As a camping destination, the Thompson Okanagan can’t be beat. Hot, summer days are common, and activities range from winery tours to wilderness adventures.
And the campgrounds? They’re everywhere: next to lakes, mountains, golf courses, beaches – even in Canada’s only desert.
Hike through wilderness to backcountry campsites in parks such as Cathedral Provincial Park and Wells Gray Provincial Park. Or, for a less strenuous experience, find RV and tenting sites near the shores of local waters, such as Skaha, Shuswap or Okanagan lakes.
Camping in BC has general information about what to expect at different types of campgrounds: parks, private campgrounds and RV parks, or recreation sites.
Or, read on for campground highlights in the Thompson Okanagan (RV and car camping or wilderness and backcountry camping), when to go camping, and practical points.
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RV and Car Camping Highlights
Provincial Parks
Cool off in Nicola Lake while camping at Monck Provincial Park near Merritt. In summer, this park is hot, dry and very popular – visit in spring or fall for a quieter experience. Stay at one of 120 sites for easy access to swimming, fishing and boating.
Also near Merritt, Kentucky-Alleyne Provincial Park caters to young campers with two kids-only fishing pools (adults can fish in the larger lakes). Most of the 58 campsites are set lake-side and are quite spread out.
Close to Penticton, Okanagan Lake Provincial Park is very popular; why not try one of the lesser known campgrounds nearby? Vaseux Lake Provincial Park has a small campground (12 sites) and is a prime birdwatching spot. Okanagan Falls Provincial Park’s campground is larger (25 sites) with beautiful foliage in fall.
Private Campgrounds
Private campgrounds with RV or tenting sites offer convenient access and facilities ranging from basic to deluxe.
The Thompson Okanagan has more than 135 private campgrounds and RV parks – the most of any region in BC. The sheer number of campgrounds means that they’re easy to find wherever you are, from Valemount and Mount Robson in the north to Christina Lake and Penticton in the south. Many campgrounds are set next to rivers or lakes, or are near towns with supplies and attractions. Visit wineries, fruit stands, golf courses, beaches or hiking trails to round out your BC camping trip.
Recreation Sites
Recreation sites near Merritt are popular due to great fishing for stocked trout. Davis Lake and Boss Lake recreation sites are south of Merritt with good two-wheel drive access and boat launches (78 sites combined).
Just east of Princeton, Old Hedley Road East and West recreation sites are set in Ponderosa pine forests next to the Similkameen River. Together they offer 20 campsites with room for RVs. Fish in the river or look for Aboriginal pictograph sites in the area.
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Wilderness & Backcountry Camping Highlights
Provincial Parks
Love the outdoors? Wells Gray Provincial Park is for you. Enjoy hiking, whitewater rafting, fishing, horseback riding, mountain biking, and North America’s largest paddle-only lake (Murtle Lake). Guiding companies lead many activities. Located near Clearwater; drive-in campgrounds and boat/canoe-access campgrounds available.
Cathedral Provincial Park is an outstanding wilderness park near Keremeos. Hike or catch a ride with the four-wheel-drive service to reach three backcountry campgrounds in the core area of the park. From there, a huge network of hiking trails radiates out to lakes, peaks and unique rock formations.
Mount Robson Provincial Park is a protected area – a UNESCO designated World Heritage Site and home to Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. It has vehicle-accessible campsites, but is best known for the Berg Lake Trail (suitable for beginner to advanced hikers). Hike to backcountry campsites and soak in spectacular scenery: enormous glaciers, blue-green lakes, waterfalls, and huge peaks.
Recreation Sites
Walk or cycle the Kettle Valley Rail Trail, including the famous Myra Canyon trestle, and use Hydraulic Lake Recreation Site as a base camp. The campground is just outside of Kelowna and has 25 forested sites near the lake.
> For more backcountry ideas, see Parks or Hiking
When to Go Camping
Camping season is generally mid-May to early September; some sites are open later, earlier or year-round. July and August are busiest; May, June, September and October are great camping months – fewer crowds! Reservations are recommended for popular locations or during public holiday weekends.
Planning a Camping Trip
- General information about fees, reservations and facilities can be found at Camping in BC. For more details about where to camp, plus photos, visit Camping & RV in BC.
- Phone or stop in at Visitor Centres for local camping knowledge or directions. Plan routes using Maps.
- Campfires may or may not be permitted, depending on the campground and if there is a campfire ban in effect.
- Some campgrounds are pet-friendly. Check in advance to be sure.