Redstreak Campground is located on the edge of Kootenay National Park right above Radium Hot Springs British Columbia. This campground has good facilities and its excellent location offers a wide variety of activities while remaining close to amenities. Whether you’re a large family in an RV or a solo adventurer tent camping (I saw both and everything in between while I was here) this is a great campground to stay in.
Location and How to Get There
Located on a plateau the campground is reached through a short but windy uphill road from the village of Radium Hot Springs. Travellers can reach the village via Highway 93 from the east or Highway 95 from the north and south.
From Calgary the drive takes just under 3.5 hours taking the Trans-Canada Highway west and turning south onto Highway 93 and passing through Kootenay National Park. From Edmonton the drive is nearly 7 hours and can be done driving to Calgary or via the northern route which has take Highway 11 before turning onto Highway 93.
The drive from Red Deer is approximately 4.5 hours again going south by Calgary or heading west via Highway 11 and again turning onto Highway 93. Lethbridge RVers can take Highway 3 through the Crowsnest Pass and take Highway 95 north to get to the campground in just under 5 hours.
If you’re coming from the west your best option is to get onto the Trans-Canada and head east until Highway 95 where you can turn south. From Kelowna the drive is about 5.5 hours.
Many of the above routes have you passing through the beautiful Kootenay National Park on an incredible drive. This park was established in 1920 and is renowned for its natural beauty with glaciers canyons rivers waterfalls and truly impressive mountain formations. The park also features the Paint Pots and hot springs.
Redstreak Campground
The campground itself is open from May until October with over 200 sites available to reserve. There are a limited number of full hookups and electric sites. All sites have a picnic table and fire pit – the permit to have a fire is $8.80 per night and a site costs between $27.40 and $38.50 to book. Sizes and amount of privacy varies depending on the site but there are lots of trees and privacy is adequate everywhere.
The full facilities include free firewood a sani-dump flush toilets and free showers. There are also multiple playgrounds and an interpretive program is run daily. There are a number of shorter biking and hiking trails within the campground as well.
What to Do Around Redstreak
Within the campground there are several playgrounds and hiking and biking trails as well as the interpretive program. A 2.7 km trail goes from the campground to the Radium Hot Springs which is surprisingly affordable and pleasurable to visit. An adult ticket is $7.30 while a youth ticket is $4.95 a family pass is $20.20. It’s a great way to relax after a busy day!
A short drive or steep hike away is Radium. I biked down to the village and while the way down was fun biking uphill was definitely a workout! But the village is definitely worth a visit. There are some delicious food options (I recommend Screamers for ice cream and the Big Horn Cafe) as well as some shops gas stations and a grocery store.
There are a large number of hiking and biking trails nearby either in Kootenay National Park or off of Highway 95. For hiking there are many options depending on your fitness level from easy walks to multi-day back-country treks. Marble Canyon and the Paint Pots are perfect for younger kids or those looking for a shorter easier option. These two trails can be combined into a longer hike or done on their own and both offer exceptional scenery for little effort. Stanley Glacier is a popular trail that’s a little more difficult and longer. Sinclair Canyon is another shorter option with scenic views.
There are a number of mountain biking trails near Redstreak as well. I recommend using the Trail Forks app to check the route and conditions. I rode the Old Coach Trail from Radium and back. It was a challenge but a great ride!
There are also a number of golf courses nearby if you’re looking to fit in a few rounds. If you’re more of a water person try out kayaking white water rafting visit Kinsmen Beach or wake up early to catch some fish.
Didn’t bring your own gear? Don’t worry. You can rent it or buy it in Radium from Far Out Adventure Hub – bikes kayaks fishing gear and more.
Should You Stay?
Redstreak has the facilities and location to make for a perfect vacation whether you’re just there for a weekend or for a few weeks. It’s close to amenities and has cell phone coverage yet you have access to some incredible nature. You’ll often see bighorn sheep in the campground and nearby as well as other wildlife. There’s lots to do in the immediate area and even more if you’re willing to drive a little.
The negative for some people is how close it is to the amenities. If you’re looking for a secluded natural escape this may not be the campground for you. While there are some great short hikes from the campground you do have to drive a bit to get to the truly awesome day or multi-day treks. The campground is also very popular – for good reason – but you generally need to reserve ahead of time.