Situated in Canada’s only desert, Osoyoos, BC is the closest Canadians can get to a desert destination without leaving the country. When travel is permitted again, finding Osoyoos camping spots should be at the top of your summer wish list. We’ve got all the details on where to find the the best campgrounds in this warm oasis.
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Osoyoos Camping
When it comes to Osoyoos camping, there are plenty of options, from private to public campsites, cabins and even B&Bs. So many of its campgrounds are situated just minutes away from Osoyoos and offer beach access – something you’ll really appreciate during the hot summer months.
Unlike the mild climate in certain parts of BC, Osoyoos has an average daily temperature of 36°C, and rarely drops below freezing. Bathing suits and shorts are a must for this vacation!
Back to camping, you’ll find some amazing sites in the Osoyoos region, especially around Oliver, BC. Here’s a look at our favourite campsites in Osoyoos.
Nk’Mip RV Park & Campground
Situated on the shores of Osoyoos Lake and the edge of the Sonora Desert, Nk’Mip RV Park and Campground offers lakefront sites and beach access. The campground is open to tents and RVs and has a cabin to rent.
The campground is located on Canada’s warmest lake and is nearby the Rattlesnake Canyon Amusement Park. Campers can enjoy guided wine and cultural tours with Sẁiẁs Spirit Tours.
Close by is the Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre, located on a 1600-acre desert conservation area. Pronounced in-ka-meep, the Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre is a state-of-the-art interpretive centre, featuring a theatre, outdoor exhibit and sculpture gallery, walking trails and more. Guests can enjoy guided walks to learn more about the Nk’Mip peoples, the landscape and the local wildlife.
Campground amenities include:
- Cantina
- Private Boat Dock
- Convenience Store
- Playground
- Water Rentals
- Boat and trailer storage
- Free WIFI
- Horseback Riding
- Indoor pool and hot tub
Riverhaven RV Park
Located near Hedley, BC, Riverhaven RV Park is a lovely river-side campground. The campground offers 22 full-service hookups, with 4 big rig pull-thru sites and 3 motel rooms. The RV sites start at $45 per night, while the motel rooms start at $85 a night.
In Hedley, guests can visit the Mascot Goldmine, museum, trading post, gift shop, country store and flea market. There’s also wine tours nearby in Oliver, Osoyoos, Cawston and Naramata.
RV Park amenities include:
- Games room
- Horseshoe pits
- Washrooms
- Showers
- Coin laundry
- River access
- Free WIFI
sẁiẁs Provincial Park (Haynes Point)
sẁiẁs Provincial Park campground is a public campground managed by the Osoyoos Indian Band. This lakeside campground is also an archeological and cultural heritage site.
The campground is open from April 1 to October 11, with reservable sites starting on May 21. Guests can enjoy canoeing, kayaking, cycling, fishing (with a licence), hiking, swimming, waterskiing and wildlife viewing. Both tents and RVs are welcome.
Amenities include:
- Boat launch
- Campfires
- Drinking water
- Picnic areas
- Flush toilets
- Island View RV Resort
Island View RV Resort
Island View RV Resort is an all-season RV Park located just 5 minutes from downtown Osoyoos. One of the defining features of this resort is that it boasts a private beach, only accessible to campers. In nearby Osoyoos, campers will find wineries, golf, beaches, markets and restaurants.
Sites start at $78 per night during the high season and $52 per night during the low season. The RV Resort also offers monthly and weekly stay options.
Amenities include:
- Spacious sites
- Ice cream/coffee bar
- Convenience store
- Boutique and gift shop
- WIFI at office/store area
- Washrooms, coin showers and laundromat
- Boat launch and dock
- Playground
- Paddleboard/kayak rentals
Brookevale Campground
Brookevale Campground is located right in Osoyoos and offers 52 campsites and 12 cabanas. The campsites are available for tenting or RVing, offering up to 30amps of power.
The campground only has 4 sewer sites on-site, so be aware of this before arriving. Campsites start at $37 per night. Brookvale Campground also offers Cabanas that start at $65 per night.
Guests have access to golfing, hiking, biking, bird watching, horseback riding and water sports, either in the campground or nearby.
Campground amenities include:
- Laundry
- Showers and washrooms
- Beach Rentals
- Sand Beach
- Store
- Propane firepit rentals
- Play area
- Boat ramp
Arosa Ranch
Arosa Ranch is a stunning camping area with cabins, RV and tent camping, plus a BnB. The ranch is located 20-km outside of Osoyoos and it’s 30-km to Mt. Baldy.
Each campsite includes a fire pit, a picnic table, and sweeping views of the forest, foothills and mountains. These sites start at $38 per night. The RV sites are similar, with the addition of as electricity, water and sewage hookups, starting at $55 per night.
On-site cabins start at $150/night and offer multiple sleeping options, bathrooms, kitchenettes, outdoor seating, shared BBQs and more. Lastly, for the most luxurious stay, guests can stay at one of the on-site B&Bs, starting at $150/night.
Amenities include:
- Washrooms and hot showers
- Outdoor dining
- Fishing
- Swimming
- Above-ground pool
- Playground
- Trampoline
- Lawn Games
- Hot tubs
- Forest trails
- Nordic sauna
Kettle River Recreation Area
The Kettle River Recreation Area is a public campground run by the province. Depending on COVID regulations, non-BC residents may not be able to stay on these sites. This one fills up fast, so be sure to reserve early.
While there are less amenities at this public campground, the opportunities in the area are plentiful. Enjoy canoeing, kayaking, cycling, hiking, swimming and winter recreation options. Pets are also allowed.
Amenities include:
- Accessible site options
- Campfires
- Drinking water
- Picnic areas
- Pit/flush toilets
- Playground
- Sani-dump (at an extra cost)
- Showers
The Orchard at Oliver
The Orchard at Oliver is a full-service campground inside a fruit orchard! The campground sports large, level, private sites for camping. It also offers rustic cabanas, an on-site RV for rent, plus on-site motel rooms.
The RV sites start at $35/night and include water, sewer, cable, WIFI, picnic bench and fruit trees. The Rustic Cabanas start at $65/night and include a queen-size bed, kitchenette, air conditioning, running water and power. The on-site RV comes with a king-size bed, queen-size sofa bed, 2 Tvs, fireplace, kitchen, shower and wifi. Prices aren’t listed online, so call to inquire.
For a different type of sleep, stay in the on-site motel that includes queen-size beds, air conditioning, kitchenettes, TV and WIFI. These rooms start at $85/night.
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Amenities include:
- Swimming pool and hot tub
- Gas BBQs
- Club House
- Washrooms and Laundry
- Guest Services
Desert Gem RV Resort
Named for its proximity to the only desert in Canada, Desert Gem RV Resort is perfect for big and small RVs, with paved spaces and pull-thru parking. The campground is for RVs only, but guests can also rent an on-site RV if they don’t have their own.
The town of Oliver has a spray park and community pool to cool off in. Desert Gem is also nearby Vaseux Lake and golf courses at Fairview Mountain and Nk’Mip Canyon Desert.
There are plenty of wineries in the area, plus the Oliver museum and theatre. The RV Resort is only 20 minutes outside of Osoyoos, so it’s super easy to dash into town.
Amenities include:
- Full hook-ups (utilities, cable & internet)
- Accessible areas
- Picnic tables
- Community clubhouse
- Air conditioning
- Laundry
- Washrooms with private showers
- Pet friendly
Kettle River RV Park
Kettle River RV Park is located just 40 minutes outside of Osoyoos, in Rock Creek, BC. The RV Park is great for big RVs, offering large pull-thru sites. Tenting is also available. Sites start at $45 per night for RVs and $30 per night for tenting and tent trailers.
Guests can enjoy a discount at the Kettle Valley Golf Club. At the nearby town of Midway, guests will find a museum, the Kettle Valley Rail Trail, mountain biking and hiking trails and a small USA border crossing.
Near the campground, you’ll find plenty of opportunity for fishing and hunting, cycling, gold panning, hiking, and swimming. If you time it right, you can also visit the Rock Creek Fair.
Amenities include:
- WIFI access for email and internet browsing only (no streaming)
- Free showers
- Coin laundry
- Playground
- Volleyball nets and equipment rentals
- Large grassy spaces
Have you camped in Osoyoos? Where’s your favourite place to stay?
MORE CAMPING AND BC IDEAS:
Best private campgrounds on Vancouver Island
Where to find BC’s best hot springs
10 Places to eat and drink in the Okanagan
Best Okanagan Lake region wineries
Remember These Camping Spots!
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