October in Kamloops is a time when the city’s urban hum fades into the golden embrace of autumn. The air carries a crisp chill, and the forested hills around the city begin to prepare for winter’s hush. For those seeking solitude, adventure, and a chance to reconnect with nature, forest camping deep in Kamloops offers an unforgettable experience.
Camping in the forests around Kamloops allows you to immerse yourself in Canada’s diverse landscapes—towering pines, aromatic cedars, whispering aspens, and the gentle gurgle of streams cutting through moss-covered rocks. The low October sun casts long shadows across the forest floor, creating a magical ambiance that transforms even the simplest campsite into a serene sanctuary.
In this guide, I will share a detailed Kamloops forest camping experience, including the best camping spots, detailed location guides, essential gear, costs, booking platforms, nearby amenities, and practical tips to make your adventure safe, comfortable, and unforgettable. I will also recommend Canadian platforms for flights, accommodations, restaurant reservations, and tickets for any optional experiences to complement your camping trip.
1. Choosing Your Campsite: Where the Forest Meets Solitude
Paul Lake Provincial Park
Location & Overview
Located about 30 minutes east of downtown Kamloops, Paul Lake Provincial Park is an iconic spot for forest camping. It offers a blend of forested campsites, lakeside views, and well-marked trails. In October, the forest is quiet, with early morning mist curling around tree trunks and the lake reflecting golden leaves.
- GPS Coordinates: 50.8070° N, 119.4025° W
- Campsites: Forested sites near the lake; some with picnic tables and fire pits
- Trail Access: Paul Lake Trail Loop, lakeside trails for gentle walks or photography
My Experience
Arriving in the late afternoon, I drove slowly along the winding park road, noting how the sun glinted off amber leaves. The forest smelled earthy and fresh, with hints of pine and fallen foliage. Choosing a site near the lake, I unpacked my gear and set up a small fire pit for warmth. Sitting on a log, I watched the reflection of the surrounding forest in the still water—a quiet, almost magical moment that set the tone for the evening.
- Camping Style Tip: I prefer sites slightly off the main road, offering privacy and immersion in the forest sounds.
Costs & Booking
- Provincial Park Entry: \$10 CAD per vehicle per day
- Campsite Fee: \$25–\$40 CAD per night, depending on amenities
- Booking Platforms: Parks Canada website for reservations; select campsites available on Booking.com Canada for group camping or cabins
Travel Tips
- Arrive before sunset to set up your tent while there is enough light.
- Layered clothing is essential; October nights drop significantly in temperature.
- Keep a thermos of warm drinks; coffee or hot cocoa enhances the forest experience.
2. Equipment Essentials for Forest Camping
Camping in the Kamloops forest in October requires thoughtful preparation. The temperatures can dip below freezing at night, and the trails often carry the dampness of early frost. The crisp air makes the days invigorating, but it also means you’ll want to be properly equipped for comfort and safety.
- Tent: A four-season tent is highly recommended, as it can handle cold nights, light snow, or autumn rains. I prefer tents with vestibules, which give me extra space to store muddy boots and cooking gear. Even if the skies look clear, October weather can turn quickly.
- Sleeping Gear: Insulated sleeping bags rated for 0–5°C are essential, and I always add a thermal liner for extra warmth. Foam sleeping pads, or better yet, insulated inflatable mats, provide not only comfort but also crucial insulation from the cold forest ground.
- Cooking Equipment: A compact portable stove or grill allows for simple meals like soups, pasta, or hot drinks. Because wildlife like bears and raccoons can be curious, I always keep food sealed and stored in bear-proof containers or hung safely away from the campsite.
- Clothing: The layered approach is non-negotiable. A moisture-wicking base layer keeps me dry, a fleece or insulated mid-layer traps warmth, and a waterproof outer shell shields me from wind and unexpected rain showers. Don’t forget gloves, a warm hat, and wool socks.
- Lighting: A reliable headlamp with spare batteries is indispensable. October nights are long, and the forest grows pitch-dark once the sun sets. I also carry a collapsible lantern, which creates a cozy ambiance around the campsite.
- Navigation: While some trails are marked, cell service can be spotty in deeper forested areas. A paper map, compass, or a handheld GPS device provides peace of mind and prevents the anxiety of getting lost.
My Personal Gear Preference
I find joy in carrying a few items that make my time in the woods feel luxurious rather than rugged. A foldable camping chair becomes my throne by the fire, where I sip hot tea and watch sparks rise into the night sky. A hammock strung between two pines invites lazy mid-afternoon naps when the sun briefly warms the forest floor. My journal is always tucked into my pack—I use it to capture the day’s impressions: the sound of chickadees, the way the mist clings to mossy logs, or the colors of a sunset fading through the trees. Occasionally, I’ll bring a lightweight portable speaker, though more often than not, I prefer the natural orchestra of rustling leaves, distant owl calls, and the babble of streams.
3. Suggested Trails and Exploration
Hiking Paul Lake Trails
For me, exploring the forest is just as rewarding as sitting still and soaking in the silence. The Paul Lake Trail Loop is one of the most inviting hikes for campers who want to stretch their legs. It winds through tall stands of pine and spruce, with patches of birch whose leaves turn golden and flutter down in October.
The forest smells earthy and clean here, especially after a morning frost begins to thaw. I love how each step produces a satisfying crunch as I tread over fallen leaves. The lake reveals itself intermittently through gaps in the trees, reflecting sky and forest like a shimmering mirror. Wildlife sightings are common: squirrels darting across the path, a deer pausing curiously in the distance, or ravens calling from the treetops.
- Distance: Approximately 5 km loop
- Difficulty: Moderate, with gentle climbs and descents
- Time Required: 1.5–2 hours at a leisurely pace—more if you pause often, as I do, to take photos or simply breathe in the stillness
Reaching a clearing that overlooks Paul Lake feels like a small reward. I usually pause here, sip from my water bottle, and take in the sweeping view before continuing.
Peterson Creek Park (Optional Nearby Adventure)
If I’m looking for something wilder and more dramatic, I’ll head to Peterson Creek Park, located just northeast of Kamloops. This area offers a deeper dive into the raw beauty of the region, with rugged trails leading to tumbling waterfalls.
October brings seasonal rains, which feed the creeks and make the waterfalls roar more forcefully than in summer. The forest here is denser, more enclosed, and hiking it feels like stepping into a secret realm. The air is cool and damp, carrying the scent of cedar and wet leaves.
The trails are moderate to advanced, with some steep inclines and muddy sections. Waterproof boots are a must, and hiking poles make navigating the slick terrain much easier. At the base of the falls, mist rises and clings to my jacket, but I hardly mind—the sight of cascading water against a backdrop of fiery autumn foliage is worth every step.
4. Campfire Experience and Evening Activities
Building a Safe Campfire
Nothing complements forest camping like a warm campfire. At Paul Lake, designated fire pits are available at most campsites. I usually bring a small bundle of firewood from local sources or purchase at park stores. Sitting by the fire, I roast marshmallows or prepare a simple dinner, enjoying the quiet crackle and warmth.
Stargazing in the Forest
October nights in Kamloops are crisp and often clear, making stargazing an unforgettable activity. I often lie on a blanket, eyes scanning the sky for constellations, while the forest hums softly around me. The lack of urban light pollution means stars appear exceptionally bright, and occasionally, the Milky Way arcs across the sky in stunning detail.
Personal Reflection
These moments—sitting by the fire, watching the stars, listening to the forest—create a sense of timelessness. The forest feels alive yet comforting, reminding me why camping is not just a recreational activity but a spiritual connection with nature.
5. Nearby Amenities and Dining
While forest camping emphasizes self-sufficiency, some nearby amenities enhance the experience:
- Local Groceries: I usually stock up in downtown Kamloops before heading to the park.
- Restaurants: After setting up camp, a pre-camping dinner at The Noble Pig Brewhouse or Forage Restaurant ensures you start the trip well-fed. Reservations via OpenTable Canada are recommended.
- Cafés: Communitea Café downtown offers pastries and hot beverages to take along for the hike.
6. Costs and Booking Platforms
- Provincial Park Entry: \$10 CAD per vehicle per day
- Campsite Fee: \$25–\$40 CAD per night
- Optional Guided Tours: Viator or GetYourGuide offer nature hikes or photography tours
- Flights to Kamloops: Skyscanner Canada, Expedia.ca
- Hotels & Cabins: Booking.com Canada, Hotels.com Canada for pre- or post-camping stays
- Dining Reservations: OpenTable Canada, SkipTheDishes Canada
7. Safety and Practical Tips
- Weather Preparedness: October can be unpredictable—check local forecasts.
- Wildlife Awareness: Bears and deer are present in the area; store food safely.
- Navigation: Trails can be poorly marked; bring a map or GPS device.
- Hydration: Carry sufficient water; some trails lack accessible streams.
- Leave No Trace: Pack out all trash; respect the natural environment.
8. Personal Reflections on Kamloops Forest Camping
Camping deep in the forests around Kamloops in October is a sensory journey. The forest seems quieter, more introspective, as if it’s holding its breath before winter. The crunch of leaves underfoot, the scent of pine and damp earth, and the soft murmur of distant streams create a connection that is both grounding and invigorating.
Whether hiking, photographing, sitting by a fire, or stargazing, every moment feels more vivid in the forest. For me, these experiences are more than just recreation—they are reminders of the beauty and resilience of nature, and of the simple joy found in stepping away from city life.
Kamloops forest camping offers something for everyone: adventure, solitude, romance, and a deep, refreshing connection with the natural world. With thoughtful preparation, respect for the environment, and a willingness to embrace the stillness, a forest camping trip in Kamloops becomes not just a getaway but a memory that lingers long after the last fire has burned out.
