Popular National Parks In Canada For Camping
Plan this summer's vacation by visiting Canada's National Parks
As we all know – Canada is a country known for its breathtaking natural beauty, and our national parks are no exception. From the rugged mountains of Banff to the coastal rainforests of Pacific Rim, there are countless opportunities to explore the great outdoors. Here are our top picks for the best National parks in Canada for hiking and camping.
Recommendation: If you can visit during the spring or the fall you’ll miss the crowds and everything will be more accessible.
Even though Banff National Park is super busy, and reservations may be difficult it’s still worth visiting. Located in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, Banff offers stunning mountain vistas, crystal-clear lakes, and an abundance of wildlife. Hiking trails range from easy strolls to challenging multi-day treks, and there are plenty of campsites and backcountry lodges to choose from. Don’t miss iconic spots like Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, and the Banff Hot Springs.
Camping options for RVers:
For the most part most of the campgrounds in this area – Banff / Lake Louise are perfect for those looking for a more authentic camping experience. Listed below are just a few of what’s available. Visit their Tourism Camping Page for even more choices. Visit this page for more detailed information on each site.
- Waterfowl Lakes Campground: 116 sites . They’re small and only handle RVs up to 7 meters (24′ ) long, first come, first serve and no reservations.
- Two Jack Lakeside Campground: Lake front sites, 64 sites – small RVs up to 8.5 meters (27′), reservations recommended.
- Lake Louise Campground: 187 sites with electrical services, RVs up to 15 meters (50′), Reservations are accepted.
Highlights you don’t want to miss:
This area is an outdoor enthusiasts playground with unlimited hiking, paddling & rafting, climbing, caving, biking, golf and fishing activities.
The scenery and opportunities for viewing wildlife is what draws thousands to the Banff /Lake Louise area each year.
Jasper National Park is part of UNESCO’s Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks World Heritage Site and not to be missed. It’s a hiker’s paradise, with over 1,200 kilometers of trails to explore. From easy walks to challenging backcountry treks, there’s something for every level of hiker. Camping options range from front-country sites to backcountry wilderness camping, and there are also cozy lodges and cabins available for those who prefer a more comfortable stay.
F0r Camping options for RVers: For an abundant number of camping opportunities (10o0+ sites) click this link. They have every type of campground from rustic to fully serviced. Take your pick!
Highlights you don’t want to miss:
- Don’t miss the stunning views from the top of the Sulphur Skyline Trail or the peaceful beauty of Maligne Lake.
- Observing wildlife as they go about their natural lives is one of the most fascinating experiences that Jasper can offer.
Gros Morne National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Newfoundland and Labrador. This park is known for its stunning fjords, towering mountains, and diverse wildlife. Hikers can explore over 100 km of trails, ranging from easy strolls to challenging multi-day treks. The park also offers camping options, including front-country and backcountry sites. Don’t miss the chance to take a boat tour of Western Brook Pond, a freshwater fjord surrounded by steep cliffs and waterfalls.
Camping options for RVers:
- Shallow Bay Campground: Find your site from one of the 66 sites, spending time at the beach, visiting historical sites, and fun things to do in the area. There’s both serviced and unserviced sites, flush toilets and shower facilities.
- Lomond Campground: With only 33 sites (23 are reservable) you may have to plan far ahead for staying here. All sites are unserviced but it’s a terrific place to relax and get away from your busy life.
- Trout River Campground: 38 unserviced sites overlooking the iconic Tablelands, has flush toilets, fire pits, and opportunities for boating, fishing and just relaxing.
Highlights you don’t want to miss:
- Don’t miss the internationally known Tablelands, a rare outcrop of the Earth’s mantle pushed skyward half a billion years ago.
Located in New Brunswick, Fundy National Park is known for its rugged coastline, dense forests, and unique tidal phenomena. Hikers can explore over 100 km of trails, including the popular Fundy Footpath, a challenging 41 km trail that takes hikers along the coast and through the forest. For more choices on camping visit this link.
Camping options for RVers:
Fundy National Park has five front country campgrounds, each providing a unique camping experience. You’ll find amenities such as washrooms, showers, electrical, sewer and water hookups all within close proximity to other Park services and facilities.
- Chignecto: 263 sites – 171 with electricity and water. This is a great family campground with showers, laundry facilities, playgrounds, and a family bicycling trail.
- Headquarters: Open year round – this campground has all the amenities you probably need. Plus it has access to an outdoor amphitheater, and recreational facilities including golf, tennis, lawn bowling, soccer field, and swimming.
- Point Wolfe: This campground doesn’t have all the bells and whistles some others do but still worth visiting. Access to the campground is limited to a maximum vehicle/equipment length of 7.3 m (24 feet) and a height of 4.4 m (13 feet).
Highlights you don’t want to miss:
Don’t miss the chance to witness the world’s highest tides at the Bay of Fundy, where the water can rise and fall up to 16 meters twice a day. (I can personally vouch for this – it’s amazing!)
Western Brook Pond – highly recommend seeing the spectacular glacier-carved land-locked fjord, with waterfalls cascading from 2000 feet that often turn to mist before reaching the pond, billion year-old cliffs, and frequent wildlife sightings.
Planning your visit to Canada's National Parks
National reservation service
1-877-RESERVE (737-3783)
Outside of North America: 519-826-5391
Contact the site
Some campsites must be reserved by contacting the location directly and some are first-come, first-served.