RV Camping in Jasper National Park
ShareTake a step outside of your comfort zone, and explore the largest national park in Canada’s Rocky Mountains!
Jasper National Park is an expansive park full of natural wonders, waiting to be explored—by you!
Buckle up and get ready to ride through Jasper in this tell-all guide to RV camping in Jasper National Park.
Jasper National Park Facts
Jasper National Park is a sight to see, and its vast history makes it all the more intriguing! Learn why this national park is on the travel list of more than two million travelers every year.
- The park was established in 1907 as Jasper Forest Park after North West Company trading manager Jasper Hawes. It was later granted national park status and renamed in 1930 with the National Parks Act's passing.
- Jasper National Park is the Canadian Rockies’ largest national park, spanning 4,200 square miles.
- Mount Columbia is the highest point in the park and Alberta, Canada, standing at 12,293 feet above sea level.
- UNESCO designated the national park a World Heritage Site in 1984.
- There are plenty of natural spectacles to explore, including Columbia Icefield glaciers, limestone caves, hot springs, waterfalls and mountains.
- There is an abundance of mammals in Jasper National Park, including elk, caribou, moose, lynx, grizzly bear, and hoary marmot.
Those are just a few Jasper National Park facts that fascinate visitors. Keep reading to learn about where to find the best Jasper National Park RV campgrounds, things to do in Jasper, and when you should visit the Canadian Rockies.
Best Jasper National Park RV Parks and Campgrounds
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There’s no shortage of RV parks in Jasper National Park. It all comes down to your activity list and the beautifully unique scenery you want to wake up to. So take a load off and find your home away from home with this list of the best Jasper National Park RV campgrounds.
Honeymoon Lake Campground
Amenities: Located at Honeymoon Lake, this RV campground is a secluded getaway. Honeymoon Lake Campground does not have a beach, but the crystal clear waters are perfect for paddling and swimming. The campground has two cooking shelters, two bear-proof storage lockers and four pit toilets. Unfortunately, the campground does not have running water or electricity. The campground is first-come, first-served, and it can accommodate RVs up to 25 feet.
Capacity: 36 sites
More Information: Honeymoon Lake Campground
Snaring River Campground
Amenities: Snaring River Campground is an RV campground in Jasper National Park closest to Jasper, Alberta. The campground sits on the Snaring River with dramatic views of the Canadian Rockies’ peaks. It can accommodate trailers and motorhomes up to 27 feet. However, if you’re looking for luxury, you won’t find it here. This campground does not have running water and only has pit toilets. Snaring River Campground is a first-come, first-served campground, so get here early.
Capacity: 62 sites
More Information: Snaring River Campground
Wabasso Campground
Amenities: Wabasso Campground is a quiet campsite overlooking the rushing waters of the Athabasca River in Jasper National Park. The campground has a wealth of amenities, including showers, flush toilets and a playground. Wabasso is RV-friendly with full-hookups, including electric, water and sewer hookups. Wabasso Campground can accommodate motorhomes and trailers under 35 feet.
Capacity: 231 sites
More Information: Wabasso Campground
Wilcox Campground
Amenities: Wilcox Campground is a premier campsite because it is located minutes away from the Columbia Icefield. The campsite does accommodate RVs up to 27 feet; however, there are no RV hookups at this campsite, nor does it have running water or flushing toilets. Because of its proximity to the glacier, it is a bit cooler but worth the stay to see the icy formations.
Capacity: 46 sites
More Information: Wilcox Campground
Wapiti Campground
Amenities: Soak up the scenery under the towering trees of Wapiti Campground. The campground is situated along the Athabasca River and is a relaxing sanctuary for nature lovers. As far as RV campgrounds near Jasper National Park go, Wapiti is in a prime location. Campground visitors report frequent elk sightings! Plus, Wapiti is not far from town, so picking up extra camping supplies is easy. Electric hookups are available for RVs, and many of the campsites accommodate large motorhomes.
Capacity: 363 sites
More Information: Wapiti Campground
Best Time to Visit Jasper National Park for RV Camping
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From captivating Sunwapta Falls to Maligne Lake's piercing blue waters to Mount Edith Cavell's winding trails, Jasper National Park is a treasure trove of breathtaking locations. The good news is that there is always something to see no matter when you plan to go RV camping in Jasper National Park.
Explore the park by season to find out the best time to visit Jasper National Park.
Winter
Pack the snow gear and get ready for a powdery paradise! Winter in Jasper National Park brings a flurry of snow sports, including skiing, snowshoeing and cross country skiing. Winter is a quieter time of year in Jasper and a great time to experience the park's beauty in its snow-capped glory.
The climate in winter is as cold as can be. January is the coldest month of the year in Jasper National Park, averaging around 15 degrees Fahrenheit.
Spring
Wildlife lovers will enjoy spring in Jasper National Park as it is the best time of the year to watch animals, including elk, bears, deer, goats and many more. It’s not uncommon to see young animals traipsing about the park in the spring months.
Because Jasper is an expansive park with varying levels of elevation, spring arrives at different times. At lower elevations, spring begins in the middle of April. But for parts of Jasper at higher elevations, spring does not arrive until June! Wildflowers spring up starting in April, but the best time to see the full bloom is June.
Spring offers a prime opportunity to explore the valley bottom as trails are open for biking and hiking. The weather is still chilly with temperatures in the single digits during March nights. However, daily highs steadily increase from the 30s to the 50s between March and May.
Summer
The sun is shining, and the waterfalls are rushing! July is the warmest month of the year at Jasper National Park. Average temperatures rise to the mid-70s during this time of the year.
There is much to see and do in the warmer June, July and August months in Jasper. Horseback riding and hiking trails are open around the park, including in higher elevations. Water activities are also in full swing in the summertime. You can kayak on Maligne Lake or feed your adventurous spirit with a whitewater rafting excursion along Athabasca River.
Summer is a busy time at Jasper, so be mindful that you’ll likely face crowds. It’s no surprise that summer draws large groups of people to the park. After all, it's the best time to take advantage of water's breathtaking bodies throughout the park.
Fall
Steering clear of crowds and exploring the gorgeous park is a breeze in autumn. September through November is considered a “shoulder season” in Jasper National Park. In other words, if crowds are not your idea of a good time, fall is the perfect season to visit.
Hiking the mountain trails in fall is invigorating and filled with golden hues as the leaves turn. According to Parks Canada, “fall temperatures are most enjoyable for hiking in the Rocky Mountains.”
The best time of the year to visit Jasper National Park truly depends on the activities you want to partake in and sights you would like to see. Summer, winter, spring and fall bring their own charms to visitors and make this park a treat year-round!
Things to Do in Jasper National Park
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There are so many amazing things to do in Jasper National Park that it’d be impossible for us to list every one. So, we’ve listed a few once-in-a-lifetime experiences that you can’t miss out on if you plan to go RV camping in Jasper National Park.
Jasper National Park is a designated dark sky preserve, making it the perfect place to see the stars, moon, and, occasionally, the Northern Lights. Venture out to watch the night sky or wait until the annual Jasper Dark Sky Festival, where astronomers of all levels participate in guided stargazing, planetarium experiences and photography workshops.
Once the site for Project Habbakuk, Patricia Lake was a project to construct unsinkable aircraft carriers from ice-based composite material during WWII. Today, Patricia Lake is a family-friendly spot for fishing, swimming and hiking. However, if you want to discover a piece of history, you can take a dip beneath the lake’s glassy surface on a guided scuba dive to see the remains of Project Habbakuk.
For the snow bunnies, hit the slopes and shred the Canadian Rockies. You don’t need to worry about colliding with other visitors—there is plenty of fresh powder for beginner and experienced skiers. Ski resorts like Marmot Basin are located inside the national park, so you don’t have to worry about leaving.
For the adventurers, bundle up and take an ice walk through Maligne Canyon. During the summer, the canyon is a lush gorge of limestone walls and rock formations. However, in winter, this spectacle turns into a maze of natural ice sculptures. Take a guided tour and explore the massive system of ice caves and frozen waterfalls stretching far above your head and icy river beneath your feet.
Those are just a few heart-pumping things to do in Jasper National Park, but you don’t have to look far for more adventure. Visit Parks Canada to find your next adventure in Jasper.
Tips on Visiting Jasper National Park
Before you stock the fridge, pack the RV, and fill the tank, there are a few tips that you need to know.
- Plan your trip with finesse. Visit popular tourist attractions on weekdays and less-visited spots during weekends to avoid crowds during the summer.
- Book your accommodations ahead of time. During the peak tourist season, RV campgrounds fill up fast! If you show up without a reservation, you may find zero vacancies.
- Check the roads before traveling. Infrastructure projects and extreme weather can cause traffic delays and road closures. Avoid traveling headaches and review Jasper’s weather report and infrastructure project updates before hitting the road.
- Bring your compass. Smartphones are especially useful navigation tools, but you may not get service everywhere in the park. Bring a map and tell a few trusted friends where you plan to explore and when you expect to return.
- Get out of your comfort zone. Jasper National Park is home to a wealth of glassy lakes—it’d be a shame not to explore at least one. There are plenty of local spots to rent equipment and gear like Wild Current Outfitters.
- Keep your distance. Jasper National Park is home to a wide variety of animals. Be alert for wildlife and keep your distance. Also, do not feed animals that you may encounter.
- Leave no trace. Jasper National Park is full of wonders—make sure visitors after you can have a comparable experience. Dispose of waste products appropriately and follow posted guidelines for campfires.
RV Rental for Jasper National Park
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You won’t find another place like Jasper National Park on Earth! Discover every corner of Jasper National Park with an RV rental. With all the comfort of home, you can explore the park on your terms without restriction.
Cruise Canada RVs are equipped with a shower, microwave, gas cooktop, generator, and other amenities that make RV camping comfortable and convenient.
Rent a Cruise Canada RV today and start planning your trip to Jasper National Park!