Want to experience the raw beauty of the Canadian Rockies from up close? Try camping in Yoho National Park. Here you will find multiple front-country and backcountry campgrounds. Alternatively, you can book your stay at the HI Whiskey Jack Wilderness Hostel or the three ACC huts. The front country camping options in Yoho National Park aren’t as great as Banff National Park.
This is why it receives fewer footfalls than Banff National Park. However, this makes it easier to find a campsite at Yoho National Park. Today we will take a look at the top front-country and back-country camping options at Yoho National Park.
Here are the best sites for camping in Yoho…
1. Front Country campsites for camping in Yoho
Kicking Horse Campground
Kicking Horse Campground comes loaded with facilities ranging from flush toilets to hot showers, sanitation dumps, fire pits, and more. However, reservations are mandatory between 30th May and 5th October. You won’t get much privacy at these sites while camping in Yoho. This makes it the best choice for taking your campervans and RVs along.
· Operating dates: May 15 to October 5
· Fees: $30.50
· Number of sites: 88
Monarch Campground
The Monarch Campground is situated next to the Kicking Horse Campground. You don’t need to reserve your stay here in advance. However, the facilities here are extremely limited, and it is located next to the highway. It isn’t recommended to set up a tent at the Monarch Campground. Moreover the parking spot here is pretty vast. And this can be highly helpful for tourists who don’t get proper space to camp for the night.
· Operating dates: May 1 to October 13
· Fees: $19.75
· Number of sites: 44
Takakkaw Falls Campground
Takakkaw Falls is the perfect spot for tent camping. You need to reserve your stay in advance. The campsite can be reached following a brisk walk. Moreover, you will find multiple carts for easily carrying your camping gear. Other amenities here are fire pits. Further, the Laughing Falls is located in close proximity to Takakkaw Falls. This is a wilderness campsite that you can reach easily. Furthermore, adventure junkies can hike to Emerald Lake from Takakkaw Falls.
· Operating dates: June 12 to October 13
· Reservation: Yes (June 20 to September 16)
· Fees: $18.75
· Number of sites: 35
Hoodoo Creek
Hoodoo Creek is located near the town of Golden at the western edge of the park. You can reach it exactly before reaching Wapta Falls. The campground offers basic amenities, and reservation isn’t needed. Additionally, you can expect basic amenities like disabled access and fire pits here. It is located in an open meadow offering stellar views of the surrounding mountains. Moreover, the most notable peak is Mount Hunter. And, you can set up tents or park your campers or small RVs here.
· Operating dates: June 12 to September 1
· Fees: $19.50
· Number of sites: 30
II. Backcountry campsites for camping in Yoho
You can choose among four backcountry campgrounds for camping in Yoho Valley. These are Yoho Lake, Laughing Falls, Twin Falls, and Little Yoho Campground. Moreover, you can access all the campsites from the Takakkaw trailhead.
McArthur Creek is the fifth backcountry site for camping in Yoho. Additionally, this connects with the Rockwall Trail in Kootenay National Park. The backcountry campsite lures in visitors from all over the world and offers exciting multi-day hiking opportunities. Further, you need to reserve your spot in advance. The reservations start from the start of the year. It’s also necessary to have a backcountry camping permit handy. Moreover, you cannot light fires while backcountry camping in Yoho. The campgrounds are equipped with tent pads, picnic tables, dry toilets, and food storage.
Lake O’Hara Camping
If you are visiting the Canadian Rockies, then make sure to visit this premier hiking and camping destination. Parks Canada has levied an upper limit on the number of visitors to preserve the natural beauty of this campsite. Moreover, the Lake O’Hara campsite is a collection of 30 sites that receive a lot of footfall. Make sure to start browsing the Parks Canada reservation site before the campsite opens up. A bus permit system controls access to the area. In case you can’t get a reservation, you can still hike to Lake O’Hara. However, the access road is 10km long and can be very tasking to complete.
