The best waterside campgrounds 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.

97% (110)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Creston Valley Geodesic Dome & Camp

100%

(4)

71km from Ainsworth Hot Springs · 1 site · Lodging · Creston, BC

Unique Mountain Retreat in Creston Valley’s Community Forest For those seeking a unique touch, our geodesic dome provides comfortable, three-season glamping with awe-inspiring valley views. Escape to our expansive 22-acre property that borders the serene, public-use land of Arrow and Goat Mountain, offering direct access to miles of rugged mountain paths and logging roads. Experience Creston Valley from a secluded clearing at the heart of nature—a private & peaceful spot with a furnished geodesic dome and plenty of room for additional trailers and tents. Property Highlights: • Exclusive Reservations: Privacy is guaranteed—only one group is booked at a time, so you’ll have the entire place to yourselves. • Disc Golf and Exploration: Try out our private 9+ hole disc golf course or set out on endless trails for hiking and wildlife spotting. • Convenient Access to Creston & Nearby Lakes: Just a 15-minute drive to downtown Creston, Duck Lake, Kootenay Lake, Goat River, Summit Creek, Corn Creek Falls, and Kootenay River. • Scenic Amenities: The outhouse comes with an unparalleled view, and you’ll also have access to a BBQ and a generator (available upon request). Whether you’re here for comfort camping, glamping, or the ultimate rustic retreat, this property offers a one-of-a-kind experience. A fun private 9+ hole disc golf course is built into the area you will be staying. Note that to ensure the best experience possible, reservations are made to only one group at a time. If you want to feel like you are truly alone in the woods, this is the spot for you! Note that this property is designed for a "glamping"/camping experience. The geodesic dome is not heated. While a small propane heater and warm bed are provided, please come prepared for the weather. High-clearance AWD vehicle recommended if you plan to drive down the old road to the location, otherwise please plan to park up top (we can help shuttle down your stuff).

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.

97% (110)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Creston Valley Geodesic Dome & Camp

100%

(4)

71km from Ainsworth Hot Springs · 1 site · Lodging · Creston, BC

Unique Mountain Retreat in Creston Valley’s Community Forest For those seeking a unique touch, our geodesic dome provides comfortable, three-season glamping with awe-inspiring valley views. Escape to our expansive 22-acre property that borders the serene, public-use land of Arrow and Goat Mountain, offering direct access to miles of rugged mountain paths and logging roads. Experience Creston Valley from a secluded clearing at the heart of nature—a private & peaceful spot with a furnished geodesic dome and plenty of room for additional trailers and tents. Property Highlights: • Exclusive Reservations: Privacy is guaranteed—only one group is booked at a time, so you’ll have the entire place to yourselves. • Disc Golf and Exploration: Try out our private 9+ hole disc golf course or set out on endless trails for hiking and wildlife spotting. • Convenient Access to Creston & Nearby Lakes: Just a 15-minute drive to downtown Creston, Duck Lake, Kootenay Lake, Goat River, Summit Creek, Corn Creek Falls, and Kootenay River. • Scenic Amenities: The outhouse comes with an unparalleled view, and you’ll also have access to a BBQ and a generator (available upon request). Whether you’re here for comfort camping, glamping, or the ultimate rustic retreat, this property offers a one-of-a-kind experience. A fun private 9+ hole disc golf course is built into the area you will be staying. Note that to ensure the best experience possible, reservations are made to only one group at a time. If you want to feel like you are truly alone in the woods, this is the spot for you! Note that this property is designed for a "glamping"/camping experience. The geodesic dome is not heated. While a small propane heater and warm bed are provided, please come prepared for the weather. High-clearance AWD vehicle recommended if you plan to drive down the old road to the location, otherwise please plan to park up top (we can help shuttle down your stuff).

Stories from the community

A

Alexander

July 2025

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Creston Valley Geodesic Dome & Camp

Very awesome, everything about this property was perfect

J

Jenny

July 2025

With kids

2 nights at Creston Valley Geodesic Dome & Camp

Beautiful location! The Geodome was a neat experience! Ryan provided us with everything we needed and was very helpful making sure we had a great stay! Communications with Ryan were easy and he quickly answered any questions we had. The property is very large and had everything, from the netted gazebo, fire pit area, outdoor shower, and the nicest, cleanest, most amazing view outhouse!

C

Colton

June 2025

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Creston Valley Geodesic Dome & Camp

Had an absolutely incredible weekend with my brother and our friends. The geodome was so cool, and the prospectors cabin was awesome! The wood stove kept us cozy while it rained. Disc golf, giant beer pong, corn hole, axe throwing, all great fun. Ryan was an excellent host and we are already planning our next trip!

Candice

April 2025

2 nights at Creston Valley Geodesic Dome & Camp

Awesome location located so close to Creston. The Dome was beautiful and such a cool experience! Comfy, classy, clean, and equipped with everything you might need! Ryan was a great host and very helpful! The group camping spot overall is super awesome! Very private and felt safe!

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best waterside camping 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.