Camping in Mount Revelstoke National Park

Though not as well-known as Banff National Park to the east, Mount Revelstoke—like the adjacent town of the same name—punches above its weight when it comes to summit views and compelling scenery. The Meadows in the Sky Parkway climbs 1,400 vertical metres over about 30 minutes from the valley floor of an inland rainforest up to wildflower meadows, alpine lake trails, and wide-open vistas of the Columbia River valley. The park offers everything from short, paved hikes and wildlife viewing to backpacking and stargazing. Mount Revelstoke is also one of the few Canadian national parks that permits mountain biking on multi-use trails.

• Best for families and RVs: Near the base of Mount Revelstoke, the frontcountry Snowforest Campground features 62 sites.
• Best for hikers: Eva Lake and Jade Lake allow reserved backcountry camping accessible via an eight-kilometre, one-way hike in.
• Best for extra comfort: Parks Canada’s MicrOcubes offer a tiny house experience at Snowforest Campground.

1. Camping season and reservations for Snowforest Campground are open from May 21 to October 10. Advance campsite reservations booked online via Parks Canada are highly recommended to secure a spot, but walk-in sites are offered.
2. Eva and Jade lakes are open for backcountry camping from June 1 to October 1, pending snow, and reservations are required from July 30 to September 30. Each lake has designated four sites—camping here requires permits from the visitor centre. 
3. Blanket Creek and Martha Creek Provincial Park are other nearby options for tent campsites and RVs.

Mid-May to mid-October are prime months for camping and blooming wildflowers, while you can expect the usual summer rush during July and August, although not nearly as severe as that seen in nearby Banff or Glacier national parks. The crowds and the bugs begin to thin out in September, and the park closes to cars in winter due to snow.

• A valid park pass is required to camp in any Canadian national park.
• Nearby Revelstoke is a great place to pick up groceries and gas.
• All food and toiletries must be used in designated areas and stored in wildlife-proof lockers to prevent wildlife encounters.
• The park is generally accessible to wheelchair users, with roads that are paved and mostly level.

• 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.
• Experience the tranquil beauty of the Canadian wilderness when camping near Cheakamus Lake. Surrounded by old-growth forests and snow-capped peaks, the Cheakamus Lake camping experience offers serene hiking trails and opportunities for quiet reflection by the turquoise water's edge.