Best Campgrounds in Banff

Parks Canada operates 13 campgrounds in Banff National Park not including backcountry sites for backpackers and climbers. The camping season generally runs from mid-May through October, although the Tunnel Mountain and Lake Louise campgrounds remain open year-round. Hookups are available at most of the campgrounds and at four of the 31 Kananaskis Country campgrounds. Parks Canada also offers Equipped Campsites for $55 per night that include a tent, sleeping pads, and a stove already set up. Another camping option is an oTENTik unit. A cross between a cabin and a tent, each oTENTik can sleep up to six people on foam mattresses and has a heater inside, a fire pit, a bear-proof food locker, a picnic table, and a barbecue. Prices for a one-night stay range from C$16 to C$28 for a tent site. An equipped campsite costs C$55 a night, an oTENTik C$120.

For $50 per day, you can rent camping equipment for up to six people from the BacTrax rental service (www.campingbanff.com). The company also offers a setup and pack-down service, so you can arrive at your campsite to find everything ready for you, and have it all taken away when your stay is over.

Castle Mountain Campground. This campground is in a beautiful wooded area close to a small store, a gas bar, and a restaurant. 34 km (21 miles) from Banff on Bow Valley Pkwy. www.pccamping.ca.

Johnston Canyon Campground. The scenery is spectacular and the wildlife abundant in and around this campground across from Johnston Canyon. A small creek flows right by the camping area. 25 km (15½ miles) from Banff on Bow Valley Pkwy. 403/762–1550 or 877/737–3783 www.pccamping.ca.

Lake Louise Campground. This forested area next to the Bow River is open year-round, but in early spring and late fall tents and soft-sided trailers are not permitted in order to protect both people and bears. 1 km (½ mile) from Lake Louise Village and 4 km (2½ miles) from the lake 877/737–3783 www.pccamping.ca.

Tunnel Mountain Campground. Close to the townsite, this campground has a great view of the valley, hoodoos, and the Banff Springs golf course. 2½ km (1½ miles) from Banff Townsite on Tunnel Mountain 403/762–1550 or 877/737–3783 www.pccamping.ca.

Two Jack Lakeside Campground. This secluded campground is on the shores of beautiful Two Jack Lake—one of the park's most scenic areas. There are interpretive programs, and Parks Canada recently built 10 new lakefront oTENTiks that visitors can rent. 12 km (7½ miles) from Banff on the Minnewanka Loop 403/762–1550 or 877/737–3783 www.pccamping.ca.