Skip to main content
Formerly known as Sanidumps.
RVingLife.com

RV Parks In Invermere, British Columbia

50.5167° N, 116.0354° W

Quick Overview

Invermere is the heart of British Columbia's Columbia Valley, set on the warm, paddle-friendly shore of Lake Windermere between Radium Hot Springs and Fairmont Hot Springs on Highway 93/95. For RVers it is a summer lake destination wrapped in mountains, with hot springs minutes away, Kootenay National Park at the doorstep, and the Purcell peaks rising behind town. The valley draws a lot of Alberta and BC visitors in July and August, so it has a lively, resort feel in summer, balanced by genuine outdoor access to lakes, trails, and wetlands all around.

Camping here spans public and private. The standout public option is Redstreak Campground in Kootenay National Park, about 20 km north above Radium, a Parks Canada campground with full-service, 15 and 30-amp electric, and unserviced sites, plus flush toilets, showers, and a playground. Closer in, Dry Gulch Provincial Park is a BC Parks public site about 4.5 km south of Radium, with 27 vehicle-accessible sites that mostly fit large RVs at around $25 a night. For full hookups and a resort atmosphere, private RV parks and resorts are scattered through the valley around Invermere, Windermere, and Fairmont; contact them directly for hookups and rates.

Lake Windermere itself is the social and recreational center, with the day-use James Chabot Provincial Park offering a sandy beach for swimming and paddling, though it has no overnight camping. You can plan and reserve the public campgrounds through BC Parks and Parks Canada before you arrive. Between the national and provincial park public campgrounds and the private RV resorts along the valley, Invermere gives RVers a comfortable, scenic base for a Rocky Mountain lake summer with hot springs and a national park thrown in. Few places let you paddle a warm lake in the morning, soak in mineral hot pools by afternoon, and hike a national park trail the next day, all from one valley base.

4.3 ★Avg Rating
3,998Reviews

Traveling to Invermere by RV

Invermere sits on Highway 93/95, the main corridor through the Columbia Valley. Radium Hot Springs is about 15 km north, where Highway 93 turns east into Kootenay National Park, and Fairmont Hot Springs lies roughly 20 to 30 km south. From Calgary it is about a three-hour drive via Banff and the Highway 93 route through Kootenay, one of the classic Rocky Mountain drives. The valley roads are good and RV-friendly, though the Highway 93 stretch through Kootenay climbs over Sinclair Pass and winds through Sinclair Canyon, so take it at a relaxed pace.

Plan ahead for the national park leg: there are no restaurants within Kootenay, cell coverage is spotty, and a seasonal store operates only May through October, so carry supplies and download maps before you go. Allow two to three hours for the full scenic drive with stops at Marble Canyon and the Continental Divide. Full services, fuel, propane, and groceries are available in Invermere and Radium. You can review park drives and campground details through Parks Canada before your trip.

Before You Go: RV Trip Essentials

Dump stations are only one piece of the trip puzzle. Before you set out for your trip to Invermere, British Columbia, it's worth taking thirty minutes to check that the basics are in place — the four areas below are where unprepared RVers most often get stung.

Check your RV insurance coverage

A standard auto policy rarely covers a Class A, Class C, or travel trailer the way a dedicated RV insurance policy does. If you're financing a motorhome, lenders typically require comprehensive and collision; full-timers should additionally price in vacation liability and personal belongings coverage. Rates vary widely by state and travel pattern — compare quotes from multiple RV-focused carriers before each season.

Know your roadside assistance options

RV-specific roadside plans tow motorhomes and trailers that regular AAA coverage won't touch — flat beds, mobile mechanics, tire service for duallies, and even emergency lockouts at remote campgrounds. Good plans cover your spouse and trailer even if you're driving a separate vehicle, and some include trip interruption reimbursement if a breakdown costs you a reservation.

Decide about an extended warranty early

Original manufacturer warranties on new RVs typically run 12–24 months — shorter than most buyers realize. An extended service contract (essentially a mechanical breakdown policy) covers the appliances, slides, levelling systems, and drivetrain components that can run $3,000–$10,000 to replace. The time to price one is before the factory coverage expires, not after something breaks.

Set up a travel rewards card for fuel and fees

A no-annual-fee travel or gas rewards card pays for itself on a single month of RV travel. Expect to spend $400–$800 per week combined on fuel, campgrounds, and propane — 3–5% cash back on gas alone covers the next oil change. For bigger trips, a sign-up bonus can offset campground fees for the whole season.

RVingLife is supported by advertising. Third-party ads on this page may include insurance quotes, roadside plans, warranty coverage, or financial products relevant to the topics above. We don't endorse any specific provider — compare multiple offers before you commit. Privacy policy.

Dump Station Costs in Invermere

The Columbia Valley offers a real range of camping costs. The public options are the value play: Dry Gulch Provincial Park runs about $25 a night for a vehicle-accessible site, with senior discounts in the shoulder season, and Redstreak in Kootenay National Park charges Parks Canada rates that vary by whether you take a full-service, electric, or unserviced site. Both put you close to Radium Hot Springs and the national park for a reasonable nightly fee.

Private RV parks and resorts around Invermere, Windermere, and Fairmont cost more, particularly in the July and August peak, but they add full hookups, lake or mountain settings, and resort amenities that suit longer stays. Summer is the high-demand, higher-price season valley-wide, while June and September are noticeably easier on both availability and budget. Remember to factor in hot springs admission and any national park entry fees for Kootenay. We like mixing an affordable public campground for the scenery with an occasional private resort night for full hookups, laundry, and a proper dump, which keeps the overall cost in check during a busy mountain summer.

Free: 4 stations (57%)
Paid: 3 stations (43%)

Contact station for pricing details.

Prices may vary. Always confirm with the station before visiting.

What RVers Are Saying About Invermere

No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience!

Best Time to Visit Invermere by RV

❄️

Winter

Nov - Feb

-12C - -2C

Crowds: Medium

Cold and snowy; ski season at Panorama and the Lake Windermere Whiteway draw winter visitors.

🌸

Spring

Mar - May

1C - 13C

Crowds: Low

Greening valley and rising rivers; campgrounds open as the season warms.

☀️

Summer

Jun - Aug

11C - 27C

Crowds: High

Warm, dry days and peak lake season; book campgrounds well ahead.

🍂

Fall

Sep - Oct

2C - 14C

Crowds: Medium

Crisp and colorful with quieter trails and lower rates by late September.

Explore the Invermere Area

Book your summer camping early. Both Redstreak in Kootenay National Park and Dry Gulch Provincial Park fill quickly in July and August, the heart of lake season, so reserve as soon as the BC Parks and Parks Canada windows open. If you want full hookups, line up a private RV resort in the valley well ahead, since the Alberta summer crowd books the Columbia Valley hard. Traveling in June or early September gives you milder crowds and still-pleasant weather, though the lake water is warmest in midsummer.

Make the hot springs and the lake the backbone of your trip. Radium Hot Springs, just 15 km north inside Kootenay National Park, is an easy and rewarding soak, and Fairmont to the south is Canada's largest outdoor mineral hot springs. Lake Windermere is ideal for canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and swimming, with James Chabot Provincial Park as the public beach access. Panorama Mountain Resort, about 18 km west, offers summer hiking and biking. Wildlife watchers should explore the Columbia Wetlands, a major flyway with herons, ospreys, and waterfowl. Watch for animals on Highway 93/95 at dawn and dusk, and respect the motorized restrictions that protect lake and wetland habitat.

National Parks Nearby

Frequently Asked Questions About Dump Stations in Invermere

What are the best RV parks near Invermere?

The top public choice is Redstreak Campground in Kootenay National Park, about 20 km north above Radium, a Parks Canada campground with full-service, 15 and 30-amp electric, and unserviced sites plus flush toilets and showers. Dry Gulch Provincial Park, a BC Parks public site about 4.5 km south of Radium, has 27 vehicle-accessible sites that mostly fit large RVs at around $25 a night. For full hookups and resort amenities, private RV parks and resorts are spread through the valley near Invermere, Windermere, and Fairmont. Together they cover national park camping, affordable provincial sites, and private full-hookup stays.

Does Invermere have full-hookup RV camping?

Yes, in a couple of forms. Redstreak Campground in Kootenay National Park offers full-service sites with water, sewer, and electric alongside electric-only and unserviced options, which is unusual and welcome for a national park campground. Beyond that, private RV parks and resorts around Invermere, Windermere, and Fairmont provide full hookups with the amenities many travelers want for a longer lake-season stay; contact them directly for current site types and rates. Dry Gulch Provincial Park, by contrast, is more rustic without listed hookups. If full hookups are a priority, target Redstreak or a private valley resort and book early for summer.

When is the best time to visit Invermere in an RV?

June through September is the prime window, with July and August being the warm, dry peak of lake season on Lake Windermere. Summer offers the best swimming, paddling, and hot springs weather, but it is also the busiest and priciest time, drawing big crowds from Alberta and BC. June and early September are excellent shoulder choices, with milder crowds, lower rates, and still-pleasant conditions, though the lake water is warmest in midsummer. Winter is cold and snowy and shifts the valley to skiing at Panorama and the Lake Windermere Whiteway, so for an RV lake trip, aim for the summer season.

Are there hot springs near Invermere?

Yes, two excellent ones bracket the valley. Radium Hot Springs, about 15 km north inside Kootenay National Park, features mineral hot pools right at the park gateway and is an easy, popular soak. Fairmont Hot Springs, roughly 20 to 30 km south, is billed as Canada's largest outdoor mineral hot springs and sits in a resort setting beside the Columbia River. Both make ideal additions to an RV trip, whether as a relaxing evening after a day on the lake or a rainy-day activity. The proximity of two major hot springs is a big part of what makes the Columbia Valley such a rewarding base.

Can I camp in Kootenay National Park near Invermere?

Yes. Redstreak Campground, just above the village of Radium Hot Springs about 20 km north of Invermere, is the main front-country campground in Kootenay National Park. Operated by Parks Canada, it offers a mix of full-service, electric, and unserviced sites along with flush toilets, showers, fire rings, and a playground, and it typically operates from late April into October. Reservations are made through the Parks Canada system and fill quickly for summer. Staying at Redstreak puts you steps from Radium Hot Springs and at the western gateway to the scenic Highway 93 drive through the national park.

Is Lake Windermere good for RV travelers?

Very much so. Lake Windermere is a warm, relatively shallow mountain lake that is excellent for canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and swimming, and it is the recreational center of the Invermere area. The day-use James Chabot Provincial Park offers a sandy public beach, swimming, and non-motorized water access, though it does not allow overnight camping. In winter the lake becomes the Whiteway, a long groomed skating and ski path. For RVers basing nearby, the lake provides easy daily recreation just minutes from camp, and its gentle, warm character makes it especially good for families compared with colder alpine lakes.

How do I get to Invermere with an RV?

Invermere is on Highway 93/95 in the Columbia Valley. From Calgary, the classic route is about three hours west through Banff and then south on Highway 93 through Kootenay National Park, crossing Sinclair Pass and Sinclair Canyon to reach Radium, then a short hop to Invermere. The roads are good and RV-friendly, though the Kootenay stretch is mountainous and best driven at a relaxed pace. Note there are no restaurants and limited cell coverage inside the park, so carry supplies and download maps. Cranbrook lies about 1.5 hours south for an alternate approach with full services.

Do I need reservations for campgrounds near Invermere?

For summer, yes. Both Redstreak in Kootenay National Park and Dry Gulch Provincial Park fill quickly in July and August, so reserve as soon as the Parks Canada and BC Parks windows open. Dry Gulch does keep some first-come sites, which can work midweek or in shoulder season, but counting on them in peak summer is risky. Private RV resorts in the valley also book up with the Alberta summer crowd, so arrange those ahead too. The reliable approach is to reserve your core nights in advance and stay flexible only on shoulder-season or midweek trips when demand eases.

What is there to do around Invermere besides the lake?

A great deal. Radium and Fairmont hot springs offer relaxing soaks, while Kootenay National Park provides hiking to Marble Canyon, the Continental Divide, and Stanley Glacier along the scenic Highway 93 drive. Panorama Mountain Resort, about 18 km west, has summer hiking, mountain biking, and lift-served trails. The Columbia Wetlands, one of the longest undammed wetland systems in North America, draw birders and paddlers looking for herons, ospreys, eagles, and waterfowl. The town of Invermere itself has shops, restaurants, and a walkable core. Between mountains, water, wildlife, and hot springs, the valley easily fills a week.

Are the campgrounds near Invermere good for big rigs?

Many are, with some planning. Dry Gulch Provincial Park notes that the majority of its 27 sites can accommodate large RVs, though there are no drive-through sites, so positioning takes care. Redstreak in Kootenay National Park has a range of sites including those suited to larger rigs, and its full-service options are a plus for big motorhomes and fifth wheels. Private RV resorts in the valley are generally the easiest for very large rigs needing full hookups and pull-through access. As always, check specific site dimensions when booking, and for tight provincial park sites, confirm your length fits before you commit.

Is winter a good time to visit Invermere?

It depends on your setup and goals. Invermere is a genuine winter destination, with skiing and riding at nearby Panorama Mountain Resort and the famous Lake Windermere Whiteway for skating and cross-country skiing. However, the summer-focused RV campgrounds like Dry Gulch and Redstreak largely close for the season, and winter brings cold temperatures and snow that demand a properly equipped rig. Some private operators may offer limited winter sites. For most RVers the valley shines brightest from June through September, but cold-weather travelers geared for winter camping can enjoy a very different, snow-driven side of the Columbia Valley.

Are there dump stations near Invermere?

Yes. Redstreak Campground in Kootenay National Park has dump facilities for registered campers, and service stations in the Radium and Invermere area provide dump and water options as well. Private RV parks and resorts in the valley offer dump access for their guests. Because the developed campgrounds and town services are clustered along the Highway 93/95 corridor, sanitation is straightforward here compared with more remote BC destinations. We recommend dumping and refilling at your campground or a valley service station before heading out on the longer scenic drives through Kootenay, where services inside the national park are limited.

What are the best RV parks near Invermere?

The top public choice is Redstreak Campground in Kootenay National Park, about 20 km north above Radium, a Parks Canada campground with full-service, 15 and 30-amp electric, and unserviced sites plus flush toilets and showers. Dry Gulch Provincial Park, a BC Parks public site about 4.5 km south of Radium, has 27 vehicle-accessible sites that mostly fit large RVs at around $25 a night. For full hookups and resort amenities, private RV parks and resorts are spread through the valley near Invermere, Windermere, and Fairmont. Together they cover national park camping, affordable provincial sites, and private full-hookup stays.

Does Invermere have full-hookup RV camping?

Yes, in a couple of forms. Redstreak Campground in Kootenay National Park offers full-service sites with water, sewer, and electric alongside electric-only and unserviced options, which is unusual and welcome for a national park campground. Beyond that, private RV parks and resorts around Invermere, Windermere, and Fairmont provide full hookups with the amenities many travelers want for a longer lake-season stay; contact them directly for current site types and rates. Dry Gulch Provincial Park, by contrast, is more rustic without listed hookups. If full hookups are a priority, target Redstreak or a private valley resort and book early for summer.

When is the best time to visit Invermere in an RV?

June through September is the prime window, with July and August being the warm, dry peak of lake season on Lake Windermere. Summer offers the best swimming, paddling, and hot springs weather, but it is also the busiest and priciest time, drawing big crowds from Alberta and BC. June and early September are excellent shoulder choices, with milder crowds, lower rates, and still-pleasant conditions, though the lake water is warmest in midsummer. Winter is cold and snowy and shifts the valley to skiing at Panorama and the Lake Windermere Whiteway, so for an RV lake trip, aim for the summer season.

Are there hot springs near Invermere?

Yes, two excellent ones bracket the valley. Radium Hot Springs, about 15 km north inside Kootenay National Park, features mineral hot pools right at the park gateway and is an easy, popular soak. Fairmont Hot Springs, roughly 20 to 30 km south, is billed as Canada's largest outdoor mineral hot springs and sits in a resort setting beside the Columbia River. Both make ideal additions to an RV trip, whether as a relaxing evening after a day on the lake or a rainy-day activity. The proximity of two major hot springs is a big part of what makes the Columbia Valley such a rewarding base.

Can I camp in Kootenay National Park near Invermere?

Yes. Redstreak Campground, just above the village of Radium Hot Springs about 20 km north of Invermere, is the main front-country campground in Kootenay National Park. Operated by Parks Canada, it offers a mix of full-service, electric, and unserviced sites along with flush toilets, showers, fire rings, and a playground, and it typically operates from late April into October. Reservations are made through the Parks Canada system and fill quickly for summer. Staying at Redstreak puts you steps from Radium Hot Springs and at the western gateway to the scenic Highway 93 drive through the national park.

Is Lake Windermere good for RV travelers?

Very much so. Lake Windermere is a warm, relatively shallow mountain lake that is excellent for canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and swimming, and it is the recreational center of the Invermere area. The day-use James Chabot Provincial Park offers a sandy public beach, swimming, and non-motorized water access, though it does not allow overnight camping. In winter the lake becomes the Whiteway, a long groomed skating and ski path. For RVers basing nearby, the lake provides easy daily recreation just minutes from camp, and its gentle, warm character makes it especially good for families compared with colder alpine lakes.

How do I get to Invermere with an RV?

Invermere is on Highway 93/95 in the Columbia Valley. From Calgary, the classic route is about three hours west through Banff and then south on Highway 93 through Kootenay National Park, crossing Sinclair Pass and Sinclair Canyon to reach Radium, then a short hop to Invermere. The roads are good and RV-friendly, though the Kootenay stretch is mountainous and best driven at a relaxed pace. Note there are no restaurants and limited cell coverage inside the park, so carry supplies and download maps. Cranbrook lies about 1.5 hours south for an alternate approach with full services.

Do I need reservations for campgrounds near Invermere?

For summer, yes. Both Redstreak in Kootenay National Park and Dry Gulch Provincial Park fill quickly in July and August, so reserve as soon as the Parks Canada and BC Parks windows open. Dry Gulch does keep some first-come sites, which can work midweek or in shoulder season, but counting on them in peak summer is risky. Private RV resorts in the valley also book up with the Alberta summer crowd, so arrange those ahead too. The reliable approach is to reserve your core nights in advance and stay flexible only on shoulder-season or midweek trips when demand eases.

What is there to do around Invermere besides the lake?

A great deal. Radium and Fairmont hot springs offer relaxing soaks, while Kootenay National Park provides hiking to Marble Canyon, the Continental Divide, and Stanley Glacier along the scenic Highway 93 drive. Panorama Mountain Resort, about 18 km west, has summer hiking, mountain biking, and lift-served trails. The Columbia Wetlands, one of the longest undammed wetland systems in North America, draw birders and paddlers looking for herons, ospreys, eagles, and waterfowl. The town of Invermere itself has shops, restaurants, and a walkable core. Between mountains, water, wildlife, and hot springs, the valley easily fills a week.

Are the campgrounds near Invermere good for big rigs?

Many are, with some planning. Dry Gulch Provincial Park notes that the majority of its 27 sites can accommodate large RVs, though there are no drive-through sites, so positioning takes care. Redstreak in Kootenay National Park has a range of sites including those suited to larger rigs, and its full-service options are a plus for big motorhomes and fifth wheels. Private RV resorts in the valley are generally the easiest for very large rigs needing full hookups and pull-through access. As always, check specific site dimensions when booking, and for tight provincial park sites, confirm your length fits before you commit.

Is winter a good time to visit Invermere?

It depends on your setup and goals. Invermere is a genuine winter destination, with skiing and riding at nearby Panorama Mountain Resort and the famous Lake Windermere Whiteway for skating and cross-country skiing. However, the summer-focused RV campgrounds like Dry Gulch and Redstreak largely close for the season, and winter brings cold temperatures and snow that demand a properly equipped rig. Some private operators may offer limited winter sites. For most RVers the valley shines brightest from June through September, but cold-weather travelers geared for winter camping can enjoy a very different, snow-driven side of the Columbia Valley.

Are there dump stations near Invermere?

Yes. Redstreak Campground in Kootenay National Park has dump facilities for registered campers, and service stations in the Radium and Invermere area provide dump and water options as well. Private RV parks and resorts in the valley offer dump access for their guests. Because the developed campgrounds and town services are clustered along the Highway 93/95 corridor, sanitation is straightforward here compared with more remote BC destinations. We recommend dumping and refilling at your campground or a valley service station before heading out on the longer scenic drives through Kootenay, where services inside the national park are limited.

What is the highest-rated dump station in Invermere?

The highest-rated station is Fairmont Hot Springs Resort with a rating of 4.2/5 stars.

Are there free dump stations in Invermere?

Yes — there are free RV waste disposal options available near Invermere.