Summit Lake Provincial Park - Canada
Discover the RVezy RV rental marketplace
About Summit Lake Provincial Park
RV quick facts for Summit Lake Provincial Park
Featured RV rentals for Summit Lake Provincial Park
Best time to visit Summit Lake Provincial Park
July and August are the prime months, when lake water is warm enough for swimming, Highway 6 is clear of snow, and the campground and day-use area are fully operating. Late June and early September are good shoulder windows for RVers who want cooler nights and fewer neighbours, though water temperatures drop quickly after Labour Day. Late summer also brings the western toad migration, when these primarily nocturnal amphibians frequent the park as tadpoles undergo metamorphism, a unique wildlife spectacle. Winter travel is limited, as mountain highway conditions in the Kootenays can change rapidly.
Campground closed for winter; mountain driving conditions on Highway 6
Campground closed, day-use only access
Campground closed; snow still common at elevation
Campground typically still closed ahead of the summer season
Campground opens in late spring; lake still cool for swimming
Warm days, cool nights; wildflowers and green forests
Peak season; reserve sites well in advance
Peak season; warm lake swimming and western toad migration late in the month
Quieter shoulder season; cooler nights
Campground typically closes for the season
Campground closed; winter driving conditions possible on Highway 6
Campground closed for winter
Things to do at Summit Lake Provincial Park
- Swimming at Summit Lake Beach EasyRV parking available
The beach is 100 metres long with a shale and pebble type surface, and warm water attracts swimmers, making this a very popular swimming area. The day-use area has parking and is connected to the campground by a short gravelled trail. bcparks.ca/summit-lake-park/
- Canoeing and Kayaking EasyRV parking available
Summit Lake is a calm, scenic paddling destination in the Selkirk Mountains. Paddlers can access the lake from either the boat launch or the lake front campsites, and many users leave their canoe and kayak on the beach. bcparks.ca/summit-lake-park/
- Fishing for Rainbow and Cutthroat Trout EasyRV parking available
Park visitors can enjoy summer or winter fishing for rainbow and cutthroat trout, and anyone fishing in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence. Check the current BC Freshwater Fishing Regulations Synopsis for quotas and restrictions. bcparks.ca/summit-lake-park/
- Day-Use Picnic Area Walk EasyRV parking available
The park has a short, graveled walking trail from the campground to the day-use and picnic area. It is an easy stroll suitable for most visitors and a good way to stretch after a long drive. bcparks.ca/summit-lake-park/
- Western Toad Viewing EasyRV parking available
The park features important migration and breeding habitat for western toads, particularly on the northern end of the lake, usually in late summer when tadpoles undergo metamorphism. Watch your step on trails and roads during the migration. bcparks.ca/summit-lake-park/
- Wildlife and Bird Viewing EasyRV parking available
The islands near the campground present excellent nesting opportunities for shorebirds and provide perching refuge for eagles, hawks and kingfishers. The forests and rocky slopes north of the park offer suitable habitat for grizzly bear, mountain goat and cougar, so keep a safe distance. bcparks.ca/summit-lake-park/
- Day Trip to Nakusp Hot Springs EasyRV parking available
Nakusp Hot Springs is a popular soaking destination roughly half an hour's drive from the park via Nakusp. It pairs well with a Summit Lake base camp for RVers exploring the Arrow Lakes area.
RV delivery to a campground, made simple
Skip the pickup. Skip the towing. Get an RV delivered and set up at your campsite so you can arrive, unpack, and start your trip stress-free.
Choose your perfect RV
Browse RVs that offer delivery to your site and book the one that fits your budget and adventure style.
Lock in your campsite
Reserve your campsite with the hookups and amenities you need. We’ll help you find RVs that meet site requirements.
Arrive and relax
Your host delivers and sets up the RV before you get there. Just show up and start enjoying your trip.
Find the perfect RV for these nearby campgrounds
RV Rentals Summit Lake Provincial Park
Summit Lake Provincial Park, BC, Canada
How to get to Summit Lake Provincial Park
The park sits on Highway 6 in the southern interior, 18 km southeast of Nakusp and 26 km northwest of New Denver, about a 15 to 20 minute drive from either town. RVers approaching from the Okanagan typically travel via Vernon and the Needles free cable ferry across Lower Arrow Lake, a short crossing with vehicle length and weight limits, so confirm your rig fits before planning that route. Highway 6 is a winding mountain road with some steep grades and tight curves through the Selkirks, so drive cautiously and use low gears on descents. The closest airport for fly-and-rent travellers is West Kootenay Regional Airport in Castlegar, about a two-and-a-half hour drive south.
RVezy vs. Traditional RV rental
RVezy rentals
- Book directly from local RV owners
- Choose the exact RV you want
- Delivery to your campsite, home, or destination
- More variety: trailers, motorhomes, and campers
Traditional RV rental
- Limited fleet from a rental company
- Exact RV not guaranteed
- Pickup only at retail locations
- Fewer RV types and less availability