Yoho National Park Camping

Camping at Yoho National Park offers a blend of frontcountry and backcountry options, allowing visitors to experience the Canadian Rockies' pristine landscapes, from forested valleys to stunning alpine trails. Located in British Columbia and neighboring Banff and Kootenay National Parks, Yoho provides a quieter alternative to its more popular counterparts, with ample opportunities for exploration. Here’s an overview of what campers can expect at Yoho:

Frontcountry Camping

Frontcountry camping at Yoho includes several campgrounds with accessible amenities, ideal for those new to camping or looking for convenience:

Kicking Horse Campground: This is the largest campground in the park, offering 88 reservable sites with amenities like hot showers, flush toilets, fire pits, and a sanitation dump. Located near the town of Field, it’s open from late May to early October and is best suited for RVs and campervans.

Monarch Campground: A first-come, first-served campground near Kicking Horse, Monarch has 44 sites with potable water, dry toilets, and a sanitation dump. This location, open from May to September, is close to the highway, making it convenient but potentially noisy.

Takakkaw Falls Campground: Located about a 1 km walk from the Takakkaw Falls parking lot, this partially frontcountry campground offers a quieter setting with 35 sites and amenities such as fire pits and bear bins. Open from mid-June to October, it’s ideal for those comfortable with a short walk to reach the campsite.

Hoodoo Creek Campground: Positioned near the western edge of the park close to Golden, Hoodoo Creek has 30 first-come, first-served sites in an open meadow with views of the surrounding mountains. Open from July to September, it’s suitable for both RVs and tents.

Lake Louise Campground (nearby): For those unable to secure a spot within Yoho, Lake Louise, located 20 minutes away, offers 206 tent sites and 189 RV sites with full amenities, including a shower house.

Backcountry Camping

Yoho’s backcountry camping is geared toward more experienced campers who can hike to their campsites, carrying everything they need. Notable backcountry sites include:

Laughing Falls: A relatively accessible site 5 km from the Takakkaw Falls trailhead. This area has five sites by the Yoho River and serves as a good stop for hikes to Twin Falls or along the Iceline Trail.

Twin Falls: Located 9 km from Takakkaw Falls, this site has five campsites and is a popular base for exploring Twin Falls and nearby trails.

Yoho Lake: A more challenging 5 km hike leads to this campsite on steep terrain, providing access to the Iceline Trail and other circuits in the area.

Little Yoho Valley: Situated along the Iceline Trail loop, this campsite is approximately 10 km from either direction and ideal for hikers planning a full circuit.

McArthur Creek: Located on the Great Divide Trail, this site is often used by thru-hikers or those seeking to connect to the Rockwall Trail in Kootenay National Park.

Lake O’Hara: Known for its scenic beauty and limited access, Lake O’Hara’s 30-site campground is highly sought after. Reservations open in March and fill quickly due to high demand. Campers can access the area via a Parks Canada bus, though the 11 km road is also hikeable for those without a reservation.

Backcountry Huts

The Alpine Club of Canada operates backcountry huts in Yoho, which offer a more sheltered experience for advanced hikers:

Elizabeth Parker Hut: Near Lake O’Hara, this hut is accessible from the bus stop, though reservations may require a separate bus booking.

Stanley Mitchell Hut: Located near Little Yoho Valley, this hut is accessible via a 10 km hike and serves as a base for exploring the Iceline Trail.

Important Tips for Camping at Yoho

Reservations: Kicking Horse and Takakkaw Falls are the only frontcountry sites that accept reservations, which open in January on the Parks Canada website. Lake O’Hara and backcountry sites also require early reservations due to high demand.

Bear Safety: The park enforces the “bare campsite” policy to prevent wildlife interactions, requiring all food and attractants to be safely stored.

Weather Preparedness: Even in summer, temperatures can drop below freezing at night, so campers should come prepared with warm gear and weather-resistant tents.

No Free Camping: Random camping is not allowed within the park. Campers must stay at designated sites and obtain backcountry permits when necessary.

With options ranging from accessible frontcountry campsites to remote backcountry spots, Yoho National Park provides a variety of camping experiences, all set within the stunning Rocky Mountain landscape. Whether you’re interested in short walks to famous sites or multi-day hikes into remote areas, camping at Yoho offers an unforgettable way to connect with nature.