The campground itself is more secluded than other campgrounds in the area and offers a more authentic camping experience. Two Jack Main Campground is minutes away from the beautiful shores of Two Jack Lake. The waters of Lake Minnewanka feed Two Jack Lake and opens up a wealth of natural beauty to explore. 

The Perfect Spot for a Nature Getaway

As Two Jack Main Campground has limited facilities, it encourages campers to become more attuned with nature. There is no power at the campground. This allows Two Jack Main Campground to be the perfect location to switch off from technology. Instead, make the most of the natural beauty that surrounds you. The campground is close to the shores of Two Jack Lake which, at any time of day, is simply spectacular. Head to the shores of the lake on a clear evening to see the night sky full of stars. This is the ideal place for astrophotography. Take out your telescope and marvel at the skies, or recline in a camp chair and get lost in the shimmering dots above.

Wildlife is All Around You

Nature surrounds you when camping at Two Jack Main Campground. Nestled within the thick alpine forest is the campground.

Like elsewhere in Banff National Park, the natural wildlife is spectacular. If you are fortunate, you may catch a glimpse of bull elk, deer, bears and bighorn sheep. Many of the animals within Banff National Park are most active just after sunrise or before sunset. Head out then for your best chance at seeing some of Canada’s most incredible wildlife. When camping at Two Jack Main Campground you are most likely to sight Bighorn sheep, which are in the rocky cliffs along Lake Minnewanka and Two Jack Lake.

As with all of Canada’s National Parks, Banff National Park expects visitors to be respectful of their natural surroundings. Do not use food to attract the wildlife. If camping, lock food away in a secure box. Any litter should be disposed of with care to avoid attracting native animals to the campgrounds. 

Camping at Two Jack Main Campground

Go back to camping’s authentic outdoor roots at Two Jack Main Campground. Two Jack Main Campground offers 313 sites practically on the shores of Two Jack Lake. Surrounding the campground is alpine forest.

Two Jack Main Campground is a no-service campground, but is only a 15-minute drive from Banff town should you need any additional supplies. The campground itself has scenic sites for tents to pitch and plenty of space for RVs. RV spaces can accommodate vehicles of up to 27ft (8.23m) in length. The campground also has room for group camping. Visitors are able to camp for up to 14 nights.

30 of the 313 sites are equipped. Equipped campsites include a 6-person tent, stove, propane, sleeping pads, lanterns, and broom kits. If you are not staying on one of the equipped campsites you will need to bring your own sleeping accommodation. 

Amenities at Two Jack Main Campground

Two Jack Main Campground does have some amenities; flush toilets, fire pits, and cook shelters are all provided, and firewood is available. There is also a water tap, Sani station, plenty of picnic tables and a public phone. There is no power at the campsite, so be prepared to switch off from the grid for a few days.

Amenities are basic however showers are available at nearly Banff Upper Hot Springs. Do not try to take a shower at Two Jack Lakeside, as access is not permitted.

Pets are welcome at the campsite, making it the ideal place to bring your four legged friends on your adventure.  Please ensure they are kept on a leash and are in your control. This will help keep the peace at the campground with your neighbours, and to protect the native wildlife. 

The campsite gets particularly busy on weekends and during holidays. Bookings are recommended although during off-season are not always required. Two Jack Main Campground is open from mid-May till mid-September.

Check the Weather

As with any campground in Banff National Park, you should prepare for all weather. Pack plenty of warm clothing and layers for your daily adventures into your magnificent surroundings, and enough blankets to keep you warm at night should the temperature drop. 

Camping Permits

Camping permits are required, and campers must check in at the campground kiosk before pitching their tent. Permits for fires are available when you book or from the campground kiosk. Purchase a National Park Entry Pass before your stay. These are available from the Banff East Gate, Parks Canada visitor centers, or your campground kiosk.

Two Jack Main Campground Factsheet

Hiking near Two Jack Main Campground

From Two Jack Main Campground there are many pleasant strolls, walks and hikes of varying levels of difficulty. All offer the staggering beauty of Banff National Park. 

Two Jack Lake, which the campground is close to, is a perfect place to start your Banff adventure. Visiting the lake is a popular pastime for locals of Banff due to its close proximity to the town itself. Tourists tend to head for the larger lakes of Minnewanka and Louise. Two Jack Lake is the ideal spot for a quieter adventure.

Two Jack Lake is truly a breathtaking spot. Bordering the calm waters are thick alpine forests. Across the water are the snow-capped mountains of the Canadian Rockies. Some couples choose to marry on the shores of the lake as it is so beautiful.

During the summer months the lake is a popular canoeing, kayaking and swimming spot. In winter its surface freezes over and becomes a great place for ice skating. The soft show surrounding the lake is ideal for snow-shoeing. 

Despite its incredible beauty and close proximity to Two Jack Main Campground, many tourists opt to travel to Lake Louise or Lake Minnewanka, which feeds Two Jack Lake. 

Shorter Hike Recommendation

If a short hike to Two Jack Lake is for you, pack a picnic and while away the afternoon surrounded by trees and peaks. Cascade Mountain is to the east, Mount Alymer and Spectral Peak are in the north and Mount Girouard is to the west. Walking around the lake is also possible, but be wary of straying too far as the lake opens out into Lake Minnewanka.  There are several hiking trails available around the lake ranging from 1-3 kilometres (0.62 -1.86 miles). Trails from Two Jack Main Campground last from 30 minutes to 2 hours.

There are many vantage points along the trails that share different yet equally spectacular views across the blue waters of the lake and up to the magnificent mountains beyond. The best time to hike around Two Jack Lake is shortly before sunrise. Heading out early means a spectacular site as the sun rises above the lake. 

Longer Hike Recommendation

For a more challenging hike, spend half a day on the C-Level Cirque trail. The trail starts at the bottom of Cascade Mountain surrounded by enchanting forests. On this trail hikers will pass an abandoned coal mine before opening out to Cascade Mountain Cirque, a semi-semi-cycle of mountainous cliffs surrounding you from above. It is possible to end your hike and simply head back the way you came from this point, however for a more adventurous trip continue through the forest to where the rocky alpine zone begins. From this height, there are incredible views across the Canadian Rockies. The incline here is steep. Attempt hikes here if you are a fit and experienced hiker.

As with any hike, be sure to pack enough provisions for your trip, including food, water and warm clothing to layer.

4.3 kilometres (1.86 miles) away from Two Jacks Main Campground is the Hoodoos Trail. The trail spans 10 kilometres (6.21 miles) and takes hikers up an elevation of 305m (1000ft). Expect this trail to take anywhere between 2.5 and 3.5 hours to complete. The trail itself is popular with families and dogs as the elevation is minimal and the views across Banff town and the National Park are unrivalled. This trail is a great opportunity to sport some of Banff National Park’s wildlife. 

Exploring Banff National Park

Within a short drive or longer hike, there are many trails and other places of natural beauty for you to discover.

Two Jack Main Campground follows the Lake Minnewanka Scenic Drive which is a must do in itself. Along the Scenic Drive there are plenty of trails, view-points and day-use areas where you can set up a picnic, BBQ or simply relax surrounded by nature. Lake Minnewanka Scenic Drive covers 14 kilometres (8.7 miles) of scenic road looping around the lake. It begins at the Minnewanka Interchange on the Trans-Canada Highway. 

A Must-See: Cascade Falls

At the start of the drive hikes to Cascade Falls, an impressive waterfall rushing down the eastern face of Cascade Mountain, should not be missed. It is of course possible to hike to this location but it is a fair distance from the campsite, so heading out in your car and parking up would be a better option for newer hikers, or those short on time. 

Take in Some History: Bankhead

Along Lake Minnewanka Scenic Drive, there are many beauty spots to explore. Lower and Upper Bankhead share secrets of a town from decades past. Bankhead is a ghost town nestled inside the awe-inspiring beauty of the national park. Bankhead thrived in the early 1900s as an anthracite coal mine was located nearby. The mine was closed and dismantled in 1922 which forced the majority of its residents to leave to follow work elsewhere. Afterwards, Bankhead soon became a ghost town. Taking a short and family friendly 1 kilometre (0.62 miles) hike to this location offers an unique opportunity within the National Park. The walk around Bankhead is educational and interpretive and shares the secrets of the coal mining operation within Banff. 

The Ideal Picnic Spot: Johnson Lake

Drive for 3.1 kilometres (1.93 miles) to reach the gentle waters of Johnson Lake. The lake is a small alpine lake and is the ideal spot for a scenic picnic or a day on the water in summer. There is a free parking lot close to the lake, however this can fill up quickly during weekends and holidays. Local busses also make the journey to Johnson Lake, departing from Banff Town. 

Summary

Two Jack Main Campground is an ideal spot to pitch your tent during a stay at Banff National Park. With maximum stays of 14 nights there is plenty to do within a short walk or drive of the campground. As Banff town is only a 15-minute drive away, explore its shops, museums, restaurants, and leisure facilities. The public transportation network from Banff has many local bus routes traveling to popular destinations within the National Park. Whilst Two Jack Main Campground offers fewer services and amenities than other campgrounds in Banff National Park, it is the perfect spot for a a more rustic and authentic stay surrounded by nature. 

The post Two Jack Main Campground: Natural Beauty in Banff National Park appeared first on Banff National Park.

Tunnel Mountain Campground is encircled by the town of Banff and is located inside the breathtaking National Park bearing the same name. The mountain has, for decades, drawn hundreds if not thousands of families, hikers and adventurers to its rocky slopes in search of exhilaration, fun and relaxation.

Three campsites, respectively known as Tunnel Mountain Campgrounds 1,2 & Trailer Court, were purpose built in order to satisfy the needs to the land’s visitors. All together, the Tunnel Mountain Campgrounds make up the largest campground in Alberta. The campgrounds were named after the nearby Tunnel Mountain, a mountain given its name by railroad workers and surveyors developing the Canadian Pacific Railway. 

Tunnel Mountain’s campgrounds offer visitors the option of short or long stay camping in idyllic surroundings. The campgrounds offer more than 1000 sites for both RV parking and tents to be pitched. An additional campsite which can suit groups of up to 50 is also available. 

Each campground at Tunnel Mountain has different charges per stay. No matter your location however, fire permits per day remain $9.25, and camping permits are $10.50 per person per night.

Tunnel Mountain Campground 1

Tunnel Mountain Campground 1 is a short walk from Bow River and the spectacular Hoodoos Viewpoint. The campground is unserviced, leading to a more authentic camping experience. From Tunnel Mountain Campground 1 there are incredible views across the mountains and easily accessible hiking and cycling routes into the National Park.

When arriving at the campground, campers must register at either the kiosk or using the self-registration system before setting up their camp. Permits must also be prominently displayed.

Whilst staying in Tunnel Mountain Campground 1 a camping permit and park pass is required with both valid for the length of stay. Admission to the National Park is $10.50 per day for adults with children free. Family and group passes are also available at $21. The camp site charges $40.75 for its unserviced package which includes washroom access with both toilets and showers.

Pads at this campsite are gravel, so if staying in a tent mats or additional groundsheets are recommended to increase comfort. The campsite is at an elevation of 4724ft (1436m) offering inspiring views across the National Park. The maximum length of stay at Tunnel Mountain Campground 1 is 14 nights. 

Campground 1 Amenities

Amenities at Tunnel Mountain Campground 1 include fire pits which can be used to cook on, however it should be noted that a fire permit is required each night you decide to have a fire. Services include drinking water, toilets and showers, disability access and Sani Dump for sewage disposal. Interpretive programs are also offered where specialist guides can educate visitors on the natural area and cultural heritage. 

Additional amenities such as food and laundry services can be found close by. The campground is open for reservations between May and October with 618 sites available for booking.

Tunnel Mountain Campground 1 is at Tunnel Mountain Road, Banff, AB T0L 2C0.

Campground 1 Factsheet

Reviews for Tunnel Mountain Campground 1

Spacious and Convenient

There are many campsites here, but they are spread out and large. We appreciated the shuttle that takes you into to town so we could leave our rooftop tent open and not drive the car. Love how Canadian parks provide firewood! The bathroom facilities were large and clean. Good area for dishwashing too.

jpo wrote this review in June 2022

Clean campground, free showers

The campground was clean, bathrooms well kept and free showers! We had some issues with the number of tents we had, even though it was very specifically prediscussed at the gate before entering. Cell phone service was not good and there were no fire pits in our section but there were in every other letter.

KarleyRidesaBike wrote this review in June 2022

We loved our campsite!

Our campsite was situated close to the washrooms but it didn’t smell bad at all. The employees are very nice and the safety patrollers that come around now and then make us feel safe. The people around us were very respective and not too noisy. The campfire was probably my kids favorite part. The firewood was nearby and not too hard to gather. We went on a little walk (hey I couldn’t carry a two year old all the way through a normal hike) in the nearby nature. Great site seeing from my part of the camp. Water was easy to get and facilities are very clean best outdoor flushable toilets I have ever been to. Overall amazing camp.

Bug S wrote this review in June 2021

Tunnel Mountain Campground 2

Tunnel Mountain Campground 2 is the closest campground from the town of Banff. The campground is ideal for those looking for a larger pitch as some sites here can accommodate RV’s with a length of 35ft (10.67m). Thanks to its close proximity to the town, Tunnel Mountain Campground 2 has excellent access to a range of local attractions due to its year-round bus service. The campground is also close to hiking and biking trails. 

Pads at this campsite are asphalt. The campsite is at an elevation of 4790ft (1459m) offering inspiring views across the National Park and the town of Banff. The maximum length of stay at Tunnel Mountain Campground 2 is 14 nights.

Campground 2 Amenities

Tunnel Mountain Campground 2 has less sites than at Campground 1, at just 209. It does however offer the benefits of power access, drinking water, toilets and showers, disability access, interpretive programs, electricity, cooking and picnic shelters and Sani Dump for sewage disposal. 

The campsite offers 160 sites with electricity of 15, 30 or 50 amps and 21 oTENTik sites which are bookable from May to October. As the campsite is open year round, reservations are not always required. If staying between May and October however it is advisable to pre-book your stay. During the summer months the campsite fills quickly in the early afternoon. It should be noted that Campground 2 is not designed for tent stays during the summer months. 

Tunnel Mountain Campground 2 prices start at $34.50 for electrical hookups, and $40.75 for electricity, water and sewage. National Park camping and day pass permits, as well as daily fire permits, must also be purchased if staying in Campground 2. Campers must register at the kiosk or self-registration prior to setting up camp.

Tunnel Mountain Campground 2 is at Alberta T0L 2C0. 

Campground 2 Factsheet

Reviews for Tunnel Mountain Campground 2

Tunnel Mountain Village 2 did the trick

I would absolutely come again. The ability to camp on Tunnel Mountain and take a free shuttle into town is priceless.  

It is definitely a glorified parking lot, but there are enough trees between each site that we still had total privacy. You cannot beat those views, so I will take the parking lot feel if I’m looking at a mountain, still surrounded by beautiful trees, and we get a break from the super fun task of backing a trailer into a campsite. In other words, it was easy. Sometimes easy is nice for a 2 night stay.

The campground says no fires after 11pm, and people took that really seriously. We were going to wait and see what people did, but they definitely put them out at 11 on the dot, so we did the same. We didn’t mind that, it was very quiet. Lovely walks around the park and overlooking Mt. Rundle, you can actually see the Banff Springs from the right spot on those walks.  

For reference, we were in Site A35 in Tunnel Mountain Village 2.

So in short, will definitely be back when I need somewhere convenient and clean to stay.

Tara E wrote this review in August 2022

Amazing sight from this campground

It’s a nice campsite. Just drive and park on the tar road for overnight. A picnic table located next to the road.

Our spot was in the last lane with an awesome view across the Valley to the big mountain which reminds me of Bluff Knoll in Western Australia only this one is much bigger.

Beautiful sunsets and sky full of stars.

Shuttle from there downtown and back. We walked downtown and took the bus back. It is possible to catch Roaming buses for instance to Lake Louise which needs booking in advance

Adventurecurls wrote this review in July 2022

Convenient for the Banff attractions

The sites consist of spots on the roadways which are separated by grassed areas. This means that Your RV is on a hard standing but less private than some. While electricity is available at all sites, water and grey and black water dump are at a central point which may involve a queue at busy times.

Fire pits are provided for each RV site. 

A regular bus runs into Banff and connects to other routes. Travelling from the site the bus is free, returning is $2 ($1 for concessions). From Banff you can take the bus to the upper Banff Hot Springs and the Banff Cave and Basin.

Tony D wrote this review in July 2022

Tunnel Mountain Trailer Court

Tunnel Mountain Trailer Court is an exclusive campground for RV’s and trailers. The campground has sites that are capable of accommodating RV’s of 50ft (15.24m) in length. 

Trailer Court has 322 sites all of which has full 3-way hookups and are either shared or single sites. The site has drinking water, access to toilets, indoor cooking areas and Sani Dump sewage disposal. Campfires are not permitted at Trailer Park. 

Tunnel Mountain Trailer Court prices start at $34.50 for electrical hookups, and $40.75 for electricity, water and sewage. National Park camping and day pass permits must also be purchased if staying in Trailer Court. Campers must register at the kiosk or self-registration prior to setting up camp.

Trailer Court Amenities

From Trailer Court the town of Banff is easily accessible either on foot, by bike, or by taking a local bus service. The bus ride from Trailer Court to Banff is only 5 minutes, making the towns amenities and activities easily accessible to all. 

Trailer Court has access to several short hikes including a 3.5 kilometre walk into Banff itself. Walks to Hoodoos along Bow Valley offer spectacular views on an evening over both Mount Rundle and Bow River. During the summer months this trail can however become rather crowded, so heading out early or on an evening is recommended. 

Tunnel Mountain Trailer Court is at Tunnel Mountain Road, Banff, AB T0L 2C0.

Trailer Court Factsheet

Reviews for Tunnel Mountain Trailer Court

Amazing experience!

This was our first RV experience abroad, it didn’t disappoint. This is a large trailer park, but it doesn’t feel like it. We received a warm welcome from the Parks Canada team with clear instructions. Our pitch had the most stunning view of Mount Rundle right on the front (pitch 134 highly recommended). 

Easy to connect the RV to services. The toilets and showers were spotless. 

But perhaps the best feature is the cheap regular electric public bus service into Banff itself, we didn’t have to move the RV for the whole 8 night stay. Absolutely brilliant, and a huge achievement for Banff to get this right. 

On our first night we had Elk around the RV which was a memorable moment. 

Thank you for a great stay!

Mark H wrote this review in June 2022

Stunning views

The views at this campsite are stunning. Sites are large, well spaced, well treed, and the park is neat and clean. Situated close to the town, and other attractions. Plenty of hiking trails with caribou throughout the area. Staff were very friendly and knowledgeable.

Laura St wrote this review in May 2022

Best RV place in Banff

Very clean, well maintained, full hook-up with easy drive through plots, great location within a nice walking distance to Banff town centre or a 5 minute drive, alternatively use the shuttle bus service. There are amazing views of mountains, grasslands, creeks and forests literally across the road. We couldn’t fault it at all.

Jamie H-D wrote this review in April 2022

Activities at Tunnel Mountain Campground

From all of Tunnel Mountain’s campgrounds a range of easy to challenging hikes are available. 

Lake Minnewanka is a short drive away from all of the campgrounds at Tunnel Mountain. The lake has a pleasant trail looping for 30 kilometres (18.64 miles) around its shores. Shorter hikes of the west side of the lake are also available. 

All of Tunnel Mountain’s campgrounds are a short walk away from Bow River. Sundance Canyon and Banff Gondola can also be reached following a hike. 

The Hoodoos Trail Head is also a must hike trial if staying at Tunnel Mountain. The trail starts from the parking lot opposite to the Tunnel Mountain Campground offices. This trail is pleasant regardless of the time of year, however if you are visiting out of season, deer and caribou can be spotted from the trail. Hoodoo Trail Head offers incredible views of Mount Rundle and the Bow River which runs below the trail. There are regular view points along the trail for spectacular views and photographic opportunities. 

Rundle 1, a trail heading up to Mount Rundle should also be explored if you are a keen hiker. On the trail there is the chance to observe black hears in their natural habitat. From Mount Rundle the views are unlike anything else. Hike on a clear day for your view to stretch for miles beyond the town of Banff and across the neighbouring mountains. This hike is a 15 kilometre round trip hike, and therefore preparation is key. Pack plenty of water and snacks, and a map just incase. 

Stargazing is Absolutely Amazing

The skies across Tunnel Mountain’s campgrounds at night rank at numbers 4-5 on the Bortle Scale, which measures the night sky’s brightness. Whilst totally light-pollution free skies are not feasible, they are dark enough to see some spectacular astronomical sights.  

As with anywhere in Banff National Park, due care should be taken to food and food related items as the area does have bears. Ensure food is properly stored and waste is appropriately disposed of. 

How to Book a Campsite at Tunnel Mountain Campground

All of Tunnel Mountain’s campgrounds can be booked by visiting the Parks Canada website. Passes and permits for National Park access can also be purchased here. Visitors can also reserve a site over the phone by calling 1-877-RESERVE (1-877-737-3783). Whether booking online or over the phone, the booking process is simple. The reservation website has a detailed map of the campsites and their locations. Choose your reservation type, arrival date, number of nights or departure date and the campground you wish to stay at. Next, choose what you will be bringing to stay in and how big your party is. The website also allows you to search by feature preferences. 

The map on the booking website has helpful coloured dots indicating whether there are sites available. 

The Best Time of Year to Visit Tunnel Mountain Campground

Tunnel Mountain’s campgrounds are most popular between May and October. During the summer holidays, expect the campgrounds to be filled with families making the most of some much needed vacation time. 

Not all of Tunnel Mountain’s campgrounds are bookable year round, so check your site information carefully. Only Tunnel Mountain Campground 1 is suitable for tent camping during the summer months, so this too should be factored into your plans. 

For cooler weather making for more pleasant hiking consider an early spring stay at the start of May, or leaving your booking till later in the year as the leaves start to drop in October. 

Whenever you decide to visit Banff National Park and stay at one of Tunnel Mountain’s campgrounds, the scenery will be different every time. As the seasons change, the landscape around the mountain develops. From shady leafy passages on trails in summer to crunchy leaves underfoot in winter, there are beautiful sites to behold whatever the weather. 

During winter, only Tunnel Mountain Trailer Court is bookable. Expect the area to be quieter from October to May, with fewer visitors braving the cooler temperatures. 

How to Get Around from Tunnel Mountain Campground

Bus access is available from all of Tunnel Mountain’s Campgrounds. Full details of fairs around Banff and bus schedules are available through the Roam Transit website roamtransit.com. All buses are equipped with GPS technology to help you track your journey.

Summary

If you are looking for a great place to camp near Banff, look no further than Tunnel Mountain Campground. This campground offers beautiful views of the Canadian Rockies and plenty of activities to keep you busy during your stay. Whether you are looking for a place to relax and take in the natural beauty or want to get out and explore everything that Banff National Park has to offer, Tunnel Mountain Campground is the perfect spot for your next Canadian Rockies vacation.

The post Tunnel Mountain Campground: The Top Spot in Banff National Park appeared first on Banff National Park.

The demand for campgrounds peaks 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.

Here is our list of Banff campgrounds where you have the best chance to grab a spot.

Two Jack Main Campground

Two Jack Main Campground, the larger of the Two Jack campgrounds, is just 12 km from Banff. Camp in the wilderness, beautiful wooded area, secluded campsites (380). There is lots of wildlife. This campground is situated on the scenic Minnewanka Lake loop drive. Explore the ruins of Bankhead, sheep in the area may be on the roadways, so drive with care.

Services include:

• Kitchen shelters,
• Flush toilets.

There are no showers available. The main campground is open from mid-May through mid-September.

Two Jack Lakeside Campground

The smaller and more intimate of the two campgrounds, across the road is a small (77) site campground. Awake to the sound of water flowing and birds cooing. Showers are available.

Services include:

• 74 wooded secluded campsites,
• Kitchen shelters and dishwashing stations,
• Flush toilets,
• Heated showers.

The Two Jack campgrounds are available on a first come, first serve basis, so arriving early is recommended. Check-out time is 11 a.m.

Castle Mountain Group Campground

Castle Mountain Group Campground is 32.0 km from Banff. Church groups and boy scouts love this campground. Tenting only.  See magnificent Castle Mountain and explore the heights of Johnston Canyon. Two hiking trails start close by. Operated by reservation only.

Services include:

• 43 wooded sites,
• Flush toilets,
• Kitchen shelters.

Some cool luxuries of this campground: it is located close to a small store, gas bar and restaurant. Open mid-May through early September, sites are available first come, first serve basis.

Protection Mountain Campground

Protection Mountain Campground is 48 km from Banff and has 89 sites. This is a great area for hiking and there is lots of wildlife.

Services include:

• 89 sites,
• Flush toilets,
• Piped cold water,
• Kitchen shelters,
• Fire rings and firewood,
• Recycling bins, and
• Food storage.

Protection Mountain Campground also features the Campground Host volunteer program. The Protection Mountain Campground operates from late June through early September, with sites available on a first come, first served basis.

Mosquito Creek Campground

Mosquito Creek Campground is 83 km from Banff. This campground sits underneath the majestic cliffs of Mount Hector, 24 km north of Lake Louise along the Icefields Parkway (Highway 93 north). There are 32 unserviced sites and you can check out the sandstone cliffs of Bow Peak. The beautiful, rugged cliffs of Mount Hector dominate the southeast skyline. Flush toilets, no showers. Open all year.

Services include:

• Well water (hand pump)
• Dry privies,
• Kitchen shelter with wood cook stove, and
• Fire rings and firewood.

Waterfowl Lake Campground

Waterfowl Lake Campground is 73 km from Banff. With 116 sites, the bubbling Mistaya River enters Waterfowl Lake. A trail leads to Cirque and Chephren lakes for great hiking. No showers here. Open from late June through early September.

Services include:

• Flush toilets,
• Piped water,
• Kitchen shelters with wood cook stoves,
• Fire rings and firewood,
• Food storage,
• Recycling bins, and Sanitation station.

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

The post The Six Least-Trafficked Campgrounds Near Banff National Park appeared first on Banff National Park.

The sights of the Rockies make every road trip a pleasure.

We’ve also got plenty of great scenic drives, including the famous Icefields Parkway between Jasper National Park and Banff National Park, where you can see the Columbia Icefield. Add that to some awesome campgrounds, and you can see for yourself that this is a top RV vacation destination.

One of these great RV campgrounds is Rampart Creek in Banff National Park. Although you should know it only accommodates small RVs.The good news is campsites are all back-in and have lots of shade from the surrounding trees. There are no hookups, but they have well water (hand-pumped), pit toilets, fire rings, recycling bins and food storage containers. For a more full service campground in Banff, check out Tunnel Mountain.

About Rampart Creek Campground

Rampart Creek is a basic Banff National Park campground, with 50 sites. You’ll find it close to the Columbia Icefields (28 km away) along the Icefields Highway, making it a great stopping point for exploring this amazing part of the Canadian Rockies. It is 147 km from the town of Banff and 88 km from the town of Lake Louise.

Reservations cannot be made for this campsite. Like the majority of campsites in Banff National Park it is first-come, first served. Check out time is at 11 a.m., and is the best time to arrive to secure your site. Check their website for reservable campsites.

Some of the sites have the privilege to overlook the North Saskatchewan River and the valley. The site is open from June-late September (weather dependent).

The campground consists of 4 loops including a walk-in tent section with dry toilets, water stations, sheltered camp kitchens with wood burning cook stoves, garbage containers and recycling bins. Remember: this is bear country, so all food items must be stored properly. Read all advisories when you arrive, as they may have information about dangerous wildlife and/or inform you if you need to boil the water.

Campground Services

• Recycling bins
• Food storage
• Disabled access
• Fees
• ~$18 for the site and an additional ~$9 for use of the fire pit. Note: Parks Canada reserves the right to change the fees without notice.

• Dry toilets
• Well water (hand pump)
• Kitchen shelters with wood cook stove
• Fire pits and firewood (available when you get the fire permit)
• Smoke-free loop

Banff Activities

Visit the Columbia Icefields, go hiking and try ice climbing in nearby famous spots in the winter.

Rampart Creek Campground

• Icefields Highway
• Banff National Park
• Banff, AB T1L 1K2
• (403) 762-1550

For general information contact:

• Banff National Park
• Box 900
• Banff, AB
• Canada, T1L 1K2
• Phone: (403) 762-1550

To see all other national park campsites in Canada, visit Parks Canada.

Other RV sites in Banff National Park

Contact: (403) 762-1550

The post Canadian Rockies RV Camping: Rampart Creek appeared first on Banff National Park.

Basic features include:

• Flush toilets,
• Piped water,
• Kitchen shelters with wood cook stoves,
• Fire rings and firewood,
• Food storage,
• Recycling bins, and Sanitation station.

For more Banff National Park campground information including rates click here.

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Mosquito Creek Campground is 83 km from Banff. This campground sits underneath the majestic cliffs of Mount Hector, 24 km north of Lake Louise along the Icefields Parkway (Highway 93 north). There are 32 unserviced sites and you can check out the sandstone cliffs of Bow Peak. The beautiful, rugged cliffs of Mount Hector dominate the southeast skyline. Flush toilets, no showers. Open all year.

Basic amenities include:

• Well water (hand pump)
• Dry privies,
• Kitchen shelter with wood cook stove, and
• Fire rings and firewood.

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The Lake Louise campgrounds lie in a wooded site along the Bow River, 1 km from the Village of Lake Louise and 4 km from Lake Louise itself. Several hiking and biking trails are accessible from these campgrounds.

Because the Lake Louise campground is located within habitat required by wildlife, several initiatives are in place to protect both people and animals. To educate campers, Parks Canada presents interpretive programs at campground theatres throughout the summer.

Lake Louise Trailer Campground

The trailer campground is open year round and offers:

• 189 drive-thru sites in the summer, 30 in the winter,
• Power hook-ups,
• Flush toilets,
• Piped hot and cold water,
• Showers,
• Recycling bins,
• Sanitation station.

Lake Louise Tent Campground

In early spring (April/May) and late fall (October/November), tents and soft-sided trailers are not permitted in the Lake Louise Campground to help protect both people and bears. During these shoulder seasons, tenting is available at Mosquito Creek, Tunnel Mountain Campground, and Kicking Horse (closes October 6, 23 kilometres west on the Trans-Canada Highway).

From May – October, the Lake Louise Tent Campground offers:

• 210 unserviced sites,
• Flush toilets,
• Piped hot and cold water,
• Showers,
• Kitchen shelters,
• Fire rings and firewood,
• Recycling bins, and
• Food storage.

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Features and services include:

• 89 sites,
• Flush toilets,
• Piped cold water,
• Kitchen shelters,
• Fire rings and firewood,
• Recycling bins, and
• Food storage.

Protection Mountain Campground also features the Campground Host volunteer program. The Protection Mountain Campground operates from late June through early September, with sites available on a first come, first served basis.

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This mid-sized campground is located 25 km from Banff. Traveling west along the Bow Valley Parkway (Highway 1A). Johnston Canyon Campground is open from early June through mid-September and offers 132 sites and heated showers. All sites are available first come, first serve basis.

This campground features a creek flows nearby and the scenery is awesome. Take a walk up Johnston Canyon, and view the two waterfalls. There is a lot of wildlife in the area. Take the scenic route from Banff for wildlife sightings. Showers are available. Johnston Canyon is one of the favorite campgrounds of Canadian Rockies readers.

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The smaller and more intimate of the two campgrounds, across the road is a small (77) site campground. Awake to the sound of water flowing and birds cooing. Showers are available.

Services include:

• 74 wooded secluded campsites,
• Kitchen shelters and dishwashing stations,
• Flush toilets,
• Heated showers.

The Two Jack campgrounds are available on a first come, first serve basis, so arriving early is recommended. Check-out time is 11 a.m.

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