Frontcountry camping
Kootenay National Park
Whether you’re looking for a quiet spot near the river or prefer to be close to the Village of Radium Hot Springs, the perfect basecamp awaits you. With high demand in the summer months, planning ahead is key. Find suggested packing lists, campsite rules, booking info and camping tips below.
Campsite bookings:
- Reservation launch: Tuesday, January 23 2024 at 8:00 am MT
- Prepare for launch day
Reserve:
- Online 24/7
- By calling: 1-877-RESERVE (1-877-737-3783)
Camping is permitted in designated areas only with a valid national park camping permit and a national park entry pass. The weather in Kootenay National Park is pleasant, but unpredictable. The average high temperature during the day in spring and summer ranges from 16° to 23° celsius, though temperatures at night can drop below zero. It can also rain, snow or hail any time of year! In order to be prepared for your camping experience, ensure you consult our camping checklist. In addition to keeping a clean campsite, a number of regulations are in effect to ensure campers have a safe and enjoyable experience. Campers must acquire the following permits to camp in Kootenay National Park: You can ensure you're a good neighbour, and guarantee a good camping experience for yourself, by respecting and adhering to the following guidelines: Excessive noise is not permitted at any time of the day. Any disturbance should be reported immediately to Park Wardens or park staff. Contact us. Generator use is only permitted between the hours of 9 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. daily, in order to provide campers with a quiet and enjoyable experience. From May to September, a number of policies are in place to ensure visitors get a good night's sleep. Daily fire bans are in effect during quiet hours (11 p.m. to 7 a.m.). In order to keep your campfire safe for you and for the environment, adhere to the following regulations: From May to September, a number of policies are in place to ensure visitors get a good night’s sleep. An alcohol and cannabis consumption ban and a fire ban are in effect daily at campgrounds during quiet hours from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. During summer long weekends, a complete ban on the possession of alcohol and cannabis is in effect at all campgrounds. In Parks Canada campgrounds, non-medical cannabis and alcohol consumption is limited to the visitor’s campsite. Smoking and vaping is not permitted in campground within 6 meters of common areas (such as playgrounds, kitchen shelters, washrooms, trails, or roads). Please note: there is a difference between a ban on the consumption of alcohol/cannabis and a ban on possession. To keep pets and wildlife safe, your pets must be leashed at all times and not left unattended. Pet food should be stored inside your vehicle to avoid attracting wildlife to the campground. Pets are not permitted within the oTENTiks. Failure to comply: Parks Canada staff are here to help and may enter your site to remind you of these regulations. Campers who fail to comply with keeping a clean site and other regulations may have their camping permit revoked without a refund. Campers may be charged under the Canada National Parks Act and National Parks Campground Regulations, be required to appear in court, and could pay fines up to $25,000. The permit holder is responsible for ensuring their campsite is maintained in a satisfactory condition. When not being consumed or used, all food, pet food, toiletries and scented items that may attract wildlife must be kept in your vehicle or hard-sided trailer. Coolers are not bear proof and must be stored away at all times! A special effort is being made by park staff and campers to ensure that no wildlife attractants are ever left unattended at any sites in these campgrounds. Click here to learn more what you can do to ensure your safety, and to help keep the wildlife in our National Parks alive and wild. To prevent wildlife incidents, food preparation, storage, eating, drinking, or cooking is not permitted inside of the oTENTik. Note: By camping in a national park, you agree that Parks Canada staff may enter open and plainly visible areas of an unattended campsite to remove and secure plainly visible wildlife attractants. Keep your campsite clean to reduce the risks to your personal safety and to wildlife. Camping in Kootenay National Park
What to bring
Camping regulations
General information
Permits
Campground etiquette
Quiet hours
Generators
Campfires
Alcohol, cannabis and campfire policies
Pets
Clean up your site. Protect wildlife.
Reserve your campsite here
Campgrounds in Kootenay National Park
Select icons on the map to view campground images.
Campground | Open (2024) | Reservable (2024) | Services | Site Types |
---|---|---|---|---|
April 25 to October 14 | April 25 to October 14 |
|
oTENTik |
|
Marble Canyon | June 20 to September 2 | New! June 20 to September 2 |
Unserviced |
|
McLeod Meadows | June 6 to September 9 | New! June 6 to September 9 | Unserviced | |
Crook's Meadows | June 15 to September 30 | Reservations Required | Unserviced |
Legend
Services:
Drinking water
Sani Dump: Sewage disposal.
Flush toilet
Outhouse
Showers
Firepits: Fire permits (including firewood) are included with reservations and/or available for purchase on site.
Picnic shelter
Cooking shelter
Food Locker: Learn about the "Bare" Campsite program.
Public Telephone
Playground
Theatre
Campground descriptions
Redstreak
- Open: April 25 to October 14, 2024
- Sites: 242
- Services:
- Fees: See full list of camping fees here
- Sites Types:
- 10 oTentik:
- 50 Full hookups
- 38 Electrical
- 144 Unserviced
Redstreak Campground is located 2.5 km above the village of Radium Hot Springs on a sunny plateau. The campground occupies 90 acres of woodland, with short trails offering spectacular views of the Columbia Valley. A network of easy trails connects the campground to the village of Radium Hot Springs, the Radium Hot Springs pools, and the Letwilc7úl̓ecw interpretive trail.
Campsites are a mix of full-service, 15/30 amp electric service, and unserviced sites. These sites are best suited for tents, or motorhomes and trailers up to 35 feet.
Redstreak Campground includes 10 oTENTik tent-cabins. oTENTik units are a spacious blend of a tent and an A-frame cabin equipped with beds and furniture on a raised floor.
Reservations are highly recommended at this location. Ask about the free evening interpretive programs hosted by Parks Canada at the campground theater.
Important information
- All Redstreak Campground sites are reservable.
- The kiosk is open daily during operational season. If you arrive after hours, please check the kiosk for your site assignment and register in the morning.
- The maximum number of people per campsite is 6.
- Unit restrictions: 3 units (a unit is one vehicle, RV, trailer or tent).
- Only 1 RV / trailer and 1 vehicle are permitted per site.
- Only 1 vehicle and 1 screened dining shelter are permitted per oTENTik unit.
- All vehicles must fit on the driveway. All tents must be on the gravel area of the campsite.
- Smoking and vaping are not permitted inside oTENTik units.
- For groups that prefer to camp together, note that there are fire and no-fire loops when selecting a site. Firewood is provided.
- All washrooms and showers have hot and cold running water and flush toilets.
- Cell service is available at this campground. WiFi is not available.
Directions
Located on Redstreak Road, 2.5 km from the village of Radium Hot Springs.
Endangered species alert
Endangered badgers frequent Redstreak Campground. Help Parks Canada keep badgers safe by following these 5 rules:
- Follow speed limits and be an attentive driver.
- Always keep your pets on leash. It is the law.
- NEVER feed or entice a badger. Keep a clean campsite or picnic area.
- If you see a badger, keep at least 30 m away to avoid disturbing them. NEVER approach badgers or their burrows.
- Report all badger sightings to Parks Canada at llyk.wildlife@pc.gc.ca
Marble Canyon
- Open: June 20 to September 2, 2024
- Sites: 60
- Services:
- Fees: See full list of camping fees here
- Sites Types:
- 60 Unserviced
Marble Canyon Campground is located high in a sub-alpine spruce forest with spectacular mountain views. This is an excellent base for the extensive mountain trail system in the northern part of Kootenay National Park. The self-guided interpretive trails to Marble Canyon and the culturally significant Paint Pots are easily accessed from the campground.
Sites are unserviced and best suited for tenting, and small motorhomes and trailers under 15 feet.
Important information
- New! Reservations available June 20 – September 2. All sites are reservable.
- The maximum people per campsite is 6.
- Unit restrictions: 2 units (a unit is one vehicle, RV, trailer or tent).
- Only 1 small RV / trailer and 1 vehicle are permitted per site.
- Only 1 tent and 1 vehicle per site.
- All vehicles must fit on the driveway. All tents must be on the gravel area of the campsite.
- All washrooms have cold running water and flush toilets.
- Each campsite includes firepits with attached cooking grill. Firewood is provided.
- There is no cell phone coverage at this campground. WiFi is not available.
Directions
86 kms north of Radium Hot Springs, B.C. on Highway 93.
McLeod Meadows
- Open: June 6 to September 9, 2024
- Sites: 88
- Services:
- Fees: See full list of camping fees here
- Sites Types:
- 88 Unserviced
McLeod Meadows Campground occupies a quiet wooded area on the Kootenay River banks with spectacular mountain views. Enjoy easy access to the Dog Lake Trail. The open grasslands and river flood plains make an ideal habitat for wildlife viewing, and enjoying early summer wildflower blooms.
Sites are unserviced and best suited for tenting, and motorhomes and trailers under 30 feet.
Important information
- New! Reservations available June 6 – September 9. All sites are reservable.
- The maximum number of people per campsite is 6.
- Unit restrictions: 3 units (a unit is one vehicle, RV, trailer or tent).
- Only 1 RV / trailer and 1 vehicle are permitted per site.
- All vehicles must fit on the driveway. All tents must be on the gravel area of the campsite.
- All washrooms have hot and cold running water and flush toilets.
- Each campsite includes firepits with attached cooking grill. Firewood is provided.
- There is no cell phone coverage at this campground. WiFi is not available.
Directions
30 kms north of Radium Hot Springs, B.C. on Highway 93.
Crook's Meadows
- Open: June 15 to September 30, 2024
- Sites: Group Campground
- Services:
- Fees: See full list of camping fees here
- Sites Types:
- Unserviced
Crook’s Meadow Group Campground is available to schools and registered not-for-profit groups only. This large open meadow was once among the oldest homesteads in Kootenay National Park. Its central location offers easy access to the park’s many recreational activities, while offering excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.
Campsites are unserviced and best suited for tents, or motorhomes and trailers up to 21 feet.
Important information
- Advanced reservations are required.
- Minimum group size: 20 people.
- Maximum group size: 50 people.
- All vehicles must fit on the driveway. All tents must be on the gravel area of the campsite.
- RV campers may use sani-dump at McLeod Meadows Campground.
- Campground includes large timber-framed communal cooking shelter and large communal firepit area. Firewood is provided.
- There is no cell phone coverage at this campground. WiFi is not available.
Directions
34 kms north of Radium Hot Springs, B.C. on Highway 93.
Related links
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