Best Camping in and near St. Mary's Alpine Provincial Park

Discover St. Mary's Alpine Provincial Park's rugged beauty and outdoor thrills.

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Top-rated campgrounds near St. Mary's Alpine Provincial Park

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Blacksmith Landing Eco Camp

31 sites · RVs, Tents100 acres · Canal Flats, BC

Nestled in the majestic Rocky Mountain Trench in Southeastern BC, just a short drive from Lussier natural hot springs, hiking, boating, canoeing, golfing, breathtaking WhiteSwan Lake, and the Kootenay and Columbia rivers. Blacksmith Landing is a safe, spacious and peaceful camp where minimal environmental impact is encouraged. We are faithful stewards and respect our beautiful forested land. Our expectation is that campers will also share this respect for our Eco systems in an environmentally friendly way.

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Laid Back Manor Farm

1 site · RV, Tent7 acres · Ainsworth Hot Springs, BC

There was a dream......come visit to learn more!! A couple of potential treats for early birds this year - book in April and you may be able to take advantage of HUGE brush fire bonfires before the wildfire season starts and fire bans are on!! It's a gamble booking ahead of course, since burning my brush piles can only happen on mildly damp/wet non-windy days and the conditions have to be right - and - only Sun. through Tues.!! Also, there's one last 120' cottonwood tree by the river site that has to come down, and if you time it right on the same days mentioned above, you may bear witness to this rather awesome spectacle!! Otherwise, the place is looking beautiful and I'm looking forward to hosting for another glorious year of peaceful wilderness retreat style camping. Cheers to all of you and HAPPY TRAILS!! The river is a bit low still, but I've been dipping on sunny days with a quick in and out and it is REFRESHING!!! It is possible to run electricity down to the mill shed if you're in an RV, but rustic tenting is also a fine thing!! Campfires are currently welcome just beyond the millshed campsite or by the river, and dry excellent wood is available. 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 - enjoy solo or take guided tours with yours truly at reasonable, negotiable rates. I do have a 'day job' so you may not see much of me depending on when you book. 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!!! Now with some of the more year-round details and facts about the area... 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), but I'll have the bug tent set up by the river for escape if anyone needs it^^ 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, possibly even guided tours if you're here at the right time of year!! Happy Hip-Camping!! 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!!

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Murphy's Gold Creek Ranch

14 sites · RVs, Tents25 acres · Cranbrook, BC

I sold a business in Toronto and moved West in 1990 and drove all over North America looking for a new place to settle and raise a family. While camping in the Kootenay's I found this oasis and bought it. I have raised a family living totally off the grid since and love it. The water here is so clean and and the air is so fresh is why I stay. The night sky is so hard to explain it has to be seen to believe. Come check it out and you will agree. Learn more about this land: Enjoy camping on our 25-acre property just outside of Cranbrook, BC! We have multiple spots to choose from. You can camp beside the creek, in an open field, or up high with beautiful views of the valley. It all depends on your preferences and the privacy that you desire. We welcome tent and RV campers. If you're bringing an RV, there are sites that do not require levelling and we can accommodate vehicles up to 75ft in length. Bring your animals - there are a lot of great spaces for them to play! Our yard is equipped for horseback riding with a horse ring and stable. The property is a great step-off point for ATV, dirt bikes, horseback and hiking adventures. Potable water, toilet, picnic table, wifi and showers are available. Pets welcome, campfires permitted. We are a 15-20 minute drive to Cranbrook. As the basecamp of the Kootenay Rockies, Cranbrook has it all - From all the trails one can dream of to multiple award-winning golf courses all within a 20-minute drive out of town, Cranbrook is an outdoor enthusiast's paradise. I look forward to hosting you!

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Babsy's Absolutely Magical Retreat

1 site · Lodging1 acre · Ainsworth Hot Springs, BC

I bought this magical property 13 years ago and I have developed it from beach to mountain with the idea of sharing it with epic humans since day 1. It is 1 acre of pure natural and artistic bliss. The natural wonders include a massive beach with space for many, a gigantic sling shot, sweet fire pits, comfortable lawn chairs, paddle boards, kayaks, a cedar strip canoe, and many other toys for you to explore. I also have a small fishing boat and 16ft catamaran that I can take guests out on for a small fee. There are 2 locations that can be rented separately or booked together, however there are also a couple of sites to pitch a tent on. Its like jurassic park here, very tropical and chill. The artful camper boasts of an outdoor spa and deck, BBQ, mini fridge, fantastic lake and mountain views and access and the beach from 10-8pm. The other rental a.k.a. The beach-house comes with an attached outdoor 1950's style kitchen, oudoor on demand shower, outhouse, firepits, lawnchairs, and free use of water vessels. Very, very cool. It is located steps from the water. Truly magical.

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Wolf Corral

1 site · RV1 acre · Invermere, BC

Property is close to Town of Invermere, a skip a a hop away from Tim Hortons. Supper close from where there is many opportunities for outdoor activities. Hiking, golfing,skiing at Panorama and Kootenay Park, paragliding, swimming, canoeing, boating, relaxation close bye,siteseeing hotsprings at Radium and Fairmont. Also there is a Airport which offers gliding and Helicopter rides.

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The Kootenay Cottage & RV site

2 sites · Lodging, RVs2 acres · Ainsworth Hot Springs, BC

This fully furnished and fully equipped cottage is super cozy for a single person or couple. Always pet friendly! Additionally, we offer a fully serviced RV pad able to accommodate up to 40 ft trailer or coach. The cottage offers a memory/gel queen bed with 100% cotton sheets, down pillows, down comforter and 100% cotton towels. The space includes a fully equipped kitchen with a stove, microwave, toaster, blender, Keurig, French press, plates, glasses, silverware, stainless steel pots and pans. Just bring your groceries and pet food! One gig wifi. The cottage is next to the West Arm Provincial Park, hiking and biking trails are all pet-friendly! A short walk to Kootenay Lake and a 5-minute drive to the beach (pet friendly). The cottage is close to Balfour, Nelson, Ainsworth Hot Springs, Kokanee Creek Provincial Park and spawning channels, Old Growth Forest and the Kokanee Glacier. Additionally, we offer a fully serviced RV pad able to accommodate up to 40 ft trailer or coach. We look forward to hosting you!

The best camping near St. Mary's Alpine Provincial Park guide

Overview

About

Embark on an adventure at St. Mary's Alpine Provincial Park, where the call of the wild is ever-present. Traverse through lush forests, scale towering peaks, and witness the dance of wildlife in their natural habitat. Whether you're a seasoned hiker seeking challenging trails or a nature lover in search of serene landscapes, this park offers an array of activities to satisfy your wanderlust. Immerse yourself in the great outdoors and create memories that will last a lifetime.

When to go

The ideal time to visit St. Mary's Alpine Provincial Park is during the summer months, from June to September, when the weather is most favourable for outdoor activities. Winter can be harsh, with heavy snowfall limiting access and activities, making it less suitable for visits.

Know before you go

Ensure you're prepared for varying weather conditions; the park's climate can change rapidly.
Check the park's website for any trail closures or safety advisories before your trip.
Wear appropriate footwear for hiking, as terrain can be rugged and uneven.
Be wildlife aware; carry bear spray and know how to store food safely.
Remember to leave no trace; pack out all your trash and respect the natural environment.