Winter Campervan Camping
WINTER RV CAMPING
Ready to Plan Your Winter Campervan Trip?
Have you ever tried winter campervan camping? If you haven’t yet, you should! It’s an entirely different experience from the busy summer months, especially in the Rocky Mountains or on Vancouver Island — everyone needs to wake up to snowy peaks, evergreen trees, or the ocean at least once in their life.
We know extreme cold weather camping might sound overwhelming and uncomfortable at first but with the right gear and a campervan equipped for winter weather and cold temperatures (like ours!), it’s an experience you won’t forget.
It’s a whole new world to explore this winter. Swap hiking boots for snowshoes to explore the trails or hit the slopes during the day and enjoy a little apres ski fun at night. Escape the snow and become one with a rainforest. Trust us. You’ll love it.
The How
Winter RV Camping With Karma Campervans
We make winter camping just as good as the summertime. When renting a Karma campervan there’s no need for sleeping bags, our campervans come with all the bedding you need including a super warm duvet to stay warm and cozy, as well as a built-in heater to really warm things up on a cold night. Of course, you’ll need to pack more layers than you do for summer-season camping, but our camper for winter camping has ample storage to keep everything tidy and tucked out of the way.
We might be biased, but our previous guests agree that Karma has the best winter camper options to live your finest winter van life. All you need is hot coffee to start your day—oh wait! We provide that too.
The Why
Why Choose a Campervan Over Other Resorts, Hotels or Airbnbs?
With so many great options, how do you choose? We’re avid outdoors people here at Karma, so it’s an easy decision for us to make. If you’re on the fence, here are some reasons to choose a campervan for your Western Canadian winter getaway.
Tips and tricks
Conquer Winter Camping Like a Pro
While our campervans run off-grid, we do suggest having access to electrical hookups when temperatures dip below -10º C when you may need a battery top-up from running the heater. As we mention in the walk thru video, you can plug in the provided extension cord into any 110V outlet to activate our battery charger.
Heater Tips: You may have to start your heater a few times to get rid of air bubbles in the fuel line before it stays on. Please wait a few minutes before startups. Heaters run on a 10hr cycle before automatically shutting off by factory default. Do not set the heater above 22ºC or you may risk over-heating the heater and it not operating properly. Ensure the heater exhaust is clear of ice or debris. Ensure you have at least 1/2 tank of fuel. Ensure your battery voltage is above 12V.
Water Supply: We have winterized the water pumps to prevent freezing and will be supplying an empty portable blue water container for your use, which you’ll find in the campervan. DO NOT USE THE WATER PUMP AND FAUCET. You may use the “grey water” jug as normal.
Tires and Chains: Our campervans are equipped with winter-rated tires from October 1-April 30th. Tire chains can be added on to your rental for a fee. If the roads are so bad that you require chains we highly recommend not driving on them and waiting until they are clear and it is safe to do so. The roads are well-maintained in the Canadian Rockies, however during heavy snowfall or winter storms, there is a risk of road closures or delays. Please consult Alberta 511 or Drive BC online for information on current highway conditions.
Winter Emergency Kit: We’ve outfitted our vans with an emergency kit in case you get stuck. This kit includes a shovel, an LED flare and hand warmers. These are for emergency uses only.
Winter Activities and Sights in the Rocky Mountains
Karma Campervans provides the perfect RV rental experience for anyone looking for a vacation in Banff or the Rocky Mountains.
Our home bases in Calgary, Vancouver, and the Okanagan Valley make it easy to pick up your campervan rental and head out to the Rocky Mountains.
Not sure what to do on your vacation? We have lots of suggestions!
We know one of the biggest hurdles when looking for a Banff adventure is the cost. Karma Campervans offers you an affordable and comfortable Banff getaway.
You can rent one of our exceptionally equipped campervans for as little as $89/night and find a campground in Banff National Park for as little as $30/night. If you’re looking for even more affordability when camping in the Rockies, we have plenty of tips about boondocking and free camping in the Canadian Rockies. There you have it! An affordable, comfortable, and beautiful Banff giveaway.
There are so many hidden gems in Banff, Alberta. The real trouble is trying to see them all! It’s impossible to do in just one trip, so we narrowed it down to the best winter attractions in Banff for you to choose from.
- Explore the trails! Strap on some snowshoes, go for a winter hike, or try out a fat tire bike. Always check the trail maps and conditions before you go.
- Dust off your skis! There are plenty of places to cross-country ski in Banff. Just brush up on your skiing etiquette before hitting the trails. If you prefer downhill skiing, the Rockies are the place to be! Ski the big 3 in Banff National Park, or skip the lines by ski-touring in the backcountry via road-accessible access points when it is safe to do so.
- Rest and relaxation is so much better when it includes a dip in the hot springs! The Rockies are known for the plentiful hot springs, a warm winter oasis surrounded by snow. Check out the world-famous Banff Upper Hot Springs, which is still open to the public. The natural springs are filled with water that pushes up 3 kilometres from the earth’s crust and the temperature varies seasonally.
- Go for a scenic drive in your Karma winter caravan. A few of our favourite drives in the Canadian Rockies are:
- Bow Valley Parkway between Banff and Lake Louise
- Icefields Parkway Lake Louise to Jasper
- Kootenay Highway crossing the border into British Columbia
- The Crowsnest Pass from Alberta to Fernie, British Columbia
What about sightseeing? If you want to take it easy on your winter vacation, there’s still plenty for you to see in the Rocky Mountains. Points of interest in Banff National Park in the winter season:
- Try outdoor ice skating at Lake Louise. The view is incredible! Another good spot to ice skate off the beaten path is Lake Minnewanka in the winter. It’s not as busy as Lake Louise, but the snow is usually shovelled off a portion of the lake. The road signs all say the loop to the lake is closed, but one-half is still open granting lake access.
- Go snow tubing if you aren’t a skier. Mt. Norquay near the townsite of Banff offers tubing day passes!
- Ride the Banff Gondola up Sulphur Mountain for incredible views of the townsite and surrounding peaks.
Must-sees during winter in the Jasper National Park:
- The Columbia Icefields: 25 kilometres across the Continental Divide between Alberta and British Columbia.
- Athabasca Glacier
- Crowfoot Glacier: A stop along the Icefields Parkway with a scenic view of a melting glacier.
- Bow Lake: The source of the Bow River that flows 587 kilometres, through and past Calgary. All visible from this pullover: Mount Thompson and Crowfoot Mountain, as well as Wapta Icefield and Bow Glacier. A challenging 6-kilometre hike leads to Bow Glacier Falls. Explore at your own risk in avalanche season!
- Peyto Lake is accessible via a short uphill stint from the highway and is uniquely recognizable from photos of the area.
- Saskatchewan Crossing Viewpoint is a scenic stroll from the highway overlooking the Howse and Saskatchewan River Valleys.
- Tangle Falls is a must-see pitstop along the Icefields Parkway.
- Sunwapta Falls and the canyon view are accessible via the Icefields Parkway.
- Athabasca Falls is a classic destination near Jasper that’s beautiful all year round!
Winter camping is exactly like summer camping, just a little colder. When packing for your winter road trip, here are a few items to consider.
- Layers! You’ll want the right outdoor gear, including a fitted base layer to protect from any wind, fleece for extra insulation, and waterproof jackets because no one wants to deal with the wet cold.
- Extras of all the basics: socks, sweaters, gloves and hats. Wear one set adventuring during the day and swap for the clean and warm counterparts in the evening.
- Drinking water that won’t freeze. You may want to bring insulated bottles to keep your water from freezing. Note: a large water container is provided for your trip
- Lots of easy snacks. Any time you’re camping, you want to stay hydrated and healthy. Pack lots of nutritious snacks you can easily grab on the go.
- A hot water bottle. You know the feeling of crawling into cold blankets even at home in the winter and how it takes a few minutes to warm up? Skip that chilly bit by tucking a hot water bottle into bed before you’re ready to hit the hay for the night.
- Fire starters and more wood than you think necessary. It’s a bit trickier to start a campfire in the snow, but fire starters help get the job done.
- A sled and snowshoes to carry your supplies around the campsite and pick up wood from the pile a little easier.
- And don’t forget to ensure your van’s fuel tank is full when heading out!
- You may also need snow chains if driving in heavy snow conditions. These can be added to your vehicle for a fee. (Although if the roads are so bad that they require chains, we recommend not driving on them until they are safe to do so)
Plan Your Campervan Ski Trip
Karma Campervans are perfect for Rocky Mountain ski trips! They’re much more affordable, especially if you want to stay directly on the hill. You can park your campervan in ski resort parking lots, or some hills have their own dedicated winter camping. Don’t worry about all your gear—our campervans have plenty of storage!
Which ski hills can you park your campervan at? Some of the best ski destinations in the Rockies allow this. Here’s the rundown on the big hills:
- Fernie Alpine Resort offers overnight parking for RVs.
- Tunnel Mountain Village II is a short drive to Mt. Norquay, Sunshine Village, and Lake Louise
- Marmot Basin in Jasper – skiers park their RVs and campervans at Jasper’s Winter Whirlpool Hub or Wapiti
- Castle Mountain is a great spot for camping and skiing
- Panorama Mountain Resort located in Invermere, BC has no on-site camping, but Fairmont RV Hot Springs is a short drive away
- Kicking Horse Ski Resort in Golden, BC offers on-site RV parking but always check with the administration team
- Revelstoke Mountain Resort, BC is known for its amazing snow and terrain. You can stay for one night in the parking lot but must notify the staff. Also, check out Boulder Mountain or Revelstoke RV Campground for winter camping options
- Whitewater Ski Resort in Nelson, BC - Whitewater offers overnight RV Parking for self-contained units in lot 4 by reservation only.
For more winter camping options visit Alberta Campground Guide or Camping and RV in BC Winter Camping Guide.
If it’s your first time skiing in the Canadian Rockies, you better be excited! The skiing is unlike any other. Here are a few things you should know to prepare yourself for the experience.
- You will need layers. With frequent chinooks, some days there’s fresh powder while you might only need a light jacket instead of a full parka. Skiers love thermal underlays and hand warmers.
- You will need water and snacks. Lots of people ski with small backpacks so they don’t get dehydrated while on the long runs. All the ski resorts have full restaurants somewhere on the hill though.
- Spare socks! There’s nothing worse than damp feet.
- Don’t forget your helmet. You need a bucket to protect your dome!
- Goggles with lenses for varying visibility. Sometimes the weather changes on each side of the mountain, and you don’t know what you’ll get until you’re up there.
- If you haven’t skied in a while (or ever), schedule a quick lesson on the mountain and get acquainted with the runs. With their professional help, you’ll feel much more confident going on your own.
- If you do know how to ski, but haven’t been in the Rockies before, be prepared for a learning curve. The ranking of runs is a little different in the West. What you might consider a blue is probably ranked a green run in the Rocky Mountains.
- Make use of the warm-up huts on the hill. It can get cold up there!
- Spend time skiing on easier hills before you go if you can.
- Study the trail map before your trip and bring one with you to refer to as needed. There are so many runs open on all the Rocky Mountain ski hills that it’s impossible to remember them all.
We’re often asked: Where can you park your campervan overnight in Banff National Park? We wrote a blog post with all the details, but here’s the Spark Notes version.
Technically, you can only camp overnight in designated Parks Canada campsites. However, with parks as big as Banff or Jasper, you have a few other options if you don’t set up a real camp, like your fire pit and picnic table. If you want to save some money and are okay with an unserviced parking spot, look for roadside stops, parking lots, or overnight street parking. Always check for signs before you tuck in for the night! Read all the details about parking your campervan in Banff here.
Can We Help You Plan Your Rocky Mountain Road Trip?
Have any questions? Ask us! We’re happy to help you plan your winter camping trip in the Rocky Mountains. Above all, we want you to have fun and stay safe when camping! Especially in the winter months.
Ready to hit the road? Share your Karma camping trips with us on social media by tagging us @KarmaCampervans and using the hashtag #GoodCamping. Need some winter camping tips? Our staff are avid campers and are always ready to help. See you out there!
Rocky Mountain Campgrounds And Camping Spots
We love that our home base is so close to the Rocky Mountains in the big city of Calgary and we’ve made it our mission to show Karma guests what all the hype is about. Choose from one of these many winter campgrounds just a short drive from Calgary. You won’t want to head home after your road trip.
Finding a campground that’s open (and good!) in the winter might seem a bit tricky, so we’ve made a list of our favourites. Take your pick!
LOCATIONS
Banff Winter Campgrounds
Enjoy Rocky Mountain camping at its finest in Banff National Park! A classic Canadian experience. There are a couple of great winter camping options in Banff perfect to visit with a Karma Campervan.
Tunnel Mountain Village II
Tunnel Mountain is a go-to Banff campground. With 188 campsites in Village II open year-round with running water, electrical hookups, and much more space than in the summer months, you know they’ll always have a campsite for you. NOTE: While our campervans run off-grid, we do suggest having access to electrical hookups when the temperature drops below -10º C in the event of a heater malfunction when you may need a battery boost.
Park your Karma campervan, strap on your snowshoes and enjoy the winter wonderland trek back down the hill into Banff’s townsite. It’s just far enough for an afternoon hike and back. On your way down the hill, check out the Surprise Corner viewpoint. It’s a quiet spot to take a break tucked along the river.
Lake Louise RV Campground
Park your Karma campervan in Lake Louise Trailer Campground if you want to beat the rush to the frosty lake! The Ice Magic Festival is a favourite of both locals and visitors. Bring your ice skates, snow shoes, and grab some hot chocolate for a quintessential Canadian winter vacation.
Extra perks for winter camping at Lake Louise… hot running water is available, flush toilets, showers and electrical hookups.
Wherever you choose to take your Karma campervan, always check the Banff National Park winter road conditions before you go winter driving! The Rockies are as unpredictable as they are beautiful.
Mountain View Camping
Kananaskis Country Winter Campgrounds
When travelling to Kananaskis, check the road reports and annual closures. Highway 66 and Highway 40, along with other offshoots close each winter, and extreme weather conditions may affect other routes. Despite this, there are a few great winter camping options in Kananaskis to park your Karma campervan.
Maclean Creek Campground, Bragg Creek
Maclean Creek Campground in Bragg Creek is open year-round, and the town sits in the foothills of the Rockies just outside Kananaskis Country. The hiking trails double as snowmobile paths in the wintertime. Soak in the scenery along the Elbow River or check out one of the easier winter hikes, like Troll Falls Trail. Pop into Bragg Creek to fill up on food and supplies, but spend most of your time enjoying the winter wonderland.
Mount Kidd RV Park and Campground
Explore Kananaskis Country from the comfort of Mount Kidd RV Park and Campground. This year-round, privately-owned campground has all the amenities you could want, including hot tubs. Did we mention it’s right next to Nakiska Ski Resort? You might want to reserve your spot here in advance!
Sheep River Provincial Park
If you like wildlife, Sheep River in Turner Valley is for you. The wildlife sanctuary is located near Sandy McNabb Campground where campers can explore the 37 kilometres of trails by ski or snowshoe. The park is known and named after the plentiful bighorn sheep, but if you’re lucky, you’ll catch some moose roaming the area too!
Fisher Creek Campground
Kananaskis camping is a snowmobiler’s delight! Park your campervan at Fisher Creek Campground and spend your days hiking the deep snow-covered trails. It’s just a short drive west of Bragg Creek.
Jasper National Park Winter Campgrounds
Camping in and near Jasper National Park is a must-do any time of year! It’s a dark sky reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the largest park in the Canadian Rockies. Just be sure to always check the latest bulletins for closures and warnings in Jasper before you go.
There are a couple of great winter camping options in Jasper perfect to visit with a Karma Campervan. Here are a few worth checking out:
Wapiti Campground
Wapiti Campground sits close to town and is open year-round. In the winter, there’s no need to reserve your campsite, and there are still running water and power hookups. The best part about Wapiti Campground is its location. Enjoy easy access to both cross-country and downhill skiing while other skiers drive in to hit the slopes.
Whirlpool Winter Hub and Camping
The Whirlpool Winter Hub is only open in the winter months! It’s farther from the Jasper townsite but offers all the fun you could expect from a Canadian winter: 25 kilometres of skiing trails come to a head here. Keep in mind there’s no power or water at this campground.
British Columbia, Winter Campgrounds
There are plenty of amazing winter camping options in British Columbia perfect to visit with a Karma Campervan. Here are a few worth checking out!
Fernie, BC
Fernie RV Resort
Experience winter camping at Fernie RV Resort! Direct access to cross-country skiing trails from full-service sites and only a short drive to the downhill runs at Fernie Alpine Resort. Pay for a week or a month for a great rate.
Mount Fernie Provincial Park
In the winter season, Mount Fernie Provincial Park offers free camping. The trade-off is that the sites are user-maintained and unserviced. If you’re okay with roughing it a little bit, this campground is an outdoors person’s paradise with nearby trails and the Elk River.
Fernie Alpine Resort
Winter campers love the ski-in access at Fernie Alpine Resort. Strap on your skis at your Karma campervan and make your way to the Timber Quad.
Hartley Lake Recreation Site
If the road has been maintained, a great free boondocking option is Hartley Lake Recreation Site located just east of town. This recreation site is first come, first serve and has three available campsites. There is no power or running water.
Vancouver Island, British Columbia
Jordan River Regional Park, Vancouver Island, BC
About a 1.5-hour drive from Victoria, see why the locals love Sandcut Beach at Jordan River Regional Park. The long cobbled beach boasts an impressive waterfall at its south end that you must check out. The Jordan River Regional Park campground operates year-round on a first-come, first-served basis, serving spectacular ocean views.
Salt Spring Island, BC
A vibrant island community, Salt Spring Island is a relaxed, ocean-side getaway. With many independent shops and restaurants to choose from and plenty of beaches, camp at an RV resort or go off the grid at Ruckle Provincial Park.
Elk Falls, Vancouver Island, BC
Make the large campground at Elk Falls Provincial Park your base camp for day-tripping around central Vancouver Island, with Gold River, Rock Bay, and the parks of Quadra and Cortes Islands nearby. You’ll find 122 vehicle-accessible campsites bordering the Quinsam River in a great forest setting.
Lower Mainland, British Columbia
Golden Ears Provincial Park, Maple Ridge, BC
A popular summer destination, off-season camping is also available at the Gold Creek campground in Golden Ears Provincial Park. Named after the twin peaks of Mount Blanshard, the beautiful mountain setting is a welcome retreat from the city but is still an easy drive from Vancouver. Relax by Alouette Lake or explore the park’s extensive system of hiking trails.
Fort Langley, BC
A gem in the lower mainland, Fort Langley is a small village community full of great restaurants, boutiques and antique stores, and situated beside the Fraser River. You’ll find year-round RV sites at Fort Camping in Brae Island Regional Park, within walking distance of all that Fort Langley has to offer. Less than an hour away from Vancouver, it makes a good base camp for exploring the lower mainland.
Sea-to-Sky Corridor
Porteau Cove Provincial Park, Squamish, BC
The coveted ocean-side campsites at Porteau Cove Provincial Park are open through the winter, with beautiful views over Howe Sound to the mountains beyond. The campground is not far from both Squamish and Whistler and the endless winter activities they offer.
Whistler RV Park, BC
We love Whistler in the winter. With days on the hill and exceptional entertainment and dining at the village in the evenings, the area is packed with things to do. Stay at the nearby Whistler RV Park, where you can rent snowshoes and hit the trails right from the campground.
Thompson Okanagan
Manning Park Resort, BC
An easy road trip from Vancouver, Manning Park Resort is a winter playground in the heart of the Cascade Mountains. Located in E.C. Manning Provincial Park, there’s both Alpine and Nordic skiing, as well as snowshoeing, skating, tobogganing and more. Winter camping costs $13 a night at the Lightning Lake Day Use Area parking lot, with pit toilet facilities.
SilverStar Mountain Resort, Vernon, BC
Find tranquillity on the slopes of SilverStar Mountain Resort. From skiing and snowboarding to fat biking and ice skating, you’re in for some winter fun. No overnight camping is allowed on the mountain, but they recommend staying at the nearby and nicely equipped Cedar Falls Campground. The campground also puts you in close proximity to the bustling Okanagan cities of Vernon and Kelowna, and the many local wineries.
Sun Peaks Resort, Kamloops, BC
The second largest ski area in BC, check out Sun Peaks Resort, just outside Kamloops. You’ll find both alpine and Nordic skiing and a convenient place to park your campervan for the night. The resort has 12 unserviced RV sites in Parking Lot #5 that are available on a first-come, first-served basis, for $25 a night.
Big White, Kelowna, BC
Known for its epic power days, Big White Ski Resort is the perfect place to point the campervan. Overnight parking is allowed and will require an RV/camper permit which you can purchase at Central Mountain Check-in for $50/per night. Just down the road, you’ll also find MacDonald Acres RV Park which offers lake-view campsites for $45/night, but after a long day on the hill, who really wants to drive anywhere?
Kootenay Rockies
There are year-round campgrounds in Revelstoke, BC, but if you’re only stopping for a day on the hill, Revelstoke Mountain Resort allows one complimentary night of camping in their parking lot. Just visit The Sutton Place Hotel front desk for your complimentary overnight permit.
Let Karma Campervans be a part of your next adventure
Choose Karma Campervans for your next Canadian adventure – Pick a route or destination and let Karma’s affordable RV rental options be a part of your journey.
