Pros & cons
PROS
- Group-friendly with covered picnic and cooking shelters
- Bear-proof food lockers and designated fire pits
CONS
- No potable water listed; plan to bring your own
- Pit toilets only and no showers or hookups
Overview
Crook's Meadow Group Campground is a simple, reservable group site designed for gatherings that want a quiet, tucked‑away base without the frills. It’s unserviced and seasonal, open June 16 to September 30, so think classic camp vibes: pit toilets, fire rings, and big shared shelters rather than RV hookups and facilities.
Facilities & What to Expect
- Unserviced group site with outhouses (pit toilets).
- Group fire pits, plus covered picnic and cooking shelters for weather‑proof meals and meetups.
- Bear‑proof food lockers on site.
- Drinking water isn’t listed among services—come self‑sufficient with water or treatment.
- No showers, hookups, or sani‑dump.
Season, Booking & Basics
- Operating season: June 16–September 30 (reservations required).
- Check‑in 2 p.m.; check‑out 11 a.m.
- You’ll need a park entry pass, a camping permit tied to your reservation, and a fire permit if you plan to burn.
Campfire, Quiet, and Generator Rules
- Fires: in metal rings only, 7 a.m.–11 p.m.; use wood from the campground woodlot and never leave fires unattended.
- Quiet hours: 11 p.m.–7 a.m. (no music, campfires, alcohol, or cannabis during this window).
- Generator hours: 9–10:30 a.m. and 5–7 p.m.
Wildlife Smarts
This is bear country. Follow “Bare Campsite” practices—store all food, coolers, toiletries, and scented items in vehicles, hard‑sided trailers, or the provided lockers whenever you’re not actively using them. Keep kitchens spotless and pets leashed at all times.
Who It’s For (and Who It’s Not)
Great for organized groups that value a sheltered gathering space and don’t mind roughing it. If you want hookups, showers, or on‑tap drinking water, this isn’t your spot.
Best Time to Visit
Weekdays in June or September usually mean better availability and a calmer feel; weekends peak mid‑summer. Aim to arrive near the 2 p.m. check‑in to set up shelters and food storage before evening. Mountain weather swings—pack layers and rain gear.
If It’s Booked Up
Consider Kootenay’s other front‑country options: Redstreak (longer season with more services) or Marble Canyon (unserviced, summer window).
Where it is
50.8138, -116.0098Tips for Crook's Meadow Group Campground
- 01Bring all the drinking water your group will need or a reliable filtration plan.
- 02Book early—this is a single group site with a short summer season.
- 03Plan meals around the covered picnic and cooking shelters to stay efficient in bad weather.
- 04Follow the posted fire, quiet, and generator hours to keep the group (and neighbors) happy.
Amenities
Near Crook's Meadow Group Campground
All places →All trails →
4.2 mi awayDog LakeEasy forest walk to a quiet lake with river bridge viewsParking · Restroom
4.3 mi awayMcLeod Meadows CampgroundRiverside, reservable campground with flush toilets and sheltersCampground · Restroom
4.3 mi awayMcLeod Meadows Day-Use AreaShady riverside picnic spot with a trail to Dog LakePicnic Table · Restroom
6.6 mi awayKootenay River Day Use AreaEasy riverside picnic stop with bright turquoise waterPicnic Table · Restroom
11 mi awayCobb Lake HikeShady forest stroll to a quiet lake—great on a hot day.Easy · 3.4 mi · 2 hr
11.6 mi awayKimpton Creek TrailShady creekside climb with solitude and avalanche slopesModerate · 5.7 mi · 3 hr
11.7 mi awaySimpson River TrailQuiet valley walk through 2001 burn with big Simpson River viewsModerate · 10.9 mi · 5.5 hr
13.3 mi awayJuniper TrailShort, viewy loop along Sinclair Canyon with wildlife and hot springs.Moderate · 3.7 mi · 2.5 hr
