The best camping near Merritt

Arriving in Merritt from the south via the famed Coquihalla Pass (on Highway 5, cutting across an alpine range from the east end of Fraser Valley into BC’s interior) is like being dropped into a vast desert bowl. In summer, the dry heat is intense and the expansive, while the open landscape of the Nicola Valley is tufted with sage bush. This is high-adventure country, home to Canada's largest working cattle ranch and a starting point for outdoor pursuits from mountain biking to lake dipping, and wine country beyond.

97% (332) • 40 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Merritt

Firkin Riverside Camp Retreat

1. Firkin Riverside Camp Retreat

99%
(35)
17km from Merritt · 1 site · Tent, RV
10 acre rural riverfront property 20 minutes west of Merritt BC. Private campsite next to Spius Creek. Separate entrance road. Sunny location. Hiking, swimming ,seclusion. Suitable for tenting or RV. Drinking water available, firepit, picnic table, walking trails, creek access, fishing. Pets OK ...
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Highland House Ranch BnB

2. Highland House Ranch BnB

91%
(11)
43km from Merritt · 1 site
PLEASE NOTE AT THIS TIME WE ONLY HAVE SELF CONTAINED / DRY CAMPING. GENERATORS WELCOMED. 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
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Washtock Family Campground

3. Washtock Family Campground

94%
(160)
55km from Merritt · 1 site · Tent, RV
Nestled in the pristine Nahatlatch Valley between the Nahatlatch River and Fraser River. Washtock Family Campground offers rustic camping from tents to RVs. We are an ATV friendly campground with ride in ride out accessibility. The campground offers pull through RV Sites with non-potable water and septic connections. We are off grid so we have no power/electricity connections but allow generators. We have space for big groups or just a quick get away for two, we can accommodate you. We have flush toilets and outhouses as well as a hot shower for guest use. We have a small store on site with your regular camping goodies, Ice, seasonal vegetable, as well as farm fresh eggs and all natural free range beef from our farm. We are located 13km north of Northbend which is across the river from Boston Bar BC. Once you reach Boston Bar you will Turn left at the Esso and cross 2 sets of railroad tracks bringing you into Northbend, from Northbend there is about 6km of paved road after that there is 6km of gravel road until you reach our campground. Past our campground is the beautiful Nahatlatch provincial Park which contains Francis lake, Hanna Lake and Nahatlatch Lake. The lakes offer an abundance of activities such as fishing, kayaking, canoeing, swimming and paddle boarding. The first lake is about a 15-20 min drive again on gravel road. 2 wheel drive accessible until 21km on the forest service Road after 21km you will need a 4x4, if you plan to travel to Grizzly falls or the 3rd Lake. There are many hiking, biking, horseback riding and ATVing trails in the area. Washtockfamilyfarm.ca Please feel free to email if you have any questions. We would love to accommodate you for your future adventures.
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Grandview Acres

4. Grandview Acres

96%
(221)
62km from Merritt · 20 sites · Tents, RVs
Learn more about this land:If you are looking for a place to get away from it all, explore the great outdoors and enjoy some quality family time, this is the place. Come and explore 200 beautiful acres! Located only 15 minutes away from Kamloops, BC. Our property is situated in an ideal location for accessing both the city and the wilderness.We have 10 campsites available for both tent and RV/trailer campers. We provide a washroom, showers, picnic table, and potable water. We also have a convenience store on site. We look forward to hosting you!
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MoonLight Glamping

5. MoonLight Glamping

100%
(10)
71km from Merritt · 3 sites
MoonLight Glamping at Bella River Acres Nestled along the beautiful Salmon River in Westwold, British Columbia, MoonLight Glamping offers a peaceful off-grid escape where nature, comfort, and adventure come together. Our property features three luxury 6-meter Stargazer tents, each thoughtfully designed to provide a unique and memorable glamping experience. Wake up to the sounds of the river, enjoy your morning coffee surrounded by nature, and spend your evenings stargazing under the clear British Columbia sky. Guests have access to a communal riverside fire pit perched on the rocks overlooking the river, a yoga gazebo for relaxation and wellness activities, and a communal RV equipped with an outdoor kitchen, washroom, and flush toilet. Each glamping site is privately nestled throughout the Bella River Acres property, offering tranquility, privacy, and stunning natural surroundings. Adventure awaits right outside your tent. Explore scenic hiking trails, discover breathtaking mountain viewpoints, and keep an eye out for local wildlife including deer, eagles, and other native species. Nearby lakes such as Douglas Lake, Salmon Lake, Monte Lake, Rush Lake, and Chaperon Lake offer opportunities for swimming, canoeing, fishing, and paddling. The area is also popular for mountain biking, photography, birdwatching, and nature walks. Looking for a romantic getaway? We offer beautifully curated picnic packages complete with décor and charcuterie, as well as breakfast packages delivered directly to your tent so you can relax and enjoy the river views. Throughout the year, MoonLight Glamping hosts wellness retreats, yoga classes, music gatherings, and nature-based experiences designed to help guests reconnect with themselves and the outdoors. 🐾 Dog-friendly 🔥 Complimentary firewood 🌲 Private riverfront setting 🧘 Wellness and yoga experiences 💕 Romantic getaway packages available 🥐 Breakfast delivered to your tent Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, romance, or simply a break from the everyday, MoonLight Glamping offers an unforgettable nature retreat in the heart of British Columbia.
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Big Cat Ranch

6. Big Cat Ranch

65km from Merritt · 4 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Off-Grid Camping on 160 Private Acres in the Tulameen River Valley Camp on 160 acres of private land surrounded by forest, mountain views, and plenty of space to spread out. Our large, private campsites offer a true off-grid experience with easy access to the rugged terrain that Tulameen is known for. This area is a major destination for dirt biking, quad biking, snowmobiling, hiking, trail running, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing—giving riders and outdoor enthusiasts endless room to explore. Whether you’re here for high-energy adventure or a quiet stay in the woods, you’ll have the freedom to enjoy it your way. We’re just 15 minutes from Otter Lake for swimming and relaxing by the water, and close to the Granite Creek Historical Site, one of BC’s historic Gold Rush landmarks. Off-grid camping with big space, big views, and nonstop backcountry adventure.
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Lakeview & Sage Bed & Breakfast

7. Lakeview & Sage Bed & Breakfast

68km from Merritt · 1 site
Escape to a peaceful countryside retreat. Nearby is Tobiano Golf Course, plus lakes for fishing or swimming, including Kamloops Lake. Our large guest room comfortably sleeps a solo traveler, a couple, or a small family of four. It features a queen bed, loveseat, and a table with chairs. (Queen-sized air mattress available upon request) Enjoy breathtaking lake and mountain views with your morning coffee or evening cocktail from the many outdoor seating areas. Watch wild rabbits, eagles soaring, and bighorn sheep; feed the neighbor's horse, or enjoy a game of bocce on the property. Scenic drives, dining, live entertainment, and casino fun are all just 15–20 minutes away. RELAX, EXPLORE, and take in the BEAUTY 🌞
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Reflection Creek Ranch

8. Reflection Creek Ranch

100%
(2)
72km from Merritt · 1 site
45 Equestrian Farm in the Heart of the Similkameen Valley. Minutes walk from Martin’s Lake, endless miles of trails for hiking Biking and Horseback riding. Four minute's from Princeton and all its amenities. Glamping, Dry Camping and Stabling available on site. Spa services and activities available on site as well.
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Country Garden Bicycle Camping

9. Country Garden Bicycle Camping

100%
(2)
80km from Merritt · 8 sites
Our Farm is centrally located between Kamloops ,Vernon, and Salmon Arm . All the cities are approx, 50 to 70 kilometers in distance. Our camping area is just south of Monte Lake(between Monte Lake & Westwold) Swimming Piller lake and Monte Lake, Rock hounding Monte Lake, Herbal Tour walk/bicycle along old logging roads and plant nursery specializing in herbs Rodeo-long weekend May Falkland , Theater Armstrong in Aug
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Merritt camping guide

When to go

Summers are hot and dry in Merritt, north to Kamloops and east into the Okanagan. Lakeside camping sites are in high demand and the wineries attract lots of tourists. In winter, the surrounding higher elevations get dry-and-fluffy snow stashes that attract "Champagne" powder hounds to local ski resorts near Kelowna, Vernon, and Kamloops. 

Know before you go

  • Most provincial parks take campsite reservations in advance (recommended throughout the high season of summer) and give an early priority booking window to BC residents.
  • The Coquihalla Highway (Highway 5) that cuts through the North Cascade Mountains makes getting to Merritt smooth and easy from April to October, but it’s notorious for alpine snowstorms in winter. Check conditions before travelling. (Highway cams are set up along its 543-kilometer, north-south stretch.)
  • This is arid country with frequent wildfire warnings throughout the summer months, so expect fire bans and be prepared for possible evacuations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Merritt and the surrounding area offer a range of outdoor activities, including mountain biking, lake dipping, and wine country exploration. The region is also home to Canada's largest working cattle ranch. You can also explore different options for camping near Merritt on Hipcamp.

Summers in Merritt, north to Kamloops, and east into the Okanagan are hot and dry, while the surrounding higher elevations get dry-and-fluffy snow in winter. This makes the region ideal for outdoor activities such as mountain biking and skiing. You can also explore different options for camping near Merritt on Hipcamp.

Near Merritt, you can explore the North Cascade Mountains, BC's storied railway history, and the Nicola Valley, which is tufted with sage bush. The region is also known for its wineries and ski resorts near Kelowna, Vernon, and Kamloops. You can also explore different options for camping near Merritt on Hipcamp.

The Coquihalla Highway (Highway 5) that cuts through the North Cascade Mountains makes getting to Merritt smooth and easy from April to October, but it’s notorious for alpine snowstorms in winter. Check conditions before travelling, especially during the winter months. Highway cams are set up along its 543-kilometer, north-south stretch. This is arid country with frequent wildfire warnings throughout the summer months, so expect fire bans and be prepared for possible evacuations.

Most provincial parks take campsite reservations in advance, recommended throughout the high season of summer, and give an early priority booking window to BC residents. Lakeside camping sites are in high demand, and you can also explore different options for camping near Merritt on Hipcamp.

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

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