Camping
Camping, Banff National Park © Travel Alberta
Banff National Park offers an exceptional camping opportunity for celebrating nature and exploring the great outdoors. We are proud to provide this experience to visitors from around the world, so much so that in 2010 we invested over $5 million in infrastructure and services for campers to enjoy while in the park.
While visiting, you may wish to take in a special activity, program, or event as Parks Canada celebrates 100 years since its creation as the world’s first national park service. Check back here for a full calendar of events. To reserve your spot today visit: www.pccamping.ca.
- Parks Canada operates all 13 campgrounds in Banff National Park.
- There are 2,468 sites available in Banff National Park during peak season with a variety of services.
- Dates of operation vary. Summer camping begins in early May, with all campgrounds open by mid to late June. Summer campgrounds close throughout September and October. Winter camping is available at Tunnel Mountain Village II and Lake Louise Campground.
- Demand is heaviest 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 securing a site.
- Campers must purchase a camping permit at the campground kiosk or at the self -registration kiosk. Campers have the option of purchasing a fire permit at these locations as well and must have a valid Park Pass to camp.
- Checkout time is 11:00 am.
- Interpretive programs are available in some of the campgrounds during the summer months. These programs are free and everyone is welcome to attend. Consult with campground or visitor centre staff for details.
Please check at pccamping.ca or phone the toll free number at 1-877-737-3783 to find out more information on campground reservations.
From May to September, a number of policies are in place to ensure visitors get a good night’s sleep. Daily alcohol consumption & fire bans are in effect at the campgrounds listed below during quiet hours from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m daily. On summer long weekends, a full alcohol ban on the possession of alcohol will also be in effect at most campgrounds (see below).
Consumption versus Possession:
It is important to note the difference between a ban on the consumption of alcohol and a ban on the possession. Ban on consumption – alcohol is permitted in the campground but may not be open or consumed during quiet hours. Note: campfires are also not permitted during quiet hours. Ban on possession – alcohol is not permitted at any time.
Alcohol and Campfire Ban:
Campgrounds where alcohol consumption and fires are not permitted during quite hours (11 p.m. to 7 a.m.) include:
- Tunnel Mountain Village 1
- Tunnel Mountain Village 2
- Tunnel Mountain Trailer Court
- Two Jack Main
- Two Jack Lakeside
- Johnston Canyon
- Castle Mountain
- Cascade Overflow
Alcohol Ban:
Campgrounds where the possession of alcohol is not permitted for the duration of the long weekend include:
Policies are in effect from 7 a.m. on the first day until noon on the last day.
May Long Weekend Ban:
Friday, May 18 – Monday, May 21
Campgrounds where the possession of alcohol is not permitted for the duration of the long weekend include:
- Tunnel Mountain Village 1
- Tunnel Mountain Village 2
- Tunnel Mountain Trailer Court
- Two Jack Main
- Two Jack Lakeside
- Lake Louise
- Mosquito Creek
July, August & September Long Weekend Ban:
- Canada Day (July) long weekend: Friday, June 29 - Monday, July 2
- Heritage Day (August) long weekend: Friday, August 3 - Monday, August 6
- Labour Day (September) long weekend: Friday, August 31 - Monday, September 3
Campgrounds where the possession of alcohol is not permitted for the duration of the long weekend include:
- Tunnel Mountain Village 1
- Tunnel Mountain Village 2
- Tunnel Mountain Trailer Court
- Two Jack Main
- Two Jack Lakeside
- Johnston Canyon
- Castle Mountain
- Protection Mountain
Sounds of birds chirping, leaves rustling in the trees and oh, a generator! Many visitors come camping in Banff National Park to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. In order to provide campers with a quiet and enjoyable experience, generator use is now permitted between the hours of 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. daily.
For questions about camping in Banff National Park please contact the Banff Information Centre at 403-762-1550.
The "Bare Campsite" Program
Black Bear© Parks Canada
"BARE"-proof your site! Anything that has an odour or could be considered food may attract wildlife to your site. Never leave ANY of these items unattended at your campsite:
- Coolers - full / empty
- Food - open / closed
- Garbage / Wrappings
- Dishes / Pots
- Pet Food / Bowls
- Bottles / Cans
- ANY item associated with food preparation
To report campground noise complaints and other Canada National Parks Act offences in Kootenay, Yoho, Banff and Waterton Lakes National Parks:
Dial 1-888-WARDENS (1-888-927-3367), toll free 24 hrs a day, 7 days a week.
General Camping Information
Campground opening and closing dates may vary depending on weather and operational requirement. Check with information centres for dates. Arrive early - sites assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.
- FULL H-U = full hook-up
- DIS ACC = disabled access
- INTERP PROG = Interpretive program
- FIRE PERMIT REQUIRED where fireboxes and firewood are provided.
- Boil water advisories may be posted.
CAMPSITE RESERVATIONS can be made for the blue campgrounds. To make a reservation, visit the 24-hour web service at www.pccamping.ca or dial toll free 1.877.737.3783 (1.877.RESERVE) (12 hr/day). Reservations must be made at least 24 hours in advance.