Where is Nakusp?
Nakusp is located in the heart of the Selkirk Mountains and is surrounded by pristine lakes and forests. It is still an “off the beaten path” destination for hiking, mountain biking, hot springs, fishing and paddling. Camping in Nakusp is a great way to immerse your family in the beautiful surroundings of the deep Canadian wilderness.
There are many great campgrounds near Nakusp as well as RV parks, and it’s easy to find one that suits your family’s needs. In this blog post, we will provide information on where Nakusp is located, how to get there, why you should camp in Nakusp and which campsites and RV parks are best for families.
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GPS: 50.24436230905702, -117.80182310554126
Why should you go camping in Nakusp, BC?
The scenery is absolutely stunning and this is the main reason to go camping in Nakusp. Immersing your family in the wild beauty, vast spaces and natural outdoor setting is what we love about camping and exploring in this area. We also appreciate that camping allows us a very affordable place to stay while we hike, swim, paddle and bike. Nakusp has so many things to do, that our family is always out and about, exploring a new bike trail or beach.
Nakusp is a family-friendly community and vibrant small town with a lot to offer. With the amenities of a larger center and a vibrant business community, there is a variety of accommodations, dining, stores and services. The main street is lined with charming shops and cafes, and the lakefront has a lovely park with a waterfront walkway and beach.
With a population of just over 1500 permanent residents, the town services a large influx of visitors in both summer and winter when they come in to explore the epic, backcountry location.
If you’re looking for a relaxed and scenic getaway, Nakusp is definitely worth a visit!
Best Nakusp RV Parks & Campsites to Stay At
There are many great RV parks and campsites in Nakusp that offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains and lakes. Some of our favourite Nakusp camping spots include Camp Valhalla, Mount Abriel Rec Site and Arrow Lakes Provincial Park. When choosing a campsite, make sure to consider your group size, camping equipment, and desired activities.
Here is a comprehensive list of the best family-friendly campsites to stay at, ranked in order of our preference!
Camp Valhalla
~ Camp Valhalla
Mount Abriel Rec Site
McDonald Creek Provincial Park Campground
If your family enjoys swimming, boating, kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding or fishing, this campground is ideal for you. It features several kilometres of fine sandy beach, waterfront camping sites and open grassy meadows for birdwatching, frisbee or walking.
Nakusp Hot Springs Campground
Box Lake Rec Site Campground
KRB Campground
Nakusp Municipal Campground
Summit Lake Provincial Park Campground
How to get to Nakusp?
Nakusp, like many rural BC towns, getting here can take a while. Ideally, come with a car so you can independently explore the many hot springs, beaches and hikes near Nakusp. Also like rural BC, they are serviced by a regular bus, so public transport to get here and away is an option, but getting around once you’re here, requires a bike or car.
Visit Nakusp By Bus:
On Tuesdays and Thursdays there is a BC Transit bus that travels between Nelson and Nakusp (see schedule). BC Transit also operates other local services around Nakusp and Kaslo.
Visit Nakusp By Air:
The nearest commercial airports are Castlegar Airport and Kelowna International Airport. Both have car rental services available.
Nakusp also has its own airstrip available for private planes and there is a weather cam at the airport.
Visit Nakusp By Car/ RV:
Nakusp can be reached by car from Vancouver in about 7.5 hours. The drive takes you through some of the most beautiful scenery in British Columbia. You take the Trans Canada Highway east towards Revelstoke, and then turn on to Highway 23 south. Take the Shelter Bay ferry and continue south until Nakusp.
Below are some estimated driving times from other nearby cities;
Final Thoughts on Camping in Nakusp
No matter what your camping preferences are, the Nakusp area has a campsite that will be perfect for your next family adventure. We hope this campsite round-up gives you an easy way to decide where to stay and inspires you to get outdoors and adventure together!
Want more Nakusp mountain biking? Watch video 2 of Mount Abriel biking.
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