Available Camping in the Canmore/Banff area

Traci Grossi | August 7, 2019 | Travel | No Comments

*Rustic camping available at Rafter Six Ranch*

Finding available camping in the Canmore/Banff area most weekends in addition to long weekends are nearly impossible. There are a few you may not know about.

Most campgrounds are pre-booked online weeks or even months in advance, especially in favored tourist areas.

Tired of driving out to the mountains to camp just to find out all campgrounds are full? Not everyone can pre-book spots so with that being said, so many people are left with nowhere to go but home.

STOP!

Don’t turn the RV around just yet, there is available camping in the Banff/Canmore area that you may not have been aware of or at least for now.

Shhhh… Don’t tell anyone?

These 3 spots may not be your cup of tea but at least allows you to remain in the mountains to enjoy your weekend.

#1 Cowley’s Rafter Six Ranch

Where is Rafter Six Ranch?

The Ranch is family operated, serving travelers worldwide since 1976, where the personnel at the ranch pride on friendly western hospitality,

This wonderful scenic ranch is approx 45 minutes from Calgary situated off #1 HWY, at the Exshaw overpass, Follow Rafter Six Ranch signs, just passed HWY 40 turn to Kananaskis.

Available camping on the Ranch

RV camping is situated on beautiful open range pasture land with majestic views of the Rocky Mountains and the river below, therefore allows one to explore the many trails by foot or a guided horseback tour.

With the abundance of space, chances are you will find a spot to park, although camping is rustic with no services available.

Porta-potties on-site. However, I must say are the cleanest of clean. Fires are allowed in contained fire pits only. Camping is $25 per night.

The cowboy lifestyle invites you to enjoy your early morning coffee watching the round up the horses for the day, watch movies out in the open range or sit by the community fire after the family and staff have cooked their meal on the open fire.

Be respectful of their privacy.

Find out more of what Rafter Six offers here

#2 Stoney Nakota Resort

Where is Stony Nakota Resort?

The resort is just off HWY #1 35 minutes from Calgary at the HWY 40 junction to Kananaskis.

Available camping at Stoney Nakota Resort

Stoney Nakota Resort is a hotel and casino situated on native Indigenous land. Adjacent to the paved parking/camping lot is open range therefor offering spectacular views of the Rockies. Helicopter rides are also available nearby.

A great place to be, for instance, try your luck at the casino, grab a meal, a coffee at Tim Horton’s next door or unhook and check out all of what the area has to offer. You may find more details in the lobby of places to see and do.

RV”s/ trucks are allowed to park on the paved lot for up to 3-nights Free of charge, however, must be registered at the front desk to apply.

For more info on Nakaota Resort and Casino look here.

#3 Lake Louise Park and Ride

Where is Lake Louise overflow parking?

Lake Louise overflow parking is approx 1 hr 40 min from Calgary and 7.2 km East of Lake Louise. It is used for park and ride tourists visiting Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, and Johnston Canyon area to reduce congestion at the destinations.

Available camping at Lake Louise overflow

This lot may not be the best option however offers a place to get some rest and decide your next step. In addition, you’re camped nestled in the wilderness of the Rockies. Possibly come back every evening and enjoy the park by day.

The lot is usually packed solid daily but after the hours offers campers overnight stay for a $10 charge. Campers must check out by 7 Am to allow the park and ride to operate the next day.