Discover the best forest campgrounds near Nelson, British Columbia

Canada
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British Columbia
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Nelson

97% (150 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Nelson

Under $50

Dog-friendly getaways

90%

(20)

Private river getaway

2 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Salmo, BC

Once this property was a cattle ranch but now it's a private spot nestled right next to the Salmo river.Learn more about this land:Private camping spot and small tree fort down by the Salmo River. We have room for a 35ft camper, you will be parking on grass but the site requires levelling.We are located in Salmo, BC which is 30 minutes south of Nelson, BC. Nelson is surrounded by the rugged Selkirk Mountains and sits on the shores of the West Arm of Kootenay Lake. Whether gliding through the incredible powder at Whitewater Ski Resort, rafting down class 4 rapids on the Salmo River, catching a twenty-five-pound rainbow trout on Kootenay Lake, hiking up to Kokanee Glacier, or watching the fabulous live performances at The Capitol Theatre, the area has attractions for everyone.Only a 5-minute drive to the local grocery store.Access to the mountains from the old railroad system directly off of the property by motorcycles and/or side by sides, you just need to go slow until you clear the houses.Campfires are permitted, pets are welcome.We look forward to hosting you.

Perfect Puppy Ranch

3 sites · RVs, Tents50 acres · Silverton, BC

This is an Off-grid Reserve where we are working toward a sustainable reality and have a special focus at this time on Wild Edible Medicinal Plant harvest and preparation. Enjoy your own solitude anywhere you like on the land or walk with Ian in the area and learn about all the edible plants/mushrooms in season or being processed Slocan Lake and Valhalla Provincial Park is visible from the property.

For-rest Retreat

2 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents54 acres · Salmo, BC

We bought this property in 2008 as raw land with an old off-grid 1950's cabin on it. While the log structure was sound, the cabin needed some major renovations to be liveable. We undertook renovations, lived in it for 6 months and then moved into a yurt on a more accessible section of our property. We now run the cabin as a short term rental, have another small rental next to our house and we are using the yurt for gatherings, retreats and yoga classes! For more info, visit our website: https://for-rest.ca Learn more about this land: AVAILABLE ALL YEAR! A backcountry-style off-grid cabin in a perfect location to explore the Kootenays. THIS CABIN IS ACCESSED BY A 0.7 KM HIKING TRAIL ON PRIVATE PROPERTY. Enjoy privacy and be close to nature at the base of Keystone Mountain. Far enough to feel like you are away from it all, close enough to experience all the Kootenays have to offer. Campfires are permitted when there is no fire ban. We have firewood available to purchase - please add this as an extra at the time of booking. Close to world-class ski hills and backcountry skiing, excellent hiking and mountain biking opportunities and even private trails right out your door. Enormous snowy peaks, clear lakes, and waterfalls characterize this mountain playground in southeastern British Columbia, where visitors can expect backcountry adventures, endless singletrack mountain bike trails, hiking trails, mineral hot springs, and small towns with vibrant arts and culture scenes. Our property is located just outside of Salmo, in the Hub of the Kootenays. 30 minutes from Nelson, Castlegar, Trail, Kootenay Pass, and Champion Lakes.

Valhalla Pines Campground

18 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents7 acres · Vallican, BC

This is a quiet forested residential area in Sinixt territory. Recommended activities include floating down the river, canoeing the lake, hiking or climbing in Valhalla Park, soaking in Halfway Hot Springs or indulging in Nelson. We are surrounded by beautiful mountains and rivers. This valley has many outdoor activities and events and a very interesting history and culture including Sinixt, Doukhobor, Cannabis and Conscientious Objector. Nelson, Castlegar and Slocan Lake are all a half hour drive away. There are many other special places nearby such as the Goddess Pools and the Emerald Pools. Supplies and services are available nearby including firewood, toiletries, dog day care, massage, bike and canoe rentals, life jackets, rubber dingys and paddles etc. Let us know if you would like a referral to any of these services. There are many guides available for activities in the area including (water sports, climbing, skiing, hiking, artist tours, events, geology, mining, mushrooms, cannabis, garden tours and native history). There is a particularly valued native storyteller here that can also provide a walking tour to a nearby village site with a full scale replica of an aboriginal kekuli (earth house). Please call ahead for recommendations on booking guides or storytellers. You don't need one to get here, but its good to have a 4 wheel drive vehicle for some of the logging roads that are worth visiting. Roof and/or bike racks can also come in handy. The Vallican Whole community center also has events nearby.

Cedar Creek Farm

2 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Winlaw, BC

Best described as Heaven on Earth. Whatever outdoor adventure you enjoy, this will be an ideal home base. The mountains and waters of the Kootenays are legendary. This is also a source of legendary BC Bud. This farm has been cultivating medical cannabis since 2008 and in 2020 we received our recreational cannabis licence. Wholistic health and wellness are the values that motivate our work

12 top forest campgrounds near Nelson

98%

(94)

Valhalla Pines Campground

18 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents7 acres · Vallican, BC

This is a quiet forested residential area in Sinixt territory. Recommended activities include floating down the river, canoeing the lake, hiking or climbing in Valhalla Park, soaking in Halfway Hot Springs or indulging in Nelson. We are surrounded by beautiful mountains and rivers. This valley has many outdoor activities and events and a very interesting history and culture including Sinixt, Doukhobor, Cannabis and Conscientious Objector. Nelson, Castlegar and Slocan Lake are all a half hour drive away. There are many other special places nearby such as the Goddess Pools and the Emerald Pools. Supplies and services are available nearby including firewood, toiletries, dog day care, massage, bike and canoe rentals, life jackets, rubber dingys and paddles etc. Let us know if you would like a referral to any of these services. There are many guides available for activities in the area including (water sports, climbing, skiing, hiking, artist tours, events, geology, mining, mushrooms, cannabis, garden tours and native history). There is a particularly valued native storyteller here that can also provide a walking tour to a nearby village site with a full scale replica of an aboriginal kekuli (earth house). Please call ahead for recommendations on booking guides or storytellers. You don't need one to get here, but its good to have a 4 wheel drive vehicle for some of the logging roads that are worth visiting. Roof and/or bike racks can also come in handy. The Vallican Whole community center also has events nearby.

For-rest Retreat

2 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents54 acres · Salmo, BC

We bought this property in 2008 as raw land with an old off-grid 1950's cabin on it. While the log structure was sound, the cabin needed some major renovations to be liveable. We undertook renovations, lived in it for 6 months and then moved into a yurt on a more accessible section of our property. We now run the cabin as a short term rental, have another small rental next to our house and we are using the yurt for gatherings, retreats and yoga classes! For more info, visit our website: https://for-rest.ca Learn more about this land: AVAILABLE ALL YEAR! A backcountry-style off-grid cabin in a perfect location to explore the Kootenays. THIS CABIN IS ACCESSED BY A 0.7 KM HIKING TRAIL ON PRIVATE PROPERTY. Enjoy privacy and be close to nature at the base of Keystone Mountain. Far enough to feel like you are away from it all, close enough to experience all the Kootenays have to offer. Campfires are permitted when there is no fire ban. We have firewood available to purchase - please add this as an extra at the time of booking. Close to world-class ski hills and backcountry skiing, excellent hiking and mountain biking opportunities and even private trails right out your door. Enormous snowy peaks, clear lakes, and waterfalls characterize this mountain playground in southeastern British Columbia, where visitors can expect backcountry adventures, endless singletrack mountain bike trails, hiking trails, mineral hot springs, and small towns with vibrant arts and culture scenes. Our property is located just outside of Salmo, in the Hub of the Kootenays. 30 minutes from Nelson, Castlegar, Trail, Kootenay Pass, and Champion Lakes.

Private river getaway

2 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Salmo, BC

Once this property was a cattle ranch but now it's a private spot nestled right next to the Salmo river.Learn more about this land:Private camping spot and small tree fort down by the Salmo River. We have room for a 35ft camper, you will be parking on grass but the site requires levelling.We are located in Salmo, BC which is 30 minutes south of Nelson, BC. Nelson is surrounded by the rugged Selkirk Mountains and sits on the shores of the West Arm of Kootenay Lake. Whether gliding through the incredible powder at Whitewater Ski Resort, rafting down class 4 rapids on the Salmo River, catching a twenty-five-pound rainbow trout on Kootenay Lake, hiking up to Kokanee Glacier, or watching the fabulous live performances at The Capitol Theatre, the area has attractions for everyone.Only a 5-minute drive to the local grocery store.Access to the mountains from the old railroad system directly off of the property by motorcycles and/or side by sides, you just need to go slow until you clear the houses.Campfires are permitted, pets are welcome.We look forward to hosting you.

Perfect Puppy Ranch

3 sites · RVs, Tents50 acres · Silverton, BC

This is an Off-grid Reserve where we are working toward a sustainable reality and have a special focus at this time on Wild Edible Medicinal Plant harvest and preparation. Enjoy your own solitude anywhere you like on the land or walk with Ian in the area and learn about all the edible plants/mushrooms in season or being processed Slocan Lake and Valhalla Provincial Park is visible from the property.

Cedar Creek Farm

2 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Winlaw, BC

Best described as Heaven on Earth. Whatever outdoor adventure you enjoy, this will be an ideal home base. The mountains and waters of the Kootenays are legendary. This is also a source of legendary BC Bud. This farm has been cultivating medical cannabis since 2008 and in 2020 we received our recreational cannabis licence. Wholistic health and wellness are the values that motivate our work

100%

(1)

Appledale Mountain Garden

2 sites · RVs, Tents63 acres · Nelson, BC

Nestled in the mountain side of the picturesque Slocan Valley we are situated on 63 acres of forest with glacier fed creeks feeding into the Slocan river in the valley bottom. A variety of accommodations are available including tenting, cabana or tipi. The land has a shared summer kitchen, wood fired sauna as well as hiking trails. 15 minute walk/bike to the river and rail trail. Wifi, Firewood & Bike Rental available for extra fee. No pets. No parties. 420 friendly. families welcome. We have chickens and dogs. 10 minutes to Slocan Lake, grocery, cell service, gas, recreational activities. 45 minutes to Nelson.

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B\unky with a view

3 sites · Lodging2 acres · Creston, BC

Rest your head with a beautiful view of the Creston Valley, Kootenay River and the Skimmerhorn mountains. We are in close proximity to the wildlife sanctuary and trails, balancing rock hikes, corn creek falls and the Kootenay River. Located 20 minutes from all the great hiking, biking, and skiing trails along the summit. Great star gazing, neighbourhood and forest walks and plenty of wildlife around. A diverse range of vegetation on the property ranges from ferns and cedars to oaks and willows, dogwoods, maples, spruce and many more. West Creston offers a relaxing and quiet escape with a nighttime view of Creston city lights. We live on the property with our 2 children and dog, free range chickens, honey bees, and occasionally other livestock, but have it set up so that we all have privacy.

100%

(2)

Pristine Off Grid Paradise

4 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents320 acres · BC

A stunning 320 acre off grid Ranch in the beautiful West Kootenay's near the Nelway Border Crossing. Our plan for the land is to be able to provide sanctuary, rest, education and empowerment to like minded individuals. With the stresses of modern day society we feel it is so important to be able to get away for mental health breaks, to reconnect with your inner longings for rest, community, nutrition & a true connection to nature. With no cell phone service, limited wifi, surrounded by nature we feel this is the place where you can go to "free your mind and feed your soul." With Air b n' b and Hipcamp rentals coming summer of 2024 you will be able to immerse yourself deeply in nature. The land boasts a stunning array of wildlife, bird watching, our farm animals, hiking, forest bathing, walking trails, wild flower picking and with being off grid and no lights you will not believe the epic star gazing! Nestled in the forest by the lake your accommodations are comfortable, restful and offer stunning views of the lake and all the animals that come to visit it. This is a true off grid working farm. Book a guided tour of our regenerative farm and meet all the animals!

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(2)

Best West Kootenay Tiny House

4 sites · Lodging3 acres · Salmo, BC

Hey - wanna unplug??! Need some rest? This well insulated, off grid cabin with its outdoor kitchen is the place you want to be. The gorgeous and serene lake just 2.5km up the road is a placid walk or an easy drive. The lake is very warm and refreshing, fed by dozens of natural aquifer springs. Pack-it-in and pack-it-out! and bring your own bedding and foods. This tiny house it tucked away among the cedars. Enjoy the crisp air - the Quiet awaits you! This area has incredible hiking, fishing, back-country and downhill skiing, snowmobiling, canoeing and jet boating - ALL WITHIN MINUTES OF THIS LOCATION. The Pend Orielle, The Columbia, and the Kootenay rivers are all nearby. Rosebud Lake is a non-motorcraft lake and is excellent for canoes, kayaks and paddle boards. There are hundred upon hundred of turtles in the lake (all very friendly and shy) and huge dragonflies (which eat all the mosquitos!) It's an excellent place for peace and quiet. This location is VERY CENTRAL and a short drive to Salmo, Trail, Castlegar or Nelson. It's a reasonable drive to get to from Spokane and Creston as well. One of the neighbours opened a little store, for eggs and ice cream and other summer snacks. The tiny house has a twin futon mattress inside, and there is an extra single mattress if there are more than two in your party. Bring your own bedding please, as this is an off-grid scenario. The building is new construction, with a classic Dickensen Marine propane heater, so with two people the space holds the heat wonderfully. Outside, you'll find a propane barbecue and two-burner for meal prep. You may wish to bring your own camping set-up as well, if you're familiar with your own equipment. Water is provided and collected from the well on the property into a large dispenser. Outhouse. Hot showers available only upon request (you can always take a dip in the lake, too). The tiny house itself is nestled amongst cedars and hemlock at the back of the property. It's very secluded and serene (see photos). Coming in 2024! a gazebo/deck atop the hill for a nice sunny lookout :)

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Bear Road Retreat

5 sites · RVs, Tents14 acres · BC

Area of open grass, orchard and wooded hills on a property centrally located to all types of sports and activities. 2 km from US border. Multi sport non motorized lake 2 kms away. Multi sport river/reservoir for boating and fishing, beach activity 8km away. Kilometres of hiking and biking trails nearby.

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(3)

Woodsy, Artsy Nature Retreat

3 sites · Lodging3 acres · Nelson, BC

Morningstar Log Cabin and Bunkieland: 3 Distinctive glamping accommodations can be rented individually or as a whole for small family reunions, intimate wedding gatherings or a group of friends getaway spot. This property is conveniently located just 5 minutes from Nelson's core. Set on the forest's edge, all the Cabins offer spectacular views of emerald-green Kootenay Lake, our beautiful city of Nelson. The cabins offer an unforgettable experience of the landscape and its wildlife. Bird watching, hiking, and biking are available on your doorstep, with nearby access to kayaking, skiing, fishing, or anything else your heart may desire from our renowned mountain ranges, 200 km of lakeshore, and four distinct seasons. With an uncommonly high number of organic farms, adventure-filled days are bolstered by local produce-driven, sustainable dining, craft beers and ciders, and the chance to unwind in our classically but eclectically furnished cabins compliment the local artsy and funky vibe. Morning Star Log Cabin is open year-round, and Bunkieland is a seasonal "glamping accommodation" available from May to Oct.Our cabins, each outfitted with a queen-sized bed and a double pull-out, are finished with unique and local artisan-designed pieces to offer a cozy rustic retreat. Taking the best parts of the remote and pairing them with comfort, one can check out reality and decompress while still within reach of civilization. There are so many activities and ways to relax you could easily stay a week without getting bored for both the timidest and most adventurous outdoor enthusiasts.

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(9)

Blacktail Ridge

2 sites · RVs, Tents55 acres · Wynndel, BC

Set on 55 acres of rolling hillside in the community known as Wynndel B.C., Blacktail Ridge is a quick 15 min N of Creston and only 20 min S of Kuskanook Harbour. Our large campsites provide plenty of space and privacy. There are only 6 sites available as the Deer, Elk, wild Turkey were here first!

Star Hosts in Nelson

98%

(94)

Valhalla Pines Campground

18 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents7 acres · Vallican, BC

This is a quiet forested residential area in Sinixt territory. Recommended activities include floating down the river, canoeing the lake, hiking or climbing in Valhalla Park, soaking in Halfway Hot Springs or indulging in Nelson. We are surrounded by beautiful mountains and rivers. This valley has many outdoor activities and events and a very interesting history and culture including Sinixt, Doukhobor, Cannabis and Conscientious Objector. Nelson, Castlegar and Slocan Lake are all a half hour drive away. There are many other special places nearby such as the Goddess Pools and the Emerald Pools. Supplies and services are available nearby including firewood, toiletries, dog day care, massage, bike and canoe rentals, life jackets, rubber dingys and paddles etc. Let us know if you would like a referral to any of these services. There are many guides available for activities in the area including (water sports, climbing, skiing, hiking, artist tours, events, geology, mining, mushrooms, cannabis, garden tours and native history). There is a particularly valued native storyteller here that can also provide a walking tour to a nearby village site with a full scale replica of an aboriginal kekuli (earth house). Please call ahead for recommendations on booking guides or storytellers. You don't need one to get here, but its good to have a 4 wheel drive vehicle for some of the logging roads that are worth visiting. Roof and/or bike racks can also come in handy. The Vallican Whole community center also has events nearby.

For-rest Retreat

2 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents54 acres · Salmo, BC

We bought this property in 2008 as raw land with an old off-grid 1950's cabin on it. While the log structure was sound, the cabin needed some major renovations to be liveable. We undertook renovations, lived in it for 6 months and then moved into a yurt on a more accessible section of our property. We now run the cabin as a short term rental, have another small rental next to our house and we are using the yurt for gatherings, retreats and yoga classes! For more info, visit our website: https://for-rest.ca Learn more about this land: AVAILABLE ALL YEAR! A backcountry-style off-grid cabin in a perfect location to explore the Kootenays. THIS CABIN IS ACCESSED BY A 0.7 KM HIKING TRAIL ON PRIVATE PROPERTY. Enjoy privacy and be close to nature at the base of Keystone Mountain. Far enough to feel like you are away from it all, close enough to experience all the Kootenays have to offer. Campfires are permitted when there is no fire ban. We have firewood available to purchase - please add this as an extra at the time of booking. Close to world-class ski hills and backcountry skiing, excellent hiking and mountain biking opportunities and even private trails right out your door. Enormous snowy peaks, clear lakes, and waterfalls characterize this mountain playground in southeastern British Columbia, where visitors can expect backcountry adventures, endless singletrack mountain bike trails, hiking trails, mineral hot springs, and small towns with vibrant arts and culture scenes. Our property is located just outside of Salmo, in the Hub of the Kootenays. 30 minutes from Nelson, Castlegar, Trail, Kootenay Pass, and Champion Lakes.

Blacktail Ridge

2 sites · RVs, Tents55 acres · Wynndel, BC

Set on 55 acres of rolling hillside in the community known as Wynndel B.C., Blacktail Ridge is a quick 15 min N of Creston and only 20 min S of Kuskanook Harbour. Our large campsites provide plenty of space and privacy. There are only 6 sites available as the Deer, Elk, wild Turkey were here first!

Forest camping near Nelson guide

Overview

Looking to escape to the forest near Nelson, British Columbia? Look no further than Hipcamp, your ultimate camping resource. With over 800 options available, you're sure to find the perfect campsite that suits your forest-loving heart. Want to know the best part? Prices start as low as $15 per night, with an average price of $40 per night. Need some recommendations? Check out these top campsites with rave reviews: A Wee Place in the Woods (249 reviews), ALMOST TO CANADA - FAR NORTH IDAHO (151 reviews), and Paradise on Mirror Lake (82 reviews). You'll also find popular amenities like pet-friendly areas, potable water, and toilets. Plus, there are plenty of activities to keep you entertained, including exploring historic sites, boating, and climbing. So grab your gear and get ready to immerse yourself in the beauty of the forest!