Kicking Horse Campground - Yoho National Park
This Parks Canada campground offers a rustic and immersive wilderness experience right within Yoho National Park, along the Kicking Horse River. While not a lodge, it provides direct access to nature where campers frequently encounter deer, elk, and various birdlife, with opportunities for bear sightings in the surrounding areas.
- Location
- Yoho National Park, Canadian Rockies, Canada, North America
- Type
- camp
- Coordinates
- 51.408000, -116.489000
- Price range
- budget
- Best season
- June to September
- Website
- https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/bc/yoho/activ/camping/kickinghorse
- Activities
- Fishing, Spa
- Amenities
- Spa, Restaurant, Gift Shop
- Child-friendly
- Yes
- Tank Filling
- budget
PlnrScore: 37/100
Community
health; indigenous
Best Time to Visit Kicking Horse Campground
The best months to visit Kicking Horse Campground are March, April, May, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Month-by-Month Safari Conditions
- January: Poor, temperature -7.43°C, rainfall 46.3mm, sunshine 4.4 hrs, humidity 81.5%
- February: Poor, temperature -7.27°C, rainfall 63.5mm, sunshine 6 hrs, humidity 76.9%
- March: Good, temperature -3.89°C, rainfall 47mm, sunshine 8.6 hrs, humidity 72.1%
- April: Good, temperature 0.27°C, rainfall 45.5mm, sunshine 10.3 hrs, humidity 67.5%
- May: Good, temperature 7.07°C, rainfall 66.1mm, sunshine 11.3 hrs, humidity 68.9%
- June: Good, temperature 11.27°C, rainfall 95.1mm, sunshine 12.3 hrs, humidity 71.3%
- July: Good, temperature 17.52°C, rainfall 69.4mm, sunshine 14.3 hrs, humidity 61.8%
- August: Good, temperature 16.45°C, rainfall 66.1mm, sunshine 11.9 hrs, humidity 65.2%
- September: Good, temperature 11.77°C, rainfall 58.2mm, sunshine 10.2 hrs, humidity 71.6%
- October: Poor, temperature 3.27°C, rainfall 77.6mm, sunshine 6.8 hrs, humidity 81%
- November: Poor, temperature -5.4°C, rainfall 70.7mm, sunshine 4.7 hrs, humidity 83.3%
- December: Poor, temperature -8.24°C, rainfall 61.7mm, sunshine 3.6 hrs, humidity 82.6%
Frequently Asked Questions
We're planning a family trip to Kicking Horse Campground. What's the best way to ensure we see some of the amazing wildlife mentioned, like elk and bears, without compromising safety?
We love Kicking Horse Campground for its wild encounters. To maximize your chances of seeing elk and deer, we recommend early mornings or late evenings near the riverbanks. For bear sightings, always maintain a safe distance, never feed them, and store your food properly in bear proof containers provided. Remember, these are wild animals and respecting their space is paramount for everyone's safety.
We're on a budget and looking for an immersive experience. How does Kicking Horse Campground compare to more traditional lodges in terms of comfort and amenities?
Kicking Horse Campground offers a truly rustic and immersive wilderness experience that budget travelers will adore. While it's a campground, not a lodge, the proximity to the Kicking Horse River and the frequent wildlife sightings more than make up for the lack of luxury. We find the simplicity allows for a deeper connection with nature, and the provided facilities are clean and well maintained for a comfortable stay.
We're considering visiting Kicking Horse Campground in early June. Is this a good time to go, or should we wait until later in the summer?
June is a lovely time to visit Kicking Horse Campground, though we do find it can be a bit cooler and wetter than later months. The advantage is fewer crowds and the landscape is vibrantly green. If you prefer warmer, drier weather and don't mind sharing the park with more visitors, we recommend July through September as the prime season for fishing and enjoying the long, sunny days.
The description mentions fishing and a spa. Can you tell us more about these activities specifically at Kicking Horse Campground?
The Kicking Horse River itself is renowned for its excellent fishing opportunities, and campers here often cast a line. While there isn't a traditional spa on site, some nearby accommodations in Field offer spa services, which can be a wonderful treat after a day of exploring. We suggest checking with Parks Canada for any permitted fishing regulations and booking spa treatments in advance if you plan to indulge.
We're traveling with young children. How child friendly is Kicking Horse Campground, and are there any specific considerations we should keep in mind?
Kicking Horse Campground is surprisingly child friendly, offering a fantastic introduction to the wilderness. The relatively flat terrain along the river is great for little legs, and the chance to spot deer or elk is always exciting for kids. We advise keeping a close eye on children near the water and ensuring they understand wildlife safety rules from the start. It's a wonderful place for families to create lasting memories in nature.