Summary
- Camping in Banff National Park offers an immersive mountain retreat in the Canadian Rockies with stunning views and proximity to popular attractions and hiking trails.
- The best campgrounds in Banff are strategically located near shops and restaurants, and offer amenities like washrooms, showers, and food storage lockers.
- From serene lakeside camping to secluded escapes, there are various campgrounds in Banff National Park that provide an authentic outdoor experience and access to breathtaking trails and natural wonders.
Visiting Banff promises amazing vacations amidst the mountains of the Canadian Rockies. While staying in any of the best Airbnbs in Banff or even the iconic and luxurious Fairmont Banff Hotel is the perfect choice for many travelers, the ultimate way to be immersed in the area’s nature is camping in one of the numerous campgrounds in Banff National Park nestled amidst the rugged peaks of the Canadian Rockies, where visitors are treated to awe-inspiring vistas right from their tents.
The best Banff campgrounds are often strategically located to access to many of the most beautiful hikes in Banff National park and its many waterfalls while enjoying mountain and lake valley views. With starlit nights and crisp mountain air, these top campgrounds in Banff National Park offer a front-row seat to nature’s grandeur, making them an ideal choice for those seeking an immersive mountain retreat in the Canadian Rockies.
10
Tunnel Mountain Village Campground
The road 93 Icefields Parkway with fall foliage in the autumn in Jasper National Park, Alberta, Canada, the road trip between Banff and Jasper
The Tunnel Mountain Village Campground is located near Banff, so guests are close to shops, supermarkets and restaurants. The campground offers unserviced and electrical hook-up sites for tents and RVs. Amenities include modern washrooms, showers, and a food storage locker.
Its central location provides easy access to popular attractions like Banff townsites and hiking trails. With stunning mountain views and proximity to urban conveniences, Tunnel Mountain Village Campground offers a perfect blend of wilderness and accessibility for nature enthusiasts.
- Address: Tunnel Mountain Rd, Banff, AB T0L 2C0, Canada
- Fees: Ranges from $11.50 and $74.75
- Services: Drinking water, Flush toilets, Showers, Firepits, Dumping station: sewage disposal, Accessible, Interpretive programs, Food storage locker and Roam transit stop
9
Two Jack Lakeside Campground
Skiers skiing on the ski slopes at Lake Louise Ski Resort at Lake Louise, Banff, Alberta, Canada
Two Jack Lakeside Campground is among the best campgrounds near Banff; it’s situated on the serene shores of a lake with the same name and is a strategic location for campers, as it’s located only 15 minutes from Banff and near Lake Minnewanka.
Former guests highlight the campground overlooks the lake and is well-maintained, offering a stove, dishwasher and other facilities. The place is strategically located, close to many trails and lakes. Basic amenities include toilets, potable water, and fire pits, allowing for a comfortable camping experience.
- Address: Banff National Park Of Canada, Lake Minnewanka Scenic Dr, Improvement District No. 9, AB T1L 1K2, Canada
- No. of sites: 75
- Services: Drinking water, Flush toilet, Showers, Cooking shelter, Picnic shelter, Firepits, Food storage locker, Roam transit stop
8
Lake Louise Hard-Sided Campground
Viewpoint at the end of the Fairmont Lookout trail in Banff National Park at Lake Louise, AB, Alberta, Canada
Wondering where to find the most scenic camping in Banff National Park? The answer is Lake Louise Hard-sided Campground, a nature lover’s paradise with stunning views and access to two of the most famous lakes in Banff National Park; tourists at this campground can easily access Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, and many hiking trails.
This Banff campground is better for units up to 50 feet. Travelers can also opt for the Lake Louise Soft-sided, which is unserviced and a better choice for tent trailers, small motorhomes and trailers up to 24 feet. Those staying in the campsite have free access to the park, and making reservations in advance is recommended.
- No. of sites: 189
- Services: Electricity, Drinking water, Flush toilet, Showers, Cooking shelter, Picnic shelter, Firepits, Dumping station: sewage disposal, Accessible, Interpretive programs, Food storage locker, Parks Canada shuttle stop
7
Johnston Canyon Campground
Train moving along Bow River in Canadian Rockies, Banff National Park
Another one of the best campsites in Banff National Park, Johnston Canyon Campground is a serene escape into the Canadian Rockies, which can also be explored on a budget. The place is described as a “rustic and authentic experience.” According to former guests, people should be prepared to hear wildlife and trains passing at night.
It provides a peaceful retreat amidst the wilderness with 132 campsites for both tents and RVs. Basic amenities like toilets, potable water, and food storage are available. The real draw is its proximity to the stunning Johnston Canyon, known for its captivating waterfalls and picturesque hiking trails.
- Address: Improvement District No. 9, AB, Canada
- No. of sites: 132
- Services: Drinking water, Flush toilet, Showers, Cooking shelter, Picnic shelter, Firepits, Dumping station: sewage disposal, Accessible, Interpretive programs, Food storage locker, Roam transit stop
6
Mosquito Creek Campground
Waterfall and limestone bedrock at a hidden cave in Johnston Canyon at Banff National Park
Travelers planning to avoid the crowds in many of the top attractions in Banff National Park, especially Lake Louise, should consider staying at Mosquito Creek Campground. This spot offers a rustic experience and offers 38 serene campsites.
Basic amenities like toilets and food storage are available, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the wilderness. The nearby Mosquito Creek Trail offers hiking opportunities, including stunning views of waterfalls and alpine scenery.
While its name might suggest otherwise, this campground in Banff National Park offers an enchanting escape for those seeking an authentic outdoor experience in the Canadian Rockies.
- No. of sites: 38
- Services: Drinking water, Outhouse, Cooking shelter, Picnic shelter, Firepits, Food storage locker
5
Protection Mountain Campground
Northern lights over the mountain in Banff
Protection Mountain Campground is another one of the best campgrounds in Banff National Park; it offers breathtaking views of the Protection and Castle Mountains and is one of the most strategic places for stargazing in Banff. This amazing Banff camping spot is 15 km east of Lake Louise, offering 72 spacious sites surrounded by lush forests and mountain vistas.
This campsite is unserviced and suited for tents, motorhomes and trailers up to 35 feet. The campground is an ideal starting point for exploring nearby trails, including the stunning Silverhorn Creek Trail.
- Address: Bow Valley Pkwy, Eldon, AB T0L 1E0, Canada
- No of. sites: 72
- Services: Drinking water, Flush toilet, Cooking shelter, Picnic shelter, Firepits, Accessible, Food storage locker, Roam transit stop
4
Silverhorn Creek Campground
Canadian flag in Canmore, Alberta
Silverhorn Creek Campground, located on the Icefields Parkway, has 45 well-spaced sites, and it provides an intimate camping experience amid stunning mountain views and woodlands. Its peaceful ambiance and proximity to natural wonders make it an excellent choice for those seeking a genuine connection with the Canadian Rockies.
Former guests have praised its incredible view and ample firewood. The campground serves as a gateway to breathtaking trails, including the scenic Silverhorn Creek Trail.
- Address: Banff National Park Of Canada, AB-93, Lake Louise, AB T0L 1E0, Canada
- No. of sites: 45
- Services: Outhouse, Picnic shelter, Firepits, Food storage locker
3
Rampart Creek Campground
A scenic view of the mountains and Moraine Lake in the Canadian Rockies, Canada
Nestled along the Icefields Parkway, Rampart Creek Campground is a secluded escape and offers some of the best camping in the Canadian Rockies. The place offers mountain and river valley views. There is no cell phone service, so this is the perfect place for travelers aiming to disconnect for a few days.
The 51 well-spaced sites provide a rustic camping experience with basic amenities like toilets and food storage. The campground is a gateway to stunning hikes, including the nearby Nigel Pass Trail. Surrounded by pristine wilderness and nestled beside Rampart Creek, it offers a peaceful setting for nature enthusiasts.
Its central location along the parkway makes it a convenient base for exploring Banff and Jasper National Parks.
- Address: Banff National Park, Improvement District No. 9, AB, Canada
- Services: Drinking water, Outhouse, Cooking shelter, Picnic shelter, Firepits, Accessible, Food storage locker
2
Waterfowl Lakes Campground
Hiking trail near Canmore, Alberta
When looking for beautiful camping in Banff, look no further than this campground is nestled beneath the iconic Castle Mountain, which offers a rugged yet breathtaking retreat within Banff National Park. The Waterfowl Lakes Campground has 110 well-maintained sites and guests can also drive to the Saskatchewan Crossing, Bow Lake, and the Peyto Lake viewpoint.
The campground acts as a trailhead for several hikes, including the challenging Castle Mountain Lookout Trail. Surrounded by stunning wilderness and offering proximity to Johnston Canyon and Lake Louise, Castle Mountain Campground promises an authentic Rocky Mountain adventure. Its idyllic setting makes it an excellent choice for those seeking a genuine connection with nature.
- No. of sites: 110
- Services: Drinking water, Flush toilet, Outhouse, Cooking shelter, Picnic shelter, Firepits, Dumping station: sewage disposal, Accessible, Interpretive programs, Food storage locker
1
Columbia Icefield Campground
The Canadian Rockies covered in snow
Columbia Icefield Campground offers a unique camping experience amidst the Canadian Rockies and is another one of the best Banff campsites to book in the mountains. Nestled near the awe-inspiring Athabasca Glacier, this first-come, first-served site offers breathtaking views of towering peaks.
This rustic campground, with basic amenities, allows for a true immersion in nature. It’s an ideal base for exploring nearby attractions like the Glacier Skywalk and Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre. However, campers should be prepared for its remote location, and reservations are recommended due to its popularity.
- Address: Icefields Pkwy, Jasper, AB T0E 1E0, Canada
- Services: Toilets, Cookhouse shelter, Food storage lockers, Firewood.