Banff Camping
Tent, Trailer, RV

Banff camping may be the most enjoyable accommodations in Banff if you do it right -- and it is certainly the most affordable for those on a budget.

The Banff National Park system does their part right. If you are already an experienced camper you probably know how to do your part right -- although the Canadian Park Systems may have some surprises for you. Like closing a campground when the berries ripen to let the bears eat them without interference from humans.

If you are in a tent, a major part of doing Banff camping right is to remain warm and dry. Don't skimp on available layers of clothing and the means to keep them dry. At night, you want a water-proof tent and an insulated pad under your sleeping bag so the cold does not creep through the sleeping bag compressed under your body weight.

High quality (minimal smoke) fire-wood is available for a fee in campgrounds that allow fires.

Caution: You came to see wild life and that includes bears. Bear discipline is essential for tent campers. Read all the brochures and notices available when you check in and follow them to the letter. Bear stories are fun -- but you want to hear them, not experience them.

National Park campsites near Banff range from $21.50 (flush toilets) to $38.20 (trailer and RVs with full hook up). Some remote campsites are $15.70 (tent camping with dry toilets and no showers).

The dates of operation vary. Summer camping begins in early May, with all campgrounds open by mid to late June. Summer campgrounds close sometime in September and October. Banff camping in winter is only available at Tunnel Mountain - Village II and Lake Louise Campground.

Tent Camping

Inexpensive Discount Tent

If you have never camped before, there is no better place than Banff to experience camping for the first time. The added bonus is that you can stay in this resort-for-the-wealthy on a very meagre budget. You can buy all the gear you need for car camping for the price of one or two nights lodging in a modestly priced (for Banff) hotel -- and you can use it for years before it wears out and needs replacement. For example, in July 2006 Wal-Mart was selling a 13-Piece Family Camping Kit (5-Person Tent, 2 Sleeping Bags, 2 Chairs, stove, flashlight and more) for less than $100 US. For better quality (and more expensive) equipment and to learn more about selecting and using it, visit the REI website, http://www.rei.com. The "Expert Advice" link reveals a wealth of information.

Tunnel Mountain Village I

Tunnel Mountain Village I

FACTS
Sites: 618 sites.
Facilities: Washroom buildings with flush toilets and showers.
Dump station, fire pits, firewood, and public telephones.
Disabled Access: Yes
Interpretive Program: Yes
Fee: $27.40 per night.
Reservations Accepted: Yes

Two Jack Campgrounds

A little further out on the Minnewanka Loop are two, Two Jack Campgrounds, Two Jack Main Campground (12 kM NE of Banff) and the smaller Two Jack Lakeside Campground across the road -- which always fills up before the main campground.

Two Jack Main Campground

Two Jack Main
Campground

FACTS
Sites: 380
Facilities: Flush toilets, dump, and fire pits.
Disabled Access: Yes
Interpretive Program: No
Fee: $21.50 per night.
Reservations Accepted: No

Two Jack Lakeside Campground

Two Jack Lakeside
Campground

FACTS
Sites: 74
Facilities: Flush toilets, showers, and fire pits.
Disabled Access: Yes
Interpretive Program: Yes
Fee: $27.40 per night.
Reservations Accepted: No

Trailers and RVs

Tunnel Mountain Trailer Court

Tunnel Mountain
Trailer Court

FACTS
Sites: 321 gravel sites 20 x 60 feet with full hookups (water, electrical, sewer). Half are pull-through.
Facilities: Washroom buildings with flush toilets and showers. Dump station, and public telephones. No camp fires. No tents.
Disabled Access: Yes
Interpretive Program: Yes
Fee: $38.20 per night.
Reservations Accepted: Yes

Tunnel Mountain Village II

Tunnel Mountain Village II

FACTS
Sites: 188 electrical-only sites. Paved pull-through, 20 x 60 feet.
Facilities: Washroom buildings with flush toilets and showers. Dump station, firewood, and public telephones.
Disabled Access: Yes
Interpretive Program: Says No, but shares Trailer Court program.
Fee: $32.30 per night.
Reservations Accepted: Yes