The best waterside camping near Kelowna guide
Where to go
Where to Go
Okanagan Lake (Highway 97)
Waterfront campgrounds have been replaced by luxury hotels, but there are still a few places where you can roll up and camp on the shores of one of the region’s six lakes. you can often find a remote waterfront campsite by renting a motorboat or even a canoe early in the day.
West Side of Okanagan Lake
Highway 97 is the valley’s main thoroughfare, but the narrow, twisty, and scenic Westside (or Fintry) Road leads to some of the region’s most secluded and picturesque campgrounds.
Area Fishing Lakes
Dozens of small fishing lakes dot the forested Okanagan Highlands to the north and south of Kelowna. These private campgrounds and BC Forest Service sites are often located on gravel backroads—campers need to be completely self-sufficient.
When to go
July and August are the ‘hot months,’ both in terms of temperature and popularity. In late spring, the valley’s orchards are a riot of color thanks to blooming cherry and apple trees. Fall is harvest time, specifically for the hundreds of wineries that make Kelowna the “Napa Valley of the North.” The fall bounty is celebrated during the annual Okanagan Fall Wine Festival held each October. Campers in spring and fall should definitely pack puffy parkas for extra warmth on chilly nights.
Know before you go
- Campground reservations are pretty much required, especially on summer weekends.
- As the largest city in the Okanagan (and third-largest in BC), Kelowna has all of the retail and professional services that every camper needs (think Costco, Wal-Mart, Mountain Equipment Co-op and Canadian Tire).
- Motorboats and jet skis are allowed on Okanagan Lake, but there are nearby lakes and beaches that don’t allow motorized watercraft.
- Fire bans are often in effect during the dry summer months.
Nearby attractions
For a refreshing, serene getaway, camping near Johnson Lake is a must. Plunge into the crystal clear waters and enjoy the unique Johnson Lake camping experience, full of relaxing swims, calming nature trails, and enchanting lakeside picnics.