Dog-friendly and waterside camping near Merritt

Arriving in Merritt from the south via the famed Coquihalla Pass (on Highway 5, cutting across an alpine range from the east end of Fraser Valley into BC’s interior) is like being dropped into a vast desert bowl. In summer, the dry heat is intense and the expansive, while the open landscape of the Nicola Valley is tufted with sage bush. This is high-adventure country, home to Canada's largest working cattle ranch and a starting point for outdoor pursuits from mountain biking to lake dipping, and wine country beyond.

Summers are hot and dry in Merritt, north to Kamloops and east into the Okanagan. Lakeside camping sites are in high demand and the wineries attract lots of tourists. In winter, the surrounding higher elevations get dry-and-fluffy snow stashes that attract "Champagne" powder hounds to local ski resorts near Kelowna, Vernon, and Kamloops. 

• Most provincial parks take campsite reservations in advance (recommended throughout the high season of summer) and give an early priority booking window to BC residents.
• The Coquihalla Highway (Highway 5) that cuts through the North Cascade Mountains makes getting to Merritt smooth and easy from April to October, but it’s notorious for alpine snowstorms in winter. Check conditions before travelling. (Highway cams are set up along its 543-kilometer, north-south stretch.)
• This is arid country with frequent wildfire warnings throughout the summer months, so expect fire bans and be prepared for possible evacuations.