There are countless RV destinations to visit within the states, but sometimes it’s fun to venture a little further north. Canada is covered in gorgeous landscapes, mountains, lakes, and forests. And one of its most beloved outdoor destinations (Banff National Park) isn’t too far from the US border. This makes it the perfect destination for campers of all kinds.
If you’re looking for the best place to stay near the park, that has to be Tunnel Mountain Trailer Court. There is a network of campgrounds in this area to accommodate all the visitors who want to stay close to Banff. But the Trailer Court is the most popular (and the most well-equipped) spot for RV campers.
This is a huge park that has enough space to accommodate hundreds of trailers (and motorhomes, too). There are also plenty of amenities to go around, so you won’t have to rough it’ll be able to enjoy some modern comforts even as you camp in the sprawling wilderness of Banff. Tunnel Mountain is the perfect getaway for anyone who loves the beauty of the great outdoors.
Overview
Tunnel Mountain Trailer Court is located at Tunnel Mountain Road, in Alberta’s Banff National Park. It’s right in the heart of Banff, so you’re perfectly situated to explore many of the most famous landmarks and attractions.
This campground doesn’t come with any lakeview sites, but you’ll never be too far away from waterfront recreation! There are several rivers and lakes nearby to enjoy. Some noteworthy ones include the branching Bow River, the interconnected Vermillion Lakes, and the massive Lake Minnewanka to the north.
As we mentioned earlier, Tunnel Mountain Trailer Court is just one of many camping options in this region. There are hundreds of tent sites available in the nearby Tunnel Mountain Village (I and II), but these are more primitive sites. At most, they come with electric hookups, but most don’t even have that. So if you’re visiting Banff in an RV, you’ll want to head for the Trailer Court.
This RV Park is huge, with 322 sites available. All come with full hookups for water, sewage, and electricity so you can camp in comfort. Several sites can also accommodate big rigs, so don’t be afraid that your RV will be too big for this park. RVs up to 50 feet long are welcome here.
The rates here are also very competitive! Because this is such a popular area, you might have expected to pay top dollar to get a site. But on the contrary, Banff is approachable to everyone who loves camping. The large, full-service sites at Tunnel Mountain Trailer Court only cost $42.50 per night. This is quite a bargain for such a well-situated campsite.
Additional fees may apply depending on what you do during your visit. You may need to pay an entry fee to get into Banff National Park, and/or gain access to the shuttles. Discounts and bundles are available though, so be sure to peruse your options before you arrive!
For more information about this RV Park and additional camping options in the area, visit the official website at parks.canada.ca
Amenities
Next up, let’s cover some of the amenities you’ll gain access to during your visit. The full hookups are one of the biggest appeals of this campground. Having easy access to fresh drinking water, electricity, and your own bathroom are huge benefits in such a heavily wooded area.
But the campground itself also has other amenities for all guests to enjoy. There are spigots with fresh water in several locations, as well as an on-site dump station for those who need to service their RVs. Showers and restrooms with flush toilets are also on the premises. This is a perk for anyone who is tired of navigating their small RV bathroom!
The roads in this RV park are all paved, making it easy to reach your campsite and park. The sites are mainly gravel, but they are level and well-maintained. Picnic tables are also at your site for a little extra work space! Large trees grow throughout Tunnel Mountain Trailer Court, offering shade and extra privacy to campers.
Accessibility is also an important feature to the creators of this campground. Several campsites are accessible to those with disabilities, and the public facilities are designed with them in mind as well.
There are also plenty of opportunities for education and entertainment! Park employees regularly host events that are open to the public. Some of these include guided hikes, theater shows, showcases about current conservation projects, and lessons about the wildlife of this park. Canada’s indigenous people also play a very important role here, so there are several programs and opportunities to help guests learn about Banff’s human history (past and present).
Banff is a massive park with so many points of interest. If you want to explore without hauling your RV everywhere you go, you’re in luck! A variety of biking and hiking trails are easy to access from the campground. Additionally, shuttles and public transportation are available at multiple points. There is a shuttle service that runs within Tunnel Mountain so you can easily catch a ride.
The shuttle can take you to the nearby town of Banff, which is just a couple miles away. Parking here is limited, so riding the shuttle is usually the most hassle-free way to get there. Additional routes connect to popular lakes, mountains, and canyons. Check out the park shuttle page for more information about routes and schedules.
Nearby Activities/Attractions
Now we can get to the real meat of the matter! Banff is a wonderland of outdoor adventures and it draws in visitors from all across the country.
If you want activities that are right on your doorstep, look no further than Tunnel Mountain itself! This peak overlooks the city of Banff and you can easily reach the trailhead from your campsite. The trail is only 1.5 miles long, but be prepared for a fairly steep incline at certain parts.
If hiking isn’t your style, no worries! There are plenty of other ways to enjoy the beauty of Banff. Visitors can view it from the sky by riding the aerial Banff Gondola or taking a scenic route around the Vermillion Lakes Drive.
Even if you visit during the summer, Banff can get pretty chilly. Warm up by taking a trip to the Banff Upper Hot Springs. These natural pools are rich in minerals and the perfect temperature for a nice relaxing soak.
Another extremely popular destination in the area is Lake Louise, which is a bright blue glacial lake surrounded by mountains and hiking trails. Chateau Lake Louise is a historic building on the lakeshore that is also worth a visit while you’re there!
And if you need a break from outdoor adventures, you can always explore the town of Banff and visit one of the many museums, tea houses, art galleries, and retail shops. Millions of people visit this area every year, so there are all kinds of attractions to explore.
Once again, to accommodate all the visitors in this area, Banff offers plenty of cuisine options. There are tons of great restaurants in the main town, but once you venture further away, the dining choices become few and far between. But there’s no shortage close to your campsite! Some of the best options include:
Reviews
With all of these factors in play, it’s easy to see why Tunnel Mountain Trailer Court is such a hit with guests. But exactly how well does it rank in the grand scheme of things?
Well according to users of RV LIFE Campgrounds, this park is a 9.2/10! That’s an impressive score, especially when you look at how many people have reviewed it over the years. More than 250 people have left feedback, and yet its still overwhelmingly positive.
Guests remarked that they loved the size and cleanliness of their RV sites. The full hookups were a draw for many people as well. Nearly every review also mentions the great location within Banff. Whether you hike, bike, or catch a shuttle, this is an excellent central location that gives you easy access to the park.
If you want to get the most out of your RV adventure in this gorgeous park, then Tunnel Mountain is the place to go! To find out more information from real guests, visit RV LIFE Campgrounds. Here, visitors provide detailed breakdowns of their experience, offer tips, and share photos from their trip. It’s a great resource to anyone who is planning their next road trip.
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