Camping in the Okanagan means waking up to desert warmth, walking to a lake, and having a fruit stand within arm’s reach. The valley’s provincial parks are genuinely outstanding — Haynes Point in Osoyoos is one of the most coveted campsites in BC, and Okanagan Lake Provincial Park in Summerland delivers a classic Canadian camping experience. Book early: summer reservations through BC Parks open in March and the best sites are gone within hours.
BC Parks Reservations
All provincial park camping in BC is booked through Discover Camping. Reservations open in March for summer.
South Okanagan Campgrounds
Haynes Point Provincial Park — Osoyoos
The most sought-after campsite in the South Okanagan. A narrow spit of land juts into Osoyoos Lake, with campsites on both sides of the road — some with direct water access, others just metres from the shoreline. Swimming is exceptional, the sunsets over the lake are memorable, and the natural desert ecosystem surrounding the park is unlike anything else in Canada. 41 sites, no hookups. Books out within minutes of reservations opening in March.
Best for: tent camping, swimming, nature, couples and small families
Booking: BC Parks Discover Camping — open March, books immediately
Reserve Haynes Point →Osoyoos Campground (KOA)
Full-service private campground north of Osoyoos with hookups, pull-through RV sites, and cabin rentals. Pool, playground, and proximity to town amenities. Good fallback when Haynes Point is full. Accepts reservations through KOA directly.
Best for: RVs, families with young children, those wanting full hookups
Nk’Mip Campground & RV Park — Osoyoos
Run by the Osoyoos Indian Band adjacent to Spirit Ridge Resort and Nk’Mip Cellars. Full hookup RV sites plus tent sites. Excellent location at the edge of the desert ecosystem. The campground guests have easy access to the cultural centre trails. Well maintained and unique setting.
Best for: RV travellers, cultural experience, desert setting
Oliver / Golden Mile Area
Tuc-el-Nuit Lake Campground — Oliver
Small private campground on Tuc-el-Nuit Lake near Oliver. Quiet, relatively undiscovered, and centrally placed for Golden Mile winery day trips. Basic facilities; the lake is swimmable. One of the better-kept secrets in the South Okanagan for campers who want a quiet base near wine country.
Penticton Area Campgrounds
Okanagan Lake Provincial Park — Summerland
Two separate campgrounds (North and South) on Okanagan Lake between Summerland and Peachland. Sandy beach, warm lake, and mountain backdrop. 168 sites total between the two campgrounds; some sites are right on the water. One of the best all-around family camping experiences in the Interior. Book in March through BC Parks.
Best for: families, swimming, classic BC provincial park camping
Reserve Okanagan Lake Park →Skaha Lake Campground — Penticton
Municipal campground on the south end of Skaha Lake. Walking distance to Skaha Beach. Basic facilities but excellent location for budget travellers who want beach access without paying resort prices. First-come, first-served for some sites; reservations available for others.
Apex Mountain Resort Campground
High-elevation camping near Apex ski resort, west of Penticton. Cool nights even in summer — ideal escape from valley heat. Forest setting with mountain trails. Good for hikers and mountain bikers exploring the plateau above the valley.
Kelowna Area Campgrounds
Bear Creek Provincial Park — West Kelowna
122 sites on Okanagan Lake, 9 km north of Kelowna on the west side. Beach access, swimming, and a short canyon trail that is worth doing. One of the most popular campgrounds in the region — book in March or expect to miss summer. Some sites have direct lake views.
Best for: families, swimming, Kelowna base with nature setting
Reserve Bear Creek Park →Fintry Provincial Park
Quieter option north of Kelowna on Okanagan Lake. Historic Fintry Estate is within the park. Less crowded than Bear Creek, equally scenic, and with excellent hiking to Shorts Creek Canyon and the waterfall. Good choice for those who missed the peak booking window.
Kelowna KOA
Full-service private campground with hookups, WiFi, and a pool. Good for RV travellers who want consistent amenities and proximity to Kelowna’s attractions. Less character than the provincial parks but reliable and well-managed.
Vernon / North Okanagan Campgrounds
Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park — Vernon
Day-use park primarily, but one of the most spectacular lake settings in the province. The park does not have overnight camping, but Kal Beach is the swimming destination of the North Okanagan and worth planning a full day around.
Ellison Provincial Park — Vernon
72 sites on the north arm of Okanagan Lake, 16 km from Vernon. BC’s first freshwater scuba diving and snorkelling park. The underwater rock formations, fish, and clarity of the water make this a unique camping destination. Families with older kids who snorkel will love it. Book through BC Parks.
Best for: snorkelling, scuba, families with older kids
Reserve Ellison Park →Silver Star Provincial Park
High-elevation camping in the Silver Star area. Accessible in summer when the roads are clear. Cooler than the valley floor, excellent wildflower meadows, and mountain scenery. A good option for those who want alpine camping without driving to the Rockies.
Glamping in the Okanagan
Several glamping operations have opened across the valley in recent years — a good middle ground between hotel comfort and camping experience.
- Sparkling Hill Resort Glamping — Vernon: Luxury cabins on the hillside above Okanagan Lake with Kalamalka Lake views. More boutique resort than traditional glamping.
- Huttopia Lac Okanagan — West Kelowna: Canvas tent and cabin rentals in a lakeside setting, part of a French camping brand with high design standards.
- Various VRBO/Airbnb glamping listings: Search "glamping Okanagan" on Airbnb for yurt, Airstream, and canvas bell tent options, particularly around Penticton and Summerland.
Camping Gear Essentials
The Okanagan is hot and sunny — pack accordingly. Temperatures regularly exceed 38°C in July and August.
- Quality cooler — ice melts fast; a quality cooler is not optional
- Wide-brim sun hat — shade is essential when temperatures push 40°C
- Insulated water bottle — keeps water cold all day
- SPF 50+ sunscreen — Okanagan UV is intense; reapply often
- Waterproof picnic blanket — for beach days between camp chores
Camping Tips
- Book in March. BC Parks reservations open March 15 for the summer season. The top sites — Haynes Point, Bear Creek, Okanagan Lake — are gone within the first hour.
- Arrive before 2 pm. Fire bans are common in August and early September; check current status before you leave.
- Bring shade structures. Okanagan campgrounds often have minimal tree cover. A quality tarp or pop-up canopy makes the difference between comfort and misery in July heat.
- Bear canisters not required in most valley campgrounds, but proper food storage in vehicle or bear box is always expected.
- Shoulder season is underrated. June and September offer empty campsites, warm weather, and none of the July/August pressure.