Want to get out into the backcountry for a night or two? All of these spots are perfect places to go with kids. Some of these spots have more “luxuries” than others, but all of them are worth checking out.
All of these backcountry camping spots have access to water where you camp. Remember to always filter or treat your water prior to consuming.
The trails to each of these spots are well maintained.
Always carry bear spray as you are in bear country.
Spectrum Lake – Located in the Monashees, in BC
This 12 km out and back hike with 436 metre elevation gain.
It’s an easy, minimal elevation change trail that lands you at the most peaceful turquoise lake. This campsite has the most to offer of all the hike in campsites we’ve been to. It has:
⛺️Tent pads
🛖 Open-sided shelters
🍽️ Picnic tables
🔥 Fire pits (Always check fire ban status prior)
🐻 Bear poles and boxes
🧻 Outhouses
💦 Bonus, it even has a dock for you to relax on as well as go for a refreshing swim.
🥾 There is also an option to do a few day hikes here; the unnamed waterfall across the creek from the campground as well as Little Peter’s Lake hike. The unnamed waterfall does have a lot of blow down to maneuver through, but definitely worth it.
‼️ No reservations needed, but you will need a backcountry permit. This can be purchased online or you can pay when you arrive with the locked box provided.
This is a very popular place so if you can go mid week you will have a better chance at getting one of the spots on the water like seen here.
More Spectrum Lake details here
McCrae Lake – Located near Revelstoke, BC
This is a 6.8 km out and back hike with 419 metre elevation gain to the lake.
This trail has gradual elevation gain, before you descend down to the lake itself. You camp right near the beautiful turquoise sup-alpine lake, but a bit tucked away in the trees.
Here you will find:
⛺️ Wooden tent pads
🧻 Outhouse
🥘 Designated cooking area
🥾 Day hike option to hike an extra 300 metres to the top of the mountain.
🐻 You will need to hang your food far away from others.
‼️ No reservations needed, but you will need a backcountry permit. This can be purchased online.
Remember to always pack out what you pack in.
Lyle Lakes – Located between New Denver and Kaslo, BC
This is an 8.7 km out and back trail with 796 metre elevation gain.
The trail here starts off along a private road. Once you climb the wooden ladder in the forest you start the real elevation of this hike. It continues on switchbacking up the mountain where it pops you out at the amazingly beautiful glacier lakes where you can camp.
⚠️ This is NOT a beginner backcountry trip. You will need experience camping in an area with no amenities ⚠️
Here you will need to have experience with backcountry camping as you will need to:
🐻 Hang your food
🧻 Dig a cathole for a toilet spot far from the lake and other tents (over 200 metres away)
⛺️ Set up your tent at least 200 metres from the lake
🥾 Day hike option is a trail that leads up to Mt Brennan summit at 2900 metres. This is a very steep hike and very exposed. Make sure you are prepared for all weather conditions if you attempt this one. We took our girls half way up where we had lunch and admired the views back down at Lyle Lakes and then returned to our campsite. There is also option to hike a bit further then the camping area towards the waterfalls.
‼️ No reservations needed for this beautiful spot, but it does get quite busy on weekends so try for mid week.
As always, pack out what you pack in, leaving no trace.
Laughing Falls – Located in Yoho National Park near Field, BC
This is an 8.7 km out and back, with option to continue on further to other campgrounds, with 324 metres elevation gain.
Here you will find:
⛺️Tent pads
🍽️ Designated eating area with picnic tables
🐻 Bear pole
🧻 Outhouses
‼️ Reservations are needed. These book up very quick, but often you can find a cancellation if you keep checking. Click here to book.
More on an entire circuit of the Yoho backcountry trip here
Trophy Meadows (Sheila Lake) – Located just outside of Clearwater in Wells Gray Provincial Park
This is a 12.2 km out and back hike with 517 metres elevation gain.
The first part of the trail meanders through forest and then pops you out into a beautiful meadow. After you reach an old cabin you will start climbing until you reach the lake.
⛺️Tent pads
🛖 Open-sided shelters
🐻 Food caches
🧻 Outhouses
🥾 Some really amazing day hikes all around this area.
‼️ No reservations or permits required
We have been to these beautiful spots multiple times, and fall in love with the areas even more each and every time. Trophy Meadows was a new addition to this list this year, and has been added to our favourite as well.
Whether you are just starting out or an avid backcountry family, each of these trips has something for everyone.
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