Campgrounds around Penticton

[bossy22]

I'm wondering if anyone can recommend a campground around Penticton? We are going down for the gran fondo and we've never stayed in the Okanagan before.

[troutman]

This is a very nice campground (between Penticton and Kelowna):

http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/exp...kpgs/okana_lk/

Located 11 km north of Summerland on Hwy 97.

Beautiful, sandy/pebbly beaches surrounded by ponderosa pine and sagebrush make this park the perfect spot for swimming and water activities. At the two large campgrounds in the park, panoramic views will add to your enjoyment.

The landscape across the lake, from beach to skyline, is part of Okanagan Mountain Provincial Park, accessible by boat or by driving back through Kelowna.

[greyshep]

Unless things have changed in the last 5 years, if you are looking to camp in Penticton expect to be sardined into a site and pay through the nose for it.

I love the beach in Penticton at Skaha lake. Nicer than the Okanagan Lake beach IMO. But the campgrounds surrounding it are typically packed. If you are trailering, dont plan on opening your awning in many cases as there likely isnt going to be enough room.

There used to be a campground with a waterslide at it that we used.(short walk to the beach) The sites were a bit larger and you could use the waterslides at night for free. It was great, but they sold off to a developer who was going to be developing condos.

They tore the campground and waterslide down and it sat vacant for years as they struggled to sell these "premium" sites. Not sure if anything ended up showing up there as we havent been back for 4-5 years now.

Looking outside of Penticton is probably the best choice unfortunately. You lose the beach access but likely gain a nicer camping experience.

[Madman]

Yeah, everytime we drive past the campground just west of Skaha beach I shake my head at how packed it is. Plus, you get to walk along the highway to get to the beach.

Summerland has a really secluded campground near the water, but it's pretty busy all the time as well and is more forest-y feel than beach like.

There is a RV park type place south of Summerland right on the water, but it is also right on Hwy 97.

Edit: You could also look south of Penticton in Kaleden or OK Falls.

[Hockeyguy15]

There is a campground a little farther on the outside Okanagan Falls on the Penticton side, and I believe there is also one towards Osoyoos.

[BlackArcher101]

We used to stay at South Beach Gardens all the time when I was a wee lad. Right across from Skaha beach in Penticton and I thought it was great. Haven't been there for a while though, so who knows if it's still the same. Looking at google photos, it appears to be.

[Northendzone]

i'll have to see if I can find the name of the place we stayed at - about 5 minutes outside of Penticton - it was alongside the highway, but it had a pool and coin operated showers.

If I can find the anme I'll post it

[Yasa]

I think there are campgrounds in Naramata. It's never been busy when I've gone into the town, and it's right on the beach backed by a bunch of vineyards and orchards. Really nice area.

[calgarygeologist]

This place is pretty decent but if I remember correctly it is quite difficult to get a spot.
http://www.sunandsandrv.com/index.php

I haven't been to this campground but it looks nice:
http://www.wrightsbeachcamp.com/index.htm

[calgarygeologist]

Originally Posted by Yasa

I think there are campgrounds in Naramata. It's never been busy when I've gone into the town, and it's right on the beach backed by a bunch of vineyards and orchards. Really nice area.

There are no campgrounds in Naramata but there is one up the hill about 15km away although it is quite primitive.

[Hevishot]

We used to stay at the Lake Skaha Campground right across from the waterpark every year. My folks still go there every year for a week or so. Its definately not the most amazing place to "camp" but its within stumbling distance of the beach. It is also large RV friendly so bus motorhomes and 30FT 5th wheels are welcome.

[greyshep]

Originally Posted by calgarygeologist

I haven't been to this campground but it looks nice:
http://www.wrightsbeachcamp.com/index.htm

Thats the most recent place we stayed at in Penticton. We were not impressed.

Sites were tiny. Couldnt open our awning since our chain smoking neighbor was so close. They werent the only ones smoking but it hung in the campground constantly. (not a lot of wind there and you are under a canopy of trees) The place smelled like an ashtray a lot of the time.

The biggest redeeming feature was its proximity to the beach.

I guess if you go in there knowing this, it might be more acceptable to some. We certainly wouldnt stay there again.

[troutman]

Don't go to Penticton during Peach Fest - it is a gong show:

http://www.peachfest.com/

[bc-chris]

i posted this last week, but it might be better placed here:

i know a bunch of CP is really into camping. if you're planning on heading west this summer you might want a reservation....

Quote:
Another camping season is just around the corner and starting Saturday you will be be able to book your perfect spot as BC Parks' reservation system, Discover Camping, opens for the season.
Starting at 9 a.m., reservations at most campgrounds will be live, both online and through the call centre.
Nathalie Dechaine, business and policy analyst with BC Parks, explained it is important to make a reservation if you have your heart set on staying at a specific campground at a certain time.
"There is only enough inventory to satisfy so many people, and those popular sites tend to fill up very quickly."
Quote:
Reservations can be made online or through the call centre at 1-800-689-9025 for a surcharge of $5.

full story here: http://www.castanet.net/news/BC/1109...-open-Saturday