Five Places to Camp Around Merritt

Nothing says summer quite like packing up the tent or RV and taking off for a weekend of camping. Merritt, located in central BC, is home to gorgeous weather, beautiful ranch-land scenery, and a ton of outdoor activities, making it a perfect summer camping destination. If fishing is your sport, you’ll love visiting the lakes surrounding the area – there are so many that you can fish a different lake every day! The rolling hills of the Nicola Valley offer a perfect setting for horseback riding, hiking and biking, if you’re looking to incorporate some outdoor adventure into your holiday. Merritt is also home to great swimming, inner-tubing, and boating opportunities – great ways to beat the summer heat. Here are five campgrounds around Merritt, courtesy of the staff at the British Columbia Visitor Centre @ Merritt.

The Nicola Valley near Merritt. Photo: Jeri via Flickr.

1. Claybanks RV Park & Campground

The Claybanks RV Park and Campground offers spacious, well-maintained sites along the Coldwater River. The nicely treed property is located close to downtown Merritt and many of the great activities offered in the area. Enjoy golfing, fishing, swimming, or just take in the beautiful flowers as you walk along the river. Whether tenting or RVing, Claybanks has you covered with 44 full-serviced RV sites and 20 tenting sites. This pet-friendly campground is open year-round and has heated washrooms, showers, a snack shop, and horseshoe pits.

2. Kentucky Alleyne Provincial Park

A turquoise lake at Kentucky Alleyne Provincial Park near Merritt. Photo: chrislstubbs via Flickr.

Located 38 km (24 mi) south of Merritt, the Kentucky Alleyne Provincial Park has incredible scenery. With beautiful lakes and local plant life, this picturesque park is a joy for any budding photographer. The park has some great lakeside trails if you are looking for a short walk from your campsite, as well as plenty of charming fishing spots for the avid angler. Kentucky Alleyne also has some fantastic bird watching opportunities for the birders out there.

3. Quilchena on the Lake RV Park

The Quilchena on the Lake RV Park is ideal for a relaxing golf vacation. This 25-unit RV park with full facilities is located 20 km (12.5 mi) north of Merritt and has access to nearby Nicola Lake. This gorgeous 9-hole course provides a nice challenge for golfers of all skill levels, with sand traps and five holes along the winding Quilchena Creek. After a great day of golf, stop by the restaurant at the historic Quilchena Hotel for a tasty meal.

4. Monck Provincial Park Campground

The entrance to Monck Provincial Park near Merritt. Photo: sashafatcat via Flickr.

Monck Provincial Park is located on the shores of Nicola Lake. This beautiful provincial campground has 120 lovely campsites, and is located 22 km (13.7 mi) north of Merritt. This family campsite has a boat launch, playground and horseshoe pits, as well as a buoyed-off swimming area. The sandy beach and protected swimming area makes for a nice place to spend a sunny afternoon – remember your sunscreen, as summer days can get quite hot! The area is excellent for wildlife viewing and recreational activities, including a 5-km (3.1-mi) self-guided interpretive trail that loops around the park.

5. Moon Shadows RV Park & Campground

Located south of Merritt along the Coldwater River, the Moon Shadows RV Park and Campground offers great camping all year-round. With competitive weekly, monthly, and off-season rates, Moon Shadows is a great option for your extended camping stay. RV and tenting sites are set back in the trees and offer spectacular scenery to enjoy. Moon Shadows facilities include laundry, heated washrooms with showers, a gorgeous gazebo by the river, and a small convenience store.

For more information on camping or Merritt activities, stop by the BC Visitor Centre @ Merritt.