Protection Mountain Campground
Photo: Olivier Bruchez, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
An open, simple campground on the Bow Valley Parkway with big views of Protection and Castle mountains. There are flush toilets but no showers or hookups. Handy for mid-size RVs that want a quieter base between Banff and Lake Louise.
Nearby: “An excellent location for evening star gazing.” (Parks Canada page)
Why these tags? (sources)
- Dark skies: “An excellent location for evening star gazing.” Parks Canada page
- Pet-friendly: “Pets must be on a leash and under physical control at all times in Banff National Park.” Parks Canada page
Cost
Typical cost per night: about $27 (approximate average of the listed rates, before extras)
| Unserviced (toilets only) | $26.75 |
|---|
Nearest sani-dump is at Lake Louise Campground.
Source: official rates page. Rates checked October 2026, confirm before booking.
Campground details
| Park | Banff National Park |
|---|---|
| Operator | Parks Canada |
| Location | On the Bow Valley Parkway (Hwy 1A), 15 km east of Lake Louise. |
| Season | 2026: June 18 – Sept 14 (2026 dates; they change yearly and with weather) |
| Site types | Unserviced 72 unserviced sites (reservation only) |
| RV length | Best for motorhomes and trailers up to 10 m (35 ft). |
| Showers | No |
| Sani-dump | No |
| Flush toilets | Yes |
| Other amenities | Drinking water, Cooking & picnic shelters, Firepits, Food storage lockers |
| Reservations | Parks Canada Reservation Service (reservation only) Book or check availability |
| Official page | parks.canada.ca |
Details are from the official/operator pages listed above, checked October 2026. Seasons, rates, closures and rules change; confirm with the operator before you go. Check fire bans and road conditions. Explore: Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Johnston Canyon.
