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McDonald Creek Provincial Park

The best camping in McDonald Creek Provincial Park, BC

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Stories from the community

Verna

October 2025

23 ft Class C

With pets

Weekend Trip to Ainsworth Hot Springs, B.C, RV site

Very continent spot to park, stayed 2 nights. Enjoyed the hot springs and the spa, took a drive to the cute village of Kaslo.

Arie

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Kootenay born camping by Arrow lake

The cute little ferry was awesome, and the directions to John and Michelle's were straightforward. We got to nest in a bunch of trees and enjoy the lake and kayaking available. We visited too late in the season to fully take advantage of all the fun stuff to do, so we'll be back in the warmer months!

Lexy

September 2025

2 nights at Kootenay born camping by Arrow lake

I can’t wait to come back! John and Michelle have created a lovely and thoughtful way to share their piece of Kootenay paradise. The micro cabin has everything I needed and I’ve never slept so well - incredibly quiet with stunning mountain vistas (and the view from the outdoor shower is top notch). Appreciated having the camp stove and propane, hot showers, clean ‘drop’ toilets, towels, wash station with soap and sponge right outside the cabin, bedding, and of course, Boss the friendly dog. I think I saw every star in the galaxy after dark. The adorable (easy and quick) ferry across to their property was icing on the cake.

Diana

September 2025

24 ft travel trailer

4 nights at Caribou Creek Market Gardens

We had a wonderful few days at Monica's campsite. The directions were great and easy to follow. Which helped tremendously since it was already dark when we got there. The site was peaceful and relaxing. We really enjoyed falling asleep listening to the nearby creek. The flattened clearing was a nice change. Much cleaner area to camp at than gravel/sand. Our trailer was too big to drive through the trees (27 ft plus the truck) so we turned around and backed into the site. That worked. Lol. Great location. Very scenic. Even the town of Nukusp was beautiful to visit and just a short drive away. And the Nakusp Hot Springs were a welcome treat. Monica was a fantastic hostess. Really nice lady. Provided us with some lovely daytrip ideas in the area, like a nearby waterfall. Would definitely recommend.

Dawn and Fred

September 2025

24 ft travel trailer

1 night at Laid Back Manor Farm

Beautiful, peaceful site right beside the river where the red Kokanee were flipping in the water. Easy access with our 24ft trailer. Thanks Jason!

Dwight

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to 4D Creek Ranch

Beautiful, peaceful setting, lovely view from the kitchen area. We enjoyed seeing/hearing the cows and sheep and some wild deer that wandered through. Bonus was hearing the coyotes singing at night. The common area kitchen area was set up very nicely. We enjoyed sitting at the picnic table playing games and having our meal there. Deanne generously let us stay in the yurt at site 5, though we had only reserved for a tent site. The campground is still a little rough around the edges, however. That’s understandable since this is their first year. They are still installing a horseshoe pitch and doing more landscaping. Right now it is not so great for tenting — no grassy spots to pitch a tent. And the common area is just bare dirt ground. But I’m sure it will be all nicely set up for next season. I would recommend this place.

Kenjiro

September 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Kootenay born camping by Arrow lake

This campsite is truly a hidden gem. The setting is serene, with spectacular views and a peaceful atmosphere. After a long day of hiking, the hot shower was such a welcome comfort and made the stay even more enjoyable. John and Michelle are welcoming, and ensures you feel comfortable from the moment you arrive. The campsite is well-maintained and thoughtfully set up, which adds to the overall relaxing experience. I would highly recommend this place and will definitely return.

beautifully handcrafted picnic tables at each site

Hiromi

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Kootenay born camping by Arrow lake

Camp site was nice with very clean and pleasantly decorated outhouse. Provided with hot shower and sink for washing. All made camping more comfortable. We enjoyed catching the ferry back and forth. View of the surrounding was great.

Terry

September 2025

Weekend Trip to Kootenay born camping by Arrow lake

One of the best places we stayed throughout the hipcamp camping sites we have visited. Great place for bikers to pitch tents and use the covered kitchen, or stay in a micro cabin that includes everything you use at home. The showers are great and washrooms clean and easy to use. Peddle bikes available for biking some awesome trails there and pathways down to the lake where they also have kayaks you can paddle out on the lake. We really wish we could have stayed longer because John and Michelle were so accomodating and inviting. We can't wait to go back with our RV and tour the many lakes with our ebikes. I also notice great tenting spots with hammocks deep in the wooded trees, so cool. Definitely booking for next year.

J. Clemente

September 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Kootenay born camping by Arrow lake

Amazing place to go and camp. John and Michelle are great hosts. The amenities are great! We will go back

Sophie

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to McCormack Farm

Very nice host and lovely camping spot, would stay there again.

Nikolay

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Kootenay born camping by Arrow lake

A very good location and welcome atmosphere by the hosts. There are amenities on the premises and some gear for playing sports. Kayaking and swimming in the lake is possible. Very much recommended.

janai

August 2025

25 ft travel trailer

With pets

29 nights at Cedar Creek Farm

Gary is a wonderful host and we'd be happy to stay again anytime!!

Peter

August 2025

25 ft campervan

1 night at Laid Back Manor Farm

Fabulous semi-wilderness with king-fisher, geese, ducks and while I was there, leaping bright orange kokanee primed for spawning season. Duncan dam was releasing huge amounts of water to nearly bank full for the first day. Ducks floated by at 10kph and it almost seemed that they would fly back upstream for another ride. If you want an EMF holiday there was 1 wifi feed from the host and NOTHING else. No cell or other wifi. Also if you are there on a cloud free night there is the a nearly a complete milky-way. On the downside, mosquitos were in full force during the day but checked out at dusk. Overall a great wildlife experience in a rustic spot.

rob

August 2025

20 ft travel trailer

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Ainsworth Hot Springs, B.C, RV site

The lot is perfect if you are visiting the area and just need a relatively quiet and private place to camp. Barbara is a great host and super accomodating and cummunicative. It is literally right next door to the hot springs resort. Highly recommend.

August 2025

With kids

3 nights at Kootenay born camping by Arrow lake

Super nice and friendly hosts. They truly want to make sure we enjoy our stay. Lot of unexpected things: the “mini chicken tour”, sports offered at the site, kid’s drawing activity, camp fire, kayaking, secret beach and fishing spot….

Diana

August 2025

32 ft travel trailer

With pets

3 nights at Laid Back Manor Farm

My husband and two poodles absolutely loved hanging out on the Laid Back Manor Farm. It felt like home. The site by the river is private, beautiful and spacious. The glacier fed river was like nature's air conditioning and definitely worth the cold plunge. Wildlife abounds and will not disappoint. We have a 30 foot motorhome and having such a beautiful level spot was amazing. The beauty of the area is intoxicating and host Jason is a superb host with culinary skills to boot! To be able to practice our archery skills was such a bonus. It was a difficult place to leave for so many reasons but for sure I will go back.

Anton

August 2025

10 ft pop-up camper

With kids

4 nights at Kootenay born camping by Arrow lake

One of the best place to camp. Quite, cozy and full of places of interest within an hour drive. Hiking, beach, hot springs, food and stunning mountain views. John and Samantha extremely friendly and helpful hosts! You'll be feeling yourself like at home. Clean washrooms, showers, kitchen.

Deanna

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Kootenay born camping by Arrow lake

Great hosts and lots of activities. I'll have to plan to stay for two nights next time!

Preethi

August 2025

With pets

4 nights at Kootenay born camping by Arrow lake

Beautiful place. Glad we found this gem of a place. It’s so close to Arrow Lake where we were able to kayak and paddleboard. The hosts were amazing and gave us information on areas to visit around the campground. Will definitely go back and recommend.

Top-rated campgrounds

Kootenay born camping by Arrow lake

99%

(81)

8.3km from McDonald Creek Provincial Park · 18 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Nakusp, BC

Short-Term Rental Registration# H503 685 174 Welcome to kootenay Born Camping. Enjoy spectacular mountain views with the crystal clear waters of the beautiful Arrow lake. We are just across the lake and are accessed by the first electric shuttle ferry service in BC. If you are looking to escape the crowded tourist areas but want to feel safe and comfortable, then this is your place. We are surrounded by hiking, biking and ATV trails waiting to be explored. We offer complimentary kayaks and bicycles to explore the beauty that surrounds us. A few miles down the road is Saddle mountain hiking trail, a challenging hike with breathtaking views all the way up. At the top of Saddle Mountain is a look out building with 360 panoramic views that is free to use. A short walk or bike ride from the camp site, through old growth cedar groves and orchard will lead you to Arrow Lake where you can enjoy all types of water activities or take a walk to explore many of the areas private beaches. Grab a kayak or SUP board and explore our many secluded, sandy beach spots. Come and enjoy our beautiful wilderness, It's a whole other world over here.....

Laid Back Manor Farm

95%

(29)

61km from McDonald Creek Provincial Park · 1 site · Tent, RV · Ainsworth Hot Springs, BC

There was a dream......come visit to learn more!! Current update: The site is quiet and private and you likely won't see another human unless you go wandering. The hiking on our 7 acres is brilliant fun, with trails all over - riverside and beyond with excellent trails 5 minutes to 40 or more away -Wander all morning and shoot longbow all afternoon on the target range. A day well spent!! There are so many options for outdoor fun here. Canoeing, hiking, swimming, fishing, and archery totally do-able if these are up your alley. My chef skills are at the disposal of guests as usual, upon request. With 12 years of industry experience as a 'back house line cook and chef de partie' I can provide an exceptional meal anytime you need to refuel. It's peaceful and 'laid back' beyond measure here in Summer - and there's always a cool dip in the river if guests feel like cooling off. Grayson (your host) has traveled the world many times over, in many countries, and is also a 4rth generation local in the Kaslo/Kootenay area - an Aussie Canadian and something of a paradox!! So conversation is never boring around here - especially when the mead comes out (made in house and seasonally available). SKOL!!! It's a 'laid back farm' because despite working the land every day, we try not to push too hard and take it easy enough to enjoy the place. There's prime wildlife viewing by the river and in 'Deerhaven' the forested area down there. The focus is on nature here, so please no quads or dirtbikes ripping around - the "Duncan Lake highway" is just up the road for that sort of thing!! Mosquitoes can be bad at certain peak dates (which change yearly according to conditions) The 'farm' aspect and focus is all on gardens, orchards, and landscaping, no livestock/animals except Mr.Finnegan the Aussie red heeler^^ Things keep changing, and bees are a long-term goal once the orchard is more developed. There is wildcrafting available with a variety of native flora and a free tour to describe what's in season if you'd like to pick your own. The river level is controlled by the Duncan Dam, and at a high level, there's a private diving board and deck space riverside which is also an amazing place to tan, do yoga, or just relax. At low water the fishing is good and there are good size bull trout in there!! There are trails through forested areas on the property and a new outhouse between the mill shed and river. The riverside area is a wildlife corridor so be prepared to see deer, bears, eagles, osprey, wild turkeys, kingfishers, cedar waxwings, mountain bluebirds, the odd rare coyote/cougar, and possibly elk among others!! Generally, it's pretty quiet, but there are days...... If bears are a concern and you'd rather not have the possibility, camp closer to the mill shed, no worries. All the animals stick close to the river. There's never been any drama with the wildlife and we live in harmony here. The odd grizzly bear shows up, and we keep a close eye on them and take logical precautions. Please be bear aware..... August and September are high alert for grizzly bears as the Kokanee (inland salmon) spawn in the river right here!! So schools of redfish will be swimming around down there - they don't eat while spawning and they're protected, but it's quite a sight to see. The grizzlies tend to head straight to the spawning channel upriver to gorge and we rarely see any here, but it is wise to be aware of the possibility. The river is perfect for swimming and diving in high water, but very cold (glacial runoff) which is amazingly refreshing, but don't count on being in it for hours. There's a ladder for a convenient exit from the water and the diving board is perfect!! There's loads of space for tents down by the river, and a glorious 'sacred grove' full of elderberry trees that's quite a breathtaking tent site. The mill shed has standpipes with clean running water from the well, and it's about the cleanest, freshest water on Earth. Glorious. If you need electricity for charging devices it's available at the cabin, as well as wifi. No wifi by the river, sorry, totally off-grid down there and will remain so. There's also a '9 hole' archery course if this is of interest, max.50# draw and longbows only, please. You're welcome to use the targets free of charge if you're staying the night. As a semi-retired chef, writer, musician, farmer, English teacher, entrepreneur and revolutionary, your host can offer impressive gourmet meals to feed body and soul - made with local organic ingredients and great conscious awareness at an agreed-upon price according to your needs. The garden is full of organic veggies, and there may be fresh venison or wild turkey if you're here in the fall. Please no hunting and no guns if you are a guest. There are amazing day and multi-day hikes within minutes or hours drive, and as a local of many years, your host can provide excellent advice and directions. Grayson and Finnegan look forward to meeting you and seeing to it that you're well situated and outfitted for a good time in the Canadian Outback!! Looking for a quiet, peaceful, private wilderness retreat? This place is rrreally beautiful and I'm looking forward to hosting for another glorious year of laid back wilderness camping. Cheers to all of you and HAPPY TRAILS!!

Shuswap River Oasis

100%

(11)

66km from McDonald Creek Provincial Park · 6 sites · Tents, RVs · Lumby, BC

Guests will get to wake up to the sounds of the Shuswap River flowing right outside their campsite. Sandy shaded kids play area with a kids swing, 2 person snowboard swing and a trampoline. A net and hammock for all your chilling needs. Load to explore around the property, including an island on the Shuswap River. Launch your floaties and spend the afternoon floating down the picturesque river, but please bear in mind the river conditions vary throughout the year. The 8KM river float is an intermediate level float and may not be suitable for young kids as there is a section that needs to be walked to avoid a dangerous area. There is other options for shorter floats upstream and end at our property. Please ask us for more details. We also have a field to ride any quads or dirt-bikes around. Its very basic riding conditions, but still fun for young kids! As well there is lots to see in the area including 2 waterfalls and Mable lake provincial park all within an hour drive. Please do not hesitate to ask us any questions!

Creekside Glamping

62km from McDonald Creek Provincial Park · 2 sites · Lodging · Winlaw, BC

A cozy creekside retreat in the Slocan Valley. There are two 16' Bell tents which are bookable individually or separate. They are nestled in a private wooded area next to the creek where you can fall asleep to the sound of the burbling water. There is a full bathroom with flushing toilet, shower and bath. A kitchen shack with propane BBQ and fully equipped with hot running water. There is a free woodstore and firepit for your evening relaxation to roast your smores. We are a 10 minute walk from 2 restaurants, gas station, organic grocery store and hardware store. Not to mention the Rail trail that follows the river for 25km in each direction. Plenty of opportunity for walks, bike rides and runs. We are 15 minutes from Slocan lake and Valhalla Provincial Park which offers stunning hiking, climbing, canoeing, kayaking, fishing and just relaxing on the beach. The Slocan river boasts lots of secret bathing spots for the adventurous explorer.

Cedar Creek Farm

79%

(7)

62km from McDonald Creek Provincial Park · 3 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Winlaw, BC

Best described as Heaven on Earth. Whatever outdoor adventure you enjoy, this will be an ideal home base. The mountains and waters of the Kootenays are legendary. This is also a source of legendary BC Bud. This farm has been cultivating medical cannabis since 2008 and in 2020 we received our recreational cannabis licence. Wholistic health and wellness are the values that motivate our work

McCormack Farm

100%

(5)

19km from McDonald Creek Provincial Park · 10 sites · Tents, RVs · Burton, BC

Nestled in the hills above the Columbia River and Arrows Lakes our guests can experience the serenity of the Kootenays on our family's Century Farm. Join us as we journey down the path of regenerative agro-forestry and silvopasture. Immerse yourself in our unique and vibrant farm with our small herd of cattle, flock of heritage breed poultry, and our extensive berry and fruit u-pick. Located 2 minutes from the beach, access to 3 major drainages for all kinds of outdoor adventure. 30 minutes to Nakusp and its fabled hotsprings.

The best camping in McDonald Creek Provincial Park, BC guide

Overview

About

Plan a McDonald Creek Provincial Park camping expedition for a delightful mix of relaxation and outdoor fun. Nestled near the Arrow Lakes, the park offers sandy beaches, clear waters, and plenty of wildlife. The nearby Glacier National Park provides even more opportunities to marvel at the country's diverse landscapes. A camping trip near McDonald Creek Provincial Park is a perfect blend of beach and mountain enjoyment!

Nearby attractions

Camp amidst the untamed beauty of Valhalla Provincial Park. Its vast wilderness, sparkling Slocan Lake, and diverse wildlife create a captivating camping backdrop.

Experience camping near Nelson, a cultural hub nestled amongst the beautiful wilderness. After enjoying the city's vibrant arts scene, retreat to your tranquil campsite for a peaceful night's sleep.

For the adventurous camper, Purcell Wilderness Conservancy Provincial Park offers untouched landscapes, abundant wildlife, and backcountry camping. Discover nature in its purest form!

Set up camp in Monashee Provincial Park, with stunning alpine meadows, crystal-clear lakes, and spectacular mountain peaks. Perfect for hiking, fishing, and appreciating nature's grandeur.

Set up your tent in charming Nakusp, surrounded by the Selkirk and Monashee mountain ranges. Explore nearby hot springs or wander through lush, wild landscapes. A delightful camping retreat!

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