- Wardner Provincial Park/
- Camping
The best camping in Wardner Provincial Park, BC
Discover Wardner Provincial Park's natural splendor.
Top-rated campsites near Wardner Provincial Park
Murphy's Gold Creek Ranch
1. Murphy's Gold Creek Ranch
95%
(202)
14km from Wardner Provincial Park · 19 sites · Tents, RVs
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.
PLEASE USE GOOGLE MAPS FOR CORRECT DIRECTIONS
I look forward to hosting you!
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Thistle Dew in Fernie
2. Thistle Dew in Fernie
94%
(33)
29km from Wardner Provincial Park · 1 site
Welcome to Thistle Dew! We are located 10 minutes south of stunning Fernie, British Columbia. We are located about 15 minutes from Hiway 3.
Thistle Dew is tucked into the mountains and faces the Lizard range at Fernie Alpine Resort. The campsite is surrounded by beautiful trees, which makes our single tent site feel very tucked away and private. While the sun is shining, hop on your bike or put on your hikers, step out of your tent and you are on the Elk Valley Trail section of the Trans Canada Trail. Or head to the river and cool off. At night, have a fire, lean back and look at the stars. There are very few lights in our neighborhood so the star show is next level. If the timing is right you might even catch The Northern Lights!
4x4 or AWD vehicle needed to access Thistle Dew, the driveway is steep with loose gravel. Thistle Dew is best suited to the self contained tent or Van campers. There is no water or power available.
Campfires are permitted when there is no fire ban. Firewood is available for purchase - add as an extra at time of booking. Firewood will be at campsite when you arrive.
Pets
Campfires
Toilets
Backroads Terminal
3. Backroads Terminal
99%
(34)
34km from Wardner Provincial Park · 1 site · Tent, RV
Learn more about this land:
Set in the forest with scenic views of Procter and Hosmer Mountain in the majestic Elk Valley. Hartley Creek, a tributary of the Elk River, can be heard from the various camp locations.
Your access to the property leads you into the backcountry and there are numerous tourist destinations in the area. Hartley Lake, Sulfur Creek, Bull River, and the infamous Heiko's Trail are all nearby. Access biking, hiking, and ATV trails from your campsite.
All this privacy and yet only a short distance to Fernie.
We have a picnic table, potable water, and wifi available. Pets are welcome and campfires are permitted.
There are no washrooms onsite and we only accept self contained campers.
Your perfect mountain getaway!
Pets
Potable water
Picnic table
Cept Ranch
4. Cept Ranch
100%
(13)
40km from Wardner Provincial Park · 4 sites
Secluded lot with two lakes and LARGE private sites.
Sick of busy noisy RV parks where you're parked 10' from your neighbour? We're renting large, private RV sites just 15 minutes from Wasa, BC. These are off-grid spots—you’ll need a self-contained RV with a full bathroom and kitchen, as there are no hookups currently available.
Each site is surrounded by trees, offering space, solitude. You won’t be parked 10 feet from your neighbour here.
All sites are lakefront or pond-front, with beautiful views and a truly peaceful atmosphere. One lake has a softer clay bottom, the other is rocky with a silty base—both are fantastic for paddleboarding, and relaxing. We especially love swimming in the rockier one.
The property is still a bit rugged—we’ve just moved here and are looking to generate some revenue to help fund improvements. Firepits and picnic tables are provided at each site.
Please note:
There’s a sani-dump and small shop in Wasa, about 15 minutes away.
The road in is bumpy but fully accessible for 2WD vehicles—just take it slow.
Quiet hours apply—no loud music or parties, and generator use is limited to specific times.
If you’re looking for tranquility, space, and a rustic lakeside experience, we’d love to hear from you.
Pets
Elk Ridge Guest Ranch
5. Elk Ridge Guest Ranch
89%
(9)
12km from Wardner Provincial Park · 7 sites · Tents, RVs
We are offering camping for the 2025 Summer season at Elk Ridge Guest Ranch.
During your stay check out the agricultural heritage exhibit on display.
Located in a wildlife corridor, there is also plenty of opportunity to experience nature as the elk and deer graze the fields.
We are conveniently located 3 minutes from the town site with pub, golf course, churches, convenience store & laundromat. We are 5 minutes from Rosen Lake, 10 minutes from Tie Lake, and 20 minutes from the Koocanusa Marina and Baynes Lake Farmers Market.
This is where the Kootenay Lifestyle meets rustic charm!
-Power & water available.
-No Sani-dump, but weekly pumper service is available locally.
DIRECTIONS: Don’t trust google maps - it will lead you to the wrong driveway. Turn instead at the timber framed Elk Ridge Ventures sign (see cover photo) and drive down the driveway until you see the campsite signs.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Rural Camping with a View
6. Rural Camping with a View
100%
(6)
66km from Wardner Provincial Park · 10 sites · Tents, RVs
Learn more about this land:Our Hipcamp sites are located in an 800 acre designated area.The Hipcamper can choose from sites beside a babbling brook, up the mountainside overlooking the valley or various lookout landings. Campsites will be at least 1/4 of a kilometre apart to ensure social distancing. There is an abundance of wildlife from black bears, grizzlies, cats, elk, deer, moose, wild turkeys, bald eagles. This is also a working ranch, so you will occasionally have a visit from some curious cow-calf pairs.Hazel Creek is 2 minutes from the property with lots of good Brook Trout fishing.Pets are welcome, campfires are permitted.
Pets
Campfires
Picnic table
Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Wardner Provincial Park adventure.
Top-rated campsites near Wardner Provincial Park
Murphy's Gold Creek Ranch
1. Murphy's Gold Creek Ranch
95%
(202)
14km from Wardner Provincial Park · 19 sites · Tents, RVs
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.
PLEASE USE GOOGLE MAPS FOR CORRECT DIRECTIONS
I look forward to hosting you!
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Thistle Dew in Fernie
2. Thistle Dew in Fernie
94%
(33)
29km from Wardner Provincial Park · 1 site
Welcome to Thistle Dew! We are located 10 minutes south of stunning Fernie, British Columbia. We are located about 15 minutes from Hiway 3.
Thistle Dew is tucked into the mountains and faces the Lizard range at Fernie Alpine Resort. The campsite is surrounded by beautiful trees, which makes our single tent site feel very tucked away and private. While the sun is shining, hop on your bike or put on your hikers, step out of your tent and you are on the Elk Valley Trail section of the Trans Canada Trail. Or head to the river and cool off. At night, have a fire, lean back and look at the stars. There are very few lights in our neighborhood so the star show is next level. If the timing is right you might even catch The Northern Lights!
4x4 or AWD vehicle needed to access Thistle Dew, the driveway is steep with loose gravel. Thistle Dew is best suited to the self contained tent or Van campers. There is no water or power available.
Campfires are permitted when there is no fire ban. Firewood is available for purchase - add as an extra at time of booking. Firewood will be at campsite when you arrive.
Pets
Campfires
Toilets
Backroads Terminal
3. Backroads Terminal
99%
(34)
34km from Wardner Provincial Park · 1 site · Tent, RV
Learn more about this land:
Set in the forest with scenic views of Procter and Hosmer Mountain in the majestic Elk Valley. Hartley Creek, a tributary of the Elk River, can be heard from the various camp locations.
Your access to the property leads you into the backcountry and there are numerous tourist destinations in the area. Hartley Lake, Sulfur Creek, Bull River, and the infamous Heiko's Trail are all nearby. Access biking, hiking, and ATV trails from your campsite.
All this privacy and yet only a short distance to Fernie.
We have a picnic table, potable water, and wifi available. Pets are welcome and campfires are permitted.
There are no washrooms onsite and we only accept self contained campers.
Your perfect mountain getaway!
Pets
Potable water
Picnic table
Cept Ranch
4. Cept Ranch
100%
(13)
40km from Wardner Provincial Park · 4 sites
Secluded lot with two lakes and LARGE private sites.
Sick of busy noisy RV parks where you're parked 10' from your neighbour? We're renting large, private RV sites just 15 minutes from Wasa, BC. These are off-grid spots—you’ll need a self-contained RV with a full bathroom and kitchen, as there are no hookups currently available.
Each site is surrounded by trees, offering space, solitude. You won’t be parked 10 feet from your neighbour here.
All sites are lakefront or pond-front, with beautiful views and a truly peaceful atmosphere. One lake has a softer clay bottom, the other is rocky with a silty base—both are fantastic for paddleboarding, and relaxing. We especially love swimming in the rockier one.
The property is still a bit rugged—we’ve just moved here and are looking to generate some revenue to help fund improvements. Firepits and picnic tables are provided at each site.
Please note:
There’s a sani-dump and small shop in Wasa, about 15 minutes away.
The road in is bumpy but fully accessible for 2WD vehicles—just take it slow.
Quiet hours apply—no loud music or parties, and generator use is limited to specific times.
If you’re looking for tranquility, space, and a rustic lakeside experience, we’d love to hear from you.
Pets
Elk Ridge Guest Ranch
5. Elk Ridge Guest Ranch
89%
(9)
12km from Wardner Provincial Park · 7 sites · Tents, RVs
We are offering camping for the 2025 Summer season at Elk Ridge Guest Ranch.
During your stay check out the agricultural heritage exhibit on display.
Located in a wildlife corridor, there is also plenty of opportunity to experience nature as the elk and deer graze the fields.
We are conveniently located 3 minutes from the town site with pub, golf course, churches, convenience store & laundromat. We are 5 minutes from Rosen Lake, 10 minutes from Tie Lake, and 20 minutes from the Koocanusa Marina and Baynes Lake Farmers Market.
This is where the Kootenay Lifestyle meets rustic charm!
-Power & water available.
-No Sani-dump, but weekly pumper service is available locally.
DIRECTIONS: Don’t trust google maps - it will lead you to the wrong driveway. Turn instead at the timber framed Elk Ridge Ventures sign (see cover photo) and drive down the driveway until you see the campsite signs.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Rural Camping with a View
6. Rural Camping with a View
100%
(6)
66km from Wardner Provincial Park · 10 sites · Tents, RVs
Learn more about this land:Our Hipcamp sites are located in an 800 acre designated area.The Hipcamper can choose from sites beside a babbling brook, up the mountainside overlooking the valley or various lookout landings. Campsites will be at least 1/4 of a kilometre apart to ensure social distancing. There is an abundance of wildlife from black bears, grizzlies, cats, elk, deer, moose, wild turkeys, bald eagles. This is also a working ranch, so you will occasionally have a visit from some curious cow-calf pairs.Hazel Creek is 2 minutes from the property with lots of good Brook Trout fishing.Pets are welcome, campfires are permitted.
Pets
Campfires
Picnic table
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
J
Jaime
November 2025
16 ft car
Really nice property. Perfect spot, had the whole camping area to ourselves. Very nice host, and beautiful property. Long gravel road out to property but we had a small car and still worked well.
See more
A
Andrew
October 2025
24 ft Class C
Quiet, rustic and a great fire pit, Worthy of a respectful campfire.
We drive a 25' motorhome to the site. About 20 minutes each way over some primitive roads, but we found it worth it.
I understand that Justin has owned the property for a little over a year and I have no doubt there will be improvements season after season.
See more
A
Amy
October 2025
29 ft travel trailer
This is a really amazing property and Justin is a very welcoming host. We really enjoyed our stay and are looking forward to booking again.
See moreT
Toni
September 2025
18 ft Class C
I loved everything about this hipcamp. Beautiful and tranquil setting, nice shower and toilet facilities, wonderful host, excellent sauna followed by a cold plunge in the creek. Highly recommend!
See morem
matt
September 2025
20 ft travel trailer
With pets
Beautiful, secluded sites. Amazing views and the hosts were extremely helpful and friendly.
See more
C
Catherine
September 2025
25 ft travel trailer
With pets
Our time at Cept Ranch was wonderful, it is so quiet, beautiful views, the lake was wonderful. The ride in is a bit rough, but totally doable. If you enjoy being off grid, this place is fabulous. The host Justin was very accommodating and super great to deal with.
See more
A
Andrei
September 2025
Tent
The campsite had very nice views of the nearby mountains and was well located near many parks and attractions. You can also see many beautiful stars at night as well as wildlife.
See moreD
Douglas
August 2025
24 ft travel trailer
Exceptional place! Julian is great. We had a beautiful spot. The weather was perfect. The lake is gorgeous. The views are amazing and it is so quiet. It was really a wonderful day.
See moreA
Amanda
August 2025
Tent
Stopped for a very quick night at Thistle Dew on our way through. Easy to find. Nice level land to park and set up. Holly provided lovely burning wood for our camp fire. Close to road but not every active.
See more
Starr
August 2025
24 ft Class C
With pets
Beautiful, private site with lots of land to explore and an amazing view! Plenty of shaded areas throughout the day and the smaller pond is great for the dog to swim (if you’re ok with muddy legs)! The panoramic photo in the review is of the larger lake.
Our stay was quiet and peaceful. The cattle stayed a decent distance from camp.
We got a bit lost but the hosts were friendly and communicative! They met us and drove us into our site. The roads are a bit rough so take it slow like they recommend.
Bonus: Wasa Provincial is a short drive away with a sani dump, water fill, and you pass through a transfer station on the way into the property.
See more
G
GAIL
August 2025
15 ft campervan
Make sure you enter on Gold Creek Road. Great people and restful place. I would recommend this if your in the area. Look for the large Murphy sign and your there.
See more
Sophie
August 2025
Tent
With pets
Beautiful, peaceful property! Arriving was easy and Murphy helped us pick the perfect spot along the creek. Highly recommend
See more
M
Mark
August 2025
21 ft Class B
I thoroughly appreciated camping here. It was relatively easy to access and the site was spacious, isolated, shaded, and groomed. Justin’s communication was timely and super helpful. I’ll certainly be back!
See moreA
Aarika
August 2025
Tent
We enjoyed & highly recommend this site! The property is beautiful and very peaceful by the creek. We got a good amount of firewood for our stay, the showers were great, and the owners friendly!
See moreL
Leslie
August 2025
24 ft Class C
Cornelius was so friendly and the place is beautiful and well kept. He helped us find the perfect spot for our rig then, offered firewood, informed us of bathroom facilities then left us alone to enjoy. It was perfect.
See moreP
Paige
August 2025
Tent
Absolutely beautiful place to stay. The host was extremely nice and welcoming. Very quiet surrounding with the beautiful sounds of the creek in the background. Owners dogs came to visit quite a bit and were very friendly and adorable. Overall, very pleased with my stay and would 100% come back again!!
See moreI
Izzy
August 2025
Tent
We have been to many camping sites this summer but none of them stood out like this. Many campsites claim to private, but this site truly delivers, not only are they completely private but they are gorgeous, right next to the creek (where wildlife flourished) and the sites are huge. The shower and flushing toilet was a really nice touch.
Cornelius and Angela were super attentive host, very welcoming and easy to talk to, always making sure we were happy and set up. There 2 dogs Murphy and Fergus were highlights of our day, when they would visit and patrol the campsites. I highly suggest purchasing wood through Cornelius best deal we have experienced so far in the area and with other campsites.
One thing to keep in mind accessibility will be best for confident drivers and/or trucks and 4 wheel drives. We made it down in a 2 wheel drive civic comfortably but others may have some difficulty going down some of the steep rocky hills.
I recommend when putting the location into your maps not to put in the address but instead to use “Murphy Gold Creek Ranch” (works on apple and google maps) and it will direct you straight there, when we put in the address it didn’t take us all the way. Once there, the signage to the camp is quite clear, with a hip camp logo which really helps.
This is a truly special place, and we have decided it’s our campsite of choice every year, it’s complete perfection.
See morem
mikee
August 2025
Tent
With kids
Loved the campsite! Me and my friends had all of the spaces for us. Washroom is very accessible and big! would fit 2 people in the shower tbh. Everyone had fun for our 2 nights and 3 days stay. Wish could be longer :( Two dogs on the site were very very friendly. Very peaceful place to camp. No pavement going into the site. All in all 10/10
See more
n
neil
August 2025
50 ft fifth wheel
Great place to “get away “from people and noise and just relax and unwind …loved it !!! So peaceful and still … We camped by the pond , only us and a few cows … loved to see them , they stayed away from our campsite .. beautiful views of the mountains and the lake … lots of old logging trails to mt bike on . The 3 km in was dusty and rough in places , dirt ,rocky road in ,, but with that said we pulled our 35ft 5th wheel up there with no trouble …only ten minutes to Wasa. Lots of golfing close by .Glad we went, spent 7 days there ..!!!
See more
K
Kayley
August 2025
Tent
This site, and entire property was do wonderful! I would love to come back and camp here for more than a night, and the hosts were the sweetest and super helpful!!
See moreWardner Provincial Park camping guide
Overview
About
Embark on an adventure through Wardner Provincial Park, a haven for nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers alike. Traverse its lush trails, gaze upon serene lakes, and immerse yourself in the vibrant wildlife that calls this park home. While the park beckons hikers and birdwatchers, it also offers a peaceful retreat for those seeking to reconnect with nature's quiet beauty.
When to go
The ideal time to visit Wardner Provincial Park is during the summer months, from June to August, when the weather is warm and the park is in full bloom. Conversely, the off-peak season, particularly from November to March, can present challenges with colder temperatures and limited access due to snow.
Know before you go
- Ensure you're prepared for wildlife encounters by reviewing safety guidelines.
- Check the park's official website for any seasonal closures or alerts.
- Accessibility varies across the park; some areas may not be suitable for all visitors.
- Facilities are available, but it's wise to confirm their status before your trip.
- Remember to pack out your trash, keeping the park pristine for all to enjoy.
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