Waterside camping near Cranbrook with a private bathroom

The largest community in the East Kootenay mountains, Cranbrook is most appealing as a base for exploring surrounding peaks, lakes, rivers, and hot springs. Learn about the region’s gold rush days while camping at Fort Steele Heritage Town, or explore a darker chapter at St. Eugene Mission, a former school where Indigenous children were once separated from their families and culture. Today, the converted resort features educational exhibits, a hotel, and a full-service campground. Campers can also choose from several lakefront provincial parks around Cranbook, including Jim Smith Lake, Moyie Lake, Norbury Lake, Premier Lake, and Wasa Lake.

In the Cranbrook area, and throughout British Columbia’s Kootenay Mountains, the best months for camping are July through mid-October. These summer and fall days are generally sunny and warm, with little rain. In October, snow can begin to fall, particularly at higher elevations, and the Kootenays are cold and snowy—great for skiing and other winter sports—from November through March. Spring weather is often unsettled, and you should prepare for rain, especially during the month of June.

• As a main commercial center in eastern British Columbia, Cranbrook has plenty of places where you can stock up on food, gear, and camping supplies. Baker Street downtown has more independent shops, while big box stores line the larger roadways.
• Check your watch: Cranbrook, along with a number of communities in eastern British Columbia, is on mountain time. It’s the same time as Alberta, but an hour later than on the BC coast.
• For remote camping, consider sites along the Forest Service roads outside Cranbrook, including Palmer Bar Lake, Cooper Lake, and Summer Lake. Most of these camping areas are free.