Pros & cons
PROS
- Tiny, quiet loop beside a burbling creek
- Designated bike-in area plus walk-in and drive-in sites
CONS
- No potable water; bring your own or treat creek water
- First-come, first-served with very limited sites
Overview
Jasper’s smallest campground hides in the trees along Jonas Creek, just off the Icefields Parkway. It’s a classic, no-frills stop: peaceful, shaded, and far less busy than the big campgrounds closer to town. If you like simple camping and the sound of water nearby, this one punches above its weight.
What to Expect
- About 25 rustic sites spread through the forest, with a mix of drive-in and walk-in options and a designated bike-camping area.
- Basic facilities: pit toilets, picnic tables, metal fire rings, and bear-proof food lockers. Some campers note a simple cooking shelter and that firewood has been included with fees in recent seasons.
- Unserviced: no electricity, no hookups, and no potable water on tap. Small rigs are fine, but anything over roughly 25 feet will feel tight.
Why It’s Different
This is the Parkway’s quiet, minimalist stay—great tent sites, a dedicated spot for unsupported bike tourers, and a creekside vibe. It’s a refreshing contrast to the big, busy campgrounds and a handy overnight when you’re moving between Jasper and the Columbia Icefields.
Wildlife & Safety
You’re in prime wildlife country. Use the food lockers, keep a clean camp, and follow posted guidance. Bears, elk, and birds are common in the broader area, and good habits are expected here.
Season & How It Works
Typically open early June through early September, and entirely first-come, first-served. There’s no reservation system, so be ready to self-register on arrival and have a backup plan in peak summer.
Best Time to Visit
- Peak season fills fast—arrive by late morning, especially Friday–Sunday.
- Weeknights are your best bet for snagging a site and enjoying quieter evenings.
- Morning light makes the forest glow, and it’s a calm launch for cycling the Parkway toward the Icefields.
Who Will Love It
Tent campers, cyclists, and anyone seeking a quiet, creekside night without the trappings of serviced camping. If you need hookups, showers, or a store, this isn’t your spot.
Where it is
52.4173, -117.3970Tips for Jonas Creek Campground
- 01Arrive before late morning in peak season—sites are first-come and few.
- 02Bring all your drinking water or a filter to treat creek water.
- 03Have cash or a card ready for self-registration and fees.
- 04Keep rigs under about 25 feet for easier maneuvering.
- 05Use the bear lockers and keep a spotless camp.
Amenities
Near Jonas Creek Campground
All places →All trails →
2.9 mi awayPoboktan Pass TrailLong, quiet approach to big views in Brazeau high countryChallenging · 16.2 mi · 11 hr
2.9 mi awayPoboktan Creek TrailQuiet gateway up a wild valley toward Jonas and Brazeau countryModerate · 10.6 mi · 7 hr
5.4 mi awayEndless Chain RidgeA serrated skyline of peaks towering above the Icefields Parkway
5.6 mi awayHI Beauty CreekRustic dark-sky hostel by the Sunwapta River on the ParkwayLodging · Parking
7.2 mi awayStanley fallsEight waterfalls in a quiet canyon, ending at a dramatic dropTrailhead · Pullout
10.6 mi awayStutfield GlacierRoadside view of the glacier’s dramatic double icefallsPullout · Parking
11.4 mi awayTangle Ridge TrailSteep, scree-to-summit day with rare Columbia Icefield panoramasChallenging · 6.6 mi · 6 hr
13.1 mi awaySunwapta Canyon TrailEasy canyon stroll from roaring upper falls to quieter lower fallsEasy · 1.6 mi · 1 hr
