Camping in the Rocky Mountains is an experience like no other. The smell of pine trees, smoke from a nearby campfire, glacier and mountain views, and the wind blowing gently through the trees create memories for a lifetime.
Also, from a purely budgetary standpoint, camping is by far the most cost-effective way to stay in Banff National Park. Hotel rooms are expensive and often fully booked in high season.
Some of the campgrounds below can be reserved; some are on a first-come, first-served basis; and some are a mixture of both. That said, where sites can be booked online, be sure to book early for peak season.
While only Lake Louise’s tent and trailer campgrounds (collectively known as Lake Louise Campground) are located right on Lake Louise, several others can be found within a short drive. All of the campgrounds mentioned here are in or very close to Lake Louise. If you want to broaden your search, you can find more great campgrounds throughout Banff National Park.
Camping at Lake Louise is the best way to ensure access to the top attractions around the lake. Parking lots fill up quickly in the summer, and once that happens, no more cars are allowed and you’ll be forced to take a shuttle. If you’re camping here, you can get to the lake early and you’re more likely to get a spot. The shuttle also stops at the campground if you don’t want to drive.
Key attractions in Lake Louise include the lake itself, Moraine Lake, the Lake Agnes Tea House (hike to), and the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. Some of the best hiking in Banff National Park is also here, including Sentinel Pass, Lake Annette/Paradise Valley, Plain of Six Glaciers, and Big Beehive.
To see where to camp, check out our list of the best campgrounds in Lake Louise.
Note: Some businesses may temporarily close due to recent global health and safety issues.
1. Lake Louise Tent Camp
The Lake Louise Tent Campground is one of the best campgrounds in Banff National Park. Nestled in an area of tall lodgepole pines, the campground is a relaxing place to stay considering how busy Lake Louise can get.
this campsite is surrounded by an electric fence to ensure the safety of campers from marauding bears. Gates along the fence allow campers to easily get in and out and access the walking trails into town.
The campsite has 206 sites, and are well spaced around a series of 12 loops. The sites in loops A, B, C, D, E, L, and M are in smaller loops and nicer than those in the larger loops of G, H, I, K, and J. These are also closer the Arco River, so the sound of the river can lull you to sleep at night.
If a shower at the end of the day or first thing in the morning is important, book in loop L & M or prepare for a long walk.
Those with mobility issues may want to book at Circuit J, where the easily accessible restrooms are located.
A note about trains: the Canadian Pacific Railway mainline runs through the camp, and the rumble of trains and their whistles can be heard regularly.
Although the camp is designed primarily for tents, soft-sided trailers shorter than six meters (21 feet) are permitted.
Lake Louise tent camping is open from the end of May to the end of September.
Official site: https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/ab/banff/activ/camping/lltent
2. Lake Louise Trailer Camp
The Lake Louise Trailer Park is an ideal location for camping considering the access it provides to the park’s main attractions. The campground has recently seen the replacement of the shower and restroom blocks, and they are some of the best in the park. Please note that only rigid camping trailers are allowed here. Soft sided trailers are not allowed due to bear danger.
However, the downside is that the campground is close to the railway and many of the sites are close together. Train noise may not be a problem if you have thick walls, but many users find it a problem.
Although they use a common entrance, the trailer camp is completely separate from the Lake Louise tent camp. You can walk from one to the other via a bridge over the Bow River.
You will have your choice of 189 sites, all with electricity, water, and sewage. A sanitary dump is available.
This is a very busy campground with a lot of turnover. Be prepared for a long wait to check in at the front door.
The campground is just a short walk from Lake Louise Village, where you’ll find a small grocery store, several restaurants, and a few retail stores.
Lake Louise RV Campground is open all year long.
Official site: https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/ab/banff/activ/camping/lltrailer
3. Mosquito Camp
Competition can be fierce for a spot at Lake Louise Campground. If you find you can’t find a place there, consider driving an additional 22 minutes on the Trans-Canada Highway, then turning north on the Ice fields avenue.
Mosquito Creek is a smaller camp with 32 sites, all of which are available in a first to arrive, first to be served base. The creek runs through the campground and the views from some of the sites are quite spectacular.
Sites along the creek are small. The largest sites are around a central loop area and are suitable for smaller trailers. The camp is relatively rustic with pit toilets. Running water and firewood are also provided, and a cooking shelter is also available.
From here, views of the Icefields Parkway are within easy reach. Some of the nearby attractions include Bow Lake and the Bow Falls hike, along with the amazing cobalt-colored Petyo Lake.
4. Protective Mountain
Protection Mountain Campground is another option in the Lake Louise area. This campground has been completely overhauled, with most of the trees removed. You will now find an open area with fantastic views of the surrounding mountains.
Note that only hard-sided units can camp here; no tents or soft-sided popups are allowed.
The campsite has 72 sites, and they are all in one first come first serve. Facilities here are basic, with pit toilets, water, firewood, and cooking sheds. The loops are a mix of fire pit sites and non-fire pit sites.
The campsite is well located along the Arch Valley Avenue, although train noise can be expected.
This campground is open. mid June to the first week of September.
5. Kicking Horse Camp, Yoho National Park
Another campground worth considering if Lake Louise is packed is Kicking Horse Campground. It is located 20 minutes west of Lake Louise in Yoho National Park. Here you will find 88 sites with running water and flush toilets.
The sites here are a mix of bookable and first come first served. The tent sites are usually set up in the trees, and the sites along the river, 40-48 and 65-69, are wonderful. For those with large platforms, an open area is available, and the sites here have views of the surrounding mountains.
The campground areas have been recently updated, including new restrooms and a playground, among other things.
The advantage of staying at Kicking Horse Campground is access to Takakkaw Falls. Just a 15-minute drive down the road, this is the second-highest waterfall in Western Canada, with a drop of 1,224 feet (373 meters).
If Kicking Horse is full, the most basic Monarch Camp It has another campsite located on the same road. It has 44 sites.
Kicking Horse campground is open mid-May to mid-early October.
