Camping near Canmore
Canmore invigorates the senses with unique mountain views from every angle.
Popular camping styles for Canmore
Under $50
Star Hosts in Canmore
12 top campgrounds near Canmore
Dog-friendly getaways
Available this weekend
Camping near Canmore guide
Overview
Set in the Bow Valley—the heart of the Rocky Mountains—Canmore is a picturesque town surrounded by towering snow-covered peaks. A quick one-hour drive from Calgary, it’s a hikers’ paradise with ample trails, lakes, and family-friendly outdoor activities on the doorstep of Banff National Park. Camping and glamping near Canmore, Alberta provides easy access to Kananaskis Country—an area consisting of five national parks and ecological reserves. While summer brings kayaking adventures, biking, and strolls down the Spring Creek boardwalk, the winter season offers just as much fun—try snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, or (for the adventurous souls) ice climbing.
Where to go
Banff National Park=
An iconic playground of craggy mountains, winding canyon trails, and crystal-clear, glacial-fed lakes, Banff National Park is a dream destination when visiting Canmore. It features 13 campgrounds, including those offering RV park camping, so no matter your mode of travel, you’ll find the ideal home base for your trip. Stop in at the must-see Lake Louise for a canoe on the mineral-rich, turquoise waters, or take a 3.5-km hike up to Lake Agnes Tea House—a traditional 1905 log cabin with over 100 fine loose-leaf teas and homemade meals. Book a horse rental to head up in the most traditional and laid-back way possible. If you’d rather get your heart rate up, cycle the Bow Valley Trail, a 48-km journey with endless views of the Canadian Rockies.
Bow Valley Provincial Park
Bow Valley Provincial Park is less visited than Banff National Park, but that’s a bonus for Hipcampers who crave peace and quiet. Here, the full-service campgrounds are decked out with fire pits and all the desired amenities, as well as rugged sites offering a backcountry experience. Stay at the Three Sisters Campground for easy access to the Bow River and a day of fishing, canoeing, or swimming. You’ll need to snag a Kananaskis Conservation Pass and register your license plate when camping at any provincial park or public land campsite in this area, while Hipcamp properties will put you in close proximity with easy access.
Bragg Creek Provincial Park
On the eastern side of Kananaskis Country, Bragg Creek Provincial Park is a scenic spot worth the visit, even with no camping offered within the park. Whether you’re spending the day exploring hiking trails, picnicking, or snowshoeing in winter, you’ll be surrounded by mountain peaks and water views of Elbow River. Just outside the park, campers can find wide-open parks offering both pet-friendly glamping and off-grid tent camping.
When to go
July and August are the best times to visit the town of Canmore if you’re looking for sunny days and warm weather. Those months also draw the most crowds, so for quieter campgrounds, try for a visit between April and June, or in September or October. Winter (between November and March) won’t be quite as busy as the height of summer, but you should still plan ahead and make sure you’re prepared for those classic cold winters Canada’s known for.
Nearby attractions
- Unwind to the soothing sound of cascading waters while camping near Bow Falls. The Bow Falls camping experience combines the invigorating rush of the falls with serene woodland trails, creating a picture-perfect outdoor retreat.
- Ascend to new heights while camping near Tunnel Mountain. Tunnel Mountain camping offers breathtaking panoramic views, scenic hiking trails, and star-studded nights, making it a truly uplifting and refreshing adventure.
- Surrounded by majestic mountains, the Two Jack Lake camping experience offers picturesque views, serene nature trails, and starlit nights, perfect for a revitalizing outdoor getaway.
