The best forest cabin rentals near Ainsworth Hot Springs, British Columbia

Ainsworth Hot Springs may seem remote, but it’s only a quick drive to other Southern BC landmarks like Kootenay Lake and the Selkirk Mountains. Enjoy the natural hot springs that are open year-round, including a cold plunge pool, an outdoor hot springs pool, and a cave hot spring. Tour the underground limestone system carved by glacial-fed waters at Cody Caves Provincial Park, or glamp near the city of Nelson and enjoy local restaurants, historical architecture, and world-renowned golf courses. Close by, the village of Nakusp features even more hot springs as well as remote campsites for tents and RVs. The Howser Recreation Site highlights lakefront campsites and beach areas, as well.

98% (50)

Top-rated campgrounds near Ainsworth Hot Springs

Ainsworth Hot Springs may seem remote, but it’s only a quick drive to other Southern BC landmarks like Kootenay Lake and the Selkirk Mountains. Enjoy the natural hot springs that are open year-round, including a cold plunge pool, an outdoor hot springs pool, and a cave hot spring. Tour the underground limestone system carved by glacial-fed waters at Cody Caves Provincial Park, or glamp near the city of Nelson and enjoy local restaurants, historical architecture, and world-renowned golf courses. Close by, the village of Nakusp features even more hot springs as well as remote campsites for tents and RVs. The Howser Recreation Site highlights lakefront campsites and beach areas, as well.

98% (50)

Top-rated campgrounds near Ainsworth Hot Springs

1. Soul's Paradise Resort

96%

(13)

7.7km from Ainsworth Hot Springs · 11 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

Soul's Paradise is a beautiful campground in Kootenay Bay with 20 beach sites (open 6 months/year) 13 upper sites (year-around) and 2 Chalets. Family and gentle pet friendly. We offer long-term RV and tiny-home sites for 6+ months. We welcome you to be a part of our community or enjoy a scenic vacation! We have kayaks, canoes, pedal boards to rent in the summer, fresh eggs, and garden produce. Relax and breathe!

2. For-rest Retreat

99%

(43)

64km from Ainsworth Hot Springs · 2 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

We bought this property in 2008 as raw land with an old off-grid 1950's cabin on it. While the log structure was sound, the cabin needed some major renovations to be liveable. We undertook renovations, lived in it for 6 months and then moved into a yurt on a more accessible section of our property. We now run the cabin as a short term rental, have another small rental next to our house and we are using the yurt for gatherings, retreats and yoga classes! For more info, visit our website: https://for-rest.ca Learn more about this land: AVAILABLE ALL YEAR!  A backcountry-style off-grid cabin in a perfect location to explore the Kootenays. THIS CABIN IS ACCESSED BY A 0.7 KM HIKING TRAIL ON PRIVATE PROPERTY. Enjoy privacy and be close to nature at the base of Keystone Mountain. Far enough to feel like you are away from it all, close enough to experience all the Kootenays have to offer. Campfires are permitted when there is no fire ban. We have firewood available to purchase - please add this as an extra at the time of booking. Close to world-class ski hills and backcountry skiing, excellent hiking and mountain biking opportunities and even private trails right out your door. Enormous snowy peaks, clear lakes, and waterfalls characterize this mountain playground in southeastern British Columbia, where visitors can expect backcountry adventures, endless singletrack mountain bike trails, hiking trails, mineral hot springs, and small towns with vibrant arts and culture scenes. Our property is located just outside of Salmo, in the Hub of the Kootenays. 30 minutes from Nelson, Castlegar, Trail, Kootenay Pass, and Champion Lakes.

3. Woodsy, Artsy Nature Retreat

100%

(7)

41km from Ainsworth Hot Springs · 3 sites · Lodging

Escape to Morningstar Log Cabin and Bunkieland, where three distinctive glamping accommodations await, each offering a unique experience of nature's embrace. Perfect for family reunions, intimate weddings, or a memorable friends' getaway, our cabins provide spectacular, panoramic views of emerald-green Kootenay Lake and the charming city of Nelson from the peaceful forest's edge, all just 5 minutes from the vibrant city core. Immerse yourself in the landscape and wildlife with bird watching, hiking, and biking trails right at your doorstep. Nearby, indulge in kayaking, skiing, fishing, and countless other adventures that the renowned mountain ranges and 200 km of pristine lakeshore offer throughout four distinct seasons. Delight in the region's bounty with local produce-driven dining, explore craft breweries, all reflecting our area's commitment to organic farming and sustainable living. Our cabins, each thoughtfully appointed with a comfortable queen bed and a convenient double pull-out, are uniquely furnished with handcrafted pieces from local artisans, creating a cozy and rustic retreat. Morning Star Log Cabin welcomes guests year-round, while Bunkieland offers its seasonal charm from May to October, providing a true glamping experience. Enjoy the tranquility of a remote escape while remaining conveniently close to civilization. Whether you're a timid nature lover or an adventurous spirit, you'll discover endless activities and relaxation, easily filling a fulfilling week's stay. Let the beauty of the Kootenays rejuvenate your soul at Morning Star Log Cabin and Bunkieland. Plus, bring your furry friends along to enjoy the adventure too! We're pet-friendly and understand that your dogs are part of the family. Explore the trails together, let them splash in the lake, and enjoy evenings by the fire. Our location is ideal for those seeking an active getaway with their canine companions, making your stay even more special.

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Lots of space to sit outside and enjoy nature.

Christin

September 2025

Weekend Trip to Woodsy, Artsy Nature Retreat

We had such a lovely time! To be honest, we were positively surprised by how nice the cabin was! We had everything we needed and more! The bed was comfy, the kitchen well equipped, everything was very clean and tidy. We enjoyed our dinner on the deck and imagined what the view would be like, if it hadn't been so smoky :D Maria is a great host! Her communication before and during our stay was fantastic and when we met her before we checked out, she gave us a tour of the property and showed us the other cabins, which are all super nice! We would love to come back!

J

Jarrott

August 2025

Weekend Trip to Woodsy, Artsy Nature Retreat

Really close to town but a world away. Great views and very comfortable lodging. Highly recommended.

Giovanni

August 2025

4 nights at For-rest Retreat

The cabin was awesome, very secluded and quiet, is a nice touch having all the cooking gear already there for you, the woodburning fireplace was great for keeping warm at night, Would recommend packing light for the light hike to get there. Would highly recommended for anyone looking to get away from a few days

S

Scott

August 2025

With kids

5 nights at Woodsy, Artsy Nature Retreat

We loved our week at Maria's place. Very well thought out property with a beautiful view and all the amenities. Maria was lovely with suggestions on what to do in Nelson area. Would definitely stay there again.

Front door cabin view. Perfect spot for a morning coffee

G

Gun Hee

April 2025

With pets

2 nights at For-rest Retreat

It was the best vacation I ever had! Loved the cabin, and the trails. Best of all I could spend the days with my dog as well.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best forest cabins near Ainsworth Hot Springs guide

Where to go

Nelson

With 350 restored heritage buildings and a historic streetcar that’s still in operation, Nelson has a small-town feel with the amenities of a metropolitan area. It sits 45-minutes south of Ainsworth on the western arm of Kootenay Lake. From the snow-capped Selkirk Mountains to the lake views, Nelson has natural splendor from every angle. Many camping accommodations are available, including tent camping, RV campsites, and glamping in cedar wood cabins. The hilly mountain terrain provides epic skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling in winter. Hiking, golfing, mountain biking, and fishing are popular activities in the summertime.

Nakusp

The town of Nakusp is a remote area beside Arrow Lake, roughly an hour and a half from Ainsworth. The three local hot springs—Nakusp Hot Springs, Halcyon Hot Springs, and Halfway Hot Springs—are surrounded by more than 15 kilometres of hiking trails. Mountain biking is a hit in the summertime while the winter snow creates the perfect playground for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Tent camping, RV campsites, and chalet cabin rentals are available near the Halfway Hot Springs.

Howser Recreation Site

Nestled beside Duncan Lake (an hour north of Ainsworth), the Howser Recreation Site has a boat launch, covered picnic tables, and excellent fishing. RV and tent campsites are available, but they’re on a first-come, first-serve basis, so no reservations are needed. Get there early in the morning to snag a campsite with a lake view or one close to the pit toilets to make life more convenient. The Glayco Beach day-use area is just down the road with rock and sand beaches.

When to go

Ainsworth has distinct seasons with perfect weather for outdoor activities year-round. Summertime heat runs from July until the end of August with temperatures up to 26°C. Snowfall is common from December until February, with a peak in January. Typically, Ainsworth doesn’t get colder than -5°C in winter, which allows for outdoor sports and activities without frostbite. Spring, from March until June, brings lots of rain in the area, but some campsites are equipped with concrete pads.