Dump/Fill -- Columbia Icefield Visitor Center -- Camping

[TenOC]

30 foot fifth wheel

Is there a place to dump/fill near the dry camping area at the visitor center? Because we are late planning our trip, we can not get into any FHU sites. We plan to dry camp at the icefield visitor center for a few days (4 - 6) and we may need to dump/fill.

[paulj]

At the tent-only Icefield campground (between Wilcox and the visitor center), water comes from a stream above the campground, it's treated and stored in a tank at the top of the main loop. A modest size truck could drive up and fill a jug or two from its faucet.

This campground is perhaps the best argument for camping with a tent or van sized vehicle.

[doxiemom11]

You might want to carry a " water thief" which will allow you to connect to those unthreaded faucets. Just be sure it is potable water.

[profdant139]

Before you pull into Wilcox with your rig, you might want to scout with your truck -- not sure about the access to the dump station. I am pretty sure the campsites themselves at Wilcox are too small for your rig, and the interior road is very tight.

If you can fit in there, it is a very nice campground -- quieter than the parking area at the Icefields. There are several days' worth of good hikes in that vicinity.

[Powder_pig]

Yes, there is a dump station at Wilcox creek campground a couple of km south of Columbia Icefields. Not sure if you can fill with water there or not though I know there are water taps but any are not threaded so I don't know how you would attach your hose.

Yes, there is dry camping at the overflow site at Columbia Icefields with pit toilets but no other services. Still not a bad place to spend a night or two with fabulous views of the Athabasca glacier.

And yes, there is camping at Wilcox creek campground though it has no hook ups of any kind and would not fit large units.

[canadafan]

Romore wrote:
Camping is only permitted in designated sites in the national parks, the visitor center is not one of them. If the cg's are full there are overflow areas with no facilities, usually a gravel pit. What canadafan said.

No Wilcox is not an overflow area it is a proper 46 site campground

[Mountaineer42]

romore wrote:
Camping is only permitted in designated sites in the national parks, the visitor center is not one of them . If the cg's are full there are overflow areas with no facilities, usually a gravel pit. What canadafan said.

Not true. There is a non-serviced "campground" at the Visitor Centre. It is really just a big paved parking lot but has dry toilets available. First come first served, RV's only, tents not allowed. There are 100 sites marked out on the pavement. Fee is $15.70.

[romore]

Camping is only permitted in designated sites in the national parks, the visitor center is not one of them. If the cg's are full there are overflow areas with no facilities, usually a gravel pit. What canadafan said.

[canadafan]

Try Wilcox Creek CG, about 3km south of the Icefield Centre . There are dump facilities and water.