Okanagan BC Camping Vacations
Okanagan Campgrounds, RV Parks,
Provincial Park Camping
Are you thinking of a camping vacation? Okanagan BC camping is extremely beautiful.
The Okanagan Valley, British Columbia provides you with some of the most amazing
parks, lakes, rivers and mountains to accommodate almost any style of camping.
On these pages you'll find lots of information about camping at Okanagan campgrounds and RV parks,
Okanagan BC Provincial campgrounds, forest service campgrounds and some ideas for staying
at nice camping resorts that offer tenting, RV sites
and even rustic forest cabins.
With such a diverse and beautiful natural landscape,
you have an excellent opportunity for any kind of camping adventure here, and/or
just pure & simple relaxation.
We love Okanagan BC camping and have enjoyed our own camping vacations here for many years,
tenting at local provincial campgrounds, a bit of back country camping, and also
RV camping with convenience and comforts of home at RV parks.
One of the nicest things about camping in the Okanagan Valley is the people you meet.
You can pick up all kinds of great tips about things to do and see
in the area that you're in, and local information on what's good or what's not good.
The other thing that makes a camping vacation here so great is
the abundance of locally grown fruit and vegetables that you can get
all summer long at orchards, farmer's markets and fruit stands.
Important to know about camping the Okanagan Valley BC...
Okanagan BC camping season generally begins around late April or early May
and continues through September, and
even October, depending on the weather.
Provincial parks usually open at the beginning of April and close at the beginning of October. For
provincial park camping between mid May and the first week in September 2, you must make a reservation at
some of these campgrounds. So plan well in advance.
You will also find that some RV campgrounds are open year round, and some camping resorts that
are open for winter as well.
The summer holiday months, July and August, and long weekend holidays
are the busiest times for campgrounds.
Once school is out (last week in June), provincial parks fill up very quickly.
Banbury Green Penticton is one of our favorite spots!
Camping In Spring And Fall
If you're not so big on crowds, May and June bring slightly cooler but beautiful early
summer weather and warm fragrant days, and it's
a spectacular time to be here.
September and October bring much crisper days and nights but
fewer people around, and equally beautiful.
What about bugs?
Yup, we do have a few. Especially if you're out in the forest campgrounds, you'll
have to put up with those pesky mosquitos. Bring repellent (or your bug zapper). ;-)
Camping at Provincial Park Campgrounds in the Okanagan BC
Many people, like us, enjoy Okanagan BC camping at
provincial park campgrounds.
Roughing it a bit is always fun. Yet you still can have
some basic conveniences - like a hot shower - depending on where you camp.
There are a number of popular
provincial campgrounds in the Okanagan that you can stay at.
But, be sure to check with the park to ensure
you'll have the facilities and ameninties that you want, beforehand.
If you are bringing a pet, you'll also need to check to be sure the park you
want to camp at allows domestic pets. Not all provincial parks allow them.
Some provincial parks in the Okanagan also allow a maximum number of days to stay, and
not all parks have playgrounds. Bicycle helmets are mandatory in British Columbia, so
if you bring your bikes along, don't forget your helmet.
One other important thing to note is that some Okanagan BC provincial
parks campgrounds accept reservations, while others operate on a
first come, first served basis. All in all,
it's cheaper than a private campground. But ensuring you get a campsite is key.
From our own experience, we can
tell you that reservations are highly recommended, well in advance (that only happened once - we learned!) ;-).
You'll find more information about camping at Okanagan BC provincial parks, with
a list of provincial campgrounds here.
Camping In Yurts
Yurts are becoming a popular new way of camping and you'll find a few
provincial campgrounds in the Okanagan that offer yurt rental - including Fintry Provincial
Park and Ellison Provincial Park. If you're planning your Okanagan BC camping vacation in a yurt,
you must bring your own sheets, pillows and blankets. Pets are not allowed. And
you cannot cook in yurts, so you'll need to bring supplies to prepare your meals outdoors.
You'll also want to be aware of any campfire bans that may be in place.
Cabins & Cottages
Are you thinking of a cozy rental cabin or cottage instead of tenting?
No matter how you like to camp, you can enjoy a vacation in a camping cabin in scenic campgrounds
where you'll find rustic or lakeside cabins in the Okanagan BC. A cabin rental can
offer an affordable, cozy and comfortable place to relax and enjoy summer, and some also
offer a wonderful winter vaction experience too.
Private Okanagan Campgrounds & RV Parks
The best thing about Okanagan BC camping vacations is that there
are more than 60 campgrounds & RV parks to choose from!!
There are some general guidelines on what you can
expect regarding cost, etc. for private campgrounds & RV Parks.
Because camping and RV'ing is a big part of the tourism economy here, it's reasonable to say that most
park owners work hard at providing the best service and facilities for visitors.
And you should expect nothing less.
We've organized Okanagan campgrounds & RV parks by region.
I believe you'll find that the Okanagan campgrounds and RV
parks we've included is a good mix of choices to accommodate whatever type of camper you are.
Staying Safe On Your Okanagan BC Camping Vacation
The southern Interior British Columbia is a beautiful region with
wonderful people. Two important things to consider for a camping vacation in the Okanagan is wildlife and forest fires.
Of course the farther one ventures out in the wilderness, the more chance you'll
run into some wildlife, including cougars, bears and rattlesnakes.
Safety is always priority, especially if you're camping in
unfamiliar territory. Be aware of the
wildlife that you can potentially encounter here, and also know how to stay safe if you do.
The Okanagan Valley is also at risk for forest fires
and every summer we do see some fires and we also have campfire bans.
So, you should expect campfire bans and
be prepared so that you're not disappointed. And, always bring a portable stove for cooking.
BC Parks provides information about park closures or campfire bans. During times of high fire risk
restrictions are a given.
Whew! A lot said. :-) We hope you enjoy your Okanagan BC camping vacations!
Have You Enjoyed Camping In The Okanagan BC?
We'd love to hear from you! We'd love to hear about your camping vacation or visit. Tell us all about where you stayed and what you enjoyed about it. Camping stories are fun and wonderful to share. It's easy to add your story to our site. Just fill in the form and we'll take care of the rest!
What Other Visitors Have Said About Okanagan Camping
Click the links below to visit the campground page for details.
More Stuff To Know About Okanagan BC Camping Vacation
We've created several pages of information below related to camping safety, hiking safety,
wildlife information and safety, as well as how to find out about current forest fires, weather and weather forecasts...
Camping Safety Tips
Hiking & Outdoor Safety
Okanagan BC Wildlife
Okanagan BC Forest Fires Information
Okanagan BC Weather Forecast
Camping Gear & Supplies
Campgrounds & RV Parks
Okanagan BC travel
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