The best desert campgrounds in British Columbia

Desert camping in British Columbia means wide skies, dry air, and a landscape you won’t find anywhere else in Canada. With 13 desert sites to choose from, you’ll find options near sagebrush trails, riverbanks, and quiet valleys—some as low as $25 a night, with an average around $60. The top picks include Fuzzy Buddy Ranch (100 reviews), where trails cut straight through the sand and wildlife wanders at dusk, Fruit Haven, Cawston BC (23 reviews) for riverside lounging and desert orchard views, and Riverfront Desert Camp (16 reviews), a swim spot with easy trail access. Most sites allow campfires and come with showers and toilets, so you won’t have to rough it too much. Bring sturdy shoes for hiking, binoculars for wildlife-watching, and a suit for a quick dip—this is desert camping BC-style, where you trade crowds for space and starry nights.

94% (203)

Top-rated campgrounds

Desert camping in British Columbia means wide skies, dry air, and a landscape you won’t find anywhere else in Canada. With 13 desert sites to choose from, you’ll find options near sagebrush trails, riverbanks, and quiet valleys—some as low as $25 a night, with an average around $60. The top picks include Fuzzy Buddy Ranch (100 reviews), where trails cut straight through the sand and wildlife wanders at dusk, Fruit Haven, Cawston BC (23 reviews) for riverside lounging and desert orchard views, and Riverfront Desert Camp (16 reviews), a swim spot with easy trail access. Most sites allow campfires and come with showers and toilets, so you won’t have to rough it too much. Bring sturdy shoes for hiking, binoculars for wildlife-watching, and a suit for a quick dip—this is desert camping BC-style, where you trade crowds for space and starry nights.

94% (203)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Fruit Haven, Cawston BC

94%

(48)

1 site · Tent, RV · Cawston, BC

Welcome to Fruit Haven! We are located in Cawston, BC. Located 7 minutes from floating on the South Similkameen river for hours! You can also simply hang out on the beach. We are also 7 minutes from Barcelo Canyon where you can hike for hours or days. Restaurants, markets, and vineyards are all within walking distance. Located just 8kms South East of Keremeos, and 36km west of Osoyoos, Cawston is known as the Organic Farm Capital of Canada. Cawston has hot summers, cool nights and powerful winds. We are also close to several wineries! With the hot summers, cool nights and powerful winds, the wines made here burst with the taste of the Similkameen Valley, thanks to the small farms and winemakers that are dedicated to creating quality, award-winning wine. As you can tell, the activities nearby are endless! We look forward to hosting you.

2. Fuzzy Buddy Ranch

94%

(201)

25 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · BC

Imagine crystal clear blue skies, snow-capped peaks, refreshing lakes and rivers, and a lush valley. Fuzzy Buddy Ranch is the perfect spot to camp! We have large area cleared for RVs, trailers, tents or camper van dispersed camping sites. The ranch has ten 30 amp power sites with lots of room to turn around and most you can drive right through without having to back up. Views of mountains in every direction with lots of wild birds in the area. We have horses, cows, sheep, chickens, dogs and cats at the ranch. The small working ranch is in the Rocky mountain trench with the Rocky Mountains to the east the Caribou range to the east and the Monashee Mountains to the south. Maps available in Pictures. Shower and water available in ranch yard water tap is on the south side of the ranch house. Nearby activities include hiking, biking( bike rentals available in town), climbing, fishing, paddling. The site is 20 minutes from Mount Robson Provincial Park (Berg Lake trailhead) and just over an hour to Jasper National Park. Valemount townsite is 15 minutes away and is home to a renowned mountain bike park, Three Ranges brewery and excellent restaurants such as the Glacier fire Pizza. Please take the time to read any posted signs regarding rules of the ranch, speed limits, etc, and do not leave a trace. Please bring your garbage, tissues and cans with you. There is a local transfer station just 10 minutes south of us outside the village of Valemount. Please respect our home. Fresh farm eggs may be available. Pony Rides might be available. Ranch Rules Please do not leave any garbage behind. Do not leave a trace. No Dogs or other pets Do Not play with the Ranch Dogs no fetch no hugs no kisses Do not pet horses or cows Stay out of livestock pasture. Quiet time 10:00pm to 7am Shower Hours 5:00pm to 8:00pm Do not enter yard after 9:00pm We look forward to hosting you!

3. Highland House Ranch BnB

100%

(7)

1 site · RV · Logan Lake, BC

Rustic Ranch Oasis in a rural setting that offers a quiet getaway surrounded by Lakes, Mountains and forests . A perfect starting point for any outdoor enthusiast regardless of your choice of outdoor adventures. ORV trails, hiking, biking, fishing, golfing, and outdoor trails steps from our ranch. Horse camp/lessons/pony rides also available with a Licenses Certified Equestrian Coach with Equine Canada on site

4. Fluffy Bunny Farms Camping

89%

(9)

8 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · West Kelowna, BC

Learn more about this land: Fluffy Bunny Farms is a private 6-acre property located only 15 minutes from downtown Kelowna! It’s the perfect place to camp near Bear Creek Provincial Park and Myra-Bellevue Provincial Park. We have 3 private campsites with stunning mountain views perfect for a small trailer, or self-contained camper van/tent. Guests can enjoy biking, fishing, hiking and wildlife watching all nearby. We also have a white sand volleyball court to relax and enjoy some friendly competition with your camping partner at the end of your day. Please note that there are no amenities available at the campsite. Campers will need to have a self-contained vehicle and leave no trace. We are dog friendly and request that dogs remain under their owner's control at all times and on leash. We do not allow campfires as our home burned down last year in the McDougal Creek fire as well as a lot of the neighbourhood so we don’t allow any fires or smoking cigarettes on the property. We will be building our new home during the summer but the build is a bit away from where the sites are so it shouldn’t be an issue. But this is forwarded as we know that this is a priority for us as so we won’t stop building even if we have campers, so we just want everyone to know this in advance! We can’t wait to host you and if you have any questions before booking, just ask!

5. Riverfront Desert Camp

97%

(31)

5 sites · Tents · Beaverdell, BC

The Story of Smoker Road: Smoker Road is a beautiful 5-acre property highlighting some of Boundary Country’s best-kept secrets. Nestled between towering Ponderosa pines, along the West Kettle River - this property offers serene tranquillity with nature right outside your tent. The Petcoff family is tight-knit. They love nature, adventure, and laughter. They acquired Smoker Road in 2017 with the mutual dream of sharing their passions with like-minded people. There are 5 campsites available throughout the property for tent campers: We also have complimentary amenities such as: - toilet amenities - table (upon request) *We have firewood available for purchase. $10/crate that provides enough kindling, starter wood, and logs for a great fire. (bring cash!) Our site manager, Pete, can tell you all about the area, the birds and wildlife. He offers guided hikes upon request for any level beginner to intermediate. Hike rates are by donation. The river is absolutely perfect for a summer dip on a HOT Okanagan day with a secret beach a short walk away. They have created a fun, and safe environment for everyone to feel welcome! Enjoy the breathtaking scenery, while feeling inspired, and at peace. Smoker Road is pet-friendly!

6. Butterfly Cottage - Glamping

88%

(4)

3 sites · Lodging · Oliver, BC

Nestled among the pines of the sunny Okanagan is a retreat where butterflies play. Featuring rustic hut-style rooms (comfy queen size bed in each), a courtyard (including a kitchenette), a dining table/chairs under an umbrella, and sunny patio. Forget your worries, embrace serenity, enjoy the magnificent sunsets, star-gazing, singing birds, and sage mountain air while glamping in this sanctuary. The reviews speak for themselves; thank you to our wonderful guests! Welcome to our sprawling, secluded farm. To access this private retreat we offer to transport you and your supplies with our ATV, although some prefer the peaceful 1/4 mile hike. Explore the historic staging grounds for a Wild West cattle auction, where the cowboys drove the herds onto trains at the end of the KVR line! Please respect nature as wildlife, flora, and dangerous terrain are part of our environment; explore at your own risk. There are hot showers and flush toilets for guest comfort but require a short walk to access. Campfires are banned but we provide propane cooking and living utensils. Embrace off-grid with minimal cell service and no wifi; instead allow nature to fill you. Although Okanagan nights cool down effectively, we have used science and shade in designing these rooms to dissipate heat. We provide fans and evaporative coolers when needed and offer our guests plenty of ice (provided in an insulated picnic chest) for those delicious summer drinks and storing food during your stay. Our country style welcome has guests coming back. Ask us about interacting with animals, our farm produce, gold panning and sluice box in Lucky Strike Creek, hammock rentals, E-bike rentals (Grandfondo runs right by our property), endless hiking, and more! Also, ask us for an update on when our pool will open (with wifi access)! Some guests want nothing to do and need all day to get it done. Within 10-15 minutes drive you will find dozens of wineries, District Wine Village, Tickleberrries ice cream parlor, golf, shopping, restaurants, Area 27 racing, lakes, etc. We caution you to carefully re-read this description of our unique space; most of our guests are looking to escape the city life, while some love a romantic getaway, but all appreciate nature. For more details search Face Book for Grasslands Oasis near Oliver, BC. Butterfly Cottage is located at our principal residence and we are always around to assist. Many guests enjoy our local, fresh farm produce. Our farm animals usually love attention, treats, and petting. We offer guests transportation on our ATV and provide a walkie-talkie for communication.

Stories from the community

J

Julie

October 2025

Weekend Trip to Butterfly Cottage - Glamping

This place is perfect! The host was so attentive to our needs, the caboose is so cute, there's hot water, a woodstove for warmth, the nature is incredible. We really had a most comfortable and most perfect stay!

Or chill in the direct sun and listen to the birds

A

Andrea

September 2025

19 ft campervan

With pets

1 night at Fruit Haven, Cawston BC

Delightful place! The location is gorgeous, and the hosts are lovely and generous.

A

Amol

August 2025

Tent

With kids

1 night at Fruit Haven, Cawston BC

Daniel and his father are exceptional hosts, ensuring a wonderful stay. The campsite boasts a stunning mountain-ringed location and offers all the essential amenities, including clean wash basins, a versatile water hose, and a spotless shower room. We arrived late, and his dad kindly assisted us with lighting for our tent setup. The site features ample parking, a powered electrical pole with multiple outlets, and a strong sense of security. It's an ideal, family-friendly spot in Osoyoos that I highly recommend and would gladly visit again.

T

Tony

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Fruit Haven, Cawston BC

Daniel was a terrific host and has a beautiful property with animals and a gorgeous view

C

Cheryl

August 2025

20 ft travel trailer

With pets

1 night at Fruit Haven, Cawston BC

It was a lovely, private, quiet spot. The facilities are rustic but clean and all we needed. The host was very friendly and informative. Would stay there again.

D

Danielle

August 2025

26 ft Class C

With kids

Weekend Trip to Fruit Haven, Cawston BC

Fruit Haven was lovley. Great view, host and amenities. Hope we can come back 😊

JUSTINE

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Fruit Haven, Cawston BC

Daniel is the kindest uber friendly human being. He made us feel right at home, and made sure we had a great stay. It was the highlight of your trip! The peaches he gave us were the most delicious; meaty, sweet and juicy, and we are still enjoying his cucumbers after a few days, remembering the warm hospitality of the Similkameen valley. The views over the valley were wonderful from our campsite. It was also great to have access to the bathroom for a quick shower in the morning. Thank you Daniel and family! We loved our stay at Fruit Haven farm, and hope to see you again :)

F

Fred

August 2025

26 ft Class A

Group trip

1 night at Highland House Ranch BnB

Thanks for the lovely welcome! Our pitch was great and useful having electric. It was lovely to meet the cats and dogs and see the beautiful horses. Thanks again

Ben

August 2025

26 ft Class A

Group trip

1 night at Fruit Haven, Cawston BC

Great spot in Cawston. Many chickens around, beautiful fruit trees and a kind host. Pure farmlife.

Z

Zuojiang

August 2025

17 ft travel trailer

1 night at Fruit Haven, Cawston BC

We had a good time at Fruit Haven. The owner's family is very lovely, and they show great care in managing their farm + campsite. The equipment is very convenient to use, and there are lots of adorable and artistic decorations around the site for us to experience and explore. The farm animals and fruit trees are beautiful, and we enjoy the view and the quiet time there.

Jade

August 2025

20 ft Class C

1 night at Fruit Haven, Cawston BC

Beautiful, peaceful spot surrounded by fruit trees and cute chickens! Daniel was super friendly and gifted us some produce to eat. Wonderful stay

M

MJ

August 2025

13 ft campervan

With kids

Weekend Trip to Fruit Haven, Cawston BC

Camping at Fruit Haven was perfection! Our kids loved it, we were welcomed with fresh peaches, and the orchard was beautiful. It’s small and rustic but has everything you need. 10/10 would camp again.

E

Edith

July 2025

23 ft Class C

With pets

Weekend Trip to Fruit Haven, Cawston BC

Only a few sites but we enjoyed our stay basically in Daniel’s “ back yard”. We travelled with a motorhome and enjoyed the water and power connection. There are chickens, a rooster (a very enthusiastic one in the early hours 😉), fruit trees ( we were allowed to pick some apricots 😋) Our 9 year old could safely explore the site which she enjoyed. Our three ( well 2 1/2) dogs we kept in the leash because we didn’t want them to chase the chickens. There are rivers on driving distance safe for swimming. Daniel is a great hostess , very friendly and welcoming, He made sure we had a great time. We will definitely come back! Thank you Daniel ( and your two assistants)

K

Katrin

July 2025

12 ft travel trailer

With pets

1 night at Fruit Haven, Cawston BC

What an amazing slice of heaven this place is! Daniel and his family have created a magical place, and I highly recommend it if you enjoy waking up amongst lush fruit trees, free picking of apricots and peaches all you can eat, a secluded private spot with just a few friendly chickens hanging out, beautiful panoramic hills in the background that hug the valley! A little paradise perfect for a me to break up a long journey! Daniel was delightful and shared some great stories and tips to explore the area. Check out breakfast at Klippers Marketplace and take a focaccia bread for the road! So delicious! I will definitely return to Fruit Haven!! 💛

Shelley

July 2025

24 ft Class B

With pets

1 night at Fruit Haven, Cawston BC

What a sweet spot nestled in amongst fruit trees with happy free roaming chickens. Our host met us and we felt very welcomed and grateful to stay here. There is water and power, beauty in a safe haven.

J

John

July 2025

18 ft travel trailer

1 night at Fruit Haven, Cawston BC

Great quiet spot in a beautiful valley. Full hookups and plenty of privacy. Easy with a van or small trailer (sub 20’) Tight access if you tow something larger or have along class C.

H

Heather

July 2025

22 ft Class A

With kids

1 night at Highland House Ranch BnB

We absolutely loved staying at Jill's . She is a great host and we had a fantastic Equestrian experience. I would highly recommend staying here and take the time to learn the incredible insight and knowledge Jill has to offer through her amazing experience with horses, inspirational and very moving.

H

Hayley & Alan

June 2025

21 ft campervan

1 night at Highland House Ranch BnB

Lovely stay with Jill on her ranch. Quiet space and ability to choose camp spot.

M

Mary Grace

June 2025

Tent

With kids

1 night at Fruit Haven, Cawston BC

I loved tent camping on Daniel's land. The view is beautiful and the place is peaceful. They are very hospitable. Love to be back again to camp in there