Notable Campgrounds
- For beach bums: Redfish Campground is very close to Redfish Beach, just a minute or two away on foot.
- For water bugs: Friends Campground is right next to the water sport rental shop.
Tips for Snagging a Campsite Reservation
- While this park’s relatively remote location is advantageous—further from large population centres and the crowds that they bring—Kokanee Creek still gets busy in the middle of summer, especially around Canada Day, Labour Day, and the long weekend in August. Campsites closer to the beach tend to be the most popular.
- Reservations can be made up to two months in advance, and, when reservations aren’t available, all campsites operate on a first-come, first-served basis. If you’re planning to just show up, make sure to do so before the 1pm checkout time for the best selection.
When to Go
While the park is open (with facilities) from April to October, some campgrounds only operate during the warmer months (Osprey Point, for example, can only be booked from the middle of June to the beginning of September). You’ll find the biggest crowds in summer, when daytime temperatures are nice and the lake warms for swimming. If planning to camp in May or September, make sure to pack a good, warm sleeping bag, as average lows dip down a bit. Salmon spawning takes place in the channel from August to October.
Know Before You Go
- When you go for a paddle, be prepared for anything, as the winds, waves, and weather can shift rapidly.
- Firewood can be purchased at the park (but you’re welcome to bring your own, too).
- You can rent a canoe, kayak, or paddleboard onsite.
- If you’re heading to the beach, be aware that there are no lifeguards.
Kokanee Creek Provincial Park
Where Kokanee meets Kootenay, you’ll be drawn to the water.
Curling out of the Selkirk Mountains, serpentine Kokanee Creek rolls into the West Arm of Kootenay Lake through a sandy delta with beaches all around. You might be tempted to spend all your time soaking up the sun while taking in a view of green ridges descending to the blue lake, but there’s plenty more to do. Canoe, kayak, or paddleboard on the water, spot fish in the spawning channel, or hike 9.5 kilometres of trails—Canyon Trail traces the curves of the creek, providing amazing views over the gorge. Then stay up late for the interpretive staff’s stargazing program.
Curling out of the Selkirk Mountains, serpentine Kokanee Creek rolls into the West Arm of Kootenay Lake through a sandy delta with beaches all around. You might be tempted to spend all your time soaking up the sun while taking in a view of green ridges descending to the blue lake, but there’s plenty more to do. Canoe, kayak, or paddleboard on the water, spot fish in the spawning channel, or hike 9.5 kilometres of trails—Canyon Trail traces the curves of the creek, providing amazing views over the gorge. Then stay up late for the interpretive staff’s stargazing program.
Notable Campgrounds
- For beach bums: Redfish Campground is very close to Redfish Beach, just a minute or two away on foot.
- For water bugs: Friends Campground is right next to the water sport rental shop.
Read more...Notable Campgrounds
Tips for Snagging a Campsite Reservation
When to Go
While the park is open (with facilities) from April to October, some campgrounds only operate during the warmer months (Osprey Point, for example, can only be booked from the middle of June to the beginning of September). You’ll find the biggest crowds in summer, when daytime temperatures are nice and the lake warms for swimming. If planning to camp in May or September, make sure to pack a good, warm sleeping bag, as average lows dip down a bit. Salmon spawning takes place in the channel from August to October.
Know Before You Go