5 things to know before camping in Jasper National Park this summer

Reservations for summer camping in Jasper National Park are set to open next week, with frontcountry campground bookings available at 8 a.m. MT on Tuesday and backcountry bookings open at 8 a.m. on Wednesday. Campsites will be available for dates from early May to late September, offering a longer timeline than usual for visitors to enjoy the stunning natural beauty of the park.

However, camping in Jasper National Park will look different this year, as the park and the townsite recover from a devastating wildfire that occurred last July. The wildfire, which burned more than 32,500 hectares, was the most destructive to hit the national park in over a century, resulting in the destruction of about one-third of buildings in the townsite.

As a result of the wildfire, some sections of Jasper National Park remain closed, including multiple campsites. Some of the sites that are reopening will be accepting fewer campers than in previous years, as cleanup and repair efforts are still ongoing. Parks Canada is working to remove debris, fallen trees, and repair utilities infrastructure in the campgrounds that were impacted by the fire.

Frontcountry campgrounds such as Whistlers, Miette, and Overflow will be fully open, while Wapiti Campground will operate at reduced capacity. Wabasso and Whirlpool Group campgrounds will remain closed. All backcountry camping sites will be open for the season, although some campsites near the townsite will not be available as they are being held for potential interim housing for residents who lost their homes in the wildfire.

Repairs to the closed campsites are expected to take some time, as planning, design, and construction phases are necessary to get them back open to the public. Parks Canada is ensuring that all sites meet rigorous safety standards before reopening to campers in May.

While the majority of public trails will be open for hiking and biking, visitors are advised to stay away from areas that are marked as off-limits due to fire damage. Fallen trees and weakened soil can pose hazards, especially during high wind or rain events.

For campers looking to book a prime spot, Parks Canada recommends pre-planning and being flexible with travel dates. Some spots are highly sought after, so being open-minded and willing to camp mid-week or in the shoulder season can increase your chances of securing a spot. While some areas of the townsite are fenced off, the town of Jasper is open for visitors to explore and support the local economy.

Overall, camping in Jasper National Park this summer offers a unique opportunity to witness nature’s resilience in the face of adversity. By following safety guidelines, being flexible with travel plans, and supporting the community, visitors can enjoy a memorable camping experience in this breathtaking wilderness.