Camping near Nelson, British Columbia

Discover and book the best campgrounds, cabins, RV parks, and more.

Camping near Nelson

Surrounded by pristine parkland on the shores of Kootenay Lake, Nelson is a camper's paradise.

Top-rated stays

95%
(19)
Valhalla Pines Campground
10 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents7 acres · Vallican, BCThis is a quiet forested residential area in Sinixt territory. Recommended activities include floating down the river, canoeing the lake, hiking or climbing in Valhalla Park, soaking in Halfway Hot Springs or indulging in Nelson. We are surrounded by beautiful mountains and rivers. This valley has many outdoor activities and events and a very interesting history and culture including Sinixt, Doukhobor, Cannabis and Conscientious Objector. Nelson, Castlegar and Slocan Lake are all a half hour drive away. There are many other special places nearby such as the Goddess Pools and the Emerald Pools. Supplies and services are available nearby including firewood, toiletries, dog day care, massage, bike and canoe rentals, life jackets, rubber dingys and paddles etc. Let us know if you would like a referral to any of these services. There are many guides available for activities in the area including (water sports, climbing, skiing, hiking, artist tours, events, geology, mining, mushrooms, cannabis, garden tours and native history). There is a particularly valued native storyteller here that can also provide a walking tour to a nearby village site with a full scale replica of an aboriginal kekuli (earth house). Please call ahead for recommendations on booking guides or storytellers. You don't need one to get here, but its good to have a 4 wheel drive vehicle for some of the logging roads that are worth visiting. Roof and/or bike racks can also come in handy. The Vallican Whole community center also has events nearby.
from 
CA$22
 / night
Saved 2 times
Pend D’Oreille River Ranch
5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents320 acres · BCNestled in the majestic mountain ranges between the US & Canadian border our gorgeous farm is perfect for those wanting an exclusive get away! With 320 acres, a lake, a creek, pasture and forest we have it all! A 5 minute drive to the Pend D’Oreille River and Salmo River gives you unreal outdoor exposure to fishing, quadding, dirt biking, mountain biking, horseback riding and more! Our off grid paradise is the perfect get away to rest, rejuvenate and get back to nature! We are in our first couple of months of being on the land but so far we have accomplished a lot! We have an outdoor kitchen we can share, a large garden, pigs, cows, horses and chickens! Our three livestock guardian dogs keep us and the animals safe from all predators. It’s the perfect place for us to raise our family! We are starting our dream regenerative farm and love to share our experiences with those interested :) We are located 20 minutes from Salmo, BC, and 50 minutes from Nelson, Trail & Castlegar. Our homestead is right on the US/Canada border with Metaline Falls, Washington just 15 minutes away.
from 
CA$45
 / night
Appledale Golfside Retreat
22 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Winlaw, BCNew Campground in the Kootenays. Nestled in the beautiful Slocan Valley, Appledale Golfside Retreat is the ideal place to relax and reconnect with nature. With easy access to the golf course directly from the campground, and a variety of activities to choose from, you are sure to find something that will fit your lifestyle. We invite you to explore our campground and take in all of the beauty that the Slocan Valley has to offer. Whether you’re looking to relax by tubing down the River, go for a round of Golf next door or take a leisurely stroll on the Rail to Trail, Appledale Golfside Retreat is the perfect destination for you. This secluded 5 acre property is located alongside the beautiful Slocan River and on the edge of Valley View Golf Course in Winlaw, BC. Currently with 8 RV sites and 6 Tent sites available, direct walking access to the Golf Course and restaurant, to the Rail to Trail and the River. Pitch your Tent at one of the waterfront sites or choose one close to the Golf Course. Dogs are allowed on leash, Wi-Fi, Fires are allowed in fire pits only, Toilets, No Power or Water Hook-ups for RV's but Water is available onsite(pumped from the River). Sites 1-6: RV's up to 50ft - $35/night Sites 9-14: Smaller Trailers under 35ft/Vans/Cars - $35/night Sites 15-20: Tenting - $20/night This campground is brand new and still under development, your patience is appreciated, any suggestions to improve our service is welcome. 10 minutes from Slocan Village 5 minutes from Winlaw and 35 minutes from either Nelson or Castlegar.
from 
CA$20
 / night
Booked 4 times
Morning Star & Bunkieland
3 sites · Lodging2 acres · Nelson, BCMorningstar Log Cabin and Bunkieland: 3 Distinctive glamping accommodations can be rented individually or as a whole for small family reunions, intimate wedding gatherings or a group of friends getaway spot. This property is conveniently located just 5 minutes from Nelson's core. Set on the forest's edge, all the Cabins offer spectacular views of emerald-green Kootenay Lake, our beautiful city of Nelson. The cabins offer an unforgettable experience of the landscape and its wildlife. Bird watching, hiking, and biking are available on your doorstep, with nearby access to kayaking, skiing, fishing, or anything else your heart may desire from our renowned mountain ranges, 200 km of lakeshore, and four distinct seasons. With an uncommonly high number of organic farms, adventure-filled days are bolstered by local produce-driven, sustainable dining, craft beers and ciders, and the chance to unwind in our classically but eclectically furnished cabins compliment the local artsy and funky vibe. Morning Star Log Cabin is open year-round, and Bunkieland is a seasonal "glamping accommodation" available from May to Oct.Our cabins, each outfitted with a queen-sized bed and a double pull-out, are finished with unique and local artisan-designed pieces to offer a cozy rustic retreat. Taking the best parts of the remote and pairing them with comfort, one can check out reality and decompress while still within reach of civilization.  There are so many activities and ways to relax you could easily stay a week without getting bored for both the timidest and most adventurous outdoor enthusiasts.
from 
CA$145
 / night
Bear Road Retreat
5 sites · RVs, Tents14 acres · BCArea of open grass, orchard and wooded hills on a property centrally located to all types of sports and activities. 2 km from US border. Multi sport non motorized lake 2 kms away. Multi sport river/reservoir for boating and fishing, beach activity 8km away. Kilometres of hiking and biking trails nearby.
from 
CA$30
 / night
88%
(4)
Azhen Sanctuary
6 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents160 acres · Rock Creek, BCAzhen Sanctuary was founded and built by two brothers.With the help of family and good friends.Jaymie and Shelby Friesen were raised in the construction trades and started their first business at age 13.One might have described “the Friesen boys” as overly rambunctious as they grew up getting into trouble and having a little too much fun – or is there such a thing?Through pain and laughter their paths have lead them here and given them the skills to create a better way of living and to offer those teachings to others.Here are their stories.Get to know Jaymie…At 10 years old Jaymie was sweeping floors on job sites and grew into building custom homes from the ground up with his dad and grandfather.Though a valuable skill, it also lead him to see a trap in modern society – working a job you don’t like to pay off the student debt that got you there, and to afford the house you hardly spend time in; running through life unconsciously.This made him dream of a better way to live.Jaymie experienced fights with depression and rivalries at school until dropping out in Grade 11. He spent a year reading, meditating, doing yoga and building the philosophy by which he would live his life.He dreamed of and planned to build a homestead filled with good community, which was the basis of what has become Azhen.Ironically, the people that were once rivalries became friends and co-owners of this sacred place… such are the beautiful things of life.Jaymie walked his path as usual, founding several businesses and travelling the world, until some bizarre incidents uncovered his dissociative disorder caused by childhood trauma.This was a mental health issue that had both haunted him and saved his life during the rougher moments of his upbringing.With the help of his brother, his healing journey led him back to his Indigenous heritage, ceremony, and meditation.These days you can find Jaymie roaming through the forest smiling at life.He swears the aliens will come take him home one day.Get to know Shelby…As a kid Shelby was shipped off every summer to work with his uncles.This was the beginning of his mastery of the metal trades and his talent for making you laugh until you cry… or just cry.He spent the beginning of his career helping build custom $15-30m homes in Whistler, BC, and working as a boiler maker before starting RYD Motorsports where his design skill and attention-to-detail garnered national attention.A mix of partying, crappy food, lots of sugar, and the normalization of an unhealthy lifestyle combusted into severe anxiety and depression.Shelby was bed-ridden for months and couldn’t work for almost 2 years.At first he thought he could walk into a doctor and get fixed up with a pill, as most of us have been led to believe. This was the opening of his Pandoras box when it came to understanding the many broken systems in society.His journey led him to nutrition, fitness, breathwork, mindfulness, community, and ceremony… and even believing some of the “conspiracy theories” Jaymie used to tell him about.These days you can find Shelby in the kitchen creating wicked beyond organic meals, out on weekend adventures, or training for his next half-Ironman.Shelby swears if the aliens don’t take them home one day they’ll solve anti-gravity and build a ship of their own.
from 
CA$40
 / night
97%
(16)
Secluded River Front Property
6 sites · RVs, Tents100 acres · East Kootenay G, BCLearn more about this land:Our campsite is located along the beautiful Spillimacheen River which originates just east of Glacier National Park.This property is secluded and surrounded by crown land. It’s the perfect property to disconnect and reconnect, with limited cell service this allows you to turn off and just enjoy being outside in nature.Campers can choose where to park along a large cleared area. There are designated campfire locations and an outhouse. From the property, you can Kayak down the river, please Google and research before launching as there are a lot of writes ups and kayaking websites that feature the Spillimacheen River.Nature trails for hiking and walking right off the property. There is a well renowned natural rock wall for climbers 3km down the road, there are also a lot of websites that feature these rock walls.Within a half an hour drive you have two easy hikes in waterfalls (the Lower Bugaboo Falls and the Brisco Falls).Spillimacheen has a cafe and also a local market store that is full of delicious treats, beer and wine. The wetlands offer endless bird watching and beautiful mountain views.
from 
CA$10
 / night
Booked 2 times
Okanagan Glamping Co.
6 sites · Lodging6 acres · Vernon, BCWe offer furnished nightly canvas tent glamping on a forested hillside overlooking Okanagan Lake just 45 minutes from downtown Kelowna. We believe that authentic outdoor experiences and comfort can go hand-in-hand. We ♥️ canvas tents and comfy beds, two chairs and a view, s’mores and campfire stories.Come experience a better way to camp ✨⛺️ Our glamping sites feature private firepits where you can unwind with views of Okanagan Lake. Prepare meals at your own private outdoor cooking shelter with cold running water and a built-in propane cooktop. Comfortable furnishings, linens, towels, kitchen essentials, and propane provided. Each tent is equipped with all of the comforts and essentials you need for a restorative weekend away. Less planning + less packing = max relaxing. No set up, no take down. You’ve got better things to do 😌
from 
CA$135
 / night
Saved 10 times
Bull River Camp and Recreation site
7 sites · Lodging8 acres · Cranbrook, BCThis rustic camp can be found in close proximity to the Bull river in British Columbia . Sleeping 22 guests, this getaway boasts comfortable beds and luxurious amenities. A full camp rental includes 6 cabins (listing can be found on Hip-Camp). On the property itself, guests are likely to spot animals such as bears, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, goats, elk, moose, and more. Needless to say, guests should certainly bring a camera or two! Complete with bunk beds , this camp is the perfect spot family vacationing together. When it comes to getting clean, guests will have hot showers, flush toilets, and electricity. After a day of hiking or horseback riding, the entire family can come together around a warm campfire that is perfect for eating meals. This peaceful location is the ideal spot to get away from it all.
from 
CA$180
 / night
99%
(41)
Flyway Farm & Forest
6 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres · Spillimacheen, BC Welcome to Flyway Farm & Forest! We are only 1hr-30 minutes away from Banff National Park. Five acres of farm, forests, and gardens in the 'Heart of the Pacific Flyway'. Whether your goal is to connect with the Earth or with people, the Flyway Farm and Forest is the place for you. Located in tiny Spillimacheen BC, this hidden gem will enhance any experience. Nestled in the valley, Spillimacheen has a lot to offer, including beautiful views, swimming holes, and easy access to endless day hikes. We have 4 listings to choose from: Flyway Farm: '79 Vintage Komfort: an onsite trailer Flyway Forest: Secluded Camp East: a tent site Flyway Forest: RV/Camper Site South: an RV site Feel free to message us prior to booking if you have any questions!
from 
CA$25
 / night
Booked 4 times
Maria B.’s Land
4 sites · Lodging23 acres · Lumby, BC
from 
CA$45
 / night
88%
(4)
Quinn Creek Campground
4 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents20 acres · BCWelcome to the Columbia Valley! Located between the Rocky Mountains and the Purcell Mountain Range in BC's East Kootenays. Nestled between 4 National Parks, and centrally located between Golden and Radium Hot Springs, is where you will find Quinn Creek RV Campground. Known for its breath-taking scenery, this area is perfect for a variety of outdoor activities including golfing, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, mountain biking and much more. Enjoy the full Quinn Creek experience without the hassle of towing or setting up an RV. Simply rent the Qu RV! You will have access to your own fire pit and picnic table. The Columbia Wetlands are just a short walk away with lots of hiking and biking opportunities in the area. You are located next to the shower house and laundry. We look forward to hosting you!
from 
CA$28
 / night

Camping trips for every style

Find your new favourite spot.

Value Prop
Value Prop

Perched on the edge of the West Arm of Kootenay Lake, nestled in the Selkirk Mountains, Nelson is the gateway to some of Canada’s best backcountry. No matter which outdoor passion you pursue, chances are you can do it here—there are lush forests for hiking, mountain trails for cycling, crystal-clear lakes and rivers for watersports, and glacier-topped mountains for skiing. Boasting more than 350 preserved heritage buildings, this thriving 10,000-person town is also known for its arts and culture scene. Plus, Nelson is a foodie’s dream with more restaurants per capita than Manhattan, including three craft breweries.

Where to Go

Ainsworth

With only 50 residents, this is one tiny town. But Ainsworth overflows with visitors thanks to its year-round hot pools. Ainsworth Hot Spring Resort features a large lounging pool, a stream-fed plunge pool, and a natural 46-meter horseshoe cave where 42°C mineral water streams down its walls. For those wanting to do a deeper (cave) dive, a bit further north is Cody Caves Provincial Park, where you can tour incredible limestone caves.

Castlegar

Castlegar sits equidistant from two of the world’s best ski resorts, Whitewater Resort and Red Mountain, which get an average annual snowfall of 12 meters. But it’s not just winter sports that thrive out here—summer sports have their time in the sun, too. A 3-acre bike park sits in the heart of the town, as does access to the Trans-Canada Trail system via the C&W Rail Trail, an abandoned railway bed.

Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park

In Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park, get up close and personal with not one but two glaciers, Kokanee and Woodbury. With the park’s elevation sitting mostly above 1,800 meters, hikers, campers, climbers, and skiers can use 85 kilometers of well-marked trails to access emerald-coloured lakes, wildflower-filled meadows, and snow-capped mountains year-round. Since access to the park is via old mining and forestry roads, and weather patterns can change quickly, always check conditions before heading up.

When to Go

Thanks to its humid continental climate, Nelson gets four distinct seasons: cold and snowy winters, milder wet springs, hot, dry summers, and cool, wet autumns. Going in May, June or September means you’ll avoid the sometimes-overwhelming heat of the high-summer months but still enjoy warm days on the trail or out on the water. For the best snow-based recreation, head there in March and April for warmer days that still provide lots of accumulated snow. 

Know Before You Go

  • Nelson sits at the junction of Provincial Highway 3A and Highway 6, and is an 8-hour drive from Vancouver or Calgary, and a 4-hour drive from Kelowna.
  • It’s remote out here, but West Kootenay Regional Airport is near Castlegar. Bad weather hits this airport often, so stay on top of flight updates.
  • While this artsy town has managed to keep chain stores out of the downtown core, there are plenty of shops to stock up on outdoor gear and food supplies (try the Kootenay Co-op, Canada’s oldest food cooperative), as well as artisan boutiques and art galleries.

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