Redstreak Campground

Sunny plateau campground above Radium with hookups and hot showers
Redstreak Campground, Kootenay National Park
InsideKootenay National Park

Overview

Set on a sunny plateau 2.5 km above Radium Hot Springs, Redstreak is the park’s big, reservable basecamp for tents, trailers, and motorhomes up to about 35 ft. Expect forested loops, frequent wildlife sightings, and handy trails leading straight to the village and hot pools.

Campsites & What’s Here

  • Site mix: 50 full‑hookup, 38 electrical, 144 unserviced, plus 10 oTENTik units (tent‑cabins).
  • Facilities: potable water, sani‑dump, flush toilets, hot showers, food lockers, cooking and picnic shelters, fire rings, public phone, playground, and a theatre with evening interpretive programs.
  • Connectivity: cell service available; no Wi‑Fi.
  • Fires: allowed 7 a.m.–11 p.m. in metal rings; you’ll need a fire permit (wood available).
  • Generators: 9–10:30 a.m. and 5–7 p.m. only.

Rules That Matter

  • Season and booking: open and fully reservable May 1–October 13; reservations strongly recommended.
  • Check‑in/out: campsites 2 p.m.; oTENTiks 3–8 p.m.; check‑out 11 a.m.
  • Occupancy: max 6 people per campsite; one RV/trailer and one vehicle per site (everything must fit on the driveway).
  • Quiet hours: 11 p.m.–7 a.m. (no music, alcohol/cannabis, or campfires during quiet hours).
  • Food storage: keep all food, toiletries, and scented items locked in a vehicle or hard‑sided trailer; coolers aren’t wildlife‑proof.
  • oTENTiks: no pets inside; no food prep, storage, eating, or drinking inside; one vehicle and one screened dining shelter allowed.

Wildlife

Endangered American badgers are known to frequent the area—give them space (at least 30 m), keep pets leashed, and never feed wildlife. Deer and other critters are commonly seen around the loops.

Why Camp Here

Location is the ace: you can walk to the hot springs or into town, then return to a site with real amenities—hot showers, shelters, and evening programs. It’s a practical, social campground rather than a remote hideaway.

Best Time to Visit

The campground operates May 1–October 13. Summer is busiest, so book early. Even in midsummer, nights can dip below freezing—pack warm layers. Evening interpretive programs are a fun cap to the day, and morning/late‑day light makes the short viewpoint trails above the Columbia Valley pop.

Booking & Loop Tips

When reserving, you can choose between “fire” and “no‑fire” options. If you need hookups, target the full‑service or electrical loops; tent campers who want a simpler vibe often prefer unserviced loops. Bring poles for any tarp setup—don’t tie to trees.

Pros

  • Mix of sites including full hookups and oTENTik cabins
  • Easy trail access to Radium Hot Springs and the village
  • Hot showers, flush toilets, and a sani‑dump

Cons

  • Some loops feel tight and close to neighbors
  • Facilities are older and cleanliness can be hit‑or‑miss

Tips

  • Reserve early for the May–October season; every site is on the system.
  • Pick a “fire” or “no‑fire” loop to match your plans when booking.
  • If you want a campfire, budget for the required fire permit.
  • Generator use is limited to 9–10:30 a.m. and 5–7 p.m.
  • Use the campground trails to reach Radium Hot Springs without moving the car.
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