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Camping season is in full swing and lucky for us we have the beautiful Okanagan Valley right in our backyard to experience!
Exploring Vernon’s spectacular provincial parks and campgrounds is an excellent way to spend relaxing quality time with friends and family in nature. With all kinds of fun activities at your fingertips as well, you are guaranteed a great weekend vacation or staycation.
If you’re looking for the perfect place to visit for your weekend trip, check out Tourism Vernon’s list of the best spots in Vernon to set up camp for a weekend. You will also find out what sorts of activities you can enjoy while you’re there too!
Ellison Provincial Park
Nuzzled on the north-eastern shore of Okanagan Lake, Ellison Provincial Park offers easy access to pristine shorelines, scenic hiking trails and fresh, crisp air.
Head out for an afternoon hike amongst the ponderosa pine and Douglas-fir-filled forest, then cool off in the sun-drenched waters of Okanagan Lake while going for a paddle board.
You could even go scuba diving at the underwater dive park located at Otter Bay and see some cool sunken items including a rowboat, a Boston Whaler and a tugboat wreck!
While there are first-come, first-serve sites available, we recommend making a reservation so you can be sure you get a spot. Reservations can be made online here.
Kekuli Bay Provincial Park
Positioned on a beautiful bay on the west side of Kalamalka Lake, Kekuli Bay Provincial Park is a go-to destination for campers who want to spend the day out on the sparkling, royal blue lake waters.
If you’re looking for somewhere relaxing to cast out your line and maybe catch a couple of kokanees, bring along your boat and try your luck. The Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC also has a fun Learn to Fish Program that teaches basic angling skills to youth under 16 years old, so your kids have the opportunity to learn something new on your camping trip!
Canoeing, paddle boarding and swimming are just a few of the pastimes you can enjoy in the crystal waters at Kekuli Bay. This is one of the most in-demand spots to be this summer, so make sure you book a reservation before you go.
Cedar Falls Campground
Surrounded by sweeping cedar forests and just minutes walking distance away from the majestic BX Falls, you can’t go wrong by adding this amazing spot to your staycation itinerary.
Cedar Falls Campground is the perfect distance from Vernon. It’s close enough to enjoy summer attractions like Kalamalka Lake and Splashdown Waterslides, but far enough to get away from the hustle and bustle of it all and feel like you’re off the grid. The campground is truly a relaxing getaway for a weekend reset.
Your weekend away can include hiking amongst the towering trees on the BX hiking trails, roasting marshmallows over the campfire, meeting other campers in the gathering area and taking in the brisk mountain air.
Family-owned Cedar Falls is a popular destination because of the beautiful scenery and clean washrooms and showers. It sees many return visitors, so make sure you book your spot early!
Utopia Feels Botanical Glampground
Escape the city and spend the weekend at the farm. The motto of Utopia Feels is happiness above all else, and with an ever-growing petting zoo, you and the family are sure to leave happy.
The glampground offers its own twist on camping with its bohemian-inspired heavy-duty canvas bell tents. Each tent is furnished with unique patio furnishings, handmade, reclaimed and refurbished furniture, and linens, pillows and blankets.
Children and parents alike will love the petting zoo. Hit up their pens to see their Jersey calf, Flemish giant rabbits, Kunekune pig, Nubian buckling and their Nigerian dwarf goats.
If you’re ready to get your glamping on, reserve your tent here.
SilverStar Mountain Resort Campgrounds
Situated by the SilveStar Mountain Resort bike park at an elevation of 1,609m, the campgrounds have spectacular views of the Monashee Mountain Range and a variety of sites available for campers, RVs and tents. It’s a picture and experience perfect camping spot!
The pet-friendly campground has powered and non-powered sites, picnic tables, free wifi at The Village, personal firepits at some of the sites, as well as water and indoor or outdoor washrooms. The Village and exciting activities, delicious restaurants and other amenities are minutes away.
To ensure your peace of mind and ultimate comfort, there is a security team that patrols the area at night and during the day.
Plus, it’s so close to Canada’s second-largest bike park, offering 139 plus km of trails to ride and hike. Avid bikers and hikers find the resort a haven! People of all ages and skill abilities can enjoy the bike park’s various skill level trails.
An excellent place to camp out for a weekend, the SilverStar Mountain Resort is accepting bookings until September 20th, 2022. To learn more and book a spot, click here!
Are you ready to have #TheBestDayEver?
There are so many more campgrounds in Vernon and the surrounding area to experience with your family this summer. Not to mention, there is no shortage of all of the fun activities, delicious food and wine to enjoy in the Okanagan!
For help planning your next visit and finding the best things to do, contact the Tourism Vernon team for more information or visit their website today.
Share your adventures on social media using #TheBestDayEver!
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