Merlin Meadows Campground
Banff National Park backcountry camping is a wilderness camping system throughout Banff National Park in Alberta, Canada. Campers can reserve designated campgrounds (equipped with outhouses, food storage, and fire rings), pursue random camping in permitted areas, or stay at alpine huts operated by the Alpine Club of Canada. Designated campgrounds feature tent pads with minimal facilities and a maximum 3-night stay per site. The park spans diverse terrain from valleys to alpine meadows, with peak accessibility July to August and trails generally open May to October. Bear-resistant food containers are mandatory in spring through mid-November, and all water must be treated before use. (via official site)
- outhouses
- fire rings
- food storage lockers
- picnic tables
- water access
Rates & prices
Prices as published on Merlin Meadows Campground’s official website (CAD).
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Backcountry permit | CAD 15.00 per person/night |
| Parks Canada admission — Adult per day | CAD 12.25 |
| Parks Canada admission — Family/Group (up to 7 people) per day | CAD 24.50 |
| Fire permit | CAD 12.00-17.00 per day |
| Online reservation fee | CAD 11.50 |
Key facts
At-a-glance details for Merlin Meadows Campground, from its official website.
Booking & season
Pitches & accommodation
Prices & discounts
Facilities & services
Location & access
Rules & policies
Facilities & details
Amenities and on-site features reported for Merlin Meadows Campground.
Know before you go
Practical things to prepare for a trip to Merlin Meadows Campground.
- This is a backcountry site — you'll need to carry in your gear and water.
Location
Where Merlin Meadows Campground sits on the map and how to get there.
What’s nearby
Shops, drinking water, fuel and attractions within reach of the site.
🏞️ Attractions
Skoki Mountain is a mountain located in Banff National Park in Alberta, Canada. It is situated towards the east of the Skoki Valley, at the head of the Red Deer River, and is part of the Slate Range. At the base of the mountain lies Skoki Lodge, a historic ski lodge constructed in 1931, where several routes up to the 2,707 m (8,881 ft) peak originate.
mountain in Alberta, Canada
🛒 Amenities & services
🍽️ Food & drink
- Temple Lodge
- Whitehorn Lodge and Bistro
- Banded Peak Base Camp
🚻 Toilets & showers
- Public toilets
🎾 Sports
- Lake Louise Ski Resort
- Lake Louis Main Lodge
Weather
Current conditions and the forecast to help you plan your trip.
Best time to visit
Typical monthly temperature and rainfall at Merlin Meadows Campground.
Good to know
Quick answers to common questions about Merlin Meadows Campground.
What is required for backcountry camping in Banff?
A valid National Park Pass and backcountry permit are required. Between April 1 and November 15, bear-resistant food containers are mandatory. All water must be treated via boiling, filtering, or chemical treatment. A portable stove is required; campfires only allowed in provided rings at designated campgrounds.
How long can I stay at a designated campground?
Maximum stay is three consecutive nights at any single designated campground. Maximum group size is 10 people with 5 tents; only 4 people and 1 tent per site.
How do I book a backcountry permit?
Reserve online at reservation.pc.gc.ca or call 1-877-RESERVE (1-877-737-3783). Random camping permits (no advance reservation) are available in-person only at Banff Visitor Centre (403-762-1556) or Lake Louise (403-522-1264).
What accommodation options are available?
Options include designated campgrounds with tent pads and basic facilities, random camping in permitted areas (tent only, 50m from trails, 70m from water), alpine huts operated by the Alpine Club of Canada, and commercial lodges including Skoki Lodge, Sundance Lodge, Halfway Lodge, and Shadow Lake Lodge.
When is the best time to go backcountry camping?
Peak season is July to August with optimal conditions. Most trails are accessible May to October; higher elevation areas may remain snowbound until late June. Lower-elevation trails open earlier in spring but peak accessibility is mid-summer.
When is Merlin Meadows Campground open?
Merlin Meadows Campground is open year-round.
What languages are spoken at Merlin Meadows Campground?
Staff at Merlin Meadows Campground speak English, French.
Reviews
Ratings, nightly prices and photos from people who’ve camped here.
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Other campgrounds nearby
More places to camp close to Merlin Meadows Campground.
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- Red Deer Lakes SK19 · Parks Canada
- Hidden Lake
- Baker Lake Camp Sk11 · Parks Canada
- Wildflower Creek Camp Ba15 · Parks Canada
- Molar Creek Campground · Parks Canada