Top Camping Spots in the Kootenay Mountains this Summer

May 09, 2016
Camping in the Kootenay Mountains is a great way to spend your summer vacation with the family.

Camping in the Kootenay Mountains is a great way to spend your summer vacation with the family.

When it comes to camping and hiking in and around the Kootenay Mountains, it's always worth finding those BC attractions everyone is talking about. With so many destinations to choose from, you’re really spoiled for choice.

All of this variety means there’s something for everyone who wants an outdoor adventure:

  • Hardcore hiking enthusiasts who want seclusion and challenging terrain
  • Car campers who are happy to pitch a tent
  • RV’ers who want the creature comforts of home 

If you’re looking for things to do in BC and you happen to be in the West Kootenays, here are some excellent places to set up camp so you can go out and explore the surrounding area:

 

Kokanee Creek Park

This family-friendly provincial park is one of the more popular BC attractions for campers because it has everything you need:

  • Easily accessible
  • Plenty of sites (nearly 170)
  • Visitor centre
  • Boat Launch
  • Sandy beaches
  • Playground
  • Electrical hookups

And if you forgot to pack something for your trip, the Kokanee Park Marina & Store is just east of Kokanee Creek Park. In addition to boat rentals and moorage, the handy general store offers: 

  • Beer, wine and liquor
  • Groceries
  • Boat fuel, diesel and propane
  • Camping and fishing supplies
  • Firewood
  • Ice cream!

There are also a number of worthwhile attractions nearby, including the Kokanee Creek canyon and Kokanee Mountain Ziplining. The Canyon Trail is about a 20-minute walk from the campground and offers spectacular views of the canyon.

And as you might already know, zip lining is one of the top things to do in BC these days and the aerial park at Kokanee Mountain Zipline is one of the best in the province. Located 2.2km up Kokanee Glacier Park Road, the course features six zip lines ranging from 90 feet long and 25 feet high to 2,400 feet long and 300 feet high! 

To learn more about zip lining, read: Top BC Attractions: Zip Lining in the Kootenays.

 

Toad Rock Campground

For those of you cruising through the Kootenay Mountains on two wheels, Toad Rock Motorcycle Campground is the perfect refuge. Situated on 34 acres along Kootenay Lake (just north of Balfour), Toad Rock is surrounded by some of the best bike roads in BC.

 

Nelson City Campground

Want a campground that gives you easy access to urban amenities while providing the feel of a forested, natural landscape? Nelson City Campground, which is just a short walk to the downtown core, gives you the best of both worlds. Located on High Street, you are just minutes from shopping, parks and the beach.

It offers a range of camping options, including: 

  • Full-service sites
  • Sites with electrical hookups
  • Tent-only sites
  • Sites for RV units

 

Are you searching for a fun-filled outing while camping in the Kootenay Mountains? Come and check out Kokanee Mountain Ziplining. Our family-friendly aerial park is sure to get your adrenaline going.