CampPing guide
Okanagan Lake Camping: North vs South, Booking & Cancellations
Compare the North and South campgrounds, sites and seasons, 2026 fees, and how to catch cancellations at Okanagan Lake near Summerland.
By CampPing
Updated June 10, 2026 · British Columbia
Okanagan Lake Provincial Park, just north of Summerland, is two lakeside campgrounds, North and South, on one of the warmest swimming lakes in BC. Sandy beaches, a boat launch, and the park's famous imported trees make it a summer staple.
Demand is high all summer, so the useful questions are which campground to choose, when each is open, and what to do when the reservation page is already full.
Okanagan Lake camping quick facts
North vs South campground
South Campground
The larger, longer-season option: 88 sites plus 8 walk-in tenting sites, with showers, flush toilets, a playground, and a boat launch. It is 100% reservable and open roughly late March to mid-October, with a few first-come sites in the very early season.
North Campground
A bit smaller and quieter at 86 sites, with showers and flush toilets, open roughly mid-May to late September. A good pick if South is full or you want a calmer base on the lake.
Things to do at Okanagan Lake
- Swim and laze on the sandy Okanagan Lake beaches. This is classic hot-summer lake camping.
- Launch a boat or paddleboard from the South campground boat launch.
- Wander the park’s famous plantings, with trees brought from around the world lining the grounds.
- Day-trip to Summerland, Penticton, and Okanagan wineries nearby.
Before you go
- Both campgrounds are non-powered, so plan for off-grid power if you bring an RV or trailer.
- July and August weekends are the hardest dates and book up fast the moment they are released.
- Firewood is sold on site, and the South campground gatehouse has a small concession.
- This is a frontcountry, family-focused park with no backcountry sites.
- Okanagan summers are hot and dry, so plan for shade and plenty of water.
- Fees and service dates change. Confirm the latest on the BC Parks reservation page before booking.
How to get a site when Okanagan Lake is sold out
Both campgrounds book up fast in summer, but cancellations happen all the time. Let CampPing watch the dates you want and we'll ping you the moment a matching spot frees up. Free email alerts, no credit card.
Okanagan Lake camping FAQ
Should I book Okanagan Lake North or South?
South is larger, open longer (about late March to mid-October), and has a boat launch and playground. North is smaller and quieter and open through the summer (about mid-May to late September). If one is full, watch the other.
Does Okanagan Lake Park have electrical sites?
No. Neither the North nor South campground has electrical hook-ups, so plan for off-grid power if you are bringing an RV.
What if Okanagan Lake is sold out?
Cancellations happen constantly as plans change. Stay flexible on dates and campground, and let CampPing watch both North and South so you can book the moment a spot opens.
Park details from BC Parks and Go Camping BC. Fees and service dates change, so confirm the latest on the BC Parks reservation page before booking. See more popular BC campgrounds.