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Golden in the summer is a great place to be, with easy access to rafting, hiking, fishing and other fun activities. For those who like to sleep and play in the great outdoors, Golden has excellent camping options for both RVing and tenting. The town is nestled within an hour’s drive of six national parks! Here are a few recommendations of places to camp, courtesy of the staff at the British Columbia Visitor Centre @ Golden.
Prefer to stay close to town, with more than 10 km (6 mi) of hiking trails at your doorstep? A good option is the Golden Municipal Campground. The campground is open year round with 72 sites (32 power), bathrooms and showers, laundry rooms, and a community pool next door. It is located right beside the Kicking Horse River, and an easy walk around the rotary trail leads to the Kicking Horse Pedestrian Bridge, the longest covered pedestrian bridge in North America. Kids will have fun at Gushers Spray Park a block away. Another great option within the town limits is Whispering Spruce Campground and RV Park, Golden’s oldest campground with numerous tenting and RV sites. If you’re lucky, you may spot a herd of bighorn sheep on the property!
The Kicking Horse Pedestrian Bridge in Golden. Photo: Leah Poulton
Another great spot is Kinbasket Lake Resort, located on one of the area’s best-known lakes, popular for fishing and sightseeing. Located between Golden and Revelstoke and close to Rogers Pass and Glacier National Park, there are RV sites, cabins and tent sites spread along the shores of the 260-km (160-mi) lake. There are plenty of things to do nearby for all ages, including beach combing, boating, ATVing, playgrounds and hiking. This site has everything you need to camp including power, sani-station, picnic tables and fire pits. For a unique camping experience, Goldenwood Lodge offers guests the opportunity to camp in a TeePee!
TeePees at Goldenwood Lodge in Golden. Photo: Tourism Golden
South of town is the Golden Eco-Adventure Ranch with 162 hectares (400 acres) of tent sites, RV campsites and yurt camping. Choose between an open field campsite with an incredible mountain view, or something a little more private with big pine trees surrounding you. The Columbia River runs not too far from the property, and there are paragliding and hang gliding opportunities on the southern perimeter. To the north you’ll find yourself in the wetlands, home to a spectacular bird lookout. For a memorable dining experience, make your way to the Cedar House Restaurant and Chalets.
Camping along the Kicking Horse River in Golden. Photo: Tourism Golden
Other options include Waitabit Creek campground, once a forest logging site and now a quiet, remote site with great views and the sounds of the Blaeberry River; Blackwater Lakes, an hour from Golden, which is a also a great spot with gravel-road access and a lake to cool off in; and the Golden Golf Club, which has a lovely campground situated along the Columbia River and a PGA award-winning golf course.
Campsite at the Golden Golf Club. Photo: Tourism Golden
Camping is always a great activity for families, especially when combined with a hike into the alpine or fishing at one of the many recreational sites around Golden. Plan for a memorable camping experience this summer and be prepared for adventure! Before you head out check the fire restrictions, and be sure to check in at the BC Visitor Center for any wildlife sightings that may be of concern (111 Golden Donald Upper Road). Happy camping!