The best camping in Kootenay Lake Provincial Park, BC

Long, narrow Kootenay Lake bisects BC’s West Kootenays region, with the Selkirk and Purcell mountains towering in the distance. Kootenay Lake Provincial Park sits on the lake’s west shore with most of the park, and its two main camping areas, Davis Creek and Lost Ledge, north of the lakeside community of Kaslo. There’s also a water-access wilderness camping section, Midge Creek, 38 kilometres (24 miles) south of the town of Balfour. Midge Creek has pit toilets but no potable water or other facilities, while Davis Creek and Lost Ledge have drinking water in addition to pit toilets. On the lake, you can go kayaking, canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding, and windsurfing. If you’re hardy, take a swim in the chilly lake waters.

• Best for work-from-camp campers: Davis Creek Campground
• Best for last-minute campers: Lost Ledge Campground
• Best for secluded wilderness camping: Midge Creek

1. You can make advance reservations for Sites 1-10 of the 32 sites in Kootenay Lake Provincial Park’s Davis Creek Campground. These are in the campground’s lakeshore Cove Loop. The remainder of the Davis Creek campsites are first-come, first-served, as are the 14 sites in Lost Ledge Campground.
2. Book your campsite online through BC Parks’ Discover Camping website, where reservations are usually available four months in advance.
3. Reserve as early as possible for this small camping area, particularly for July and August trips.

Camping season at Kootenay Lake Provincial Park runs early May through mid-September. July and August are the busiest months and also have the best weather. Visit in September, especially mid-week, for a better chance of snagging a lakeside campsite. While spring can be pleasant in this part of British Columbia, there’s a higher chance of rain or snow. The park remains open year-round, but staff don’t clear snow from the campground, which is most likely to fall November through March.

• If you’re driving to Kootenay Lake Provincial Park from the east along Highway 3, turn north on Highway 3A, then cross the lake on the free Kootenay Lake Ferry that shuttles between Kootenay Bay and Balfour. Once you’ve reached the lake’s west shore, follow Highway 31 north to the park.
•  You can pick up groceries and basic supplies in Kaslo, south of the park’s Davis Creek and Lost Ledge sections. The region’s largest town is Nelson, 90 kilometres (55 miles) to the southwest, where you can find camping gear, outdoor equipment, and food.
•  Davis Creek Campground has wifi available to campers for a small daily fee.
•  In summer, you can rent canoes, kayaks, and SUP gear from Davis Creek outfitters.

• Delve into the Canadian wilderness by camping near Johnston Canyon. Its roaring waterfalls and lush forest trails create a captivating backdrop for your Johnston Canyon camping adventure.
• Immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring landscapes of the Canadian Rockies when camping near Columbia Icefield. Glacial vistas and icy wonderlands create an otherworldly setting for your Columbia Icefield camping experience.
• Camping near Moraine Lake is an experience filled with awe-inspiring natural beauty. The turquoise glacial waters and towering mountains provide a breathtaking backdrop for your Moraine Lake camping adventure, creating memories that last a lifetime.