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RV Parks In Kamloops, British Columbia

50.6665° N, 120.3192° W

Quick Overview

Kamloops sits in British Columbia's dry interior where the North and South Thompson rivers meet, and it is one of the easiest RV stops in the province. It is a natural crossroads: the Trans-Canada Highway 1 and the Yellowhead Highway 5 both run through, so almost everyone touring interior BC passes through, making it a logical overnight or a multi-day base. The climate is the surprise, this is a semi-arid pocket with more sunshine and far less rain than the coast, so the camping season runs long and the summers are hot and dry.

For full-service stops in town, Kamloops RV Park, Riverview RV Park and Campground, and Silver Sage RV Park all offer full hookups with 30 and 50-amp service, pull-throughs for big rigs, and easy highway access, making them the practical choice for travellers and big motorhomes. For a more natural setting, the public options are excellent: BC Parks runs Paul Lake Provincial Park just northeast of the city with a lakeside campground, North Thompson River Provincial Park up the valley at Clearwater's doorstep, and Pinegrove and other sites in the region. Reserve provincial-park sites through the BC Parks reservation system, which opens months ahead and fills for peak summer weekends.

That public-versus-private split is the heart of planning here: a full-hookup city park for convenience and services, or a quieter provincial-park site on a lake for the scenery, both within easy reach. The terrain in town is gentle and the highways are well graded, so big rigs are comfortable, though mountain grades on the approaches mean you will use your engine brake. Kamloops itself has every service, fuel, propane, groceries, and RV repair, plus it is the gateway to Sun Peaks Resort, Wells Gray Provincial Park, and the lake country. Temperatures here are in Celsius, and the dry heat of summer plus mild shoulder seasons make it one of interior BC's most reliable RV destinations.

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Traveling to Kamloops by RV

Kamloops is a major highway hub, which is exactly why it is so easy to reach by RV. The Trans-Canada Highway 1 runs east-west through the city, connecting you to the Okanagan and the Rockies, while the Yellowhead Highway 5 (the Coquihalla south to Hope and Vancouver, and the route north toward Jasper) meets it here. These are well-maintained mountain highways, but expect significant grades, particularly the Coquihalla, so use low gears and your engine brake and watch your temperatures on the climbs. In winter, BC's mountain passes require winter tires or chains by law, so plan accordingly if you travel the shoulder months. Kamloops Airport handles regional flights. Within town everything is close: fuel including diesel, propane refill, groceries, and RV service are all readily available. For provincial-park camping conditions, reservations, and seasonal opening dates, BC Parks is the authoritative source and worth checking before you commit to a lakeside site, since many provincial campgrounds operate seasonally.

Before You Go: RV Trip Essentials

Dump stations are only one piece of the trip puzzle. Before you set out for your trip to Kamloops, 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 Kamloops

Kamloops is mid-range for BC, cheaper than the resort-priced Okanagan lakefront and the coast, though all prices are in Canadian dollars and BC is not a budget province. Private full-hookup sites in town run moderate nightly rates, with weekly and monthly discounts worth asking about if you are basing here for a while. The real value is the provincial parks: BC Parks campgrounds like Paul Lake and North Thompson River charge modest nightly fees well below the private resorts, plus a small reservation fee if you book ahead through the BC Parks system. Fuel and propane in Kamloops are reasonably priced for the interior and cheaper than the smaller mountain towns up toward Wells Gray or out at Sun Peaks, so fill up before you leave. Groceries are competitive thanks to the city's size. Budget extra for the long summer-AC running cost in the dry heat, and note that provincial-park sites are typically no-hookup, which keeps them cheap but means you run off your batteries and tanks.

Free: 7 stations (64%)
Paid: 4 stations (36%)

Contact station for pricing details.

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

What RVers Are Saying About Kamloops

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Best Time to Visit Kamloops by RV

❄️

Winter

Nov - Feb

-7C - 1C

Crowds: Low

Cold and quiet. Provincial-park campgrounds are closed; city full-hookup parks stay open for the hardy. Mountain passes require winter tires or chains by law. Snow is moderate by BC interior standards. Sun Peaks ski season draws visitors.

🌸

Spring

Mar - May

2C - 16C

Crowds: Medium

A lovely shoulder season. Dry, warming, and green before the summer heat. Provincial parks begin opening in May. Good value and quiet, though nights stay cool. Pass conditions improve through spring.

☀️

Summer

Jun - Aug

13C - 29C

Crowds: High

Hot, dry, and sunny, the semi-arid climate at its best for swimming and boating. Peak season: book provincial parks like Paul Lake well ahead for July and August weekends. Watch for wildfire smoke and heat; pick shaded sites.

🍂

Fall

Sep - Oct

3C - 16C

Crowds: Medium

Excellent shoulder camping. Warm dry days, crisp nights, thinning crowds, and fall colour along the rivers. Provincial parks start closing through fall. September is a sweet spot for weather and quiet before the cold sets in.

Explore the Kamloops Area

If you just need a convenient overnight on a long BC tour, the city full-hookup parks near the highway junction are the easy call, with full services and no fuss. If you have time, book a few nights at Paul Lake Provincial Park for the lakeside setting; it is close to town but feels like the backcountry, and the swimming is good in the dry summer heat. Reserve provincial sites through BC Parks the day your window opens for peak July and August weekends, they fill fast. Use Kamloops as your supply and laundry stop; it has everything and prices are reasonable compared to the smaller mountain towns. The summer heat is dry but real, so pick a shaded site and carry plenty of water. If you are heading to Sun Peaks or up to Wells Gray, top off fuel and propane in Kamloops first. And remember the season is long here, the shoulder months of May and September are often the sweet spot for weather and quiet.

National Parks Nearby

Frequently Asked Questions About Dump Stations in Kamloops

Do Kamloops RV parks have full hookups?

Yes. The main private parks in town, including Kamloops RV Park, Riverview RV Park and Campground, and Silver Sage RV Park, all offer full hookups with water, sewer, and 30 and 50-amp electric service. They have pull-through sites that handle big rigs and sit close to the highway junction for easy access. These are the practical choice if you want full services. The provincial parks like Paul Lake and North Thompson River, by contrast, are typically no-hookup sites, so if you need power, water, and sewer at the post, stick with the private city parks.

Can I camp in a provincial park near Kamloops?

Yes, and they are excellent. BC Parks runs Paul Lake Provincial Park just northeast of the city with a lakeside campground, North Thompson River Provincial Park up the valley toward Clearwater, and other sites in the region like Pinegrove. These offer a natural, often lakeside setting close to town. Most are no-hookup, so you camp off your batteries and tanks. Reserve through the BC Parks online reservation system, which opens months in advance and fills for peak summer weekends. Always check BC Parks for current opening dates, since these campgrounds operate seasonally and are closed in winter.

Do I need reservations to camp in Kamloops?

For summer, yes, especially at the provincial parks. July and August weekends at Paul Lake and the other BC Parks campgrounds book out, so reserve the day your window opens through the BC Parks system. The private full-hookup city parks are more flexible and can often take you on shorter notice, though peak summer still tightens up. In the shoulder seasons of late spring and early fall you have much more flexibility. As a rule, reserve provincial-park summer stays well ahead and treat the city parks as your more reliable last-minute option.

Can big rigs be accommodated in Kamloops?

Yes. The private parks in town, like Kamloops RV Park and Silver Sage, offer long pull-through sites with 50-amp service built for big motorhomes and fifth wheels, and the terrain in the valley is gentle. The thing to plan for is the approach: Kamloops is reached over mountain highways including the steep Coquihalla, so you will work your engine on the grades and should use low gears and your engine brake on the descents. Once you are in the valley, getting around and into the parks is straightforward. Provincial-park sites vary more in size, so check length limits when booking a lakeside spot.

What is the weather like in Kamloops for RVing?

Kamloops sits in a semi-arid pocket of interior BC, so it is much drier and sunnier than the coast. Summers are hot and dry, with highs around 29C, ideal for swimming and lake time but watch for wildfire smoke and heat. Spring and fall are lovely shoulder seasons, dry and mild with cool nights, often the sweet spot for camping. Winters are cold with moderate snow and the provincial parks close, though city parks stay open. The long dry season is a big part of why Kamloops is such a reliable interior BC RV destination. Temperatures are in Celsius.

Is Kamloops a good base for exploring interior BC?

Absolutely. Kamloops sits at the crossroads of the Trans-Canada Highway 1 and the Yellowhead Highway 5, so it is a natural hub. From here you can reach Sun Peaks Resort for hiking or skiing, Wells Gray Provincial Park to the north with its famous waterfalls, the Okanagan lake country and wineries to the south, and the Shuswap lakes to the east. The city has every service you need to restock between adventures. Many RVers use Kamloops as a multi-day base, doing day trips out to the lakes and mountains, rather than just passing through on the highway.

Are propane and RV service available in Kamloops?

Yes, readily. As a sizeable interior city, Kamloops has multiple propane refill stations, plenty of fuel including diesel, and RV dealers and service shops for repairs and parts. Prices for fuel and propane are reasonable for the interior and noticeably cheaper than the smaller mountain towns toward Wells Gray or up at Sun Peaks, so it is smart to fill up and stock propane in Kamloops before heading into those areas. Groceries and general supplies are competitive thanks to the city's size. It is one of the best-equipped restock points in interior BC.

When does the camping season run in Kamloops?

Longer than most of BC, thanks to the dry climate. The provincial parks like Paul Lake typically open in May and start closing through the fall, with peak demand in July and August. The shoulder seasons of May and September are often the best combination of decent weather and quiet sites. The private city full-hookup parks generally stay open year-round, serving travellers and the Sun Peaks ski crowd in winter. So while summer is the headline season, the dry spring and fall extend usable camping well beyond it, and you can find a city site any month of the year.

Is wildfire smoke a concern when camping in Kamloops?

It can be, in summer. Interior BC, including the Kamloops region, experiences wildfire activity in hot dry summers, and smoke can drift into the valley and reduce air quality for days at a time. It is unpredictable year to year. If you are camping in July or August, keep an eye on the BC wildfire and air-quality forecasts, and be prepared to adjust plans or move on if smoke settles in. Most summers still offer plenty of clear days, and the dry heat is exactly what makes the lakes so appealing, but smoke is a real seasonal variable to factor into interior BC trips.

Can I swim at the lakes near Kamloops?

Yes, and it is one of the best parts of summer here. The dry, hot interior climate warms the lakes nicely, and Paul Lake Provincial Park has a good swimming beach right at the campground. There are numerous other lakes in the region for swimming, paddling, and fishing within an easy drive. The combination of hot dry days and accessible lakes is a big draw for RVers in July and August. Just plan around the heat, swim in the warm afternoons, and pick a shaded campsite to retreat to. Bring water and sun protection, the interior sun is strong.

Do BC mountain passes require winter tires near Kamloops?

Yes. By BC law, most mountain highways, including the Coquihalla and the routes into and out of Kamloops, require winter tires or carry-chains from October 1 through April 30. If you are travelling the shoulder months or winter, your RV and tow vehicle must comply, and conditions on the passes can change quickly with snow. This is a legal requirement, not a suggestion, and it is enforced. If you are not equipped or comfortable with winter mountain driving, plan your Kamloops trip for the long dry season from late spring through fall and avoid the pass-condition headaches entirely.

Are pets allowed at Kamloops RV parks?

Generally yes. The private city RV parks are typically pet-friendly with standard leash rules, though some may limit number or breed, so confirm when booking. BC Parks provincial campgrounds like Paul Lake allow leashed pets on trails and in the campground following BC Parks pet rules, but note that pets are usually not permitted on the designated swimming beaches, so check the signage. The dry trails and lakeside paths make for good dog walks. Keep your dog leashed, clean up after it, carry water in the summer heat, and check each park's specific policy before you arrive.

Do Kamloops RV parks have full hookups?

Yes. The main private parks in town, including Kamloops RV Park, Riverview RV Park and Campground, and Silver Sage RV Park, all offer full hookups with water, sewer, and 30 and 50-amp electric service. They have pull-through sites that handle big rigs and sit close to the highway junction for easy access. These are the practical choice if you want full services. The provincial parks like Paul Lake and North Thompson River, by contrast, are typically no-hookup sites, so if you need power, water, and sewer at the post, stick with the private city parks.

Can I camp in a provincial park near Kamloops?

Yes, and they are excellent. BC Parks runs Paul Lake Provincial Park just northeast of the city with a lakeside campground, North Thompson River Provincial Park up the valley toward Clearwater, and other sites in the region like Pinegrove. These offer a natural, often lakeside setting close to town. Most are no-hookup, so you camp off your batteries and tanks. Reserve through the BC Parks online reservation system, which opens months in advance and fills for peak summer weekends. Always check BC Parks for current opening dates, since these campgrounds operate seasonally and are closed in winter.

Do I need reservations to camp in Kamloops?

For summer, yes, especially at the provincial parks. July and August weekends at Paul Lake and the other BC Parks campgrounds book out, so reserve the day your window opens through the BC Parks system. The private full-hookup city parks are more flexible and can often take you on shorter notice, though peak summer still tightens up. In the shoulder seasons of late spring and early fall you have much more flexibility. As a rule, reserve provincial-park summer stays well ahead and treat the city parks as your more reliable last-minute option.

Can big rigs be accommodated in Kamloops?

Yes. The private parks in town, like Kamloops RV Park and Silver Sage, offer long pull-through sites with 50-amp service built for big motorhomes and fifth wheels, and the terrain in the valley is gentle. The thing to plan for is the approach: Kamloops is reached over mountain highways including the steep Coquihalla, so you will work your engine on the grades and should use low gears and your engine brake on the descents. Once you are in the valley, getting around and into the parks is straightforward. Provincial-park sites vary more in size, so check length limits when booking a lakeside spot.

What is the weather like in Kamloops for RVing?

Kamloops sits in a semi-arid pocket of interior BC, so it is much drier and sunnier than the coast. Summers are hot and dry, with highs around 29C, ideal for swimming and lake time but watch for wildfire smoke and heat. Spring and fall are lovely shoulder seasons, dry and mild with cool nights, often the sweet spot for camping. Winters are cold with moderate snow and the provincial parks close, though city parks stay open. The long dry season is a big part of why Kamloops is such a reliable interior BC RV destination. Temperatures are in Celsius.

Is Kamloops a good base for exploring interior BC?

Absolutely. Kamloops sits at the crossroads of the Trans-Canada Highway 1 and the Yellowhead Highway 5, so it is a natural hub. From here you can reach Sun Peaks Resort for hiking or skiing, Wells Gray Provincial Park to the north with its famous waterfalls, the Okanagan lake country and wineries to the south, and the Shuswap lakes to the east. The city has every service you need to restock between adventures. Many RVers use Kamloops as a multi-day base, doing day trips out to the lakes and mountains, rather than just passing through on the highway.

Are propane and RV service available in Kamloops?

Yes, readily. As a sizeable interior city, Kamloops has multiple propane refill stations, plenty of fuel including diesel, and RV dealers and service shops for repairs and parts. Prices for fuel and propane are reasonable for the interior and noticeably cheaper than the smaller mountain towns toward Wells Gray or up at Sun Peaks, so it is smart to fill up and stock propane in Kamloops before heading into those areas. Groceries and general supplies are competitive thanks to the city's size. It is one of the best-equipped restock points in interior BC.

When does the camping season run in Kamloops?

Longer than most of BC, thanks to the dry climate. The provincial parks like Paul Lake typically open in May and start closing through the fall, with peak demand in July and August. The shoulder seasons of May and September are often the best combination of decent weather and quiet sites. The private city full-hookup parks generally stay open year-round, serving travellers and the Sun Peaks ski crowd in winter. So while summer is the headline season, the dry spring and fall extend usable camping well beyond it, and you can find a city site any month of the year.

Is wildfire smoke a concern when camping in Kamloops?

It can be, in summer. Interior BC, including the Kamloops region, experiences wildfire activity in hot dry summers, and smoke can drift into the valley and reduce air quality for days at a time. It is unpredictable year to year. If you are camping in July or August, keep an eye on the BC wildfire and air-quality forecasts, and be prepared to adjust plans or move on if smoke settles in. Most summers still offer plenty of clear days, and the dry heat is exactly what makes the lakes so appealing, but smoke is a real seasonal variable to factor into interior BC trips.

Can I swim at the lakes near Kamloops?

Yes, and it is one of the best parts of summer here. The dry, hot interior climate warms the lakes nicely, and Paul Lake Provincial Park has a good swimming beach right at the campground. There are numerous other lakes in the region for swimming, paddling, and fishing within an easy drive. The combination of hot dry days and accessible lakes is a big draw for RVers in July and August. Just plan around the heat, swim in the warm afternoons, and pick a shaded campsite to retreat to. Bring water and sun protection, the interior sun is strong.

Do BC mountain passes require winter tires near Kamloops?

Yes. By BC law, most mountain highways, including the Coquihalla and the routes into and out of Kamloops, require winter tires or carry-chains from October 1 through April 30. If you are travelling the shoulder months or winter, your RV and tow vehicle must comply, and conditions on the passes can change quickly with snow. This is a legal requirement, not a suggestion, and it is enforced. If you are not equipped or comfortable with winter mountain driving, plan your Kamloops trip for the long dry season from late spring through fall and avoid the pass-condition headaches entirely.

Are pets allowed at Kamloops RV parks?

Generally yes. The private city RV parks are typically pet-friendly with standard leash rules, though some may limit number or breed, so confirm when booking. BC Parks provincial campgrounds like Paul Lake allow leashed pets on trails and in the campground following BC Parks pet rules, but note that pets are usually not permitted on the designated swimming beaches, so check the signage. The dry trails and lakeside paths make for good dog walks. Keep your dog leashed, clean up after it, carry water in the summer heat, and check each park's specific policy before you arrive.

What is the highest-rated dump station in Kamloops?

The highest-rated station is Lac Le Jeune Provincial Park with a rating of 4.5/5 stars.

Are there free dump stations in Kamloops?

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