What are you looking for when camping in a city of wine and lakes? Camping in Kelowna is one of the best ways to erase the gap between you and nature.
This city is where you want to take your kids out for a fun and meaningful day. Most of the best campgrounds in Kelowna surround beautiful lakes and forests, as well as heritage attractions.
Without further ado, here are 6 best Kelowna campgrounds to hit up with family and friends to camp year-round.
What to Know About Camping in Kelowna?
Is There Free Camping in Kelowna?
One of the best places to camp for free in Kelowna is around Beaver Lake in Okanagan Valley. This area is on a high elevation where you can find shelter sites to camp beside the roaming cows or go fishing during the day. It’s about 45 minutes driving from downtown Kelowna.
Alternatively, Jakes Lake is another stellar place for free camping near Kelowna.
What Is the Best Time to Camp in Kelowna?
Spring going on to fall are some of the best times to camp in Kelowna, especially if you want to learn about the wine culture here. Otherwise, set out in July and August to tag your kids or friends along when it’s dry with lots of summer and water activities.
What to Know About Bear and Snake Encounters?
If you camp around the Okanagan area, beware that there are seven species of snake and one of them is the venomous Western rattlesnake. Always keep a close eye on your dog, have them on the leash, stay on the paved trails, and wear heavy pants and high boots.
When encountering bears, make noise, and watch for bear signs such as droppings, tracks, and diggings. Don’t leave your food outdoors uncovered, contain and dispose of your food waste properly and bring bear spray.
Poison Ivy and Ticks
Another common thing you want to keep in mind is the poison ivy growing all around the Okanagan area. If you mess with its oil, it can cause a red, itchy rash.
Don’t attempt to hang around the grassy areas as ticks emerge like mushrooms after rains, especially in spring.
Kelowna Camping Essential Packing Tips
- Always carry a campground map & compass to identify your location and how far you need to travel.
- Bring some variations of filtering/purification systems to purify the water.
- A First-aid kit is never redundant.
- Bring a headlamp to camp in the backcountry.
- Beware of limited call service
Should You Make Reservations in Advance?
We recommend reserving your sites ahead of time. Ideally two to three months ahead of time during the high season in the summer months.
What to Know about Campfire Restriction?
Check the website carefully to make sure there is any campfire restriction. Even if the campfire is allowed, never leave the fire unattended and keep it small and under control.
Limited Call Service
Some of the backcountry campgrounds in the provincial park may have limited call service. So make sure to alert your friends and family about your activities.
6 Best Campgrounds in Kelowna to Bond with Your Family
1.Farming Karma RV Park
Not only is Farming Karma one of the oldest campgrounds in Kelowna but also a perfect place to experience the beautiful countryside for a day or two. It features 9 fully-serviced RV pads with 30-amp and 50-amp service, sewage and water hookups, pull-thru sites, a sun-kissed orchard setting, and even an indoor tasting bar to quench your thirst with some good drinks.
Promoting Kelowna agri-tourism to the fullest, Farming Karma is where you want to take your dogs out and run free with their new friends while you’re chilling under the cherry trees, watching birds at the sanctuary, or gazing at the Okanagan Valley.
One of the coolest things about Farming Karmar is the tasting bar. Make sure to get one of their signature Farming Karma Fruit Sodas produced on-site with freshly squeezed Okanagan apples without any artificial additives to beat the heat with a healthy note.
Each RV pad has its own picnic table and you’ll also have access to 3-hole frisbee golf and a massive, lush dog park to tag your pooch along. Farming Karma is for RVs only and no tent sites are available.
Opening time: year-round.
Check in: after 1pm (If you require a different check in time, please contact the office prior to arrival).
Check out: prior to 11 am.
Facilities and regulations:
- Each site is reservable and equipped with 30, and 50-amp electrical hookups, water, and waste disposal.
- Complimentary Wifi.
- On-Site Sani Dump at each site (guests only).
- Pull Thrus and Back-in sites
- Shared washrooms with hot showers are included.
- 3-hole frisbee golf.
- Tasting Bar.
- Picnic areas.
- Bird Sanctuary.
- Soda production facility.
- Pets are allowed but should be leashed at all times outside the dog enclosure away from the bird wildlife.
- Dog Wash and Dry Station.
- Quiet hours after 11 pm.
- All guests must follow fire restrictions and bans when applicable
Prices and reservations: from $75 per night
- If you cancel within 14 days of your scheduled arrival, your deposit will not be returned.
- If you cancel with 15+ days notice of your scheduled arrival, 50% of your deposit will be returned to you.
- If you can’t make the dates you’ve reserved and don’t provide sufficient notice, the above cancellation policy rates will apply.
Address: 1160 McKenzie Road, Kelowna.
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2. Holiday Park RV and Condo Resort
Wondering where to go “glamping” with your own RV in Kelowna? Check out Holiday Park RV! When the RV sites are not in use by members, they can be reserved by visitors who want to spend time on a golf course or benefit from the resort-graded amenities.
Holiday Park is 22 kilometers north of Kelowna and you can even tag your pooch along to let them camp with new best friends in the off-leash dog park. This is a huge campground, spanning over 2000 square feet fully equipped with a 50-amp full-service hookup that includes cable TV.
To book a site, you need a two-night minimum stay. Each RV pad is installed with a picnic table and a patio. No tent or trailer camping is available but the sites can accommodate RVs as long as 13.5 meters.
This massive resort complex has everything leisure-related in place that you don’t need to travel further afield. Send your kids to the playground while you plunge into the heated outdoor pool, hit the golf fairway, play tennis, or relax in a sauna.
Opening time: year round.
- Oct. 1 – May 31 (low season) open 8:00 am – 8:00 pm
- Jun. 1 – Sept. 30 (high season) open 8:00 am – 9:00 pm
Check in: from 1:00 pm on.
Check out: 11:00 am
Facilities and regulations:
- Fully serviced & landscaped back-in RV sites available.
- Pets must be kept on leash at all times except for in the fenced off-leash dog park.
- All RV sites are over 2,000 sq. ft. in size, 50 amp serviced, level cement pads with patio area and picnic tables.
- Water, sewer, hydro and cable included (digital box provided at check-in).
- No open fires; BBQs and propane fueled contained fires may be acceptable but may be subject to approval.
- Up to 6 people are welcome on each site rental.
- Use of resort facilities, amenities and 24-hour security included.
- Seasonal Heated Outdoor Pool
- Seasonal Outdoor Hot Tub
- Children’s Playground
- Family Activity Area with Billiards & Games
- Adult & Children’s Craft Shop
- Coin Laundry
- Seasonal Shower & Washroom Facilities
- Seasonal Canoe & Bike Rentals
- Sports Equipment Rentals
- Shuffleboard
- Horseshoe Pits
- The Blue Schooner Cafe
- Woodlands Adult Recreation Centre
- Recreation Centre
- Lap Pool
- Pickleball / Tennis Courts
- On-Site 6 Hole Par 3 Golf Course
- Golf Cart Rentals On-Site
- Electric Vehicle Charging Station
Prices and reservations:
Non Members:
Oct. 1 – Apr. 30: $60.00 + tax
May 1 – Sep. 30: $85.00 + tax
Monthly Seasonal/Winter Rates:
Low Season Only Oct 1 – April 30: $795.00/month + tax
(includes hydro up to $150.00/month)
- Prices are subject to change and availability. Some restrictions may apply.
- Cancellation policy on monthly bookings is 30 days or more
- First & last month’s payment is required
- Includes hydro up to $150/month, digital cable, sewer & water.
- Up to 6 people & pets are free.
- Enjoy the use of all seasonal amenities, including indoor and outdoor pools, hot tubs, sauna, gym, Children’s and Adult Activity Centres.
- 100% payment due at time of booking the reservation on short term bookings.
- 100% refund with 14 days notice of cancellation.
- 50% refund with less than 14 days notice.
- All RV units must have flush toilets. No tents or pop-ups allowed.
- No open fires.
Address: 1-415 Commonwealth Rd, Kelowna, BC V4V 1P4.
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3. Apple Valley Orchard & RV Park
Apple Valley totally deserves its attention. There is no better place where you can pick your own fruit in a well-cared, fully-serviced campground no matter what season of the year.
Apple Valley is open all year long with different fruits varying throughout the years. This is the perfect place to throw meaningful family bonding and engage in plenty of eco-friendly activities such as picking your own fruits, golfing, and visiting state-renowned wineries around the Okanagan Lake.
Even the setting that this campground is located in is a charm itself. The campground opens out to a marvelous view of Knox Mountain and glimpses of Lake Okanagan while the distant Kelowna city emerges over the horizon.
Tucked within this terraced campground and orchard is a set of small and large RVs with 15, 30, and 50-amp full-service pull-through sites swathing around graveled areas by the rolling hills.
While Apple Valley focuses on RV bookers, tent campers are also accommodated but with a limited capacity of only 20 grassy sites with or without an electrical hookup.
Opening time: year-round.
Check in: 2 pm to 8 pm
Check out: prior to 11 am.
Facilities and regulations:
- 30 and 50 Amp Power
- Pull Thrus and Back-in sites
- Washrooms
- Showers
- Small Coin Laundry
- Basic Wireless Internet
- Children’s Play Area
- Sani Dump is available from May to Sept at an additional charge of $10 (Please contact the manager prior to use).
- Picnic Table
- Pet Friendly
- U-Pick available
- We are pet friendly. Dogs must be kept on leash at all times. Owners are responsible to pick up after their pets.
- Open flames are not permitted by Kelowna City By-laws, therefore, fire pits are not provided.
- Propane fire pits and propane barbecues are allowed.
Prices and reservations:
| HIGH SEASON –May to September: | LOW SEASON –October to April: |
|---|---|
| $90 Full Service 50-Amp | $65 Full Service 50-Amp |
| $80 Full Service 30-Amp | $60 Full Service 30-Amp |
- Long Weekends: 3 nights minimum reservation
- Nightly rates increase $10 on all long weekends.
- Rates based on two adults and any kids under 16 years of age; additional adults $5 per night; maximum 4 adults per site
- 5% GST is applicable and all rates are subject to change without notice
- A nonrefundable one night’s room and tax deposit is due at the time of booking.
- Full payment is due 7 days in advance of the arrival date.
- Cancellation outside of 7 days prior to arrival will forfeit the deposit.
- Cancellation within 7 days prior to arrival will forfeit the full amount.
- Reserved sites are held until 11am the morning after the scheduled arrival date. If you do not show up prior to 11am and do not notify us of a later arrival your remaining nights will automatically get canceled. Cancellation policies and fees above will apply.
- No refunds will be given for guests choosing to leave early.
- Rates are based on 2-person occupancy. Charges will apply for additional adults (16+ years of age). Maximum 4 adults per site. Children under the age of 16 are free.
- Only 1 self-contained sleeping unit (RV or Travel Trailer) and 1 vehicle are permitted per site, space allowing. Additional vehicles may be parked in the overflow and charges apply.
- Absolutely no tents.
- Minimum age restriction for reservations is 19 years old. A valid credit card is required upon check-in and the credit card holder must be on-site for the duration of the stay. ID may be requested.
Address: 1980 Union Rd, Kelowna, BC V1V 2E8.
4. Bear Creek Provincial Park Campground
Take your kids out to the west side of Okanagan Lake 20 minutes from Kelowna downtown and spend the entire Sunday in this beautiful lakeside campground. Both RV and tent campers can find a perfect spot for themselves by reserving one of the 143 sites available. The campsites are dispersed along with a gravel or concrete pad. Some of them are well covered under the leafy trees while some others are more exposed to the beautiful sunshine.
Bear Creek offers 51 vehicle-accessible campsites with electrical hookups. 14 of these sites have a 30-amp service for an electrical hookup while seven other pull-through sites are paved with 50-amp power, septic, and water. Meanwhile, the campsites numbered 1 to 122 are for dry-camping only.
This is the place where you want to take your kids out for a hike along a creekside or let them build massive sandcastles along a 400-meter sandy beach. Not far away from the campsites, you will have access to a breathtaking, rip-roaring canyon carved into the bedrock by Bear Creek cascading down to a cottonwood-lined delta.
Opening time: March 24 to October 16
Check in: 1pm – 11pm
Check out: 11am
Facilities and regulations:
- 30 Amp Electrical Hook-ups are offered at Sites 123-129, 131, 133, 136, 140, 142-143.
- 50-amp service along with water and sewer are offered at sites 130, 132, 134-135, 137, 139, 141.
- Each site provided with a duplex RV receptacle. Additional electrical service charges apply: $8/night for 30-amp sites; $10/night for 50-amp sites with sewer and water (whether utilized or not).
- Each has its own picnic table and fire-ring.
- Firewood available for purchase from Park Operator.
- Concession open during summer months
- Taps with fresh drinking water are located throughout the campground and in day-use areas.
- Flush toilets.
- There are hot showers in the washrooms. There is no extra charge for showers and they are for registered guests only.
- A sani dump station is available for a fee.
- Gear rentals are available at the kiosk including paddle boats, stand up paddleboards, open kayaks, and canoes.
- Interpretive Programming when available & as posted during summer months.
- Pets permitted but must be on a leash at ALL times. Pet Beach available.
- Children’s Playground located near campsites 30/31.
- Beach & Swimming Area marked with buoys. NO lifeguards on duty.
- Quiet time is between 10 pm and 7 am.
- Gates are locked between 11 pm and 7am nightly.
Prices and reservations:
- Vehicle Accessible Camping Fee: $35.00 per party/night
- BC Seniors Rate (day after Labour Day to June 14 only): $17.50 per senior party/night.
- 30 amp Vehicle Accessible Camping Fee:$35.00/party/night camping fee plus $8.00 electrical/night.
- 50 amp Vehicle Accessible Camping Fee:$35.00/party/night camping fee plus $10.00 electrical/night.
- BC Seniors’ Rate (Day after Labor Day to June 14 only) $16.00/senior party/night plus $10.00 50 amp electrical/night.
Address: Westside Rd, Kelowna, BC V0E 1S0.
5. Fintry Estate and Provincial Park
Camping at Fintry Provincial Park not only brings you closer to nature but also a vivid history of a heritage site. This is where you can find 158 vehicle-accessible campsites fully and partly shaded. The sizes of these areas vary and some of them extend up to 40 feet which is perfect for a variety of campers including both RVs and tents. Other than that, you also have three group sites to reserve and all of which can accommodate large RVs, shared flush toilets and water taps.
The sunset at Fintry is always one of the biggest charms as you can admire the dramatic sunset along a stretching waterfront facing the mountains and deep canyons. During the day, you can plunge in the river or tackle the Shorts Creek Canyon hike. Meanwhile, history buffs can have a look around the heritage buildings before coming back to their tents for a bonfire when the sun beams down.
Opening time: March 31 to October 9
Check in: 1 pm – 11 pm
Check out: 11 am
Facilities and regulations:
- Each of these sites is equipped with a picnic table and fire ring.
- Group site #1 best suited for 5 – 8 parties and has its own fire-ring and several tables. Group sites #2 & #3 are suitable for up to 15 parties each and each has its own fire-ring and private cook shelter with tables, wood-burning stove, and sink.
- Ice available for Sale during peak season from Host Site.
- Cold water available for cooking & drinking from taps located throughout the Park.
- Campfires permitted within provided fire-ring. Firewood available for purchase from Park Operator.
- Day Use Picnic Area located lakeside with picnic tables.
- Mostly flush toilets throughout the park as well as a few pit toilets.
- Pets permitted but must be on a leash at ALL times. Pet Beach available.
- Children’s Playground located near sites 39 & 40 in the first loop.
- Reservations accepted for Campsites (4 month in advance) & Group sites (1 year in advance).
- Beach & Swimming Area marked with buoys. NO lifeguards on duty.
- Hot Showers available for Registered Guests only. No additional fee.
- Wheelchair Accessible Showers & Toilets available.
- Paved boat launch and floating dock for easy boat access.
- There are 2 Sani-Stations located by the Falls Day-Use parking area with an additional fee.
- Quiet time is between 10 pm and 7 am.
- Campground gate is locked between 11 pm and 7 am nightly.
Prices and reservations:
Individual campsite rates
- $32.00 per Party per night. A ‘Party’ is 1 -4 adults age 16 & over. Includes 1 RV or vehicle.
- $12.00 per Additional Vehicle per night (does not include additional RVs)
- $16.00 per BC Senior couple per night (before June 15th and after Labor Day)
- $8.00 per BC Senior Additional Vehicle per night (before June 15th and after Labor Day)
- $5.00 Sani-Station fee per discharge
Group campsite rates
- Youth group camping charges per night are $1/person (6+), with a $50 minimum and $150 maximum.
- Regular group camping charges per night are the base rate for the site, which is $120.00/group site/night, plus $5/adult (16+, minimum charge for 15 adults), plus $1/child (6-15). There is no fee for children under the age of 6.
Address: Fintry Delta Rd, Vernon, BC.
6. Okanagan Lake Provincial Park Campground
Sometimes you don’t need the bells and whistles for a great camping trip. And that is exactly what Okanagan Lake Provincial Park Campground is about.
Providing basic amenities but this campground promises a great deal of fun as it’s located on the edge of the lake surrounded by a thriving pine forest. There is a heap of water sports including waterskiing, windsurfing, boating, fishing, and swimming to engage in, and you can even bring your pet along on your hike.
The park’s campground is home to 90 different campsites in close proximity to one another. 176 of them are vehicle-accessible. Even though the campground is available for first-come, first-serve guests, we recommend you book ahead of time. No group campsite or group picnic site reservations are accepted at this park.
And keep in mind that you may encounter rattlesnakes along the dry grassy hillsides above the campgrounds. You don’t need to avoid these areas but make sure to wear heavy pants and high boots.
Opening time: year-round.
Check in: 1 pm – 11 pm
Check out: 11 am
Facilities and regulations:
- This park has a day-use area along the lakeshore, with picnic tables and fire pits.
- The north campground has pit toilets located on the campsite terraces and flush toilets in the shower building.
- The south campground has a pit toilet at the boat launch and one beside the shower building and flush toilets inside the shower building.
- There is a playground area available at the south campground in this park.
- The shower building at the North Campground is found roughly 100m uphill from the beach area beside site 80.
- The new shower building at the South Campground is situated in the center of the park beside the playground.
- Pets/domestic animals must be on a leash at all times and are not allowed in beach areas or park buildings.
- The South Campground shower building is wheelchair-accessible.
- There is a double concrete boat launch available at south campground.
- While campfires are allowed and campfire rings are provided at each campsite, visitors are encouraged to conserve wood and protect the environment by minimizing the use of fire and using camp stoves instead.
- Cold water taps are available but shut off during the off-season.
Prices and reservations:
- Vehicle Accessible Camping Fee: $35.00 per party/night including 1 RV or vehicle.
- $12.00 per additional vehicle per night (does not include additional RVs)
- BC Seniors Rate (day after Labour Day to June 14 only): $17.50 per senior party/night.
- $8.75 per BC Senior Additional Vehicle per night (before June 15th and after
Winter Camping Fee: $13.00 per party/night.
Address: BC-97, Summerland, BC V0H 1Z0.
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