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:

Reserve:

  • Online 24/7
  • By calling: 1-877-RESERVE (1-877-737-3783)

Camping in Kootenay National Park

Camping is permitted in designated areas only with a valid national park camping permit and a national park entry pass. 

What to bring

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

Camping regulations

In addition to keeping a clean campsite, a number of regulations are in effect to ensure campers have a safe and enjoyable experience.

General information
  • Camping is only permitted in a designated campsite.
  • Vehicles, trailers and tents must be within your designated site and on the tent pad.
  • A maximum of six people (including children) are permitted on each site.
  • Maximum length of stay is 14 nights.
  • The maximum number of vehicles and tents per site varies by campground. Select your campground below for details.
  • Do not tie anything to the trees, including tarps. Tarps should be strung using poles.
  • Never leave your food unattended! It is your responsibility to keep animals away from the campground. Secure all food and scented items inside your vehicle or hard-sided trailer/RV when you aren't eating. Click here for more information.
  • Check-in time: 2 p.m. (oTENTiks and Equipped camping: 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.).
  • Check-out time: 11 a.m.
  • Payment accepted:
    • For self-registration campsites, please have exact change or a credit card. Debit is not accepted.
    • Visa, Mastercard, American Express, JCB, CPU, Debit, Traveller's cheque or Cash.
  • For self-registration campsites, please have exact change or a credit card. Debit is not accepted.
  • After hours, please refer to signage posted in kiosk.
Permits

Campers must acquire the following permits to camp in Kootenay National Park:

  • National park entry pass - Available at the National Park entry gate, visitor centres, staffed campground kiosks, or online.
  • Camping permit - Available online (reservation.pc.gc.ca), over the phone (1-877-RESERVE) or at the campground kiosk. Upon arrival, check-in at the campground kiosk.
  • Fire permit - If you would like to have a fire, permits are available as part of your online reservation or at a campground kiosk.
Campground etiquette

You can ensure you're a good neighbour, and guarantee a good camping experience for yourself, by respecting and adhering to the following guidelines:

  • Washing dishes - Use the outdoor sink or a personal basin for washing dishes. Do not use the sinks inside the bathrooms. Dump dish water down outdoor sinks or at the sani-dump in campgrounds. Do not dump in bushes or on the ground.
  • Washing laundry - Please use your own tub and dump water down the outdoor sink or sani-dump. Laundry facilities are available in the village of Radium Hot Springs.
  • Recycling - Bottles and cans (refundable containers) can be recycled in each campground
  • Children - To ensure the safety of your children, please supervise them at all times. Children may become lost in the campground or may unknowingly trespass on a neighbouring campsite.
  • Driving - Respect the posted speed limits and remain alert while driving in the campground. Trees may obstruct your view and pedestrians, especially children, may suddenly dart out onto the road. Watch for stumps close to the road and campsites that might be hidden.
  • Accessing facilities - Please use roadways and pathways to access campground facilities (picnic shelters, bathrooms, etc.) and your own campsite. Cutting through a neighbouring campsite will disturb other campers and may cause damage to the fragile vegetation.
Quiet hours

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.

  • Quiet hours are in effect from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m.
  • During quiet hours, music, campfires, alcohol and cannabis are prohibited.
  • Only site occupants are allowed on a campsite after 11 p.m.
Generators

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.

Campfires

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:

  • Fire permit - Each registered party wanting to have a campfire must purchase a fire permit. Permits are available when reserving your site, at a staffed kiosk or at self-registration kiosks
  • Fire size - Fires must be contained within the metal fire ring provided. It is illegal to have a fire outside of a designated ring. Rock rings are prohibited but portable gas burning firepits are allowed. To reduce the negative impact of campfires on the environment, keep your fires to a reasonable size—stack the firewood no higher than the top of the ring.
  • Wood - Transporting wood from elsewhere may spread invasive bugs and disease, only burn wood obtained from the campground woodlot. Do not burn food or garbage or collect deadfall from the surrounding forest for burning. Use an axe to make your own kindling from the firewood provided.
  • Times - Campfires are permitted from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. Please respect your neighbours by keeping your voices down and putting out fires during quiet hours (11 pm to 7 am).
  • Never leave a fire - Fires must be attended at all times, and completely extinguished before leaving the area.
Alcohol, cannabis and campfire policies

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.

  • Ban on consumption: alcohol and cannabis are permitted at registered campsites but may not be open or consumed during quiet hours.
  • Ban on possession: alcohol and cannabis are not permitted at any time.
Pets

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. 

Clean up your site. Protect wildlife.

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.


Reserve your campsite here

 

Campgrounds in Kootenay National Park

Reservable
First-come, first-served

Select icons on the map to view campground images.


Campground Open (2024) Reservable (2024) Services Site Types

Redstreak

April 25 to October 14 April 25 to October 14 drinking water Sani dump Flush toliets Showers Fire pits picnic shelter Cooking shelter Food locker Public Telephone Playground Theatre Interpretive Programs

oTENTik
Full hookup
Electrical
Unserviced

Marble Canyon June 20 to September 2 New! June 20 to September 2 drinking water Sani dump Flush toliets Fire pits picnic shelter Cooking shelter Food locker

Unserviced

McLeod Meadows June 6 to September 9 New! June 6 to September 9 drinking water Sani dump Flush toliets Fire pits picnic shelter Cooking shelter Food locker Theatre Unserviced
Crook's Meadows June 15 to September 30 Reservations Required Outhouse Fire pits picnic shelter Cooking shelter Food locker Unserviced

Legend

Services:

    drinking water Drinking water

    Sani dump Sani Dump: Sewage disposal.

    Flush toliets Flush toilet

    Outhouse Outhouse

    Showers Showers

    Fire pits Firepits: Fire permits (including firewood) are included with reservations and/or available for purchase on site.

    Picnic shelter Picnic shelter

    Cooking shelter Cooking shelter

    Food locker Food Locker: Learn about the "Bare" Campsite program.

    Public Telephone Public Telephone

    Playground Playground

    Theatre Theatre

    Interpretive programs  Interpretive Programs


Campground descriptions

Redstreak
  • Open: April 25 to October 14, 2024
  • Sites: 242
  • Services:
    drinking water Sani dump Flush toliets Showers Fire pits picnic shelter Cooking shelter Food locker Public Telephone Playground Theatre Interpretive Programs

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:

  1. Follow speed limits and be an attentive driver.
  2. Always keep your pets on leash. It is the law.
  3. NEVER feed or entice a badger. Keep a clean campsite or picnic area.
  4. If you see a badger, keep at least 30 m away to avoid disturbing them. NEVER approach badgers or their burrows.
  5. Report all badger sightings to Parks Canada at llyk.wildlife@pc.gc.ca

Learn more

Marble Canyon
  • Open: June 20 to September 2, 2024
  • Sites: 60
  • Services:
    Drinking water Sani dump Flush toliets Fire pits Picnic shelter Cooking shelter Food locker

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:
    Drinking water Sani dump Flush toliets Fire pits picnic shelter Cooking shelter Food locker Theatre

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:
    Outhouse Fire pits picnic shelter Cooking shelter Food locker

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.

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