Frontcountry camping

Yoho National Park

With four campgrounds to choose from, you are sure to find the perfect basecamp to explore Yoho National Park. Find suggested packing lists, campsite rules, booking info and camping tips below. Plan your camping experience now.

Campsite bookings:

Reserve:

  • Online 24/7
  • By calling: 1-877-RESERVE (1-877-737-3783)

Camping in Yoho National Park

Camping is permitted in designated areas only with a valid national park camping permit and a national park entry pass. 

What to bring

The weather in Yoho National Park is pleasant, but unpredictable. The average high temperature during the day in spring and summer ranges from 16° to 23° Celsius, though temperatures at night can drop below zero. It can also rain, snow or hail any time of year! In order to be prepared for your camping experience, ensure you consult our camping checklist here

Camping regulations

In addition to keeping a clean campsite, a number of regulations are in effect to ensure campers have a safe and enjoyable experience.

General information
  • Camping is only permitted in a designated campsite.
  • Vehicles, trailers and tents must be within your designated site and on the tent pad.
  • A maximum of six people (including children) are permitted on each site.
  • Maximum length of stay is 14 nights.
  • The maximum number of vehicles and tents per site varies by campground. Select your campground below for details.
  • Do not tie anything to the trees, including tarps. Tarps should be strung using poles.
  • Never leave your food unattended! It is your responsibility to keep animals away from the campground. Secure all food and scented items inside your vehicle or hard-sided trailer/RV when you aren't eating. Click here for more information.
  • Check-in time: 2 p.m.
  • Check-out time: 11 a.m.
  • Payment accepted:
    • For self-registration campsites, please have exact change or a credit card. Debit is not accepted.
    • Visa, Mastercard, American Express, JCB, CPU, Debit, Traveller's cheque or Cash.
  • After hours, please refer to signage posted in kiosk.
Permits

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

  • National park entry pass or Discovery Pass - Available at the National Park entry gate, visitor centres, staffed campground kiosks, or online.
  • Camping permit - Available online (reservation.pc.gc.ca), over the phone (1-877-RESERVE) or at the campground kiosk. Upon arrival, check-in at the campground kiosk.
  • Fire permit - If you would like to have a fire, permits are available as part of your online reservation or at a campground kiosk.
Campground etiquette

You can ensure you're a good neighbour, and guarantee a good camping experience for yourself, by respecting and adhering to the following guidelines:

  • Washing dishes - Use the outdoor sink or a personal basin for washing dishes. Do not use the sinks inside the bathrooms. Dump dish water down outdoor sinks or at the sani-dump in campgrounds. Do not dump in bushes or on the ground.
  • Washing laundry - Please use your own tub and dump water down the outdoor sink or sani-dump. Laundry facilities are available in the village of Radium Hot Springs.
  • Recycling - Bottles and cans (refundable containers) can be recycled in each campground
  • Children - To ensure the safety of your children, please supervise them at all times. Children may become lost in the campground or may unknowingly trespass on a neighbouring campsite.
  • Driving - Respect the posted speed limits and remain alert while driving in the campground. Trees may obstruct your view and pedestrians, especially children, may suddenly dart out onto the road. Watch for stumps close to the road and campsites that might be hidden.
  • Accessing facilities - Please use roadways and pathways to access campground facilities (picnic shelters, bathrooms, etc.) and your own campsite. Cutting through a neighbouring campsite will disturb other campers and may cause damage to the fragile vegetation.
Quiet hours

Excessive noise is not permitted at any time of the day. Any disturbance should be reported immediately to Park Wardens or park staff. Contact us.

  • Quiet hours are in effect from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m.
  • During quiet hours, music, campfires, alcohol and cannabis are prohibited.
  • Only site occupants are allowed on a campsite after 11 p.m.
Generators

Generator use is only permitted between the hours of 9 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. daily, in order to provide campers with a quiet and enjoyable experience.

Campfires

From May to September, a number of policies are in place to ensure visitors get a good night's sleep. Daily fire bans are in effect during quiet hours (11 p.m. to 7 a.m.).

In order to keep your campfire safe for you and for the environment, adhere to the following regulations:

  • Fire permit - Each registered party wanting to have a campfire must purchase a fire permit. Permits are available when reserving your site, at a staffed kiosk or at self-registration kiosks
  • Fire size - Fires must be contained within the metal fire ring provided. It is illegal to have a fire outside of a designated ring. Rock rings are prohibited but portable gas burning firepits are allowed. To reduce the negative impact of campfires on the environment, keep your fires to a reasonable size—stack the firewood no higher than the top of the ring.
  • Wood - Transporting wood from elsewhere may spread invasive bugs and disease, only burn wood obtained from the campground woodlot. Do not burn food or garbage or collect deadfall from the surrounding forest for burning. Use an axe to make your own kindling from the firewood provided.
  • Times - Campfires are permitted from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. Please respect your neighbours by keeping your voices down and putting out fires during quiet hours (11 pm to 7 am).
  • Never leave a fire - Fires must be attended at all times, and completely extinguished before leaving the area.
Alcohol and cannabis policies

From May to September, a number of policies are in place to ensure visitors get a good night’s sleep. An alcohol and cannabis consumption ban and a fire ban are in effect daily at campgrounds during quiet hours from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. During summer long weekends, a complete ban on the possession of alcohol and cannabis is in effect at all campgrounds.

In Parks Canada campgrounds, non-medical cannabis and alcohol consumption is limited to the visitor’s campsite.

Smoking and vaping is not permitted in campground within 6 meters of common areas (such as playgrounds, kitchen shelters, washrooms, trails, or roads).

Please note: there is a difference between a ban on the consumption of alcohol/cannabis and a ban on possession.

  • Ban on consumption: alcohol and cannabis are permitted at registered campsites but may not be open or consumed during quiet hours.
  • Ban on possession: alcohol and cannabis are not permitted at any time.
Pets

To keep pets and wildlife safe, your pets must be leashed at all times and not left unattended. Pet food should be stored inside your vehicle to avoid attracting wildlife to the campground. 


Failure to comply: Parks Canada staff are here to help and may enter your site to remind you of these regulations. Campers who fail to comply with keeping a clean site and other regulations may have their camping permit revoked without a refund. Campers may be charged under the Canada National Parks Act and National Parks Campground Regulations, be required to appear in court, and could pay fines up to $25,000. The permit holder is responsible for ensuring their campsite is maintained in a satisfactory condition. 

Clean up your site. Protect wildlife.

When not being consumed or used, all food, pet food, toiletries and scented items that may attract wildlife must be kept in your vehicle or hard-sided trailer. Coolers are not bear proof and must be stored away at all times!

A special effort is being made by park staff and campers to ensure that no wildlife attractants are ever left unattended at any sites in these campgrounds. Click here to learn more what you can do to ensure your safety, and to help keep the wildlife in our National Parks alive and wild. 

Note: By camping in a national park, you agree that Parks Canada staff may enter open and plainly visible areas of an unattended campsite to remove and secure plainly visible wildlife attractants. Keep your campsite clean to reduce the risks to your personal safety and to wildlife.


Reserve your campsite here

 

Campgrounds in Yoho National Park

Reservable
First-come, first-served

Select icons on the map to view campground images.


Campground Open (2024) Reservable (2024) Services Site Type

Kicking Horse

May 31 to October 14 New! May 31 to October 14 drinking water Sani dump Flush toliets Showers Fire pits picnic shelter Cooking shelter Food locker Public Telephone Playground Theatre Interpretive Programs

Unserviced

Monarch May 2 to September 16 First-come, first-served only drinking water Sani dump Outhouse picnic shelter Cooking shelter Food locker

Unserviced

Takakkaw Falls June 14 to October 14 New! June 20 to September 16 drinking water Outhouse Fire pits picnic shelter Cooking shelter Food locker

Unserviced
Walk-in

Hoodoo Creek June 13 to September 2 First-come, first-served only Outhouse Fire pits picnic shelter Cooking shelter Food locker Unserviced

Legend

Services:

    drinking water Drinking water

    Sani dump Sani Dump: Sewage disposal.

    Flush toliets Flush toilet

    Outhouse Outhouse

    Showers Showers

    Fire pits Firepits: Fire permits (including firewood) are included with reservations and/or available for purchase on site.

    Picnic shelter Picnic shelter

    Cooking shelter Cooking shelter

    Food locker Food Locker: Learn about the "Bare" Campsite program.

    Public Telephone Public Telephone

    PlaygroundPlayground

    TheatreTheatre

    Interpretive programs  Interpretive Programs


Campground descriptions

Kicking Horse
  • Open: May 31 to October 14, 2024
  • Sites: 88
  • Services:
    drinking water Sani dump Flush toliets Showers Fire pits picnic shelter Cooking shelter Food locker Public Telephone Playground Theatre Interpretive Programs

Kicking Horse Campground is at the base of the Yoho Valley Road offering easy access to the Village of Field, the Spiral Tunnels National Historic Site, and the spectacular Takakkaw Falls. This scenic site is nestled in the forest alongside the Kicking Horse River, with stunning views of Cathedral Mountain. A series of short trails lead from the campground.

Campsites are unserviced and best suited for tents, or motorhomes and trailers up to 50 feet. Note that some loops are not suitable for motorhomes or trailers over 25 feet.

Ask about the free evening interpretive programs hosted by Parks Canada at the campground theater.

Important information
  • New! Reservations available May 31 – October 14. All sites are reservable. 
  • The maximum number of people per campsite is 6.
  • Unit restrictions: 3 units (a unit is one vehicle, RV, trailer or tent)
  • Only 1 RV or trailer and 1 vehicle are permitted per site
  • All vehicles must fit on the driveway. All tents must be on the gravel area of the campsite.
  • Can accommodate most sizes of motorhomes and trailers (under 75 ft / 22 m).
  • All washrooms have hot and cold running water and flush toilets.
  • Most campsites include firepits with attached cooking grill. Firewood is provided.
  • There is a communal firepit for groups.
  • There is limited cell phone coverage at this campground. WiFi is not available.
Directions

Located on the Yoho Valley Road, 4 km east of the Village of Field.

Monarch
  • Open: May 2 to September 16, 2024
  • Sites: 44
  • Services:
    drinking water Sani dump Outhouse picnic shelter Cooking shelter Food locker

Monarch Campground is nestled below the historic Kicking Horse mineshafts, and across the valley from the massive summits of Mount Stephen and Cathedral Mountain. The nearby Kicking Horse river flatlands provide excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. This location is ideally situated for those looking to explore the dense natural and human history in the area, and the mountain village of Field nearby.

Campsites are unserviced and best suited for tents, or motorhomes and trailers up to 27 feet.

Important information
  • Monarch Campground offers first-come, first-served sites only.
  • The maximum number of people per campsite is 6.
  • Unit restrictions: 3 units (a unit is one vehicle, RV, trailer or tent)
  • Only 1 RV or trailer and 1 vehicle are permitted per site
  • All vehicles must fit on the driveway. All tents must be on the gravel area of the campsite.
  • WiFi is not available.
Directions

Located on the Yoho Valley Road, 4 km east of the Village of Field.

Takakkaw Falls
  • Open: June 14 to October 14, 2024
  • Sites: 35
  • Services:
    drinking water Outhouse Fire pits picnic shelter Cooking shelter Food locker

Takakkaw Falls Campground offers a unique sub-alpine wilderness experience, easily accessible at the end of the Yoho Valley Road. This walk-in, tent only campground features impressive panoramas amid the splendor and roar of Takakkaw Falls.

As the gateway to the Little Yoho Valley, it is the main trailhead to access Laughing Falls, Twin Falls, Iceline, Whaleback, Yoho Glacier, and the restricted Walcott Quarry Burgess Shale Guided Fossil Hike trails.

Campsites are unserviced and walk-in only, suitable for tents up to 4-person in size.

As of October 11, the water system is closed due to freezing temperatures. Campers are advised to bring their own source of potable water.

Important information
  • New! Reservations available June 20 – September 16. All sites are reservable. 
  • Not all sites have a firepit.
  • This is a walk-in only campground. Parking is available at trailhead 300 m from campground. 
  • Wheelbarrows are available to assist campers moving heavy items.
  • The maximum number of people per campsite is 4.
  • Unit restrictions: A single tent, maximum size 4-person.
  • All tents must be on the gravel area of the campsite.
  • There is a communal firepit for groups. Firewood is provided.
  • There is no cell phone coverage at this campground. WiFi is not available.
Directions

Located 300 m from the end of the Yoho Valley Road, 18 km east of the Village of Field.

Hoodoo Creek
  • Open: June 13 to September 2, 2024
  • Sites: 30
  • Services:
    Outhouse Fire pits picnic shelter Cooking shelter Food locker

Hoodoo Creek Campground sits on a sunny open meadow with stunning views of Mt. Hunter. Hikers can enjoy access to numerous popular hikes nearby including the historic Deer Lodge Warden Cabin, Wapta Falls, Mt Hunter Fire Lookout and the Hoodoos trail overlooking the campground.

Campsites are unserviced and best suited for tents, or motorhomes and trailers up to 50 feet. Water is unavailable.

Important information
  • Hoodoo Creek Campground offers first-come, first-served sites only.
  • The maximum number of people per campsite is 6.
  • Unit restrictions: 3 units (a unit is one vehicle, RV, trailer or tent)
  • Only 1 RV or trailer and 1 vehicle are permitted per site
  • All vehicles must fit on the driveway. All tents must be on the gravel area of the campsite.
  • Each campsite includes firepits with attached cooking grill. Firewood is provided.
  • There is limited cell phone coverage at this campground. WiFi is not available.
Directions

Located 24 km west of the Village of Field on Trans Canada Highway.

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