The Go Outside Guide to Summer Camping Reservations
Yes, it's that time of the year
It feels weird to think about camping when there’s snow on the ground and we’re emerging from a record-breaking January deep freeze, but such is the nature of camping reservations in Canada.
Our calendars are jammed with various dates for upcoming camping reservations, which we figured we’d share with you, our dear readers. So, ignore that snow and start scheming about sleeping in a tent under the stars. The days are getting longer and summer will be here before you know it!
Parks Canada Camping Sites
Reservations for Summer 2024 at Parks Canada sites open in late January, with launch dates varying by location. Pro Tip: we highly recommend creating an account before reservations open and having several backup camping options in case your top picks aren’t available on your desired dates. We always find booking through Parks Canada stressful, though the experience has improved in recent years.
In order of dates, camping opens:
Camping in Yoho National Park: Reservations open Tuesday, January 23 2024 at 8 a.m. MT
Camping (front and backcountry) in Waterton Lakes National Park: Reservations open Wednesday, January 24 2024 at 8 a.m. MT
Camping at Lake O’Hara: Reservations open Thursday, January 25 2024 at 8 a.m. MT
Camping in Banff National Park: Reservations open Friday January 26 at 8 a.m. MT
Backcountry camping in Banff, Kootenay & Yoho National Parks: Reservations open Monday, January 29 2024 at 8 a.m. MT
Camping in Jasper National Park: Reservations open Tuesday, January 30 2024 at 8 a.m. MT
Backcountry camping in Jasper National Park: Reservations open Thursday, February 1 2024 at 8 a.m. MT
It’s also worth noting, Parks hasn’t yet released a date for reservations for the Lake O’Hara day-use shuttle, which will once again only be accessible by random draw this year. Dates for the draw are expected to be released in February. Reservations for the Shuttle to Moraine Lake and Lake Louise lakeshore will launch on Thursday, April 18 2024 at 8 a.m. MT.
More details on booking via Parks Canada can be found here.
Alberta Parks Camping Sites
You’ve still got time to scheme re which Alberta Parks sites you want to visit this summer because there’s still no opening date for reservations. (May we recommend Writing-On-Stone, pictured above?!) Due to system maintenance, Alberta Parks isn’t taking any reservations past February 18, 2024. Excited campers are encouraged by Alberta Parks to stay tuned for more information re booking dates and times. In the past, reservations have been released on a 90-day window (180-days for group camping sites) though it’s unclear if that will continue this year.
B.C. Parks Camping Sites
Both frontcountry and backcountry reservations at B.C. Parks are released on a 4-month rolling window, meaning reservations for the May long weekend (May 17-20 and the traditional kickoff to camping season) opened for booking on January 17. If you’re looking to visit a backcountry or frontcountry site in B.C., figure out what dates you want and mark your calendar to get booking a full four-months before that date.
Other Helpful Tips
If the thought of trying to plan a camping trip right now is overwhelming, don’t worry. We’ve previously written about how to snag the perfect site without a reservation, as well as how and where to camp on crown land. You can read both of these entries below.
Happy Camping!
A quick note to Go Outside subscribers. Due to capacity issues, we’ll be arriving in your inbox a little less often in the coming months. You can expect our e-mails at least every two weeks for the foreseeable future.
