Pros & cons
PROS
- Riverside setting with a suspension bridge to the Dog Lake trail
- Flush toilets, potable water, picnic/cooking shelters and a sani-dump
CONS
- No cell service
- Unserviced sites (no hookups)
Overview
McLeod Meadows is a classic frontcountry basecamp tucked beside the Kootenay River. It’s reservable, unserviced, and set in mature forest with mountain views—great if you want nature without going fully primitive. A suspension bridge from camp leads straight toward the gentle Dog Lake trail, so you can stroll from your site to the river and woods without moving the car.
Campsite feel and amenities
Sites are unserviced but well equipped where it counts: flush toilets, potable water taps, metal fire rings, picnic tables, and large picnic/cooking shelters for foul‑weather meals. There are food lockers, and a sani‑dump for RVs. Evening interpretive theatre programs run at the campground in season. Expect peace and quiet, not connectivity—there’s no cell service.
Season and booking
For 2025, it’s listed as open June 5 to September 7 and shown as reservable (unserviced). Check‑in is 2:00 p.m.; check‑out is 11:00 a.m. Campfires require a fire permit and must be in the provided ring.
Trails and nearby
From the campground, a bridge puts you on the path toward Dog Lake for an easy wander. You’re a short drive from the village of Radium Hot Springs for supplies and a soak between hikes. Wildlife such as deer and elk are commonly spotted in the area—keep a clean camp and give animals space.
Rules you’ll actually notice
Quiet hours run 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. (no music, alcohol/cannabis, or fires during that window). Generators are limited to 9:00–10:30 a.m. and 5:00–7:00 p.m. Store all food and scented items in a vehicle or hard‑sided RV, and keep pets leashed. Campfires are allowed 7 a.m.–11 p.m. in metal rings only, with wood from the campground woodlot.
Best time to visit
Come any time within the operating season; evenings are nice for riverside walks and the on‑site theatre programs. Plan to arrive around the 2 p.m. check‑in window to pick up fire permits, get oriented, and settle in before dusk.
Need‑to‑know
- Unserviced means no electrical, water, or sewer hookups.
- Facilities can be dark at night—bring a reliable headlamp.
- Drones are prohibited in the park.
- You’ll need a National Park Entry Pass, camping permit, and a fire permit if you want a campfire.
Where it is
50.7669, -115.9460Tips for McLeod Meadows Campground
- 01Reservations open for the season and go fast—log in early on release day.
- 02Outer loop sites along the river have the best views and ambience.
- 03Expect no cell coverage; download maps and coordinate meetups in advance.
- 04Bring a headlamp—washroom buildings can be very dark at night.
- 05From camp, cross the suspension bridge for an easy walk toward Dog Lake.
Amenities
Near McLeod Meadows Campground
All places →All trails →
0 mi awayMcLeod Meadows Day-Use AreaShady riverside picnic spot with a trail to Dog LakePicnic Table · Restroom
1.2 mi awayDog LakeEasy forest walk to a quiet lake with river bridge viewsParking · Restroom
2.4 mi awayKootenay River Day Use AreaEasy riverside picnic stop with bright turquoise waterPicnic Table · Restroom
4.3 mi awayCrook's Meadow Group CampgroundSimple group site with shelters and bear lockers, open summer onlyRestroom · Campground
6.9 mi awayCobb Lake HikeShady forest stroll to a quiet lake—great on a hot day.Easy · 3.4 mi · 2 hr
8.3 mi awayKimpton Creek TrailShady creekside climb with solitude and avalanche slopesModerate · 5.7 mi · 3 hr
11 mi awayRedstreak Restoration TrailSunny 1 km loop through restored grasslands with big viewsEasy · 0.6 mi · 20 min
11.3 mi awayJuniper TrailShort, viewy loop along Sinclair Canyon with wildlife and hot springs.Moderate · 3.7 mi · 2.5 hr
