Camping near Castlegar

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

95% (243 reviews)
95% (243 reviews)

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12 top campgrounds near Castlegar

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
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
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
 / night
100%
(3)

Best West Kootenay Tiny House

4 sites · Lodging3 acres · Salmo, BC
Hey - wanna unplug??! Need some rest? This well insulated, off grid cabin with its outdoor kitchen is the place you want to be. The gorgeous and serene lake just 2.5km up the road is a placid walk or an easy drive. The lake is very warm and refreshing, fed by dozens of natural aquifer springs. Pack-it-in and pack-it-out! and bring your own bedding and foods. This tiny house it tucked away among the cedars. Enjoy the crisp air - the Quiet awaits you! This area has incredible hiking, fishing, back-country and downhill skiing, snowmobiling, canoeing and jet boating - ALL WITHIN MINUTES OF THIS LOCATION. The Pend Orielle, The Columbia, and the Kootenay rivers are all nearby. Rosebud Lake is a non-motorcraft lake and is excellent for canoes, kayaks and paddle boards. There are hundred upon hundred of turtles in the lake (all very friendly and shy) and huge dragonflies (which eat all the mosquitos!) It's an excellent place for peace and quiet. This location is VERY CENTRAL and a short drive to Salmo, Trail, Castlegar or Nelson. It's a reasonable drive to get to from Spokane and Creston as well. One of the neighbours opened a little store, for eggs and ice cream and other summer snacks. The tiny house has a twin futon mattress inside, and there is an extra single mattress if there are more than two in your party. Bring your own bedding please, as this is an off-grid scenario. The building is new construction, with a classic Dickensen Marine propane heater, so with two people the space holds the heat wonderfully. Outside, you'll find a propane barbecue and two-burner for meal prep. You may wish to bring your own camping set-up as well, if you're familiar with your own equipment. Water is provided and collected from the well on the property into a large dispenser. Outhouse. Hot showers available only upon request (you can always take a dip in the lake, too). The tiny house itself is nestled amongst cedars and hemlock at the back of the property. It's very secluded and serene (see photos). Coming in 2024! a gazebo/deck atop the hill for a nice sunny lookout :)
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CA$72
 / night
98%
(49)

Big Sky Camping

10 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Grand Forks, BC
Here on our hay farm we’ve got over 200 beautiful acres for haying and about 10 acres along the river for our Big Sky Campground. Relax at the edge of our field and camp along the Granby River where you can swim, or fish in the relaxing turquoise waters. Enjoy all the area has to offer such as dirt biking, quadding or cycling on the rail trail, riding through tunnels or even looking for old gold mines along the way! If bird watching is your thing then enjoy seeing many different types of birds around our farm. The town of Grand Forks is less than a 15 min drive away and has all the amenities you need, including an amazing farmers market, many coffee shops and stores, and the historic Gem theatre. Christina Lake is also just a 30 min drive, with a beautiful, calm lake and delicious ice cream. Also, for folks who are interested, we offer hay farm tours- available upon request 😊
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CA$35
 / night
100%
(6)

Retreat Yourself!

1 site · Lodging1 acre · Gray Creek, 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 free 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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CA$140
 / night

Under $50

Dog-friendly getaways

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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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