Mt Kerkeslin Campground

Overview

About Mt Kerkeslin Campground

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 stop

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

Heads up

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

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.

Parkwolf’s verdictWhy go

Map

Where it is

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Full map

CampgroundMt Kerkeslin Campground52.63393, -117.86698

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Local know-how

Tips for visiting Mt Kerkeslin Campground

Arrive between checkout and late morning for the best choice of first‑come sites.
Stock up on food, water jugs, and fuel in Jasper—there’s no store here.
Expect little to no cell coverage; download maps and info beforehand.
Store all food and scented items properly and review bear‑safe practices.
If paddling, use the natural launch only if you’re experienced and river‑ready.

Plan your stop

Before you go

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.

Facilities

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.

42 unserviced sites
Pit/outhouse toilets
Drinking water available
Picnic tables and metal fire rings at sites
Firewood provided as part of your stay

8 active Jasper alerts

ClosureWildfire-impacted areas and facilities closedStay out of closed wildfire-impacted areas and facilities in Jasper National Park; closures protect public safety after the 2024 wildfire and remain in effect while recovery and safety work continues.Official details
Closure93A (Wabasso Road) no through travel during roadworkFrom mid-October to early November 2026, plan for 93A (Wabasso Road) to be accessible from the south entrance only; no through travel is expected during roadwork.Official details

See all 8 alerts

A park ranger sits on a dash-mounted phone, talking, as Parkwolf’s Tour Guide plays “Army Cutworm Moths: A Grizzly Bear Buffet” on Grand Loop Road below Dunraven Pass in Yellowstone — Parkwolf Tour GuideThe highest, rockiest slopes around here are a summer buffet for grizzly bears.

Jasper Tour Guide

Your drive to Mt Kerkeslin Campground, narrated.

Parkwolf is a GPS audio tour guide for Jasper National Park. As you drive, it chimes in with what’s ahead: hidden gems, upcoming stops, history, geology, and wildlife, right through your car’s speakers.

See the Jasper audio tour

Recorded for this place

Mount Kerkeslin Campground: Quiet Riverside Camping

Listen

“You're approaching Mount Kerkeslin Campground, a small, first-come, first-served spot for a quiet stay right beside the Athabasca River.”

Plays as you drive up to Mt Kerkeslin Campground in the Parkwolf Jasper Tour Guide.

More about Mt Kerkeslin Campground

Setting & vibeShady forest campsites open to a gravel bar on the Athabasca.

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.

ActivitiesRiverside lounging and easy shore access for a chilly dip

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

WildlifeYou’re in good wildlife country—expect songbirds and small mammals around camp, with the…

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.

Need‑to‑knowFirst‑come, first‑served—arrive by late morning for the best selection, especially on weekends.

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.

Wildlife

Wildlife in Jasper

All Jasper wildlife maps

174 sightingsGrizzly BearMost seen around 8 PMSighting map

43 sightingsCaribouMost seen around 7 AMSighting map

40 sightingsGray WolfMost seen around 6 AMSighting map

12 sightingsCanada LynxMost seen around 8 PMSighting map

315 sightingsMooseMost seen around 6 AMSighting map

1,028 sightingsElkMost seen around 7 AMSighting map

Sighting maps show where each species has been reported across Jasper. Wildlife moves, so no sighting is guaranteed.