Categories > Guides and Tips
For the Nature Wanderers: 12 Awesome Jasper Campsites to Check Out!
We all know there are so many things to do in Jasper, but we must say that camping is the best way to experience the outdoors and be part of nature!
Camping is the perfect activity for adventurers, travellers, and individuals who want to be closer to nature. I’m one of those people, and I’ve been to popular and no-so-popular campgrounds, each with its unique charms.
Just imagine waking up in the morning with the most stunning scenery of the lakes, forests, and mountains, and the singing of birds—what a dream! Hopefully, there aren’t any bears!
Excited yet? Well, I’m here to share with you some well-known campsites and hidden gems so you can see which one will suit your lifestyle best! From areas with flush toilets to outhouses, let’s see the best campsites in Jasper!
Whistlers Campground
Media credit: winniestranero
Website: https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/ab/jasper/activ/passez-stay/camping/whistlers
Location: 67 19, Jasper National Park
Contact: 1 (877) 737-3783
Operating Season: May – October
Rate/s: $30.50 – $53.50 (subject to change)
Amenities: Fully serviced sites, unserviced sites, all-gender washrooms, combined washroom and shower facilities, picnic tables, firepits, service desks, oTENTik cabins.
Whistlers Campground is probably one of the most popular campsites in Jasper National Park. It’s also the largest, with 781 unserviced and fully serviced campsites.
It’s certainly the most convenient, which is a good choice if it’s your first time camping. Whistlers come with everything you need, such as electrical hookups, firepits, washrooms, toilets and showers, and oTENTik cabins.
It’s also a modernized campsite with an upgraded electrical and sewer system, and the roads are wider to accommodate two-way traffic for large vehicles like RVs.
With all these amenities, it’s a perfect campsite for families since it’s not fully remote. You can even get a good phone signal here!
Pro Tip:
Even though Whistlers Campground is a large site, you still need to book an advanced reservation. We don’t recommend last-minute bookings (but you may be lucky and secure a spot sometimes), especially during peak seasons.
Wapiti Campground
Media credit: nikoletta_vv
Website: https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/ab/jasper/visit/depliants-brochures/wapiti-cg
Location: RWVJ+GF, AB-93A, Jasper National Park
Contact: (780) 852-6176
Operating Season: Year-round
Rate/s: $34.50 – $43.75 (subject to change)
Amenities: Electrical hookups, firepits, hot showers, flush toilets, tent camping, RV camping
Another Jasper campsite we really love is the Wapiti Campground because it’s open year-round! Located off Highway 93, it has summer and winter campsites, which makes it ideal any time of the year!
It’s available for tent and RV camping, perfect for families, couples, and solo travellers. It’s also a prime destination if you don’t like backcountry camping since you pretty much get complete amenities.
There are 362 campsites in the summer and 92 in the winter. It’s very convenient as well since there are also firepits, flush toilets, and hot showers— we want to point out that water temperature can be warm or cold.
Pro Tips:
Try to avoid showering during chilly nights because even though it has hot showers, some don’t actually offer hot or warm water. Also, bring thick blankets for those cold nights.
Most sites offer little privacy since they had to remove some trees due to pine beetles. If you can, bring your RV or arrive early to secure a spot with tree covers.
Waterfowl Lakes Campground
Media credit: banff_lakelouise
Website: https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/ab/banff/activ/camping#waterfowl
Location: Right next to Icefields Parkway
Contact: 1 (877) 737-3783
Operating Season: June – September
Rate/s: $21.50 – $30.30 (subject to change)
Amenities: Drinking water, cooking shelter, firepits, picnic shelter, dumping station, food storage locker, interpretive programs, outhouse
Waterfowl Lakes Campground is one of those spectacular spots because of the scenic views it offers. It’s located right next to Icefields Parkway, which means you get to see the Canadian Rockies, hike the trails, and kayak in the glacier-fed lake.
If you’re into a remote camping experience but still prefer some amenities, this is the place to go. This campsite is unserviced, so you don’t get hookups for water and electricity.
But it’s not totally remote since there is a drinking station, cooking shelter, food storage locker, and picnic station. There are 116 campsites (for tents and RVs) in total, so expect this spot to still be crowded during peak seasons.
Pro Tips:
If you work remotely, you better take a leave of absence since there’s no cell signal in Icefields Parkway.
Arrive early to secure the best campsite since this is on a first come, first served basis.
Wabasso Campground
Media credit: rubysarkar
Website: https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/ab/jasper/visit/depliants-brochures/wabasso-cg
Location: AB-93A
Contact: 1 (877) 737-3783
Operating Season: June – September
Rate/s: $23 – $36 (subject to change)
Amenities: Kitchen shelters, bathrooms, flush toilets, running water, food lockers, dumping station, play area, electrical site
If you’ve been itching to get away from it all, Wabasso Campground is worth going to. This has 231 unserviced and electrical sites for tents, RVs, and trailers (under 35 feet only).
This campground is located near Highway 93A, near Athabasca Falls, perfect for those quiet camping adventures. The six loops at Wabasso have toilets, a convenient amenity for an unserviced campground.
Once here, you can enjoy a nice walk on the riverside trail. It’s an easy walk since it’s mostly flat and maintained. There are camping shelters with power and even USB ports, so even when camping in a tent, you have electricity.
Pro Tips:
There are no showers here, so stick to overnight camping (or a few days) only. And remember, be bear aware. This campsite is near the Athabasca River, so expect to see wildlife looking for food.
Don’t swim in the river because of the fast-flowing water. It’s dangerous, so just stick to camping and look for pools elsewhere.
Fisherman’s Bay Campground
Media credit: a._.lesha
Location: Maligne Lake, Improvement District No. 12
Contact: 1 (877) 737-3783
Operating Season: June – October (depending on the weather)
Rate/s: $13.50+ (subject to change)
Amenities: Barrel toilet, firepits, picnic area, storage lockers
One thing that makes camping at Fisherman’s Bay Campground a treat is you have to paddle the lake to get there. It’s because it’s situated in a small cove on the east side, so you’ll have to cross the gorgeous lake before getting to this scenic destination.
From the dock, you need to paddle 13 km until you reach this scenic campsite. If you want to reach the photography spot of Spirit Island, you can kayak from the campground for only 20 minutes.
There are eight campsites, and this isn’t crowded, so it’s an ideal spot for quiet camping. Don’t expect lots of amenities, but you do get a barrel toilet.
This is also a prime spot for fishing, where you can catch some decent-sized fish. All campgrounds on Maligne Lake have docks, so it’s easy to get in and out of the boat.
Pro Tip:
Do not swim at Maligne Lake. It’s really cold, even in the summer. Bring a change of clothes in case you get wet.
Honeymoon Lake Campground
Media credit: sunwaptafalls
Website: https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/ab/jasper/visit/depliants-brochures/honeymoon-cg
Location: Hwy, 93 Icefields Parkway
Contact: 1 (877) 737-3783
Operating Season: May – September
Rate/s: $17.50+ (subject to change)
Amenities: Drinking water station, picnic area, food lockers, kitchen shelter, toilets, bike camping area
Located on the Icefields Parkway, Honeymoon Lake Campground is the spot for remote camping. As a primitive campground, there aren’t modern amenities.
There are firepits, toilets, a picnic area, a food locker, a kitchen shelter, and a drinking water station. There are 34 campsites in total, ideal for tents and RVs.
Campsite #24 is for bike camping only, so bring your own bike and ride the trails. Since this site can only accommodate up to six tents, make sure you arrive early because slots are first come, first served.
This campsite is small, but that’s where its beauty lies. It’s not crowded like other Jasper campgrounds, so it’s perfect if you want an escape from city life and want to be surrounded by stunning views.
Pro Tip:
This campground is small, so you can only bring small RVs. If you have a big one, it’s a good idea to stick to tents.
Wilcox Creek Campground
Media credit: hayleypusch
Website: https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/ab/jasper/activ/passez-stay/camping?utm_source=gmb&utm_medium=wilcox
Location: Icefields Parkway, near Columbia Icefield
Contact: 1 (877) 737-3783
Operating Season: June – September
Rate/s: $26.25+ (subject to change)
Amenities: Firepits, picnic area, outhouse, drinking water station
On Icefields Parkway, you’ll find Wilcox Creek Campground, a primitive-style campground with 46 unserviced campsites. Since it’s only four hours away from Calgary, it’s perfect for individuals who enjoy camping or those looking for a day trip destination.
Since this campground is small, you can only bring RVs and trailers under 27 feet. This is also ideal if you want to avoid crowds since this isn’t one of the most popular spots.
Expect a rustic facility—instead of a flush toilet, you get an outhouse. But the convenient location, hiking trails, and views of the Saskatchewan Glacier really make this a prime campsite.
Pro Tip:
This campground is cold because of the elevation and the glaciers. Make sure you bring layers of clothing and warm sleeping bags.
Miette Campground
Media credit: brockmon
Website: https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/ab/jasper/visit/depliants-brochures/miette-cg
Location: Miette Road, Improvement District No. 12
Contact: 1 (877) 737-3783
Operating Season: June – September
Rate/s: $32.50 (subject to change)
Amenities: Washrooms, toilets, food lockers, firepits, picnic tables
Miette Campground, formerly known as Pocahontas Campground, is a hidden gem only 22 minutes away from Miette Hot Springs. If you’re looking for a quiet outdoor trip that’s 30 minutes away from the town of Jasper, you might want to consider this!
There are hiking trails nearby to stretch your legs and decent amenities to get you through the weekend. There are food lockers and flush toilets, but no showers— if you need to shower, you can check out Miette Hot Springs and just pay for a relaxing time.
Go to Loops B and F if you want a tents-only campsite. Both have washroom and toilet facilities. Most of the place is pretty level, so it’s easy to find a campsite.
Pro Tip:
Bring bug spray because this campground tends to have a lot of mosquitoes. You need to apply mosquito repellant even before starting your walk to your campsite.
Snaring Campground
Media credit: tripatypical
Website: https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/ab/jasper/visit/depliants-brochures/snaring-cg
Location: Along Snaring Road
Contact: 1 (877) 737-3783.
Operating Season: May – September
Rate/s: $17.50+ (subject to change)
Amenities: Toilets, recycling areas, kitchen shelter, food lockers, drinking water
Snaring Campground is a gorgeous place in Jasper National Park. Even though this is a popular campsite, it’s still a secluded spot in the woods with plenty of sites that offer privacy.
There are three loops, and if you want a place close to the toilet, Loop C is the campsite to go to. There are toilets and washrooms near Loops A and B, but they’re not located right in the middle of the campsite so you’ll have to do a bit of walking.
At this camping spot, you can hike the trail, walk near the river, and take photos of the scenery. The campsites are all short walks to the river, so it’s easy to check out.
Pro Tip:
In case the campsites are full, you can check the overflow campground. But make sure your tent is secured because it can get windy in the overflow sites.
Columbia Icefield Campground
Media credit: ladyterezievonbeerland
Website: https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/ab/jasper/visit/depliants-brochures/icefields-cg
Location: Down the road from Icefields Parkway
Contact: 1 (877) 737-3783
Operating Season: June – October
Rate/s: $16.75+ (subject to change)
Amenities: Cooking shelter, flush toilets, food lockers, potable water
One of the loveliest sites in Jasper is the Columbia Icefields Parkway because the striking beauty of the mountains will completely surround you. As a tent-only campground, this is the perfect spot for backpacking or weekend getaways.
In the morning, the stunning views of the mountains and glaciers will greet you— what a perfect way to start the day! All in all, there are 31 campsites with decent facilities.
Staying here is an adventurer’s dream! You can access trailheads and there are plenty of pathways to walk on— you can even check the waterfalls and take some gorgeous photos to remember your camping trip!
Pro Tip:
Bring layers. It can get super cold at night, so make sure you’re all bundled up while sleeping!
Mount Kerkeslin Campground
Media credit: keirajackson
Website: https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/ab/jasper/visit/depliants-brochures/kerkeslin-cg
Location: Hwy 93, Icefields Parkway
Contact: 1 (877) 737-3783
Operating Season: May – September
Rate/s: $24.75 (subject to change)
Amenities: Toilets, washrooms, kitchen shelter, food storage, potable water
You might want to consider Mount Kerkeslin Campground if you’re searching for a quiet place for the weekend. It’s a good spot if you’re an adventurer because you can hike the Fryatt Trail and reach the peak.
You can also bring your canoe or kayak and paddle the rushing water of the Athabasca River. Right on the riverside, you can see the stunning Mount Geraldine, Mount Fryatt, and Whirlpool Mountain.
The campground has potable water and 42 unserviced campsites in the two loops, and both are pretty close to the Athabasca River. There are firepits to keep you warm during the chilly evenings.
Pro Tip:
Don’t bring RVs over 25 feet. The campsites aren’t exactly spacious enough to accommodate large vehicles.
Jonas Creek Campground
Media credit: katlar10
Website: https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/ab/jasper/visit/depliants-brochures/jonas-cg
Location: Off Hwy 93
Contact: 1 (877) 737-3783
Operating Season: June – September
Rate/s: $17.50+ (subject to change)
Amenities: Toilets, kitchen shelter, food locker, bike camping area, potable water
Jonas Creek Campground is the spot for individuals who want to dip their toes in backcountry camping. Here, you get the basic amenities, like toilets and potable water, but you still get a rustic adventure.
The best part about this campsite is the bike camping. Campsite #14 is the bike camping area exclusively for cyclists.
The campsites are pretty close to each other, but there’s still plenty of privacy. It doesn’t get too busy even though it’s only four hours from Calgary.
Pro Tip:
If you want quick access to the toilets, Campsites #15 and #16 are the closest. The first loop is smaller and farther from the walk-in sites but it has three toilets.