The best camping near Fernie

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Surrounded by the forests and peaks of the Canadian Rockies, Fernie mixes serious outdoor adventure with a relaxed vibe in town, where Victorian-era buildings house cafes, pubs, and restaurants. The town can be a base for camping, hiking, mountain biking, and skiing in the nearby mountains, and for exploring Waterton Lakes, Kootenay, or even Banff national parks, thanks to its location in the East Kootenays region of southeast British Columbia. Several provincial parks and private campgrounds are located within a short drive, including Fernie RV Resort with its small tent camping area, yurts, and large RV sites.
96% (378)

Top-rated campgrounds

Finnish Off-Grid Foothills Cabin

2. Finnish Off-Grid Foothills Cabin

94%
(9)
59km from Fernie · 1 site · Lodging · AB
Off-grid experience (solar-powered and rainwater fed) for hikers, skiers or relaxers. This unique Finnish-inspired cabin has stunning views at all hours of the day and rich wildlife as well as Nature experiences in every direction. Steps away from the back entrance to the new Castle Provincial Park, and adjacent to thousands of acres of beautiful and accessible crown and park land. Many surrounding peaks from which to choose for the hikers and bikers, and two hills 40 minutes away for skiers. The cabin is situated on 480 acres of land on which there are no other houses, and adjacent to publicly-accessible land that spans thousands of acres. There is wildlife of all kinds and beautiful views right into British-Columbia and Montana. There is also a firepit :) This is off-grid but there IS cell phone service :) DISCLAIMER: please be advised that the cabin situated adjacent to Park and Crown land and wildlife of all sizes frequents the area. We advise that you be bear-aware, proceed with knowledge and carry spray while walking on the property.
Pets
Toilets
Trash
from 
CA$150
 / night
Murphy's Gold Creek Ranch

3. Murphy's Gold Creek Ranch

95%
(202)
47km from Fernie · 17 sites · Tents, RVs · Cranbrook, BC
I sold a business in Toronto and moved West in 1990 and drove all over North America looking for a new place to settle and raise a family. While camping in the Kootenay's I found this oasis and bought it. I have raised a family living totally off the grid since and love it. The water here is so clean and and the air is so fresh is why I stay. The night sky is so hard to explain it has to be seen to believe. Come check it out and you will agree. Learn more about this land: Enjoy camping on our 25-acre property just outside of Cranbrook, BC! We have multiple spots to choose from. You can camp beside the creek, in an open field, or up high with beautiful views of the valley. It all depends on your preferences and the privacy that you desire. We welcome tent and RV campers. If you're bringing an RV, there are sites that do not require levelling and we can accommodate vehicles up to 75ft in length. Bring your animals - there are a lot of great spaces for them to play! Our yard is equipped for horseback riding with a horse ring and stable.  The property is a great step-off point for ATV, dirt bikes, horseback and hiking adventures.  Potable water, toilet, picnic table, wifi and showers are available. Pets welcome, campfires permitted.  We are a 15-20 minute drive to Cranbrook. As the basecamp of the Kootenay Rockies, Cranbrook has it all - From all the trails one can dream of to multiple award-winning golf courses all within a 20-minute drive out of town, Cranbrook is an outdoor enthusiast's paradise. PLEASE USE GOOGLE MAPS FOR CORRECT DIRECTIONS I look forward to hosting you!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
CA$39
 / night
Wakita

4. Wakita

100%
(16)
7.6km from Fernie · 4 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Fernie, BC
Wakita encompasses 25 acres of diverse wilderness and clearings. The land was developed in the 70's as an education, arts and health retreat and that history influences its atmosphere today. A small mountain creek meanders past gardens, berry patches, rustic cabins and a stage. The land is peppered with Ancient burned out cedar trunks that stand as a testament to the wildfire that razed the valley and the town of Fernie in the early 1900's. If guests are interested in a tour we will show you our favorites! Since Wakita borders on the wilderness of BC, we ask that our guests exercise common sense when it comes to food and fires. Upon arrival, we will provide information on the use of woodstoves, firepits, composting outhouses (for a-frame and campsites), etc. Wakita is a 15 min drive from all of the amenities and adventure available in beautiful Fernie, BC. Explore further up our road and you will find the trailheads for popular hikes to Mount Hosmer, the Three Sisters and Heiko's trail. Our Hipcamp accommodations consist of our glamping a-frame, an unserviced RV/tenting site and a fully serviced cabin. We look forward to being a part of your Fernie adventure!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
CA$50
 / night
Thistle Dew in Fernie

5. Thistle Dew in Fernie

94%
(33)
9.4km from Fernie · 1 site · Tent · Fernie, BC
Welcome to Thistle Dew! We are located 10 minutes south of stunning Fernie, British Columbia. We are located about 15 minutes from Hiway 3. Thistle Dew is tucked into the mountains and faces the Lizard range at Fernie Alpine Resort. The campsite is surrounded by beautiful trees, which makes our single tent site feel very tucked away and private. While the sun is shining, hop on your bike or put on your hikers, step out of your tent and you are on the Elk Valley Trail section of the Trans Canada Trail. Or head to the river and cool off. At night, have a fire, lean back and look at the stars. There are very few lights in our neighborhood so the star show is next level. If the timing is right you might even catch The Northern Lights! 4x4 or AWD vehicle needed to access Thistle Dew, the driveway is steep with loose gravel. Thistle Dew is best suited to the self contained tent or Van campers. There is no water or power available. Campfires are permitted when there is no fire ban. Firewood is available for purchase - add as an extra at time of booking. Firewood will be at campsite when you arrive.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
CA$32
 / night
Cept Ranch

6. Cept Ranch

100%
(13)
51km from Fernie · 5 sites · RVs · Kimberley, BC
Take a look at the mountain view site to show you what you can expect from a finished site. Secluded lot with two lakes and LARGE private sites. Sick of busy noisy RV parks where you're parked 10' from your neighbour? We're renting large, private RV sites just 15 minutes from Wasa, BC. These are off-grid spots—you’ll need a self-contained RV with a full bathroom and kitchen, as there are no hookups currently available. Each site is surrounded by trees, offering space, solitude. You won’t be parked 10 feet from your neighbour here. All sites are lakefront or pond-front, with beautiful views and a truly peaceful atmosphere. One lake has a softer clay bottom, the other is rocky with a silty base—both are fantastic for paddleboarding, and relaxing. We especially love swimming in the rockier one. The property is still a bit rugged—we’ve just moved here and are looking to generate some revenue to help fund improvements. We’ll mow the sites before your arrival and do our best to keep things clean and comfortable. Please note: There’s a sani-dump and small shop in Wasa, about 15 minutes away. The road in is bumpy but fully accessible for 2WD vehicles—just take it slow. Quiet hours apply—no loud music or parties, and generator use is limited to specific times. If you’re looking for tranquility, space, and a rustic lakeside experience, we’d love to hear from you.
Pets
Campfires
from 
CA$40
 / night
Elk Ridge Guest Ranch

7. Elk Ridge Guest Ranch

89%
(9)
20km from Fernie · 8 sites · Tents, RVs · Jaffray, BC
We are offering camping for the 2025 Summer season at Elk Ridge Guest Ranch. During your stay check out the agricultural heritage exhibit on display. Located in a wildlife corridor, there is also plenty of opportunity to experience nature as the elk and deer graze the fields. We are conveniently located 3 minutes from the town site with pub, golf course, churches, convenience store & laundromat. We are 5 minutes from Rosen Lake, 10 minutes from Tie Lake, and 20 minutes from the Koocanusa Marina and Baynes Lake Farmers Market. This is where the Kootenay Lifestyle meets rustic charm! -Power & water available. -No Sani-dump, but weekly pumper service is available locally. DIRECTIONS: Don’t trust google maps - it will lead you to the wrong driveway. Turn instead at the timber framed Elk Ridge Ventures sign (see cover photo) and drive down the driveway until you see the campsite signs.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
CA$48
 / night
Surrounded by the forests and peaks of the Canadian Rockies, Fernie mixes serious outdoor adventure with a relaxed vibe in town, where Victorian-era buildings house cafes, pubs, and restaurants. The town can be a base for camping, hiking, mountain biking, and skiing in the nearby mountains, and for exploring Waterton Lakes, Kootenay, or even Banff national parks, thanks to its location in the East Kootenays region of southeast British Columbia. Several provincial parks and private campgrounds are located within a short drive, including Fernie RV Resort with its small tent camping area, yurts, and large RV sites.
96% (378)

Top-rated campgrounds

Finnish Off-Grid Foothills Cabin

2. Finnish Off-Grid Foothills Cabin

94%
(9)
59km from Fernie · 1 site · Lodging · AB
Off-grid experience (solar-powered and rainwater fed) for hikers, skiers or relaxers. This unique Finnish-inspired cabin has stunning views at all hours of the day and rich wildlife as well as Nature experiences in every direction. Steps away from the back entrance to the new Castle Provincial Park, and adjacent to thousands of acres of beautiful and accessible crown and park land. Many surrounding peaks from which to choose for the hikers and bikers, and two hills 40 minutes away for skiers. The cabin is situated on 480 acres of land on which there are no other houses, and adjacent to publicly-accessible land that spans thousands of acres. There is wildlife of all kinds and beautiful views right into British-Columbia and Montana. There is also a firepit :) This is off-grid but there IS cell phone service :) DISCLAIMER: please be advised that the cabin situated adjacent to Park and Crown land and wildlife of all sizes frequents the area. We advise that you be bear-aware, proceed with knowledge and carry spray while walking on the property.
Pets
Toilets
Trash
from 
CA$150
 / night
Murphy's Gold Creek Ranch

3. Murphy's Gold Creek Ranch

95%
(202)
47km from Fernie · 17 sites · Tents, RVs · Cranbrook, BC
I sold a business in Toronto and moved West in 1990 and drove all over North America looking for a new place to settle and raise a family. While camping in the Kootenay's I found this oasis and bought it. I have raised a family living totally off the grid since and love it. The water here is so clean and and the air is so fresh is why I stay. The night sky is so hard to explain it has to be seen to believe. Come check it out and you will agree. Learn more about this land: Enjoy camping on our 25-acre property just outside of Cranbrook, BC! We have multiple spots to choose from. You can camp beside the creek, in an open field, or up high with beautiful views of the valley. It all depends on your preferences and the privacy that you desire. We welcome tent and RV campers. If you're bringing an RV, there are sites that do not require levelling and we can accommodate vehicles up to 75ft in length. Bring your animals - there are a lot of great spaces for them to play! Our yard is equipped for horseback riding with a horse ring and stable.  The property is a great step-off point for ATV, dirt bikes, horseback and hiking adventures.  Potable water, toilet, picnic table, wifi and showers are available. Pets welcome, campfires permitted.  We are a 15-20 minute drive to Cranbrook. As the basecamp of the Kootenay Rockies, Cranbrook has it all - From all the trails one can dream of to multiple award-winning golf courses all within a 20-minute drive out of town, Cranbrook is an outdoor enthusiast's paradise. PLEASE USE GOOGLE MAPS FOR CORRECT DIRECTIONS I look forward to hosting you!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
CA$39
 / night
Wakita

4. Wakita

100%
(16)
7.6km from Fernie · 4 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Fernie, BC
Wakita encompasses 25 acres of diverse wilderness and clearings. The land was developed in the 70's as an education, arts and health retreat and that history influences its atmosphere today. A small mountain creek meanders past gardens, berry patches, rustic cabins and a stage. The land is peppered with Ancient burned out cedar trunks that stand as a testament to the wildfire that razed the valley and the town of Fernie in the early 1900's. If guests are interested in a tour we will show you our favorites! Since Wakita borders on the wilderness of BC, we ask that our guests exercise common sense when it comes to food and fires. Upon arrival, we will provide information on the use of woodstoves, firepits, composting outhouses (for a-frame and campsites), etc. Wakita is a 15 min drive from all of the amenities and adventure available in beautiful Fernie, BC. Explore further up our road and you will find the trailheads for popular hikes to Mount Hosmer, the Three Sisters and Heiko's trail. Our Hipcamp accommodations consist of our glamping a-frame, an unserviced RV/tenting site and a fully serviced cabin. We look forward to being a part of your Fernie adventure!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
CA$50
 / night
Thistle Dew in Fernie

5. Thistle Dew in Fernie

94%
(33)
9.4km from Fernie · 1 site · Tent · Fernie, BC
Welcome to Thistle Dew! We are located 10 minutes south of stunning Fernie, British Columbia. We are located about 15 minutes from Hiway 3. Thistle Dew is tucked into the mountains and faces the Lizard range at Fernie Alpine Resort. The campsite is surrounded by beautiful trees, which makes our single tent site feel very tucked away and private. While the sun is shining, hop on your bike or put on your hikers, step out of your tent and you are on the Elk Valley Trail section of the Trans Canada Trail. Or head to the river and cool off. At night, have a fire, lean back and look at the stars. There are very few lights in our neighborhood so the star show is next level. If the timing is right you might even catch The Northern Lights! 4x4 or AWD vehicle needed to access Thistle Dew, the driveway is steep with loose gravel. Thistle Dew is best suited to the self contained tent or Van campers. There is no water or power available. Campfires are permitted when there is no fire ban. Firewood is available for purchase - add as an extra at time of booking. Firewood will be at campsite when you arrive.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
CA$32
 / night
Cept Ranch

6. Cept Ranch

100%
(13)
51km from Fernie · 5 sites · RVs · Kimberley, BC
Take a look at the mountain view site to show you what you can expect from a finished site. Secluded lot with two lakes and LARGE private sites. Sick of busy noisy RV parks where you're parked 10' from your neighbour? We're renting large, private RV sites just 15 minutes from Wasa, BC. These are off-grid spots—you’ll need a self-contained RV with a full bathroom and kitchen, as there are no hookups currently available. Each site is surrounded by trees, offering space, solitude. You won’t be parked 10 feet from your neighbour here. All sites are lakefront or pond-front, with beautiful views and a truly peaceful atmosphere. One lake has a softer clay bottom, the other is rocky with a silty base—both are fantastic for paddleboarding, and relaxing. We especially love swimming in the rockier one. The property is still a bit rugged—we’ve just moved here and are looking to generate some revenue to help fund improvements. We’ll mow the sites before your arrival and do our best to keep things clean and comfortable. Please note: There’s a sani-dump and small shop in Wasa, about 15 minutes away. The road in is bumpy but fully accessible for 2WD vehicles—just take it slow. Quiet hours apply—no loud music or parties, and generator use is limited to specific times. If you’re looking for tranquility, space, and a rustic lakeside experience, we’d love to hear from you.
Pets
Campfires
from 
CA$40
 / night
Elk Ridge Guest Ranch

7. Elk Ridge Guest Ranch

89%
(9)
20km from Fernie · 8 sites · Tents, RVs · Jaffray, BC
We are offering camping for the 2025 Summer season at Elk Ridge Guest Ranch. During your stay check out the agricultural heritage exhibit on display. Located in a wildlife corridor, there is also plenty of opportunity to experience nature as the elk and deer graze the fields. We are conveniently located 3 minutes from the town site with pub, golf course, churches, convenience store & laundromat. We are 5 minutes from Rosen Lake, 10 minutes from Tie Lake, and 20 minutes from the Koocanusa Marina and Baynes Lake Farmers Market. This is where the Kootenay Lifestyle meets rustic charm! -Power & water available. -No Sani-dump, but weekly pumper service is available locally. DIRECTIONS: Don’t trust google maps - it will lead you to the wrong driveway. Turn instead at the timber framed Elk Ridge Ventures sign (see cover photo) and drive down the driveway until you see the campsite signs.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
CA$48
 / night

Camper favorites near Fernie

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Stories from the community

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best camping near Fernie guide

When to go

The best time for camping, hiking, mountain biking, and whitewater rafting is during Fernie’s summer season, in late June through September. The weather stays crisp and cool, with striking autumn foliage, into October. Skiers and snowboarders head for Fernie in winter, when the region typically gets more than nine meters of snow. Ski season at Fernie Alpine Resort, three miles from town, runs December through mid-April, but you can hike and bike on the mountain in summer, too.

Know before you go

  • The closest airport to Fernie is Cranbrook’s Canadian Rockies International Airport, an hour’s drive west. Fly into Calgary in Alberta, three hours northeast of Fernie by road, for more flight options and potentially lower prices.
  • Allow about four hours to drive between Fernie and Banff. You can follow Highway 93/95 through Radium Hot Springs and Kootenay National Park, or take the “Cowboy Trail” (Highway 22) through the Alberta prairies, then pick up Highway 1 toward Banff.
  • Fernie’s shops carry groceries, camping supplies, and other gear for outdoor adventures. The town also has a craft brewery and local distillery, as well as a small but busy summer farmers market (July through early September).