Pros & cons
PROS
- Riverside campsites on the Athabasca with easy water access
- First‑come, first‑served and usually quieter than the big campgrounds
- Firewood provided; clean, simple facilities
CONS
- No hookups or showers; pit toilets only
- Limited space for large RVs; best for small to mid‑size rigs
- First‑come system can fill on peak summer weekends
Overview
Tucked along the Icefields Parkway, Mount Kerkeslin Campground is a small, rustic spot right beside the Athabasca River. It’s the antithesis of the big, busy campgrounds: fewer frills, more nature, and a calm, woodsy vibe.
Why go
If you want a peaceful base with river access and mountain views—without the RV metropolis feel—this is a great pick. Sites are first‑come, first‑served, so it rewards early birds and spontaneous travelers.
Setting & vibe
Shady forest campsites open to a gravel bar on the Athabasca. You’ll hear the river at night and catch mountain views from the shoreline. It’s basic in the best way—self‑registration, fire rings, picnic tables, and a relaxed pace.
Facilities
- 42 unserviced sites
- Pit/outhouse toilets
- Drinking water available
- Picnic tables and metal fire rings at sites
- Firewood provided as part of your stay
There are no hookups, showers, store, or Wi‑Fi. Dogs are allowed, and small to mid‑size RVs fit best; large rigs have limited options.
Activities
- Riverside lounging and easy shore access for a chilly dip
- Natural canoe launch for experienced paddlers
- Quick driving access to Athabasca Falls, Sunwapta Falls, and the Fryatt Valley area
Wildlife
You’re in good wildlife country—expect songbirds and small mammals around camp, with the possibility of elk and bears in the broader area. Keep a clean camp and follow bear‑safe food storage.
Best time to visit
Summer season (roughly June–September). Aim for weekday mornings to score a site; weekends in July/August can fill. Evenings bring soft light on the river and mountains; early morning is calm and photogenic with fewer people on the shoreline.
Need‑to‑know
- First‑come, first‑served—arrive by late morning for the best selection, especially on weekends.
- Bring all groceries and fuel from town; there’s no onsite store or gas.
- Expect limited or no cell service.
- Check current fire and wildlife advisories; parts of the area have seen recent wildfire activity, though campground impacts have been minimal.
Where it is
52.6339, -117.8670Tips for Mt Kerkeslin Campground
- 01Arrive between checkout and late morning for the best choice of first‑come sites.
- 02Stock up on food, water jugs, and fuel in Jasper—there’s no store here.
- 03Expect little to no cell coverage; download maps and info beforehand.
- 04Store all food and scented items properly and review bear‑safe practices.
- 05If paddling, use the natural launch only if you’re experienced and river‑ready.
Amenities
Near Mt Kerkeslin Campground
All places →All trails →
1.4 mi awayGoats and Glaciers ViewpointQuick goat-spotting pullout with glacier and river valley viewsPullout · Parking
1.9 mi awayHI Athabasca FallsRustic hostel steps from Athabasca Falls with a cozy cookhouseLodging · Parking
2 mi awayGeraldine Lakes TrailRugged lakes-and-waterfalls climb with big payoffs and few crowds.Challenging · 7.5 mi · 6 hr
2.2 mi awayAthabasca FallsRoaring glacier-fed falls squeezed into a narrow quartzite canyonTrailhead · Pullout
2.2 mi awayAthabasca Falls LoopShort, paved loop to Jasper’s most powerful waterfall and canyonEasy · 0.6 mi · 45 min
2.4 mi awayGeraldine LookoutRugged alpine lakes and waterfalls via a rough backroad trailheadTrailhead · Parking
8.7 mi awayPath of the Glacier (Mount Edith Cavell)Big glacier payoff on a tiny, family-friendly walk to Angel GlacierEasy · 1 mi · 1 hr
9.4 mi awayTonquin Valley TrailBig-mountain swagger: Amethyst Lakes under the jagged RampartsChallenging · 27.3 mi · 60 hr
