Canmore town, located outside the Banff National Park, has multiple camping spots for nature lovers. These places can help you explore nature up close in the form of crystal-clear lakes, mountain vistas, and countless trails to try. Want to wake up to the sweet sound of the gushing Bow River and birds chirping? Try any of the top-rated Canmore campgrounds as listed below:-
Let’s check best camping sites in Canmore
Three Sisters Campground, Canmore
The Three Sisters Campground in Bow Valley Provincial Park offers a sweet escape to the arms of Mother Nature. You can reach here following a 10-minute drive from downtown Canmore. As a result, you can run to the convenience stores nearby whenever you run out of supplies. Despite being un-serviced, you will find 36 spacious campsites in this campground. These are perfect for parking your RVs and setting up tents. Bow River runs past the campground.
There is also a boat lunch specifically for non-motorized boats. Some amenities travelers can enjoy here are a water pump, pit toilets, and a covered picnic shelter. Campers have praised the tidy sites where you can enjoy breathtaking scenery. If luck favors, you might spot an occasional bear at the Three Sisters Campground. As the campground is located next to the highway, thus be prepared to encounter a lot of traffic noise.
- Operating Dates: April 29 – Oct 10
- Reservation: First come, first served
- Fees: $31/night
Bow River Campground
You can reach the Bow River Campground following an 8-minute drive from Canmore. As a result, you can make frequent trips to the town and visit its restaurants, souvenir shops, and art galleries. Despite having a convenient location, the campground can be highly noisy, as it is located right next to the highway. Carry your fishing license along to try out fishing at the Bow River.
The best thing about Bow River is that it can be accessed by wheelchair. Moreover, there are a total of 59 campsites here with facilities like picnic tables, fire pits, flush toilets, token showers, food storage, and more. You can bring your four-legged friend along to the campgrounds. Additionally, there are multiple trails leading from the campground for biking, hiking, and wildlife viewing.
- Operating Dates: April 15 – October 30
- Reservation: Required (Reservation fee $12)
- Fees:
- Non-serviced: $31/night
- Power/Water (15/30 Amps): $47/night
- Number of Sites: 7 non-serviced, 59 power/water
Lac De Arcs Campground
Lac des Arcs Campground is located at a 15-minute drive from Canmore. However, the campgrounds are located next to the Trans-Canada Highway and are extremely noisy. This makes it perfect for a single-day stay for travelers passing by. Moreover, the tent sites are mostly open with very little shade. You can set up tents or park your RVs here. Be prepared to enjoy waterfront views and also engage in water sports like paddling, windsurfing, and more.
If you are planning on fishing here, then don’t forget to carry your fishing license along. Additionally, the Lac De Arcs campground is wheelchair accessible with separate washrooms for wheelchair-bound persons. You will find 28 spacious campsites here with modern facilities like picnic tables, dry toilets, fire pits, a camp kitchen, a playground, and more.
- Operating Dates: April 29th – October 10th
- Reservation: Required
- Fees: $31/night
Wapiti Campground, Canmore
The Wapiti Campground can be reached following a 6-minute drive from Canmore town. The centrally located campground serves as an excellent spot for travelers who wish to explore Canmore. But be prepared to stay in a noisy environment, as this campground is right next to the main railway and Trans-Canada Highway. You can both set up tents and park your RVs at the Wapiti Campground. There are dense trees around the campground providing ample shade and privacy to campers.
However, there aren’t many trees at the RV site. Furthermore, the Wapiti Campground can help you stay near the Banff National Park without spending much on hotel bills. There are a total of 60 camping sites here well stocked with fire pits, picnic tables, potable water, and showers. Moreover, you can bring along your pawed friends for a more fulfilling stay.
- Operating Dates: May 1 – October 11
- Reservation: First come, first served
- Fees:
- Tent sites: $32/night
- RV sites (30 amp): $42/night
Spring Creek RV Campground
The Spring Creek RV campground is located less than a 10-minute walk from main street in Canmore. If you are looking for a sight for long term stays Canmore RV park is perfect. Additionally, being located right at the base of the Three Sister’s mountains, this site gives you amazing views. Tents are not allowed in this campground. There are three different types of RV campsites: regular back-in, creekside back-in, or pull-thru. This site offers amenities like Fire pits, playground, picnic table, potable water, dump stations, washrooms and coin laundry.
Moreover, there are multiple things to do aorund this campground. You can enjoy the town of Canmore, beautiful restaurants & cafes, hike up EEOR, or drive to Banff.
- Operating Dates: Year round
- Reservation: Required
- Fees:
- Power/water (30 amps): $48/night, $288/week
- Power/water/sewer (30 amp): $58/night, $348/week
- Power/water/sewer (50 amp): $63/night, $378/week
