DonandBob

Sites close together as usual in such situations. Understaffed. Couldn't use showers because the lady checking in was also the one to clean showers, but no big deal since most rigs re self-contained. Our site was not big enough to park our truck in it, so we had to park as ways away, not even in the park. Most of the many parks in town looked similar. We had booked another newer nicer park, but moving here saved us about $125 for two nights. Since most people are here to venture into the park, having a camping style spot is not usually the requirement. Cell service, but very sketchy Wi-Fi.

We always get to FCFS campgrounds early so there were many spots available, but for our 34' travel trailer and truck, only a very few were big or level enough. We found a gorgeous spot overlooking the lake and even a pull through. After setting up, some girls came by and showed us they had reserved that site, but it wasn't marked on the site post. Apparently, the camp host, if there is one, wasn't keeping the reserved signs up to date. Graciously, they offered to take the spot next to us so we wouldn't have to tear down and set up again and that site also was overlooking the lake. This experience has made us wary of campgrounds that allow reservations and FCFS unless there is a responsible host to check in with. There were swarms of black flies or tiny mosquitoes, but they didn't bother us once we sprayed ourselves with repellent. No cell or internet.

The part of the park we were is has sharp corners and limited space for larger rigs. We had to wait an hour while a guy finally successfully winched his trailer off a tree. We had fun neighbors who offered us cocktails while we waited. We got into and out of our space just fine but there isn't a lot of space to maneuver. We were supposed to stay here two nights, but we wanted to be closer to Banff so we gave up our money for the second night and moved to the FCFS Municipal Park in Canmore, called Wapiti, which is about 25 minutes closer to the park and town of Banff. This park is in a lovely setting with gorgeous mountains all around, but most campsites where we were are in the trees so no real view. No wi-fi but we did have cell service. No water and 15 amp electrical but a big multi-lane dump station on the way out. You can hear the trains, but far enough away from highway to avoid that din.

Campsites are very close together and the one portable bathroom had no hot water.
But sitting on the docks on the little reed invested lake was a nice way to spend the afternoon with lovely views of the Sierras. We would only stay again for a one or two night stop on the way to somewhere else. The guy who was working there was very helpful. There was Wi-Fi and we did have cell service on our Consumer Cellular phones. It looks like this RV park is a work in progress. Sites were long but very narrow; our awnings overlapped the adjacent site. When the wind blew, lots of dust came with it, but not if you were on one of the docks on the water.

Very cramped RV sites. One portable toilet/shower but no hot water.
Dusty when wind blows in the afternoon. But, sitting on the docks over the little reed infested lake was delightful with lovely views of the Sierras. One staff member to greet you, no office. He was very nice. Had cell service from Consumer Cellular and also Wi-Fi.

Location: Good and Bad. Right between the railroad tracks and Trans Canada Hwy so lots of noise; lots!!! But, close enough to walk to the Canmore Visitor Center and their Wi-Fi lounge, Tim Hortons, McDonalds, 7-Eleven and a myriad of other city services. You are only a few minutes from the park entrance and Banff Village.
There are not a lot of sites for big rigs. This is a first come park with electric only, but they do have drinking water at one spigot. The restrooms were clean but for a while there was no hot water. That got remedied but the dryer never did get fixed in the week we were there. Our site #14 was big enough for our 50 ft. length (trailer and truck) but #15 was put in in reverse so our living areas were right on top of each other. Not a problem if people are friendly or, at a minimum, polite and courteous. We were lucky that way. And, most people aren't there to really camp; they are there to spend time in the park so you don't really see much of one another. Wapiti Cpgr. is right on Bow Valley Trail at the north or west end of Canmore, a lovely little town that is almost as crowded as Banff, almost. Advice: show up at 10 a.m. and talk to the camp host (very friendly and helpful) and see what is available for your size rig. The hosts are not in the office all day. They have a morning and late afternoon shift. Checkout is not till 1 or 2 p.m. but the hosts usually know what will be available. The park fills up almost every night, especially the RV sites, so don't come in late and expect to get lucky. Cell service great, no Wi-Fi.

Location: Good and Bad. Right between the railroad tracks and Trans Canada Hwy so lots of noise; lots!!! But, close enough to walk to the Canmore Visitor Center and their Wi-Fi lounge, Tim Hortons, McDonalds, 7-Eleven and a myriad of other city services. You are only a few minutes from the park entrance and Banff Village.
There are not a lot of sites for big rigs. This is a first come park with electric only, but they do have drinking water at one spigot. The restrooms were clean but for a while there was no hot water. That got remedied but the dryer never did get fixed in the week we were there. Our site #14 was big enough for our 50 ft. length (trailer and truck) but #15 was put in in reverse so our living areas were right on top of each other. Not a problem if people are friendly or, at a minimum, polite and courteous. We were lucky that way. And, most people aren't there to really camp; they are there to spend time in the park so you don't really see much of one another. Wapiti Cpgr. is right on Bow Valley Trail at the north or west end of Canmore, a lovely little town that is almost as crowded as Banff, almost. Advice: show up at 10 a.m. and talk to the camp host (very friendly and helpful) and see what is available for your size rig. The hosts are not in the office all day. They have a morning and late afternoon shift. Checkout is not till 1 or 2 p.m. but the hosts usually know what will be available. The park fills up almost every night, especially the RV sites, so don't come in late and expect to get lucky. Cell service great, no Wi-Fi. There is no privacy here. Sites are on top of each other, but when you can't get into the National Park campgrounds at Tunnel Mt. this is a closer option than Bow Valley or Bow River Campgrounds.

Free and you can stay for up to three days. On lawn and garden side of store. Beautiful views, nicer than many in city campgrounds you pay big bucks for, however no hookups, of course. Be sure to visit the Buffalo Bill Museum; around $23 but well worth it. There are a least five museums under one roof and it will take you hours to see it all. The ticket is good for two days. We had to go eat, at the Irma Hotel, Buffalo Bill built, and return to take in more. We were also lucky enough to see the last performance of the season of the Musical at the theater across the street from Irma's. Much better than we thought it would be and worth the $25. There is also a nightly rodeo, but the night we were in Cody, we were entertained by a huge lightning and thunderstorm so outside was out of the question. The east entrance to Yellowstone is far less congested than the west side and the scenery in the Gallatin Forest in the approach is gorgeous, better than most of what you actually see in the national park. This stop in Cody was not on our original plan, but we are so glad we made a day of it. There is cell reception but no Wi-Fi.

Nice views of the mountains and pass heading toward Yellowstone. Pretty quiet at night. You can stay up to three days. Be sure to go to the Buffalo Bill Museum. Totally worth the price and you can go in for two days. We had to go eat and return because there is so much to see in the five museums under this one roof.

Unlike most other private parking lot style RV parks, this one makes you really feel like you're camping. The sites, especially the Fantasy Sites, are very private and large pull-throughs but with full amenities. The red volcanic earth and the stunted oak trees made me feel like we were camping in Africa, a nice change of pace from pines and firs. There are showers and laundry and a little store. About 30 minutes away is gorgeous McArthur Burney Falls State Park, not to be missed. The Fall River Valley is a gorgeous huge farming area that is surrounded by ancient volcanoes, like Mt. Lassen and Mt. Shasta. We are Californians and this part of the state seems delightfully undiscovered. We returned from the falls via the Old Highway Rd. and among the other delights was a peony farm in full bloom. It is pretty isolated area and not a lot of eating or entertainment choices, other than what nature has to offer, but it is well worth going out of your way for a stay here. Camp management was very friendly and helpful. Highly recommend. Oh, the Wi-Fi is a little slow but not unbearable and there was cell-service. Also, love these owners' commitment to inclusivity and artistry. It rained a lot while we were here, including while setting up, but we still really enjoyed our stay.