Johnston Canyon Campground

About Johnston Canyon Campground

This campground sits directly on the Bow Valley Parkway with immediate access to Johnston Canyon's hiking trails. You're positioned for early morning walks to the Lower Falls before crowds arrive, and the canyon's cool microclimate keeps temperatures bearable on hot summer days. The location matters because it puts you steps away from one of Banff's most accessible waterfall hikes without the chaos of Lake Louise or Moraine Lake parking lots.

Book a site near the canyon entrance if available. You get 140 campsites with full hookups or partial services depending on your setup. The canyon trail network runs right from camp, so you can hit the Upper Falls (2.7 km) or Lower Falls (1.6 km) on foot without a vehicle. The general store and flush toilets make this feel less remote than other park campgrounds, which some prefer and others avoid.

Reserve early for July and August, when this place fills by early afternoon. The trade-off is real: Johnston Canyon is the most crowded campground in Banff, especially on weekends. Come in June or September for the same trails and a fraction of the people. This works best if you want backcountry hikes without backcountry camping complexity, or if you're traveling with kids who need amenities nearby.