Camping in the NWT puts you in the heart of what makes the North spectacular.
Camping in the Northwest Territories is undoubtedly one of the best ways to experience the natural beauty of the NWT. Whether you stake your tent out in the wilderness or hit the road in a fully-equipped RV, there’s no shortage of spectacular places to camp and immerse yourself in the landscapes of the North.
NWT boasts nearly 20 territorial parks, six must-see national parks, many private campgrounds, and endless picturesque and secluded sites for the true outdoor camping enthusiast.
Booking territorial campsites in the NWT can be done through NWT Parks; to learn more about campground amenities and available campsites in the Northwest Territories, visit their site.
Campsites in the Northwest Territories are generally open from May 15th to September. 15th, although those in the Western Arctic Region open in early June. Amenities at territorial parks can include pull-through sites, power, washrooms, hot showers, and kitchen shelters. Wifi and cellular phone coverage can vary, but all campgrounds provide spacious and private sites for you to make the most of immersing yourself in Canada’s North.
Because camping is such a popular activity in the NWT, it’s not hard to find camping equipment outfitters in nearly every community. Wilderness lodges will often have some camping equipment on site, so you can indulge in a few nights sleeping under the stars, or even the midnight sun. Camping equipment rentals are also generally available, and operators will happily provide their recommendations on the best places to camp near the community.
If you’re in Yellowknife, you can stay close to the city and relish Northern camping life at the Fred Henne Territorial campground. Enjoy a swim at Long Lake’s sandy beach, hike the four-kilometre Prospector’s Trail or follow the scenic Frame Lake trail system right into the heart of downtown Yellowknife.
Elsewhere, Wood Buffalo National Park is road-accessible year-round from Fort Smith, just 60 kilometres away; the park includes the popular Pine Lake area with its famed sandy beach and turquoise waters. If you decide to head further north, you can find camping sites right by the Arctic Ocean outside Tuktoyaktuk.You could also fly into Aulavik National Park, the northernmost of the NWT’s national parks on Banks Island in the High Arctic. Here you can paddle in the Arctic Ocean and experience a traditional wilderness camp.
The natural beauty of the North is always at your fingertips when you venture out of the communities across the Northwest Territories. Setting up camp at a pristine campground in the NWT is a great way to immerse yourself in what makes the NWT so spectacular.