RV Camping in Banff National Park

Nestled on the eastern slope of Canada’s Great Divide and endowed with some of nature’s richest treasures, Banff National Park is a diamond in the rough. Her snow-capped mountains glisten in the sun, while her emerald lakes reflect their awesome beauty. Rivers flow clean and swift through the park, and elk, deer and bighorn sheep graze in green meadows. Black bears, moose and mountain goats amble across her wide valleys and hide in dense conifer forests. Imagine an ideal National Park; a park where scenic beauty is paramount and outdoor recreation is abundant. Banff is all this — a showcase for nature’s works and a playground for outdoors enjoyment.

About the Park

Banff National Park covers 2,564 sq. miles and spans three Eco-regions. The park is located about 80 miles west of Calgary, Alberta and some 530 miles east of Vancouver. The Trans-Canada Highway (#1) dissects the park, east to west, while Highway 93 runs north to south. It borders three other beautiful National Parks: Yoho, to the east, Jasper, on the north and Kootenay National Park to the south. Banff is open to the public year round. Gorgeous Lake Louise, with its famous Chateau, and Banff Township are both within the park boundaries. There is no park in the world that offers more spectacular scenery, better outdoor recreation or camping pleasures. A campout in Banff is truly an unforgettable experience.

Park Attractions and Activities

Banff National Park provides endless opportunities for outdoor recreation and sightseeing. It would require an extended stay at the park to experience all the enjoyments that Banff has to offer.

Scenic Drives

There are many wonderful scenic drives in the park. The Bow Valley Parkway runs along Highway #1 between Banff Township and Lake Louise (35 miles). The Bow River, Castle Mountain and Johnston Canyon are but a few of the beautiful attractions along the way. Lake Minnewanka Road leads from Banff Township to this lovely man-made lake. Bankhead Ghost Town, wildlife and Johnson Lake supplies wonderful sights and activities on the drive. Probably the most famous drive is the Icefields Parkway. Some of the worlds most awesome mountain highway, the drive offers spectacular vistas, glaciers, lakes, rivers and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Hikes, Walks and Rides

Banff National Park has over 1,000 miles of well-maintained trails. There are Self-Guiding Interpretive Trails, such as the Bow River Loop, Day Hikes, and backpacking trips into the fabulous Backcountry. There are 54 backcountry campsites available plus primitive areas. Also, the park has three good Mountain Bike Trails. Bicycling in the park is available on public roads, some trails and fireroads.

Wildlife Watching and More!

One of the favorite pastimes for visitors at Banff is Wildlife Watching. There are 53 species of mammals in the park, and a numbers of these can be observed along park roads and scenic drives. Other park activities include fishing, tours, horseback riding, canoeing, wind surfing and, of course, photography.

Park Campgrounds and Facilities

With 14 campgrounds (2,000 sites) in Banff – ranging from full-serviced to primitive camping – every camper can locate a good campsite. No reservations are offered. Tunnel Mountain Trailer Court (321 full-serviced sites), for example, is located within walking distance of Banff Township. It provides an eye-popping view of the valley and is near a golf course. Lake Louise Trailer Court and Campground (189 sites with electric) has pull-thrus, a dump station, restrooms, no showers and 216 tent sites. It is a beautiful campground with lots of trees, great scenery, a creek and plenty of wildlife. It offers showers, restrooms and a dump station. There is limited water here at individual campsites, however, so fill up your fresh water tank!

Area Attractions and Activities

Banff National Park covers a vast area and includes Banff and Lake Louise Townships; many of the area’s attractions are actually in the park. The Park Wildlife Museum is in Banff Township as is the Banff Upper Hot Springs. These are natural springs and the facility also has a spa, pool, restaurants and gift shop. The Township of Banff is a very busy tourist town. It provides visitors with many activities and attractions. The Lake Louise Area is a smaller community, but has a lot to offer – including fabulously beautiful Lake Louise.

The very attractive city of Calgary is only a few hours drive east of Banff and is well worth the drive for a visit. Finally, the Trans-Canada Highway, west toward Vancouver, is one of the most beautiful highways I have ever been on. There are scenic wonders around ever bend in the road, and the road itself is good and well maintained. The Canadian Rockies has so much natural beauty that words fail to do it justice!