New Ways to Camp: Must-See Camping Spots in the Thompson Okanagan
A convenient stopping point for road trippers between Vancouver and the Canadian Rockies, the Thompson Okanagan extends through BC’s center, from the Washington border, in Osoyoos, north to the lakes of the Shuswap region and beyond to the Canadian Rockies in Valemount. In this agricultural and wine-producing area, campers can choose from campsites overlooking lakes, amid the many vineyards, or in the secluded desert-like hills. Beyond the wineries, farm stands, hiking trails, and cycling routes, plenty of opportunities to swim, kayak, and canoe the lakes also await. Read on for our favourite Okanagan campsite picks from Hipcamp.
Hipcamp is an organization that believes that humans in nature bring out the best of human nature. They uphold this belief by connecting the public with people who want to share their beautiful property with others by offering camping on their land.
In order to protect the beautiful campgrounds and trails within the region, one must be mindful of the impacts they are leaving behind. Learn how you can protect the natural attractions of the Thompson Okanagan by reading the Camper’s Code and taking the 7 Affirmations Pledge.
Lakeside + Lakeview Forested Camping, Lake Country
Find secluded Okanagan campsites with views over Wood Lake.
Why we love this spot
You can cycle a rail trail, explore Lake Country’s wineries, or simply enjoy the sunset over the lake from this secluded waterfront camping spot set on a 10-acre cherry orchard.
Lakeside Camping Property
Photo by Brian Skinner
Lakeside Camping Property
Photo by Holly Wingert
Things to do nearby
Pedal the Okanagan Rail Trail along the shores of Wood Lake, then continue North along Kalamalka Lake where you can stop to swim at sandy Kal Beach. Taste your way through Lake Country’s Scenic Sip Wine Trail , with visits to 50th Parallel Estate, Gray Monk Estate Winery, Arrowleaf Cellars, and other wineries. Whiz across the zip lines or challenge the ropes course at Oyama Zipline Adventure Park, or pick your own apples, cherries, and peaches at one of the many local farms, such as Rose Hill Orchard.
Kalamalka Lake, British Columbia
Photo by BC/Andrew Strain
Where to grab food
The Jammery dishes out breakfast all day (think all-you-can-eat waffles), while Pane Vino serves some of the area’s best pizza, crafted from local ingredients and finished in a wood-fired oven. At the same location, Gatzke Orchards sells farmstand produce, jams, pies, and ice cream; they also rent electric bikes for riding the rail trail. BLOCK ONE at 50th Parallel and The Lookout at Gray Monk Estate Winery are highly regarded Lake Country winery restaurants, where you can wrap up your wine tasting with a meal overlooking the vineyards.
Back Forty Vineyards, Peachland
Stroll between the vines on this working farm above Okanagan Lake.
Why we love this spot
With just two sites for tents or RVs, this winery camping spot is convenient to the sandy beaches on Okanagan Lake, hiking trails into the hills, and wineries from Summerland to West Kelowna.
Back Forty Vineyards Property
Photo by Mary Paquet
Back Forty Vineyards Property
Photo by Mary Paquet
Things to do nearby
Hike the Pincushion Mountain Trail, a short but steep route that pays off with panoramic views over Okanagan Lake. For a gentler excursion, follow an easier trail on Giant’s Head Mountain in Summerland, head for Darke Lake Provincial Park to fish for rainbow or brook trout, or go for a swim from the sandy beach at Sun-Oka Beach Provincial Park. Sample wines at Sumac Ridge, Okanagan Crush Pad, or other local wineries, or stroll the lakeshore along Peachland’s Beach Avenue.
Pincushion Mountain, Summerland
Photo by Destination BC/Grant Harder
Where to grab food
At Bliss Bakery in Peachland, hit the patio overlooking the lake for coffee and fresh-baked muffins or mid-day soup and a sandwich. Stop at Summerland’s Dirty Laundry Vineyard, which also brews beer, and dig into a smoked meat plate or a pizza. At Back Forty Vineyards, you’re close enough to West Kelowna to try a bannock sandwich at Indigenous-owned Kekuli Cafe; a burger or steak at The Modest Butcher, the vineyard-view dining room at Mt. Boucherie Estate Winery; or whatever’s on offer for lunch at the Terrace Restaurant at Mission Hill Family Estate.
Back Forty Vineyards Property
Photo by Mary Paquet
Back Forty Vineyards Property
Photo by Mary Paquet
North Okanagan Camping, Spallumcheen
Grassy sites with valley vistas draw campers to this welcoming property north of Vernon.
Why we love this spot
You can park your RV or pitch your tent on the grassy lawns of this spacious, quiet North Okanagan property that’s convenient to hiking and mountain biking routes.
North Okanagan Camping Property
Photo by Suzanne Rushton
North Okanagan Camping Property
Photo by Suzanne Rushton
Things to do nearby
Hike the Tplaqin Trail in Enderby Cliffs Provincial Park, which rewards hikers who’ve made the climb with views across the valley and over the park’s rocky crags. SilverStar Mountain Resort attracts skiers and snowboarders in winter, but during the summer months, you can challenge its downhill terrain by mountain bike, explore the 45-mile (70-km) network of cross-country cycling trails, or hike the meadows and hills beneath the Monashee Mountains. Tour the hives at Planet Bee Honey Farm in Vernon, or watch a film from your car at Enderby’s old-school Starlight Drive-In, one of Canada’s few remaining drive-in theatres.
North Okanagan Camping Property
Photo by Cindy Couch
Planet Bee Honey Farm, Vernon
Photo by Nic Collar
Where to grab food
Start your day with buttermilk pancakes or chicken and waffles at EATology in Vernon, then follow the Vernon Tasting Trail to sample the area’s bakeries, farm stands, and cheese shops, or track down local food trucks like Mi Taqueria Mexican Cuisine or Gord Oh’s. Assemble a charcuterie platter or buy links to grill at Helmut’s Sausage Kitchen and pair your meats with a craft cider from Farmstrong Cider Company or the BX Press Cidery. Either would be delicious around your campfire.
Grandview Acres, Kamloops
Camp on this bucolic farm in the rolling hills of British Columbia’s interior.
Why we love this spot
A quiet country camping spot that’s still convenient to Kamloops, this 200-acre site has plenty of space for tents and RVs.
Things to do nearby
Go hiking or mountain biking along the desert trails in Kamloops’ Kenna Catwright Park, the largest municipal park in BC. Swim, canoe, kayak, or fish in Roche Lake Provincial Park, or drive up to Wells Gray Provincial Park, which has more than 41 named waterfalls and an extensive network of hiking trails. Take a walking or paddling tour with Indigenous-owned Moccasin Trails to learn about the heritage and culture of the Shuswap peoples. After a day out, stop for a pint at one of Kamloops’ craft breweries, such as Iron Road Brewing, Red Collar Brewing, and Bright Eye Brewing, or sample the fruits of local wineries on the Kamloops Wine Trail.
Kamloops Lookout
Photo by Destination BC/Andrew Strain
Moccasin Trails Tour
Photo by Indigenous Tourism BC/Brendin Kelly / Moccasin Trails
Where to grab food
Kamloops has lots of food options, from the laid-back Noble Pig Brewhouse and its crispy pickles, burgers, and beer, to Korean and Japanese specialties at Jacob’s Noodle & Cutlet, to jerked pork eggs Benedict, roti, and curried chicken at Jamaican Kitchen. If you’re around on a summer Sunday, plan to visit Kweseltken Farmer’s & Artisan Market, which showcases Indigenous producers, crafters, and other vendors.
Bright Eye Brewing, Kamloops
Photo by Destination BC/Nathan Martin
Written by Carolyn B. Heller
Based in Vancouver, Canada, writer Carolyn B. Heller specializes in immersive cultural, culinary, and experiential travel. She shares stories from her travels across six continents for publications including Lonely Planet, Travel + Leisure, Atlas Obscura, Explore, The Takeout, Roads & Kingdoms, Montecristo, Canadian Traveller, Trivago, and Perceptive Travel. She’s the author of three Canada guidebooks and has contributed to 50+ other travel titles.
About Hipcamp
Hipcamp is a growing community of good-natured people and the most comprehensive resource for unique outdoor stays. By connecting people with the land and each other, Hipcamp works to support those who care for the land and get more people out under the stars. We do this because we believe humans in nature bring out the best of human nature.
