Rent an RV for the Okanagan Wine Festival in Kelowna, BC Wine country adventure
Every September, the Okanagan Wine Festival draws thousands of wine lovers to British Columbia's premier wine region. With limited hotel availability and rising accommodation costs during peak season, an RV offers an ideal solution. Park near the festival, explore over 150 local wineries, and return to your comfortable home base without the pressure of daily check-outs or resort markups. Whether you're a wine enthusiast or simply seeking a memorable getaway, an RV transforms your festival experience into a relaxing, independent adventure.
Start planning your wine festival adventure by browsing RV rentals in the Kelowna area.
Okanagan Wine Festival Overview
The Okanagan Wine Festival is Canada's largest and most acclaimed wine festival, attracting over 100,000 visitors annually. Held each September across the Okanagan Valley region, the festival features tastings at dozens of participating wineries, culinary events, live entertainment, and educational seminars about viticulture and wine production. From upscale tasting lounges to casual vineyard picnics, the festival celebrates the region's world-class Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and other varietals.
Hotel rooms in Kelowna and surrounding communities fill up months in advance, often at premium rates. An RV parking near the festival provides freedom to explore at your own pace, access multiple wineries without driving concerns, and enjoy accommodations that feel like home. The Okanagan Valley's excellent RV infrastructure, scenic backroads, and numerous public campgrounds make it an RV-friendly destination for a multi-day festival experience.
Why RV Travel Works for the Okanagan Wine Festival
Explore RV rental options throughout the Kelowna and Okanagan area.
Experience wine country independence with the comfort and flexibility RVs provide.
- Wine Tasting Without Worry
- Enjoy tastings at multiple wineries throughout the day without concerns about driving. Return to your RV to relax or prepare for evening events.
- Affordable Multi-Day Stays
- RV parks charge significantly less per night than festival-period hotels. Stay as long as you want without premium holiday surcharges.
- Private Entertaining Space
- Invite new friends you meet at the festival back to your RV for wine and conversation. Enjoy meals and relaxation on your own schedule.
- Explore Beyond the Festival
- Use your RV as a base to discover hidden wineries, hike Okanagan trails, visit fruit stands, and explore charming valley communities.
- No Parking or Transit Hassles
- Park at your campground and use a vehicle or local transit for festival events. Avoid expensive parking fees and shuttle services.
- Comfortable Retreat
- After long days at the festival, retreat to your private RV with a hot shower, comfortable bed, and all your belongings at hand.
Festival Dates and Logistics
The Okanagan Wine Festival typically runs for 10 days in mid-September, with events spread across the entire Okanagan Valley region. The festival hub is in downtown Kelowna, though many events occur at individual wineries throughout the valley. Most wineries are within 20-40 minutes of central Kelowna, making RV travel between venues convenient.
Expect cool mornings (around 10-15°C) and mild afternoons (18-22°C) in September. Bring layers and comfortable walking shoes, as festival days involve exploring vineyard grounds and tasting rooms. Book your RV early, as the festival period is peak season for Okanagan travel.
Where People Stay for the Okanagan Wine Festival
Hotels and resorts around Kelowna offer traditional accommodation but charge premium rates during the festival—often $250-450 per night for basic rooms. Vacation rentals require minimum multi-night stays and fill quickly. Tent camping is inexpensive but offers little shelter from weather and doesn't provide the amenities festival-goers typically want after long days of tasting.
RV rentals provide a middle ground: private accommodations, full amenities, built-in transportation, and costs typically 40-60% less than hotels. An RV park stay during the festival averages $50-80 per night, compared to $250+ for hotels, and you control your schedule completely.
Which RV Type Works Best for the Okanagan Wine Festival?
Browse all RV types available for your festival dates.
Different RV types suit different travel styles and group sizes at the wine festival.
- Motorhomes
- Class A, B, or C motorhomes offer the most convenience for driving between wineries and returning to your comfortable base. Ideal for couples and small groups.
- Travel Trailers
- Set up at one campground for the entire festival and use your tow vehicle for winery visits. Great for larger groups wanting to stay put while exploring daily.
- Campervans
- Compact and fuel-efficient, campervans are perfect for couples or friends seeking a cozy festival experience without the cost of larger RVs.
Camping Options Near the Okanagan Wine Festival
Find all available campgrounds in the Kelowna area.
- 5 km from downtown
Hiawatha RV Park
Full-service RV park with 30/50-amp hookups, pull-through sites, and proximity to downtown Kelowna events. Excellent base for festival access.
- 8 km from downtown
Okanagan Lake Provincial Park
Scenic waterfront campground with RV sites, beach access, and hiking trails. More nature-oriented than city-based parks but still festival-accessible.
- 3 km from downtown
Kelowna Heights RV Park
Full-hookup sites with scenic valley views, laundry facilities, and a quiet atmosphere. Close to multiple winery regions for festival exploration.
- 6 km from downtown
Bear Mountain RV Resort
Premium resort-style RV park with amenities, social events, and central location. Higher-end option with full services and convenient festival access.
- 15 km south of downtown
Peachland Beach RV Park
Waterfront location south of Kelowna with full services and beach access. Quieter setting ideal for relaxing between festival days.
How People Plan the Okanagan Wine Festival with an RV
Most festival-goers with RVs follow these planning patterns: Arrive 1-2 days before the festival opens to secure a premium campground spot and settle in. Spend the first few days exploring individual wineries and getting familiar with the valley geography. Attend headline events mid-week when crowds are lighter. Use the final days to revisit favorite wineries or explore areas you missed. Many visitors extend their stay through the weekend after the official festival ends to enjoy quieter winery visits. Plan for 5-7 nights total to make the most of the experience without feeling rushed.
Practical Tips for the Okanagan Wine Festival with an RV
Book your RV at least 2-3 months ahead—the festival is peak season and inventory fills quickly. Reserve your campground site as soon as bookings open for that year. Check your RV's water and electrical systems before the trip; you'll use both heavily. Designate a non-drinking driver for winery visits, or use local shuttle services offered by some wineries. Download offline maps of the valley; cell service can be spotty in rural winery areas. Bring a cooler for wine bottles you purchase—your RV's refrigerator space may fill quickly. Plan for September weather with layers and an extra blanket; mornings are cool. Visit smaller, lesser-known wineries for shorter lines and more personal attention alongside popular festival venues. Consider a sightseeing pass if available; many festivals offer discounted entry to multiple wineries.
FAQ: Attending the Okanagan Wine Festival with an RV
- When is the best time to book an RV for the Okanagan Wine Festival?
The festival typically occurs in mid-September. Start looking for RV availability 3-4 months in advance (May-June). Popular RV types and ideal campground spots book out by July or early August. Booking early secures the best options and rates.
If you're flexible on dates, consider booking just after the main festival ends to enjoy the valley with fewer crowds while still visiting wineries and participating in extended festival events.
- Do I need a special license to drive an RV in British Columbia?
For most RVs under 10,000 kg (typical motorhomes and travel trailers), a standard driver's license is sufficient. Check your RV's specifications and your local regulations. If towing a trailer, verify your vehicle's weight and licensing requirements before departure.
Your rental company will guide you on licensing requirements when you book.
- What are typical RV park costs during the Okanagan Wine Festival?
Most RV parks in the Kelowna area charge $50-80 per night during the festival season. Premium full-service parks with additional amenities may run $80-100 per night. Rates increase closer to the festival dates, so booking early secures lower prices.
Budget $350-500 for a full 5-7 night festival stay, plus your RV rental cost. This typically costs 40-60% less than comparable hotel accommodations.
- Can I visit multiple wineries in one day from an RV?
Absolutely. The Okanagan Valley has over 150 wineries within a compact 60 km area. Most are 10-30 minutes apart by vehicle. Plan 2-3 wineries per day to avoid exhaustion and allow time for meals and rest between tastings.
Your RV acts as a comfortable base where you can rest between venues or return for lunch and conversation.
- What should I do with wine I purchase at the festival?
Your RV refrigerator can store wine if you have space, but a cooler with ice is often more practical for large purchases. Many visitors store bottles in a cool basement or shaded exterior compartment. Take advantage of shipping services offered by wineries to avoid transport hassles and weight concerns.
If you're flying back, check airline regulations. Most allow 1-2 bottles in checked luggage if properly wrapped.
- Are there activities besides wine tasting at the festival?
Yes, the Okanagan Wine Festival features live music, culinary competitions, art exhibitions, cooking demonstrations, and cultural performances. Daytime events include food-and-wine pairings, educational seminars, and vineyard tours. Evening events range from intimate dinners to large outdoor concerts.
The valley itself offers hiking, beach time at Okanagan Lake, mountain biking, and scenic drives—perfect activities between festival events.
- Is September weather suitable for RV camping?
September in the Okanagan is generally pleasant. Days warm to 18-22°C with cool mornings around 10-15°C. Bring layers, a fleece, and a light jacket. Rainfall is minimal in September, though the region transitions from summer to fall.
Most RV parks remain fully operational in September with excellent weather for exploring the valley.
Ready to experience the Okanagan Wine Festival from your RV? Start planning your escape to British Columbia's wine country today.