Camping
THINGS TO DO · KELOWNA & WEST KELOWNA

Pitch your tent under ponderosa pines, back your RV up to the lake, or escape to quiet backcountry trails.

25 campgrounds · Updated October 2026Things To Do guide · Go Kelowna
Photo: Rafaël Boisvert · MacDonald Acres RV Park via Google

01AT A GLANCE

The details that matter.

BC Parks reservations run on a rolling three-month window for popular spots like Bear Creek and Okanagan Lake. Private lakeside resorts in Peachland and Lake Country give you direct beach access with full hook-ups. Always check current fire bans before lighting a match, as summer restrictions are strictly enforced.

Best Season
April to October
Book Ahead
3-month window for parks
Best Area
Westside Road
Good to know
Campfires banned in Kelowna

01LOCAL PICKS

•ALSO WORTH A LOOK

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•LOCAL KNOWLEDGE

Your Guide to Outdoor Stays

Knowing exactly when to book a provincial site and where to find off-grid spots makes all the difference for a successful trip. Here is the local breakdown on booking windows, wildlife safety, and finding the right pitch.

The short answer

First-timers should try Bear Creek Provincial Park for sandy beaches and canyon trails right off Westside Road. If you want full hook-ups on the water, Todd's Lakeside RV in Peachland and Wood Lake RV Park and Marina are excellent waterfront alternatives.

01Book Ahead

Provincial Parks

Holiday Park RV & Condo Resort, Kelowna
Holiday Park RV & Condo Resort, Kelowna

British Columbia's public sites are popular for good reason, giving you direct lake access and well-maintained trails. Bear Creek Provincial Park sits just off Westside Road and has over 400 metres of sandy beach alongside canyon hiking routes. North of Summerland, Okanagan Lake Provincial Park is split into North and South sections, both lined with ponderosa pines.

Further north on Westside Road, Fintry Provincial Park pairs a restored manor house with steep waterfall hikes. Up near Vernon, Kekuli Bay Provincial Park is built on a terrace, meaning every site looks out over the blue waters of Kalamalka Lake. The campground also connects directly to the Okanagan Rail Trail for easy cycling.

You must reserve BC Parks sites well in advance, especially for summer weekends. The system uses a rolling three-month window, meaning you can secure a spot exactly three months before your arrival date starting at 7 a.m. Pacific Time. Highly sought-after sites will fill up within minutes.

Local tips

  • Set an alarm for 6:55 a.m. exactly three months before your trip.
  • Try booking a mid-week arrival to increase your chances of getting a site.
  • Watch the reservation portal for unexpected cancellations.
  • Use only the official BC Parks website for all bookings.
02Lakeside Life

Private and Orchard RV Parks

Wood Lake RV Park and Marina, Lake Country
Wood Lake RV Park and Marina, Lake Country

If you prefer full hook-ups, laundry, and Wi-Fi, private resorts give you those comforts right on the water. In Peachland, Todd‘s Lakeside RV and Peachland RV Park sit directly on the shoreline for easy swimming. Up in Lake Country, Wood Lake RV Park and Marina and Tween Lakes Resort put you right on the edge of Wood Lake.

Several properties operate within working agricultural spaces. Apple Valley Orchard & RV Park is located in a 1910 pioneer orchard, giving guests valley views and seasonal fruit picking. You can also stay at The Orchard RV Retreat in Lake Country or the quiet Canyon Farms RV Park in the southeast sector of the city.

These independent businesses run their own booking systems. Many cater to larger rigs and have monthly rates for extended stays. Places like Holiday Park RV & Condo Resort have extensive on-site amenities, operating as self-contained resorts.

Local tips

  • Reserve your spot months in advance, as returning guests often claim sites a year ahead.
  • Confirm your rig dimensions with the host to guarantee a proper fit.
  • Ask about winter rates, as several orchard properties stay open all year.
03Off the Grid

Recreation Sites and Backcountry Lakes

Todd‘s Lakeside RV, Peachland
Todd‘s Lakeside RV, Peachland

The surrounding hills contain several Recreation Sites and Trails BC locations for a more rustic trip. These spots are usually free or charge a small fee, providing basic outhouses and fire rings. You can reach James Lake, Postill Lake, and Browne Lake via active forest service roads. These are user-maintained areas, so you must pack out all your garbage.

Cell service drops off quickly in the hills, making a physical Backroad Mapbook an important tool. You will want a vehicle with high clearance for the rough gravel roads. Sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis and fill quickly on long weekends, so always prepare a backup plan. Beaver Lake, also known as Swalwell Lake, is a busy alternative for fishing.

Okanagan Mountain Park is the main destination for hike-in trips. You can access the park from Lakeshore Road to reach six hike-in sites and several marine-access spots. The 2003 wildfire cleared the tree canopy, leaving exposed trails and wide views of the water. Water sources are scarce, so you need to bring purification gear and heavy sun protection.

Local tips

  • Review the Recreation Sites and Trails BC website for road closures before driving up.
  • Leave a detailed trip plan with a friend since you will lose cell reception.
  • Pack a reliable water filtration system or carry all your drinking water.
  • Watch for heavy logging trucks on the narrow forest service roads.
04Know Before You Go

Fire Bans and Campfire Rules

Peachland RV Park, Peachland
Peachland RV Park, Peachland

Wildfire prevention dictates summer habits in the interior. Hot, dry conditions lead to frequent fire bans, usually running from July through September. The BC Wildfire Service issues these restrictions for the entire Kamloops Fire Centre. You are legally responsible for knowing the current rules before striking a match.

Open wood fires are never permitted within city limits at any time of year. Surrounding municipalities like West Kelowna, Lake Country, and Peachland may allow small fires when a regional ban is not active. You must check with the local fire department or regional district for the daily status.

When fires are legal, you must keep them under 0.5 metres high and 0.5 metres wide. You are required to keep eight litres of water or a shovel next to the ring at all times. Never walk away from an active fire, and ensure the ashes are cold to the touch before sleeping or leaving. Fines for breaking a ban are steep and can include the total cost of firefighting efforts.

Local tips

  • Save the BC Wildfire Service website to your phone for daily updates.
  • Pack a CSA-approved or ULC-approved propane fire ring, which is usually allowed during bans.
  • Call 1-800-663-5555 to report unattended fires or open burning violations.
  • Remember that smoking is strictly prohibited in all regional parks.
05Be Aware

Bears and Wildlife

Apple Valley Orchard & RV Park, Kelowna
Apple Valley Orchard & RV Park, Kelowna

Both black bears and grizzly bears live in the Central Okanagan. Bears frequently move through wooded areas near campsites, particularly in the spring after hibernation and in the fall when they feed heavily. The most important rule of the woods is to prevent them from accessing human food.

You must store all food, garbage, and scented items like toothpaste inside a hard-sided vehicle or a designated bear-proof locker. Cook your meals and eat them away from your sleeping area. Pack out all food waste to keep your site clean. Feeding wild animals causes them to become habituated to humans, which usually results in conservation officers having to destroy the animal.

Talk loudly or sing while hiking to avoid surprising a bear on the trail. Keep your dog on a leash at all times. Encounters are rare, but you should carry bear spray and practice drawing it from the holster. If you cross paths with a bear, stay calm, avoid running, and back away slowly while speaking softly. Report sightings in residential areas to the Conservation Officer Service at 1-877-952-7277.

Local tips

  • Read the latest local wildlife activity reports on the WildSafeBC website.
  • Never keep snacks, drinks, or scented toiletries inside your tent.
  • Watch for western rattlesnakes in dry grass and check for ticks during spring hikes.
  • Observe all animals from a safe distance and never approach them for photos.
06Get Equipped

Gear Rentals and Best Months

Kelowna Urban Farm and RV Park, Kelowna
Kelowna Urban Farm and RV Park, Kelowna

Several local businesses rent out equipment if you do not have your own. Companies like Cloud of Goods and One Stop Camping rent complete packages with tents, sleeping bags, coolers, and chairs, with delivery available. GoPlayPeak is a peer-to-peer platform where locals rent out paddleboards, kayaks, and camping kits. RVR Kelowna also puts together comprehensive gear packages.

The main outdoor season runs from April through October. Spring brings blooming fruit trees and quiet trails, though overnight temperatures drop quickly. June through August is the busiest period, bringing hot weather for swimming and boating. You will need reservations well in advance for these peak summer weeks.

September and early October are excellent times to pitch a tent. The daytime weather stays warm, the summer crowds disappear, and the autumn colours start to show. It is a great time to pair a weekend in the woods with a wine tour. Winter stays are possible at year-round properties like Apple Valley Orchard & RV Park for a quiet, cold-weather trip.

Local tips

  • Reserve your rental equipment early, especially if you need it for a summer long weekend.
  • Verify whether your rental package includes a stove and propane canisters.
  • Pack warm layers for the evening, as temperatures dip sharply after sunset.

•ON THE MAP

Every one of them, pinned.

All 25 campgrounds in this guide on one live map. Filter, zoom in, tap a pin for photos and directions, then open the full profile.

25
Campgrounds
5
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13
Rated 4.5★+

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•FAQ

Good to know

BC Parks uses a three-month rolling reservation window. You can book a site up to three months before your arrival date, with the portal opening at 7 a.m. Pacific Time.