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57 campgrounds and RV Parks near Central Kootenay A, BC. Compare campsite amenities, photos, and site types to find the perfect stop for your rig on your route.
57 campgrounds
2163 campsites
54 RVs available for delivery
From $25/night
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Best campgrounds near Central Kootenay A, BC
Lockhart Beach Provincial Park
British Columbia (7 km away)
$$$$$
(18 sites)
The Lakeview - Store and Campground
British Columbia (15 km away)
$$$$$
+3
Cedar Grove Campground
British Columbia (17 km away)
$$$$$
(20 sites)
+4
Kokanee Chalets RV Park and Campground
British Columbia (23 km away)
$$$$$
(67 sites)
+9
Crawford Bay RV Park
British Columbia (24 km away)
$$$$$
(48 sites)
+11
Kokanee Creek Provincial Park
British Columbia (33 km away)
$$$$$
(140 sites)
+3
Hummingbird Lodge & Campground
Nelson, BC (35 km away)
Cool Waters RV Park
British Columbia (42 km away)
$$$$$
(19 sites)
+3
Klines RV Park
Nelson, BC (42 km away)
$$$$$
(6 sites)
Nelson City Campground
Nelson, BC (42 km away)
$$$$$
(30 sites)
+2
Pair-A-Dice RV Park and Campground
Creston, BC (43 km away)
$$$$$
(44 sites)
+6
Granite Point Golf and RV
Nelson, BC (43 km away)
$$$$$
(6 sites)
Most common amenities
Tables Toilets Showers Pet friendly Grills Firewood Internet Playground Dump station Laundry
Camping near Central Kootenay A, British Columbia
Central Kootenay A covers the east shore of Kootenay Lake in southeastern British Columbia, between Creston to the south and Crawford Bay to the north. The area sits in the Southern Columbia Mountains, with the Purcell Range rising to the east and the Selkirks across the water to the west. Highway 3A runs through the corridor, and the free Kootenay Lake Ferry links the east shore at Kootenay Bay to Balfour on the west side, a 35-minute crossing that is billed as the longest free ferry route in the world.
Campground options range from small provincial park sites to serviced private RV parks. Lockhart Beach Provincial Park sits 40 kilometres north of Creston on Highway 3A and provides the only easy access to public camping along the south arm of Kootenay Lake, with an 18 site campground and day-use area near a sand and fine gravel beach. Around Crawford Bay, Kokanee Chalets RV Park and Campground, Crawford Bay RV Park, Cedar Grove Campground, and The Lakeview - Store and Campground offer serviced sites suitable for RV renters.
The corridor is quieter than the Nelson side of the lake, which suits families looking for beach access, short hikes, and easy driving between communities.
Things to do near Central Kootenay A
Kootenay Lake is the main draw. Activities in the area include wildlife and bird watching, biking on park roads, canoeing and kayaking, swimming, picnicking, and photography. Fishing on Kootenay Lake targets species such as rainbow trout, kokanee, bull trout, mountain whitefish, burbot, brook trout, white sturgeon, yellow perch, and largemouth bass, and a provincial freshwater licence is required.
Hiking is available in the adjacent Lockhart Creek Provincial Park. A trail follows Lockhart Creek up through the forest, and an old cabin site partway up is a common turnaround point for shorter day hikes.
Crawford Bay has an artisan village with a bakery, small shops, and Kokanee Springs Golf Course. The Kootenay Lake Ferry between Kootenay Bay and Balfour takes about 35 minutes each way, is free of charge, and is a common day trip for families staying on the east shore.
Camping spots and RV parks near Central Kootenay A, BC
When to visit Central Kootenay A
- spring
March - May
13° / 1°C 60 mmCool nights; snowmelt swells creeks
- summer
June - August
25° / 10°C 45 mmWarm and dry; peak bookings, sites fill early
- fall
September - November
12° / 2°C 90 mmCooling and wet; November is the wettest month
- winter
December - February
0° / -6°C 95 mmSnowy and cold; provincial campgrounds closed
Peak camping season runs from late spring through early September, when lake temperatures warm up and days are long. Lockhart Beach Provincial Park operates from mid-May to September, and July and August are the driest and warmest months, with the highest site demand across the corridor.
Shoulder seasons have trade-offs. Spring brings snowmelt, higher creek flows, and cool nights, but campgrounds are quieter and provincial sites see more availability. Fall delivers colour in the larches and cottonwoods, with cooler nights and rising precipitation heading into November, which is typically the wettest month of the year.
Winter is snow country. Summers along the east shore tend to be warm and relatively dry, while winters are snowy and cold, and the surrounding slopes carry pockets of inland temperate rainforest. Most provincial campgrounds close for the winter, though a few private parks in the Crawford Bay area remain open year-round for self-contained RVs. Confirm operating dates with each operator before travelling in the shoulder months.
Top Hosts near Central Kootenay A, BC
Francois33 trips - Joined Apr 2022 - Superhost
Highly recommend this travel trailer for a family! We had a wonderful experience with the host — very receptive & accommodating! The trailer was delivered & in immaculate condition! It had everything you’d need for a wonderful experience! We will definitely recommend this trailer as it’s been one of the most positive rental experiences we’ve had on RVezy! Hoping we will get another opportunity in the future to rent this trailer again!
Rebecca L. - Aug 2026
Francois was an excellent host and catered to a few requests. He was very accommodating when we had some changes in our trip. He went above and beyond as far making sure we had everything we would need from propane to power sources and options for an unpowered site. My family will definitely rent from Francois again.
Jamie F. - Aug 2026
Wanita7 trips - Joined Apr 2018
Wanita ans Steve are awesome! The trailer was perfect and they even left a little welcome basket. Highly recommend!
Sabrina D. - Jul 2025
Our host was amazing and their effort to accommodate the delivery and set up of the RV made our experience perfect. The trailer was very clean and comfortable. The personal touches were greatly appreciated.
Christine G. - Sep 2023
How to book a campground near Central Kootenay A
Lockhart Beach Provincial Park is operated by BC Parks and is offered on a first-come, first-served basis, so campsite reservations are not accepted. Arriving early in the day improves the odds of a site during July and August, when the small 18 site campground fills quickly on weekends.
Other BC Parks campgrounds in the wider region that do accept reservations use the BC Parks reservation system, which for the 2026 season opens on a three-month rolling window, three months ahead of the arrival date at 7:00 a.m. Pacific.
Private campgrounds handle their own bookings. Crawford Bay RV Park, Kokanee Chalets RV Park and Campground, Cedar Grove Campground, and The Lakeview - Store and Campground each take reservations directly by phone or through their own websites. For July and August weekends, contact them several weeks ahead.
What to expect at Central Kootenay A campgrounds
Facilities vary by campground type. Lockhart Beach has pit toilets and hand pump wells rather than flush toilets and treated taps, and the park recommends treating water before drinking. No RV hookups are available at the campground, and the RV length limit is about 25 feet, though larger rigs can contact the park to ask about available space. Private parks in the Crawford Bay area generally offer full or partial hookups, showers, and laundry.
Quiet time at Lockhart Beach runs 10 p.m. to 7 a.m., and generator use is permitted from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Similar quiet-hour rules apply at most private parks nearby.
Wildlife is present. Bears frequent the West Kootenays, so store food securely and keep sites clean. Pets must be leashed at provincial parks and are not allowed on beach areas.
Own an RV? Earn up to $38,528/year.
List your motorhome or travel trailer for free on RVezy.
Frequently asked questions about campgrounds near Central Kootenay A, BC
How much does it cost to rent an RV in Central Kootenay A, BC?
RV rental in Central Kootenay A, BC is one of the best values in the province, with travel trailers often starting around CAD $90 to $150 per night and motorhomes ranging from CAD $180 to $325 per night depending on size and season. Because this rural area sits along Kootenay Lake between Kaslo and Balfour, hosts here tend to price lower than Vancouver or Kelowna. To find a cheap RV rental Central Kootenay A, book midweek, travel in June or September shoulder season, and use the price filter on RVezy to sort by budget. Pro tip: many local hosts bundle camping chairs, kitchen kits, and bedding for free, which saves you packing space and rental gear fees back home.
destinationbc.ca/plan-your-trip/regions/kootenay-rockies/What license do I need to rent an RV in Central Kootenay A, BC?
Good news, your regular Class 5 driver's licence is all you need to rent an RV in Central Kootenay A, no special motorhome endorsement or commercial licence required for the Class B campervans, Class C motorhomes, and travel trailers on RVezy. You just need to be 25 or older and pass a quick ID verification through the RVezy platform when you book. Visiting from the United States or overseas? Bring your home licence plus an International Driving Permit (IDP) if your licence isn't in English or French. First time renting an RV? The Kaslo to Nelson stretch of Highway 31 and 3A is a forgiving, scenic place to get comfortable behind the wheel.
icbc.com/driver-licensing/visit-move-bc/Visit-BCIs my RV rental in Central Kootenay A protected if something goes wrong?
Yes, every booking on RVezy includes a renter protection plan plus 24/7 roadside assistance, so you can hit Highway 3A toward Kootenay Bay with peace of mind. The protection plan covers accidental damage to the RV during your trip, and you choose the coverage level that fits your comfort and budget during checkout. If you get a flat tire near Crawford Bay or a battery dies at Lockhart Beach, roadside assistance is one phone call away. Pro tip: take photos of the RV at pickup and drop-off so any pre-existing dings are documented, this keeps claims simple and your refund timeline fast.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailWhat happens if I need to cancel my Central Kootenay A RV rental?
Booking your RV rental in Central Kootenay A is low risk because RVezy sets the cancellation policy for every reservation, not individual hosts. There is a money-back grace period right after booking, and cancellations made further in advance of your trip generally qualify for stronger refunds. If a host cancels on you, RVezy refunds the booking or provides travel credits. You won't see different cancellation rules on each listing because the policy is platform-wide. Pro tip: lock in your dates early for peak July and August on Kootenay Lake, then adjust later if needed, the best lakefront-ready rigs book out months ahead.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360037736674-Understanding-the-cancellation-policy-for-guestsCan I bring my dog on a pet-friendly RV rental in Central Kootenay A?
Absolutely, pet-friendly RV rental options in Central Kootenay A are easy to find on RVezy by toggling the Pet-Friendly filter, which surfaces hosts who welcome dogs and sometimes cats. The Kootenays are a dream for dog owners, with trails at Kokanee Creek Provincial Park, beach access along Kootenay Lake, and dog-welcoming patios in nearby Nelson and Kaslo. BC Parks allows leashed pets on most trails and in campsites, though pets are restricted from designated swim beaches. Pro tip: message the host before booking to confirm any pet cleaning fee, and pack a towel for muddy paws after exploring the Pilot Bay Lighthouse trail near Crawford Bay.
bcparks.ca/plan-your-trip/rules-and-regulations/pets-in-parks/Can the RV be delivered to my campsite in Central Kootenay A?
Yes, RV delivery Central Kootenay A is a popular option and a game changer if it's your first time renting an RV or you'd rather skip towing on mountain highways. Many hosts will drive the motorhome or travel trailer directly to Kokanee Creek Provincial Park, Lost Ledge, Davis Creek, or a private cabin driveway near Balfour or Crawford Bay, then level it, hook up services, and walk you through every system. Use the Delivery filter on RVezy and check each host's delivery radius and per-kilometre fee. Pro tip: bundle delivery with setup and pickup so all you do is arrive, unpack groceries, and start your campervan rental Central Kootenay A adventure.
bcparks.ca/kokanee-creek-park/How far can I drive on an RV road trip from Central Kootenay A?
You can cover a lot of mountain country on an RV road trip from Central Kootenay A. Nelson is about 35 km southwest, Kaslo 45 km north, Castlegar 75 km west, Cranbrook 230 km east via the Kootenay Lake Ferry and Highway 3, Banff National Park about 470 km northeast, and Revelstoke roughly 250 km north via Highway 23. Hosts each set their own mileage policy, with some offering unlimited mileage and others including 150 to 250 km per night plus a per-kilometre rate beyond that. Pro tip: if you're planning a big loop through Radium Hot Springs and Kootenay National Park, filter for RV rental with unlimited mileage and you'll save real money on fuel-equivalent overage fees.
tranbc.ca/Where are the best campgrounds near Central Kootenay A?
You're surrounded by some of BC's most scenic campgrounds. Kokanee Creek Provincial Park, about 19 km east of Nelson on Highway 3A, is the biggest with two campgrounds (Sandspit and Redfish), a sandy delta beach, and full visitor centre. Davis Creek and Lost Ledge in Kootenay Lake Provincial Park sit 25 to 30 km north of Kaslo on Highway 31 with shaded, lakefront sites and a boat launch. Lockhart Beach Provincial Park, 40 km north of Creston on Highway 3A, has a beautiful pebble beach. For full hookups, try the private resorts around Balfour and Kootenay Bay. Pro tip: reserve Davis Creek sites 1-10 through BC Parks early, the rest are first-come, first-served.
bcparks.ca/kootenay-lake-park/When is the best time to visit Central Kootenay A in an RV?
Late June through mid-September is the sweet spot for RV camping Central Kootenay A, with daytime highs of 24 to 30°C, warm evenings, and most campgrounds, ferries, and lake activities in full swing. July and August are the busiest and warmest months, while September brings golden larches, fewer crowds, and a better chance of snagging lakefront sites at Davis Creek. May and early June are green and lush but cooler (10 to 18°C) with occasional rain. Winters are snowy and many provincial campgrounds close their services November through March. Pro tip: target the first two weeks of September for the best balance of weather, price, and availability on your Central Kootenay A RV trip.
climate.weather.gc.ca/climate_normals/results_1991_2020_e.html?searchType=stnProv&lstProvince=BCI've never driven an RV before, will I be okay in the Kootenays?
You'll do great, especially with a little prep. Every RVezy host gives you a hands-on orientation at pickup covering propane, water, sewer, slides, and driving tips, and you can message your host any time during the trip. For first time renting an RV drivers, the Kootenays are actually friendlier than they look: the main routes (Highway 3A between Nelson and Balfour, and Highway 31 toward Kaslo) are paved, well-maintained, and have generous pullouts for slower-moving rigs. Consider starting with a Class B campervan or smaller Class C if you're nervous about size. Pro tip: book delivery for your first night so you don't drive the RV until you're ready, by day two you'll feel like a pro.
tranbc.ca/rv-safety/What if I break down during my Central Kootenay A RV trip?
You're covered, 24/7 roadside assistance is included with every RVezy booking, no matter where you are in the Central Kootenay region. Whether you've got a flat tire on the ferry approach to Kootenay Bay, a dead battery at Lost Ledge, or a propane issue near Ainsworth Hot Springs, one phone call dispatches help. Cell service can be spotty along Highway 31 north of Kaslo and on some forest service roads, so screenshot the RVezy support number before you leave Nelson or Castlegar. Pro tip: your host is also a great resource, they know their rig inside out and often answer texts within minutes, saving you time on small issues like resetting the inverter or refilling the water pump.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailCan I take my Central Kootenay A RV rental across the border to the US?
Cross-border travel is possible on many RVezy bookings, just message the host directly before booking to confirm they allow US travel and to check the protection coverage details. Popular runs from this region include Highway 3 south to the Nelway or Kingsgate border crossings, then on to Sandpoint, Idaho (about 3 hours from Nelson) or Glacier National Park, Montana (about 5 hours). Travel to Mexico is not permitted on RVezy rentals due to insurance limitations. Bring your passport, vehicle ownership documents the host provides, and proof of insurance. Pro tip: declare any food and firewood at the border, US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is strict on agricultural items, especially fresh produce and untreated wood.
cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/travel-voyage/menu-eng.htmlWhat kind of fuel mileage and gas budget should I plan for?
Plan smart and fuel won't blow up your budget. Class B campervans get roughly 18 to 22 mpg (10 to 13 L/100 km), Class C motorhomes 10 to 14 mpg (17 to 24 L/100 km), and larger Class A rigs 7 to 10 mpg (24 to 34 L/100 km). Gas in the Central Kootenay region typically runs slightly higher than Vancouver, with Nelson, Castlegar, and Creston the cheapest local fill-up spots. A typical week-long loop through Nelson, Kaslo, Ainsworth, and Crawford Bay (around 400 km) usually costs CAD $120 to $250 in fuel for a mid-size motorhome. Pro tip: top up in Nelson or Castlegar before heading up Highway 31, prices climb in the smaller communities further north.
www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/natural-gas-oil/petroleum-productsHow far in advance should I book campgrounds in the Central Kootenay area?
For July and August, book BC Parks campgrounds the moment they open, the reservation window opens four months ahead on a rolling daily basis through the BC Parks reservation system. Kokanee Creek fills up fastest because of its sandy beach and Nelson proximity, while Lockhart Beach and the reservable sites at Davis Creek (sites 1-10) go quickly too. Private resorts around Balfour, Crawford Bay, and Ainsworth also start booking in February for summer. Shoulder season (June and September) is much easier to secure within a few weeks. Pro tip: if you miss the reservation window, set an alarm for 7 am Pacific and check for cancellations daily, sites open up constantly as plans change.
bcparks.ca/reservations/What are the driving conditions like around Central Kootenay A?
Driving here is gorgeous and very manageable with a little awareness. The main routes (Highway 3A, Highway 6, and Highway 31) are paved, two-lane mountain highways with regular pullouts so you can let faster traffic by. You'll cross Kootenay Lake on the world's longest free inland ferry (Balfour to Kootenay Bay, 35 minutes), which easily handles motorhomes and trailers. Watch for deer, elk, and the occasional black bear near dawn and dusk, and check DriveBC for winter conditions if you're traveling October through April, when winter tires or chains are required on most BC highways. Pro tip: take the ferry off-peak (before 9 am or after 6 pm in summer) to skip the lineup at Balfour.
drivebc.ca/What amenities will I find at campgrounds near Central Kootenay A?
Expect a mix from rustic to full-service. BC Parks campgrounds like Kokanee Creek and Davis Creek offer pit or flush toilets, potable water (hand-pumped at Davis Creek and Lost Ledge), picnic tables, and fire rings, but typically no electrical, water, or sewer hookups, so you'll rely on your RV's tanks and house batteries. Private resorts around Balfour, Crawford Bay, and Ainsworth Hot Springs offer 15/30/50-amp power, water, sewer hookups, sani-dumps, showers, and sometimes Wi-Fi. The nearest sani-dump stations are at Kokanee Creek and several private campgrounds along Highway 3A. Pro tip: fill your fresh water in Nelson or Kaslo before heading to provincial parks, and plan a mid-trip dump and fill at a serviced resort to extend off-grid time.
bcparks.ca/kokanee-creek-park/What features and amenities come with an RV rental in Central Kootenay A?
Most motorhome rental listings in Central Kootenay A come fully equipped for off-grid Kootenay adventures. Expect a queen or king bed, dinette and/or sofa that converts to extra sleeping, a kitchen with fridge, stove, microwave, and sink, a bathroom with toilet and shower, propane furnace, and seatbelted seating for travel. Many include a generator or solar setup for boondocking, plus an outdoor awning and Bluetooth speakers. Wi-Fi is hit-and-miss in the Kootenays due to terrain, so don't count on it deep in the valleys. Pro tip: filter listings on RVezy by what matters most to your family (sleeps count, generator, pet-friendly) and message the host to confirm bedding, towels, and kitchen kits are included.
rvezy.com/insurance-and-protectionWhat add-ons and pickup options should I know about?
Most hosts offer a menu of helpful add-ons: delivery and setup, generator use, bedding and linen packages, camp chairs, BBQs, bike racks, paddleboards or kayaks (perfect for Kootenay Lake), and pet cleaning fees. Mileage policies vary, some hosts include unlimited kilometres while others bundle 150 to 250 km per night with a small per-km rate after. Pickup is usually at the host's home base around Nelson, Balfour, Kaslo, or Crawford Bay, with a 30 to 60 minute orientation walkthrough. Drop-off is at the same location unless you arrange a one-way trip. Pro tip: ask about a paddleboard add-on, it's the ultimate Kootenay Lake accessory.
rvezy.com/insurance-and-protectionHow does payment and the security deposit work when I rent an RV in Central Kootenay A?
Payment is simple and secure, you pay through RVezy's platform with a credit card, never directly to the host, which protects both of you. Hosts set a refundable security deposit (commonly CAD $500 to $1,500 depending on the rig's value), which is held separately from your booking payment and released after drop-off once the RV is inspected. To avoid deposit issues, do a walkaround at pickup with the host and take date-stamped photos, return the RV with the same fuel and propane levels, and empty the tanks at a sani-dump unless the host says otherwise. Pro tip: keep all fuel and dump-station receipts, they make any deposit questions a 30-second conversation.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360038106214-How-the-security-deposit-worksNearby cities with campgrounds
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