Camping near Castlegar

In the West Kootenay mountains, camp near this town where history, art, and the outdoors meet.

95% (244 reviews)
95% (244 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Castlegar

Dog-friendly getaways

Available this weekend

12 top campgrounds near Castlegar

100%
(33)

For-rest Retreat

2 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents54 acres · Salmo, BC
We bought this property in 2008 as raw land with an old off-grid 1950's cabin on it. While the log structure was sound, the cabin needed some major renovations to be liveable. We undertook renovations, lived in it for 6 months and then moved into a yurt on a more accessible section of our property. We now run the cabin as a short term rental, have another small rental next to our house and we are using the yurt for gatherings, retreats and yoga classes! For more info, visit our website: https://for-rest.ca Learn more about this land: AVAILABLE ALL YEAR!  A backcountry-style off-grid cabin in a perfect location to explore the Kootenays. THIS CABIN IS ACCESSED BY A 0.7 KM HIKING TRAIL ON PRIVATE PROPERTY. Enjoy privacy and be close to nature at the base of Keystone Mountain. Far enough to feel like you are away from it all, close enough to experience all the Kootenays have to offer. Campfires are permitted when there is no fire ban. We have firewood available to purchase - please add this as an extra at the time of booking. Close to world-class ski hills and backcountry skiing, excellent hiking and mountain biking opportunities and even private trails right out your door. Enormous snowy peaks, clear lakes, and waterfalls characterize this mountain playground in southeastern British Columbia, where visitors can expect backcountry adventures, endless singletrack mountain bike trails, hiking trails, mineral hot springs, and small towns with vibrant arts and culture scenes. Our property is located just outside of Salmo, in the Hub of the Kootenays. 30 minutes from Nelson, Castlegar, Trail, Kootenay Pass, and Champion Lakes.
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CA$28
 / night
98%
(94)

Valhalla Pines Campground

18 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents7 acres · Vallican, BC
This is a quiet forested residential area in Sinixt territory. Recommended activities include floating down the river, canoeing the lake, hiking or climbing in Valhalla Park, soaking in Halfway Hot Springs or indulging in Nelson. We are surrounded by beautiful mountains and rivers. This valley has many outdoor activities and events and a very interesting history and culture including Sinixt, Doukhobor, Cannabis and Conscientious Objector. Nelson, Castlegar and Slocan Lake are all a half hour drive away. There are many other special places nearby such as the Goddess Pools and the Emerald Pools. Supplies and services are available nearby including firewood, toiletries, dog day care, massage, bike and canoe rentals, life jackets, rubber dingys and paddles etc. Let us know if you would like a referral to any of these services. There are many guides available for activities in the area including (water sports, climbing, skiing, hiking, artist tours, events, geology, mining, mushrooms, cannabis, garden tours and native history). There is a particularly valued native storyteller here that can also provide a walking tour to a nearby village site with a full scale replica of an aboriginal kekuli (earth house). Please call ahead for recommendations on booking guides or storytellers. You don't need one to get here, but its good to have a 4 wheel drive vehicle for some of the logging roads that are worth visiting. Roof and/or bike racks can also come in handy. The Vallican Whole community center also has events nearby.
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CA$18
 / night
90%
(20)

Private river getaway

2 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Salmo, BC
Once this property was a cattle ranch but now it's a private spot nestled right next to the Salmo river.Learn more about this land:Private camping spot and small tree fort down by the Salmo River. We have room for a 35ft camper, you will be parking on grass but the site requires levelling.We are located in Salmo, BC which is 30 minutes south of Nelson, BC. Nelson is surrounded by the rugged Selkirk Mountains and sits on the shores of the West Arm of Kootenay Lake. Whether gliding through the incredible powder at Whitewater Ski Resort, rafting down class 4 rapids on the Salmo River, catching a twenty-five-pound rainbow trout on Kootenay Lake, hiking up to Kokanee Glacier, or watching the fabulous live performances at The Capitol Theatre, the area has attractions for everyone.Only a 5-minute drive to the local grocery store.Access to the mountains from the old railroad system directly off of the property by motorcycles and/or side by sides, you just need to go slow until you clear the houses.Campfires are permitted, pets are welcome.We look forward to hosting you.
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CA$35
 / night
100%
(3)

Woodsy, Artsy Nature Retreat

3 sites · Lodging3 acres · Nelson, BC
Morningstar Log Cabin and Bunkieland: 3 Distinctive glamping accommodations can be rented individually or as a whole for small family reunions, intimate wedding gatherings or a group of friends getaway spot. This property is conveniently located just 5 minutes from Nelson's core. Set on the forest's edge, all the Cabins offer spectacular views of emerald-green Kootenay Lake, our beautiful city of Nelson. The cabins offer an unforgettable experience of the landscape and its wildlife. Bird watching, hiking, and biking are available on your doorstep, with nearby access to kayaking, skiing, fishing, or anything else your heart may desire from our renowned mountain ranges, 200 km of lakeshore, and four distinct seasons. With an uncommonly high number of organic farms, adventure-filled days are bolstered by local produce-driven, sustainable dining, craft beers and ciders, and the chance to unwind in our classically but eclectically furnished cabins compliment the local artsy and funky vibe. Morning Star Log Cabin is open year-round, and Bunkieland is a seasonal "glamping accommodation" available from May to Oct.Our cabins, each outfitted with a queen-sized bed and a double pull-out, are finished with unique and local artisan-designed pieces to offer a cozy rustic retreat. Taking the best parts of the remote and pairing them with comfort, one can check out reality and decompress while still within reach of civilization.  There are so many activities and ways to relax you could easily stay a week without getting bored for both the timidest and most adventurous outdoor enthusiasts.
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CA$137.75
 / night
100%
(2)

Pristine Off Grid Paradise

4 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents320 acres · BC
A stunning 320 acre off grid Ranch in the beautiful West Kootenay's near the Nelway Border Crossing. Our plan for the land is to be able to provide sanctuary, rest, education and empowerment to like minded individuals. With the stresses of modern day society we feel it is so important to be able to get away for mental health breaks, to reconnect with your inner longings for rest, community, nutrition & a true connection to nature. With no cell phone service, limited wifi, surrounded by nature we feel this is the place where you can go to "free your mind and feed your soul." With Air b n' b and Hipcamp rentals coming summer of 2024 you will be able to immerse yourself deeply in nature. The land boasts a stunning array of wildlife, bird watching, our farm animals, hiking, forest bathing, walking trails, wild flower picking and with being off grid and no lights you will not believe the epic star gazing! Nestled in the forest by the lake your accommodations are comfortable, restful and offer stunning views of the lake and all the animals that come to visit it. This is a true off grid working farm. Book a guided tour of our regenerative farm and meet all the animals!
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CA$20
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100%
(2)

Rosebud Campground

1 site · RV129 acres · Salmo, BC
Rosebud Campground is a pristine lakeside forest campground that is 25 minutes south of Salmo, nestled in the renowned Kootenay region of British Columbia. Campsites are available for tenting, car camping, group camps and self contained R.V. units- no hook ups available. Two beach front lake access points come off the pavement for an easy way to launch your kayaks, paddle boards or non motorized floating devices to enjoy the Painted Turtle habitat and mountainside vista. Experience fishing, bird watching, hiking, forest bathing, swimming, relaxing, and a rejuvenating digital detox from your cellular devices at this off grid, yet easily accessed, campground. Please no dogs, glass, motorized boats (including electric), no soaps or surfactants in the lake, no loud music- Quite time after 11 pm. Full campground rental available, please contact us directly for more information.
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CA$39.95
 / night

Star Hosts in Castlegar

Under $50

Value Prop
Value Prop
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Camping near Castlegar guide

Overview

Castlegar, known for its Doukhobor heritage, has several campgrounds and RV parks, as well as nearby provincial parks. Twenty kilometres (12.5 miles) west of town, Syringa Provincial Park has two vehicle-accessible campgrounds on Lower Arrow Lake, while Nancy Greene Provincial Park, 30 kilometers (19 miles) southwest of Castlegar, where Highways 3 and 3B meet, is convenient for road-tripping campers.

When to go

Summer and fall are the nicest seasons for camping in Castlegar and British Columbia’s Kootenay Mountains. From July into mid-October, there’s normally little rain, and the days are warm and sunny. In BC’s mountains, snow can begin to fall in October, and from November through February (and sometimes into March), the region can see heavy snow and temperatures hovering around or below freezing. Spring weather can be variable, with rain alternating with sunny cool days.

Know before you go

  • Driving from the US? There are three land border crossings within a 60- to 90-minute drive of Castlegar. The Frontier/Paterson crossing, on US Highway 25 and Canadian Highway 22, is normally open 24 hours.
  • You should be able to find groceries and camping supplies in the Castlegar area. Nearby Nelson also has a number of outdoor gear stores.
  • As you’re exploring the back roads of the West Kootenays region, note that several routes involve ferry crossings along the inland lakes. On Kootenay Lake, a free ferry crosses between Balfour on the west shore and Kootenay Bay on the east. Check online for ferry schedules and service updates.

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