Places to Park Camper van near Banff/Lake Louise

[Danny Noonan]

Wondering if anybody has some rec's on where they have had success over-nighting their campers in the area. I know their are a few campgrounds at Tunnel and LL that run about $35 a night but if you are not plugging in or using the facilities that seems like a bit of a waste honestly. We are considering going through and doing some touring this weekend with the van and mutt and just need a place to crash for a few hours, but are hoping someone has a bit of intel on what has worked for them.

[mntlion]

If the van looks like it's empty parking overnight at trailhead ds or in residential area will work. Above Canmore on spray lakes road should be cheaper or free

[jon gaper]

The dog can be a problem.Mine go crazy if anyone approaches the van,so its hard to "look empty"

[moose pit]

The parkway is usually pretty dead after 8 or so.

[mntlion]

the ski hill lots, or the "overflow" camping in LL might be options too?

[phallic-menace]

I'm in lake louise atm doing my avy ops 1. A few of the guys are camping in the lake louise Inn car park and showering in the hostel across the road. They seem to be having success

[Danny Noonan]

Thanks for the heads up and input guys. We have done the LL lot with moderate success before. If nobody comes by it is the best and so quiet, but if parks come through they have not been overly 'understanding' being in the park and all. That LL Inn parking lot is pretty big. Could be a good one to hide out in actually with the mutt and go somewhat unnoticed.

[Eldo]

I've done lot #1 at LL with success. Just pull in late, like after 10.

But would be easier to stealth camp if you leave the dog with friends in the city.

Unless you plan to ski tour with your dog on a leash (being in a national park) it also won't have much fun stuck in the van all day.

[phallic-menace]

I've just found out I need to be back in ll for the 19 of April. Anyone have any tips for tent camping and accessing the resort

[DanoT]

I've just found out I need to be back in ll for the 19 of April. Anyone have any tips for tent camping and accessing the resort

This is hungry bears coming out of their den season and so tents and soft wall tent trailers are not allowed in the LL campground.

[phallic-menace]

Dano Do you ride a capita horoscope

[Eldo]

Dano Do you ride a capita horoscope

Pretty sure Dano doesn't swing that way.

Do bears come out in March near Banff? Koots and interior I would believe but seems early for the AB side of the Divide.

[BCMtnHound]

Do bears come out in March near Banff? Koots and interior I would believe but seems early for the AB side of the Divide.

It's early but the blackies are already out here. Griz come out of slumber regularly this time of year, both sides of the divide.

[Danny Noonan]

Do bears come out in March near Banff? Koots and interior I would believe but seems early for the AB side of the Divide.

I wouldn't be surprised with how mild it has been that we see them popping out a couple weeks earlier than years past.

[mntlion]

I bet the chateau staff parking lot would be good to park in for a night too. Or on the lake Oheara parking lot too.

[stizzmt]

Bumping this for updated info. Headed north from Montana tomorrow. Assuming it's only gotten harder post 2020/van-life explosion. But any tips or thoughts would be appreciated.

[toast2266]

At the base of the Lake Louise road (right near the highway), there's a spur road to the north that goes to a transformer station and a maintenance area of some sort. I've successfully slept a couple nights at the transformer station. That was ~6 years ago, but I'd be surprised if things had changed much. We did the usual "show up late, roll out early" thing.

Also winter camped in various official campsites in that area.

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[stizzmt]

At the base of the Lake Louise road (right near the highway), there's a spur road to the north that goes to a transformer station and a maintenance area of some sort. I've successfully slept a couple nights at the transformer station. That was ~6 years ago, but I'd be surprised if things had changed much. We did the usual "show up late, roll out early" thing.

Also winter camped in various official campsites in that area.

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Sweet, appreciate that. If there's any locals with a hookup (figurative) happy to bring elk meat and beer from SOB...

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[mntlion]

I think the lake louise overflow lot, on the transcanada hwy, is OK for overnight parking?

https://www.google.com/maps/@51.3868...oASAFQAw%3D%3D

also tunnel mnt campground is open for paid camping in banff. $30ish CND peso a night?

[stizzmt]

I think the lake louise overflow lot, on the transcanada hwy, is OK for overnight parking?

https://www.google.com/maps/@51.3868...oASAFQAw%3D%3D

also tunnel mnt campground is open for paid camping in banff. $30ish CND peso a night?

Thanks for the beta. Indeed Tunnel seems like the easiest legit option if not right at the skiing, and hardly expensive.

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[teamdirt]

Lake Louise overflow is open for free overnight parking

Lake Louise campground is open $30ish a night

Tunnel mtn campground is open $30is a night

Bring your own snow…

[stizzmt]

Lake Louise overflow is open for free overnight parking

Lake Louise campground is open $30ish a night

Tunnel mtn campground is open $30is a night

Bring your own snow…

I don't think you want us bringing our conditions your direction at the moment. Appreciate the info.

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[mntlion]

Thanks for the beta. Indeed Tunnel seems like the easiest legit option if not right at the skiing, and hardly expensive.

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Yup

maybe do Tunnel for a night, and see. What way are you driving up?

1) Odds are I know some non-national park spots to camp between MT and banff

2) I have a few small packages in whitefish/kalispell waiting for me.

[stizzmt]

Yup

maybe do Tunnel for a night, and see. What way are you driving up?

1) Odds are I know some non-national park spots to camp between MT and banff

2) I have a few small packages in whitefish/kalispell waiting for me.

Heading up that way. Sent ya a pm.

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[Harry]

Thanks for the beta. Indeed Tunnel seems like the easiest legit option if not right at the skiing, and hardly expensive.

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I have winter camped at Tunnel many times, coin-op hot showers are legit. Highly recommended for a dirtbag budget trip to Banff.