Camping in Banff National Park is one of the best ways to experience the Canadian Rockies — waking up to mountain views, cooking under the stars, and falling asleep to the sound of rivers. Here's everything you need to know about campgrounds, booking, gear, and backcountry camping in Banff.
Front-Country Campgrounds
Banff has several excellent Parks Canada campgrounds with varying amenities. All require a valid park pass in addition to the camping fee.
Tunnel Mountain Village I (Open May-September)
The closest campground to Banff town (4 km). 618 sites for tents and RVs. Flush toilets, hot showers, fire pits, and food storage lockers. Sites from $29.25/night. Walking distance to town via trails.
Tunnel Mountain Village II (Open year-round)
Adjacent to Village I with 188 powered sites for RVs. Full hookups (electricity), flush toilets, hot showers. Sites from $39.25/night. The only year-round front-country campground in Banff.
Tunnel Mountain Trailer Court (Open May-September)
321 full-service RV sites with electricity, water, and sewer hookups. Flush toilets, hot showers. Sites from $39.25/night.
Two Jack Main (Open May-September)
380 sites in a beautiful setting near Two Jack Lake. Mix of tent and RV sites. Flush toilets, food storage lockers, fire pits. Some lakeside sites have stunning mountain views. Sites from $29.25/night.
Two Jack Lakeside (Open June-September)
74 walk-in tent sites right on the shore of Two Jack Lake — among the most scenic campground spots in the park. Some sites have direct lake views. Fire pits, food lockers, pit toilets. Sites from $29.25/night. Extremely popular — books out within minutes of opening.
Johnston Canyon (Open May-September)
132 sites along Johnston Creek, steps from the Johnston Canyon trailhead. Flush toilets, food storage lockers, fire pits. A great base for exploring the Bow Valley Parkway. Sites from $29.25/night.
Lake Louise Campground (Open May-September)
189 tent sites and some RV sites near Lake Louise village. Hard-sided camping only (no tents in some sections) due to bear activity. Flush toilets, showers available at some loops. Sites from $29.25/night.
Protection Mountain (Open June-September)
89 rustic sites along the Bow Valley Parkway. Pit toilets, no showers. A quieter, more backcountry feel while still being accessible by car. Sites from $22.00/night.
Booking Tips
Parks Canada campground reservations open in January-February for the summer season. Popular campgrounds — especially Two Jack Lakeside and Johnston Canyon — sell out within hours of opening.
- Book at reservation.pc.gc.ca
- Create your account and familiarize yourself with the booking system before reservations open
- Have backup dates and campgrounds in mind
- Some sites are held for same-day/next-day first-come, first-served booking
- Cancellations do appear — check the system regularly for openings
Backcountry Camping
For a more remote experience, Banff offers numerous backcountry campgrounds accessed by hiking trail. A backcountry camping permit is required ($10.50/person/night) and must be reserved in advance.
Popular backcountry areas include Egypt Lake, Skoki Valley, and the Sawback Trail. Campsites have tent pads, pit toilets, food storage cables or lockers, and fire pits (some). All food and gear must be packed in and out.
Camping Gear Essentials
- Tent: A 3-season tent minimum; 4-season if camping in shoulder season when temperatures can drop below freezing
- Sleeping bag: Rated to at least -5°C, even in summer (mountain nights are cold)
- Sleeping pad: An insulated sleeping pad for comfort and warmth
- Cooking: Camp stove, fuel, pots, utensils (campfires may be restricted during dry periods)
- Bear safety: Bear spray, bear-resistant food containers for backcountry, use food storage lockers at front-country sites
- Clothing: Layers, rain gear, warm hat and gloves (even in summer)
- Headlamp: A headlamp is essential for pre-dawn starts and campsite navigation
Campfire Rules
- Fires are only permitted in designated fire pits with metal rings
- Use only firewood purchased from campground vending machines or the park gate
- Never leave a fire unattended
- Fire bans may be in effect during dry periods — check Parks Canada for current status