44 years an Albertan, never camped in Jasper. Sad I know!! But it is never too late, and boy was it…read moreworth it.
My husband always wants to camp in the mountains, so we booked a spot midweek in the second to last camping week of the year here, at the end of September. Even then in a campground of 758 spots we were lucky to get a site; one really needs to plan in advance to camp here. We noticed that the walk-in tent-only spots were already closed. The campground itself has also been closed for 2 years for renovations I was told, removal of pine beetle killoff and installation of new washroom facilities.
Honestly I was expecting maybe a step or two above a KOA but I was blown away instead. Fantastic setting, great facilities (showers & washrooms included, every loop of about 60 sites has 2 places to shower, use flush toilets etc.) Free firewood, well... it's included with your stay because you have to pay for a fire permit regardless. Fair trade says I. The firepits are smaller than average though, maybe 1/3 smaller, not great for cooking. We checked in at 9pm on a Monday night and the booth was open, and the staff were friendly & helpful. Was not expecting this level of service. My federal tax dollars at work!
The sites, trails and facilities are beautifully maintained. I love that there are 2 big outdoor sinks at each washroom facility to wash dishes in addition to the indoor toilet and shower facilities. Everything lights up a faded orange at night when one approaches the facilities, so that you don't need a headlamp and your more continent neighbours don't resent you.
And the wildlife, wow. Not new to me, I'm a lifer, but still just wow. It's elk rutting season. 2 lady elk in our spot as we arrived, a suitor crying out in the distance. Pretty typical. By the 3rd night, I'm out frying onions when two six-point male elk start wandering towards my campsite, only to be chased by a screeching eight-pointer who howled and honked all night. All the humans (correctly) froze and minded their own business. Lots of smart humans this trip.
It was incredible. I loved it, though maybe not for the feint of heart when that horny, territorial eight-pointer is snorting right outside your little RV at 5 in the morning, your dog is growling and your bladder is groaning. But that's Alberta eh?! We'll be back for sure!