Townsite Campground

Waterton Lakes National Park

Location: #200 Vimy Avenue

The south end of the Waterton townsite, at the end of Windflower Avenue.


Operating dates

Operating season April 1 to September 23, 2024 (weather permitting)

Reservations available:

  • May 3 through September 9

First come, first served only:*

  • April 1 to May 2
  • September 9 through September 23

*Register at campground kiosk. Some washrooms and serviced sites available. Please note that H loop closes September 2.

Offseason operation: September 24, 2024 to April 1, 2025*

First come, first served camping. Self-registration in effect. Electrical-only and unserviced sites available. B loop is closed September 23. No washroom, shower services after October 14.

* Winter access is weather dependent. Campground is not cleared of snow and is inaccessible for most of winter. Limited winter camping is available at Pass Creek Day Use Area (unserviced, self registration).

Campsite information

A total of 246 sites are available. There are no firepits in Townsite Campground sites.

Sections A and B: 110 sites
  • Full service: electric, potable water and sewer hookups. 15, 30 and 50-amp service.
  • Drive-through RV parking
  • B-loop closes September 23, 2024
Section C, D, G: 75 sites
  • Electric only (15, and 30-amp service)
  • Back-in RV parking
Section E: 31 sites
  • Unserviced, tent camping only
  • On-site parking
Section H: 30 sites
  • Unserviced, tent camping only
  • Walk-in sites
  • H-loop closes September 2, 2024
Accessible sites
  • Full service: 4 sites (Sections A and B)
  • Electric only: 2 sites (Section G)

Additional information

General information

  • All sites in the Townsite Campground are reservable. High demand sites and dates typically require a reservation. Demand is heaviest in July and August. Reserve early to guarantee your spot.
  • Each site contains: picnic table, gravel parking area
  • Quiet hours: 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. Only registered campsite occupants are allowed in the campground after 10:00 p.m. Excessive noise is not permitted at any time of the day. Please report disturbances to park wardens or staff.
  • Maximum length of stay: 14 nights
  • Maximum persons per site: 6
  • Maximum two vehicles per site: Maximum one wheeled camping unit and one regular vehicle. We do not permit multiple wheeled camping units on the same campsite. All vehicles and the camping unit must fit on the gravel or pavement pad, or park in an alternate location nearby.
  • Maximum camping units per site: Two tents or one RV/camper and one tent. Some sites are tent only, and some sites have unit size restrictions. Please indicate your unit size when you reserve to ensure you have selected a suitable site.

Campground amenities

  • Information
  • Washrooms (hot and cold running water, flush toilets)
  • Hot showers
  • Accessible facilities
  • Kitchen shelters with wood burning stoves
  • Trailer sanitation depot
  • Recycling facilities
  • Food storage Lockers
  • Parking
  • Walking/hiking trails
  • Interpretive programs

Campfires

  • Wood fires are only permitted in shared kitchen shelters. Firewood is available for sale in the Waterton townsite.
  • There are no fire pits at individual campsites, and fires outside of designated fire pits are prohibited. Portable propane fire pits are permitted.

Fees and permits

Campers must acquire the following permits to camp in Waterton Lakes National Park:

  • National Park Entry Pass: available at park gates, the visitor centre and online.
  • Camping permit: available online or over the phone (1-877-RESERVE). Upon arrival, check-in at the campground kiosk. Campers must register (at kiosk or self-registration) with their camping unit prior to setting up camp.
  • Information about camping fees is available on the Fees page.

Check in/out times

  • Check-in: Any time after 2:00 p.m.
  • Visitors who would like to arrive at the campground earlier may enjoy the rest of the park while waiting for their campsite to become available.
  • Check-out: Before 11:00 a.m.

Generator use

Permitted during the following hours:

  • 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.
  • 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
  • 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Quiet hours: 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.

Pets

  • Pets must be always kept on a leash.
  • You must pick up after your pets and ensure that all pet food is stored in your vehicle.
  • Pets are not allowed in kitchen shelters.
  • Do not leave pets unattended outside, especially at night. They may attract bears, cougars, wolves, or coyotes, and may be attacked. If they must be left out, confine them in a kennel with a secure top.
  • Be cautious when walking your dog. Mule deer in the Townsite may have fawns and will aggressively defend them, especially in spring. They may attack without provocation and seriously injure or kill a dog. If you see a deer, leave the area immediately.
  • See the "Bare" Campsite Program for more information.

Wildlife safety

Bears and other wildlife live in the area. A special effort is being made by Parks staff and campers to ensure that no wildlife attractants are ever left unattended at any sites in campgrounds. Anything that has an odour or could be considered food may attract wildlife to your site. Place garbage in bins, avoid cooking inside tents and tent trailers and store all food supplies, including coolers, in your vehicle.

The "Bare" Campsite Program is in place for your safety, and to help keep the wildlife alive and wild. Campers who fail to comply with the program or other regulations may have their camping permit revoked, without a refund. They may also be charged under the Canada National Parks Act. The permit holder is responsible for ensuring the campsite is maintained in a satisfactory condition.

Alcohol and cannabis

Consuming alcohol, cannabis and cannabis products is only allowed at registered campsites and is not permitted in kitchen shelters or in common areas. Cannabis is legalized and strictly regulated in Canada. It is your responsibility to understand federal, provincial and municipal regulations for cannabis and alcohol consumption while visiting Waterton Lakes National Park.

Off-season and winter camping

  • Important: Use of the Townsite Campground during offseason is weather-dependent. Snow is not cleared during winter and the area is often inaccessible due to snow drifts.
  • Sites are available first come, first served via self-registration.
  • Electrical only and unserviced sites are available.
  • There are no washrooms, showers or kiosk services in the campground during offseason.

If there is no vacancy in the Townsite Campground

Belly River Campground (24 sites – primitive sites, unserviced, outhouses) is a first-come, first-served campground, open mid-May to early September. It is located on Chief Mountain Highway, 26 kilometres from the Waterton townsite.

There are several privately-operated campgrounds near the park. Visit the Waterton Chamber of Commerce website for more information.

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