Camping in Jasper National Park: Your Guide to the 2026 Season
Camping in Jasper National Park: Your Guide to the 2026 Season
Spring and summer are calling – and so is your camping gear. With Jasper National Park’s frontcountry and backcountry reservations now open, this is the perfect moment to start planning your next adventure. Whether you’re dreaming of quiet spring mornings, long summer days on the trails, or autumn evenings under a star‑filled sky, Jasper offers some of the most unforgettable camping experiences in the Canadian Rockies.
Why Plan Ahead for Camping in Jasper?
Camping in Jasper is always in high demand, and 2026 will be no exception. With the introduction of the Canada Strong Pass (June 19 – September 7, 2026), visitors can enjoy free park entry and discounted travel and camping fees – major perks that also means campsites will book quickly.
Pro tip: Sign in to the Parks Canada reservation system early and have a Plan A, B, and even C ready. Peak booking days move fast.
The Best‑Kept Secret: Visit in Spring
If you enjoy fewer crowds and more space to explore, spring is Jasper’s sweet spot. While visitation picks up around the Victoria Day (May) long weekend, the weeks that follow – up to mid‑June – are typically quieter than peak summer.
Spring brings:
- Easier access to popular campgrounds
- More availability for tents and frontcountry sites
- Cooler temperatures perfect for hiking and biking
- Wildlife viewing opportunities before the summer rush
This is the season locals love most – and once you try it, you’ll understand why.
2026 Jasper Campgrounds: What’s Open and What’s New
Jasper’s campgrounds offer something for every style of camper, from rustic tenting to family‑friendly sites close to town. Here’s what to expect for the 2026 season.
Open May 6 – October 12
Jasper’s largest and most iconic campground is close to the Jasper townsite, and is back for another full season. With wide‑open mountain views and easy access to connector trails, Whistlers is ideal for families and first‑time visitors.
Note: Fewer trees mean sunnier sites – bring extra shelter for shade and rain.
Open year‑round; reservable May 13 – October 28
Just minutes from town, Wapiti continues to operate at reduced capacity due to wildfire impacts. Expect 150 reservable sites and plenty of access to trails, beaches, and classic Jasper experiences.
Open May 13 – September 14
A charming, quieter option at the base of Miette Road. All 140 sites are available, and the nearby Miette Hot Springs reopen in May 2026 – the perfect pairing for a relaxing getaway.
Reservable June 17 – September 7
Rustic, spacious, and surrounded by Rocky Mountain views. With 280 reservable sites, Overflow is a great option for last‑minute planners or those seeking a simpler camping experience.
Backcountry Camping in Jasper
Backcountry reservations are now open. While some trailheads remain closed due to recovery and restoration, many routes are open via alternate access points. Always check the latest updates before planning your trip.
Backcountry highlights include:
– Quiet alpine lakes
– Remote campsites with dramatic mountain views
– Multi‑day treks for seasoned hikers
– Shorter overnight options for beginners
What’s New for Summer 2026
Jasper continues to renew and rebuild following the 2024 wildfire, and visitors will see both restored landscapes and exciting improvements:
– Valley of the Five Lakes Trail reopens with upgraded surfaces, realigned sections, and new rest areas.
– Wabasso Lake and Curator Trails reopen, offering fresh opportunities for hikers.
– More open views in some campgrounds due to reduced tree cover – a unique chance to witness nature’s renewal firsthand.
Getting Around Without the Car
Skip the summer parking crunch by leaving your vehicle at the campground. Jasper makes it easy:
– Bike from Whistlers or Wapiti using connector trails
– Rent bikes from our new adventure centre!
– Use Jasper Transit, with convenient pick‑ups at major campground – spring and summer schedules will be released soon.
Things to Do While Camping in Jasper
Whether you’re a first‑time visitor or a seasoned explorer, Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge offers endless ways to fill your days:
- Stop by and pick up a hiking pack, filled with all the essentials for a day of adventure!
- Browse our boat rentals (available starting May long weekend!) and take a paddle on Lac Beauvert
- Indulge in Dolce at the Dock – our newest Gelato cart, available at the Boathouse
- Book a round at our #1 rated golf course, then enjoy a delicious meal at Orso Trattoria
- Indulge in a spa day at The Fairmont Spa
- Take a dip in our year round heated outdoor pool
- Experience our Glacial Plunge and Sauna Experience (as seen on The Bachelor!)
- Drop the kids off for a fun filled day of adventure at Camp JPL!
- Join astronomy experts at The Planetarium!
Final Thoughts: Your Jasper Camping Adventure Awaits
With long summer days, breathtaking scenery, and a renewed landscape full of life, Jasper National Park is ready to welcome visitors for an unforgettable 2026 season. Whether you’re pitching a tent in spring or settling into a backcountry site under the stars, early planning will help you make the most of your stay.
Spring and summer are calling – and so is your camping gear.
Book early, explore widely, and get ready for a season of adventure in Jasper!
Looking for something a little more lux? Take advantage of our Chill Now, Summer Later Offer for a summer you’ll always remember.