Kootenay Rockies Camping
Camping in the Selkirk Mountains, Tourism BC/David Gluns photo
Impressive mountain views are practically guaranteed on a camping vacation in the Canadian Rockies, whether in an RV or backpacking through alpine meadows.
Add three more mountain ranges to the mix – Monashees, Selkirks and Purcells – the camera will come out as often as the tent.
Set up camp and explore nearby small towns (such as Kaslo), historic sites (such as Fort Steele Heritage Town) or hot springs. Kayak or hike to wilderness campsites on sandy beaches or high peaks.
Looking to camp at a Canadian national park? This is the place: nearly 75% of all campsites in BC’s national parks are located in the Kootenay Rockies.
RV and Car Camping Highlights
Provincial Parks
Lussier Hot Springs makes Whiteswan Lake Provincial Park a unique camping destination. Four lake- or river-side campgrounds provide 104 sites. Bring your fishing gear – Alces and Whiteswan lakes are known for high quality rainbow trout fishing.
BC Parks calls Champion Lakes Provincial Park “an ideal destination for family fun.” Paddle on a chain of three lakes; swimmers will like Third Lake's warm waters. The park is near Trail and has 95 sites.
National Parks
Yoho, Kootenay and Glacier national parks offer a massive selection of vehicle-accessible campgrounds: 11 campgrounds with more than 750 campsites. Stay near Radium Hot Springs, walk to thundering Takakkaw Falls, or wander through a wetland. Lace up your boots for a tough hiking trail or take the family out on an easy walk to learn about the forest – some campgrounds even offer interpretive programs. Redstreak Campground in Kootenay National Park is the largest, with 242 sites (some of which have full RV hook-ups).
Private Campgrounds and RV Parks
Private campgrounds with RV or tenting sites offer convenient access and facilities ranging from basic to deluxe.
Kootenay Rockies has nearly 60 private campgrounds and RV parks. They are well-distributed throughout the region: near parks, along major highways (such as Trans-Canada Highway/Hwy 1), near hot springs (such as Nakusp, Radium, Fairmont or Ainsworth), near historic sites (such as Fort Steele Heritage Town), and near many charming small towns (such as Kimberley).
Recreation Sites
Lounge on the large beach or hang out on the wharf at Garland Bay Recreation Site, located on the east side of Kootenay Lake north of Crawford Bay. This is a popular summer spot with 32 campsites accessible by RVs.
Carnes Creek Recreation Site is just off Highway 23 north of Revelstoke. Thirty campsites (large enough for RVs) and a boat launch are near Lake Revelstoke, which is great for fishing and boating.
Wilderness and Backcountry Camping Highlights
Provincial Parks
Feel like camping at the top of the world? Head northeast of Kimberley to Top of the World Provincial Park. An easy 6.7km/4.1mi trail (suitable for families) leads from the parking lot to lakeside campsites and a cabin. Hike to alpine flowers and fish for cutthroat or Dolly Varden in Fish Lake.
Trek along Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park’s 85km/53mi of well-marked trails and wander past glaciers, peaks and lakes. Overnight at one of three cabins (Kokanee Glacier, Woodbury, Silver Spray) or camp in the backcountry. Post-wilderness, soak at nearby Ainsworth Hot Springs.
National Parks
Backcountry camping is available at all four national parks: Kootenay, Yoho, Glacier or Mount Revelstoke.
Two parks have particularly stand-out backcountry camping and hiking areas. Kootenay's Floe Lake Campground is a highlight of the Rockwall Trail. Yoho’s Lake O’Hara area is known for its pristine alpine environment with trails that lead from the backcountry campground to alpine flowers, streams and boulder fields.
Recreation Sites
Whitetail Lake Recreation Site is near Fairmont Hot Springs, just east of Purcell Wilderness Conservancy Park. It’s popular with locals and visitors, and is great for fly fishing – there’s a boat launch and the lake is stocked with rainbow trout.
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.
Play a part in protecting BC's forests. Abide by local park rules, exercise caution and ensure all fires are extinguished. For more information, visit firesafebc.ca. To report a forest fire within BC from a cell phone, call *5555.