweeping views of the Bow Valley — all without hiking. The Banff Gondola is a must-visit attraction that will whisk you to the summit of Sulphur Mountain in minutes. At the top, stroll the boardwalk to the Cosmic Ray Station and Sanson's Peak to learn all about Canada's first national park. Afterwards, explore the mountaintop discovery centre and fuel up with delicious local fare — choose from a casual bite at Castle Mountain Coffee, a buffet at Northern Lights Alpine Kitchen or an elegant meal at Sky Bistro.
Tip: Skip the parking by taking a complimentary Banff Gondola shuttle or Roam Public Transit’s Route 1 — both included with same-day tickets.
Set sail aboard a Lake Minnewanka Cruise for an adventure on the largest lake in Banff National Park. Breathe in the fresh mountain air and watch for wildlife along the shore as you listen to stories and history from your knowledgeable guide. There's a cruise for any age, from the Junior Explorer Cruise to the Classic Cruise (Minnewanka's most popular option) and even the Beer Voyage — where you’ll get to relax with a craft beer in hand.
Tip: You'll get free fare on Roam Public Transit's Route 6 when you show your cruise ticket.
The ancient Columbia Icefield is a testament to the power and beauty of nature, and it's a defining wonder of the Canadian Rockies. Three experiences allow you to explore the Columbia Icefield your way. Ride in a gigantic Ice Explorer vehicle on the Columbia Icefield Adventure — you'll even get to walk on the Athabasca Glacier — visit the glass-bottomed Columbia Icefield Skywalk for unparalleled views of the valley below or try the premium Ice Odyssey tour for an elevated glacier experience.
There's no shortage of iconic creatures that call Banff National Park home and spotting them is a special experience. But it's important to watch safely, and a guided tour is a fantastic way to do so. Join an expert guide who knows the best places to see wildlife and can share extensive knowledge about animals like elk, moose, deer, wolves and grizzly bears.
Discover even more of the great outdoors with our top trail recommendations.
Minutes from the Tunnel Mountain Campground by car or bike, the Tunnel Mountain Trail is one of the fastest routes to reach a mountain summit on foot. The moderate hike is a 4.3-kilometre (2.6 mile) round trip with big payoff. The trail snakes its way through the trees before reaching the rounded mountaintop. Rest on one of the Parks Canada Adirondack chairs or on the rocky outcrop at the peak to savour the view.
The Bow River Trail is a choose-your-own-adventure route. It's a well-maintained pathway with various access points from the town of Banff — like the Banff Canoe Club at the end of the trail or by crossing the Banff Pedestrian Bridge from downtown. If you opt for the pedestrian bridge, it's only 1.2 kilometres (0.7 miles) to Bow Falls. The trail can also be followed on the other side of the river up to Buffalo Street and Surprise Corner, where it offers a postcard-worthy view of the Fairmont Banff Springs. Join the Hoodoos Trail from Surprise Corner for a longer excursion.
Many visitors come to see the famous view from the Lake Louise shoreline, but there are also exceptional hikes all around. From the lakeshore trail, hike 7.4 kilometres (4.6 miles) to the historic Lake Agnes Tea House and enjoy a cup next to the sparkling lake. If you’re feeling adventurous, continue on to the Plain of Six Glaciers Teahouse. The Little Beehive and Big Beehive are popular routes that begin with the Lake Agnes Trail — 9.3 kilometre (5.7 miles) and 10.1 kilometres (6.3 miles), respectively — and you’ll be treated to an exceptional view of Lake Louise from above. The beehive routes are more challenging, so ensure you have the proper hiking gear and experience before setting off.
One of Banff's most popular hikes, Johnston Canyon is a fun outing for all ages and experience levels. Explore from catwalks winding through the canyon to the upper and lower falls. It’s about 1.2 kilometres (0.7 miles) to reach the lower falls and 2.5 kilometres (1.6 miles) to the upper falls, which are well worth the extra distance. Johnston Canyon is about halfway between Banff and Lake Louise, so it's easy to reach from either location.
Opt for this short route if you're in the mood for an easy hike with plenty to see along the way. The 1.1 kilometre (0.6 mile) out-and-back trail leads to caves and pools on the upper portion, and you can visit the Cave and Basin National Historic Site — the birthplace of Banff and, in turn, Canada’s national parks system.
Bonus: Continue past the Cave and Basin site to link up with the 8.7-kilometre (5.4-mile) Sundance Canyon Trail. You’ll find a beautiful waterfall at the end and gorgeous views along the way.
Keep these tips in mind to make the most of your camping trip in Banff National Park.
Banff National Park is beautiful year-round, but peak camping season is between June and August. These are the warmest months in the national park and when most activities are in full swing. If you want a quieter camping experience (and cooler temperatures), try camping during shoulder season in May, September or October.
Yes, random camping is allowed in Banff National Park but only in designated backcountry areas. There are also rules to follow, such as camping at least 50 metres from trails, 70 metres from bodies of water and a day’s walk from the nearest road. A backcountry permit is also required. Visit the Parks Canada website for more information.
Car camping is permitted in Banff National Park, but only in designated campgrounds — not in places like roadside pullouts, parking lots, trailheads and day-use areas. The maximum number of vehicles allowed at a campsite varies by campground. Visit the Parks Canada website for more information.
Camping fees vary depending on a number of factors, including services available at the campsite and the location. Visit the Parks Canada website for a full list of fees.
From June 20 through September 2, 2025, no park pass is required to enter Banff, Jasper or any other national park, national historic site or national marine conservation area operated by Parks Canada.
From September 3, 2025, onwards, Parks Canada requires all adult visitors (18 years old and older) to buy a permit for the duration of their stay in Banff National Park and Jasper National Park. This includes iconic locations such as Lake Louise in Banff and the Columbia Icefield in Jasper.
Passes are available as Day Passes or Discovery Passes, both of which can be purchased online or in-person at a visitor centre.
Yes, but you’ll need a backcountry camping permit. Backcountry camping is limited to designated areas. Sites can be reserved through Parks Canada.
Campsite reservations can be made online or by phone through Parks Canada.
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