Banff National Park in a Campervan
Banff National Park is a classic destination due to the amazing scenery and wildlife all around the park. From Boise there are three ways that google recommends to get to Banff National Park. To break up the drive we recommend allowing at least two days and camping along the way. We recommend travelers take Route 2(US95) on the way to Banff and then Route 3(US95,12,US93) on the return trip.
Recommended Stay: 10 to 14 days
Distance from Wandervans Boise 756 miles / Drive Time: 13 hours
Distance from Wandervans Spokane/CDA 303 miles / Drive Time: 6 hours
Route 1 (Fastest and Least Scenic I-84,I-82,U395,I-90,US95):
From Boise we recommend you make it to Kennewick/Walla Walla Area one the first day and then the Couer d'Alene area on the second day. Here are some campgrounds along the route.
Palouse Falls State Park - 10 first come first serve sites.
Lewis and Clark Trail State Park - 24 reservable sites
Blackwell Island Campground, Couer d'Alene-182 reservable sites
Farragut State Park - 222 reservable sites
ound Lake State Park - 51 reservable sites
riest Lake State Park - 176 reservable sites
Route 2 (+10 minutes but very scenic US95):
From Boise we recommend you make it to Winchester State Park the first night and then the Couer d'Alene area on the second day. Here are some campgrounds along the route. All of our vans have an Idaho State Parks pass so you get free admission to the park along with discounted campsites.
Winchester State Park - 68 reservable sites
Blackwell Island Campground, Couer d'Alene-182 reservable sites
Farragut State Park - 222 reservable sites
ound Lake State Park - 51 reservable sites
Priest Lake State Park - 176 reservable sites
Route 3 (+1.5 hours but very scenic U95, HWY12, US93):
From Boise we recommend you camp you make it to a campground along Hwy 12 the first night and then Missoula area on the second day. Here are some campgrounds along the route.
Powel Campground USFS - 68 reservable sites
Glacier National Park - Apgar Campground
Banff National Park
Banff National Park is one of Canada's Premier National Parks. There are stunning rugged landscapes and a myriad of places to view wildlife. During the busy summer season, we recommend hiking some of the trails to get away from some of the crowds. Check out some of the recommendations from Parks Canada here.
Banff National Park Camping- The camping around Banff National Park offers the most inexpensive way to stay in the park amongst the amazing scenery and easy access to nature.
There are 13 Banff National Park campgrounds which offer 2,468 sites at reasonable rates.
Here are some recommendations around Banff:
1) The Cave and Basin National Historic Site - Here you will see an underground Cave, and bubbling thermal waters.
2) Lake Minnewanka - Has an excellent multiuse trail system and many places to relax on the water at the beach or for a picnic.
3) Banff Legacy Trail - A paved bike path from the east entrance to Bow Valley Parkway.
4) Upper Hot Springs Pool - Enjoy a natural hot springs where travelers have soaked for generations.
4) Johnson Lake - Hike around the lake our paddle on its waters.
5) Vermilion Lakes - Perfect place to enjoy birds and wildlife.
6) Johnston Canyon - Do you love waterfalls? Then this is the ideal stop. You can hike anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour and enjoy some amazing views.
7) Lake Louise - The most classic destination in the park and a must do.
8) Lake Agnes Trail - A very popular trail in the park that takes you to Mirror Lake and has some amazing views of Lake Louise.
9) Plain of Six Glaciers Trail - This is another popular hike around Lake Louise featuring glaciers, views, and lots of wildlife.
10) Moraine Lake - Hike around the lake our paddle on its waters.
Operation Hours & Season:
Banff National Park is open year-round.
Areas of the park may be closed throughout the year so be sure to monitor closures here:
https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/ab/banff/visit/installations-facilities/fermetures-closures
Campervans available for rent in Boise, Salt Lake City, and Spokane/ Coeur d’Alene.