Canada is famous for its rocky mountains, especially for Banff National Park and Jasper. The beauty of mesmerizing lakes and mountains can fill your heart fresh and sound in the hot summer in Alberta. Being one of the best tourist attractions in Canada, Banff and Jasper are always crowded with tourists from all over the world. At this time of the year, it is very expensive to afford a hotel or Airbnb because of the high tourist activities. The accommodation is filled up with tourists for three months before the summer starts.
The best way to get an affordable tour to Banff and Jasper in Summer is camping. Camping can be very adventurous if it is properly planned with the proper gear. Below I’ll be talking about some of the best campgrounds in Banff, why you should choose them, what you can expect and other important details you need to know before your trip. So let’s get started.
Two Jack Lake Campground
My top pick will be Two Jack Lake Campground because of its lakeside views and better amenities compared to other campgrounds. The campsite is very clean and equipped campsites provide a hassle-free experience. It is close proximity to Banff which allows for a quick trip to town if needed which is the main reason I picked this for my first spot. Also, you can visit Lake Minnewanka, one of my personal favorite lakes because it is not as crowded as Lake Louise and its BEAUTIFUL. There are two types of campgrounds. Here are some details you need to know about this campground.
Location: It is proximity 15 minutes of the town of Banff, Alberta, Canada.
Features: You will find two campgrounds in the Two Jack Lake, Here are some details. I prefer the lakeside campground because it is not as crowded as the main one.
Two Jack Lakeside Campground | Two Jack Main Campground |
Equipped campsites available for $74.75 per night, including a 6-person tent, 6 sleeping pads, stove, propane, and lantern Regular Campsites: $30.50 per night | Equipped campsites cost $78.00 per night Regular campsites cost $24.00 per night |
Operates from May 23 to October 6 | Operates from June 20 to September 2 |
Has 64 sites, including 22 walk-in campsites along the shore and 10 oTENTik sites | A total of 455 mixed sites are shared between Two Jack Main and Two Jack Lakeside |
Activities
- On-site: Easy hikes, stand-up paddleboarding (my personal favorite), sunset views.
- Nearby: Fishing, water sports, hiking at Lake Minnewanka
Johnston Canyon Campground
Johnston Canyon offers a peaceful environment along the Bow-Valley Parkway which is located at the trailhead for one of Banff’s most popular hikes. It has comprehensive facilities which ensure a comfortable camping experience. It has three campsites along Johnston Creek that provide a unique, serene setting. If you enjoy hiking, nature, and quieter locations away from townsites this campsite can be ideal for you.
Location: Just off the Bow Valley Parkway, about 30 minutes from Banff, Alberta, Canada.
Features: There are 132 sites here which include hot showers, flush toilets, fire pits, potable water, food lockers, a sheltered camp kitchen, a sanitation dump, disabled access, etc. The composites will cost you 30.50 CAD per night. There are three campsites located along Johnston Creek for a serene experience with the sound of rushing water.
Activities:
1. On-site: Early morning hikes through Johnston Canyon.
2. Nearby: Exploring Lake Louise and Banff townsite.
Tunnel Mountain Campground
Tunnel Mountain Campground is famous for frequently sightings of elk, bears and occasionally the Bow Valley wolf pack. The campground provides a mix of convenience, natural beauty and wildlife experiences, making it one of the best facilities for camping in Banff. It is the largest campground in Alberta offer more than 1000 sites.
Location: It is located at the base of Tunnel Mountain, encircled by the town of Banff within the Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada
Features: Here are some features you need to know about this campground:
Tunnel Mountain Campground I | Tunnel Mountain Campground II |
Operating Dates: May 9 to October 6 | Operating Dates: Year-round oTENTik: Operating Dates: May 9 to October 15 |
Unserviced sites for an authentic camping experience | Offers serviced sites with electricity |
Number of Sites: 618 | Mixed within the 1,148 sites across all Tunnel Mountain Campgrounds |
$40.75 for unserviced sites Gravel pads for tents, fire permits ($9.25 per day), park pass required ($10.50 per day for adults, $21 for family/group passes) | $128 per night |
Tunnel Mountain Unserviced (washroom building having toilets and showers): $30.50 per night
Tunnel Mountain Electrical: $36.00 per night
Tunnel Mountain Water, Sewer, and Electrical: $42.50 per night
Tunnel Mountain Village II oTENTik: $128 per night
Fire Permit: $9.25 per day
Camping Permit: $10.50 per person per night
Activities: It is close to Bow River, Hoodoos Viewpoint, and within easy access to hiking and cycling routes in the National Park.
Lake Louise Campground
Lake Louise is the main attraction of the Banff National Park and Rocky Mountain. It is called the Crown Jewel of Rocky Mountain. Most of the tourists come to this spot for a visit and it is considered one of the busiest places in summer in Canada. It has outstanding views of Victoria Glacier and Lake Louise, some of the best hikes in the Rocky Mountains. If you are considering wild-life free camping, Lake Louise campground can be your best choice because bear fence are around tented areas for safety. The campsite is very close to the Lake Louise town site, which offers gas, fuel and limited groceries and restaurants.
Location: The campground is located at the south side of the lake Louise town site on the Bow Valley Parkway, 60 Km north of Banff, Alberta, Canada.
Features: The hard-sided Campers area has 189 campsites which is operated all year around but reservation is required from May 17 to September 22. The soft-sided Campers area operated from May 31 to September 22 and it has 206 camping sides. The soft-sided Campers area has an electrified gate and electric fence to keep bears out.
Here are the costing list:
Lake Louise Unserviced with Washroom Building (toilets and showers): $30.50 per night
Lake Louise Electrical: $36.00 per night
Lake Louise Overflow: $12.00 per night
Fire Permit: Firewood is available when purchasing a permit
Activities: Sunrise at Lake Louise, hiking at different spots of Lake Louise. Lake Moraine, one of my favorite lakes in Alberta is located near Lake Louise, which is a must watch.
Waterfowl Lakes Campground:
Waterfowl Lakes Campground offers a serene and scenic camping experience in Banff National Park. Though it is less well-known, the campground is regarded as a hidden gem for its beautiful setting and peaceful atmosphere. The natural setting of this like is beautiful ensuring a peaceful and immersive nature experience. The campground is located between upper and lower Waterfowl lake which offers beautiful glacial lakes with classic blue colors.
Location: It is located off the Icefields Parkway in Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada.
Features: The Campsite has 116 sites where reservation is provided on a first-come,first-serve basis. It is fully operated from June 20-September 2. The campground has limited on-site amenities and no cell reception. So you need to prepare yourself before coming here.
Here are some costing information:
Campsites: $24.00 per night, Fire Permit: $11.00 per day
Activities: It has an excellent nearby hiking opportunity, with Chephren Lake being a notable destination.
