RV Route Guide
Okanagan RV Tour: Vernon to Kelowna, Penticton & Osoyoos
Route overview
This route travels south through the Okanagan Valley on Highway 97, linking Vernon, Lake Country, Kelowna, Peachland, Summerland, Penticton, Oliver and Osoyoos.
Distances are short and services are close together, so it works best for travellers who want to move slowly and spend several nights in each area — beaches, lakes, orchards, farm stands and family outings rather than long driving days.
Peak summer can be hot, busy and heavily booked. Planning campgrounds ahead makes a big difference.
Route sections
Section 1
Vernon → Kelowna
Route basics
- Start: Vernon, in the North Okanagan. Destination: Kelowna.
- Highway 97 runs south past Kalamalka and Wood lakes through Lake Country — roughly 50 km, under an hour of driving without stops (approximate). The stops matter more than the drive.
Vernon
Lake country base at the north end of the valley.
Why stay
- Several lakes close by — Kalamalka, Okanagan, Swan and Wood lakes.
- Full groceries, fuel and major resupply.
- A good base for several nights, with nearby campground choices.
- Outdoor recreation and family-friendly outings.
Things to do
Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park
Grassland hills, trails and quiet coves on the shore of Kalamalka Lake, just south of town.
Okanagan Rail Trail
A largely flat multi-use trail good for cycling and walking. It follows much of the corridor between Vernon, Lake Country and Kelowna, but it is not yet fully continuous — check the official trail map for current connections and access.
Davison Orchards
A long-running family orchard and farm market near Vernon with seasonal produce. Check current hours and seasons.
Beaches and local parks
Kal Beach and other lakeside parks in and around Vernon.
Worth a Stop: Kalamalka Lake
Kalamalka Lake is known for its striking colour, which can shift from turquoise to deep blue depending on light and season.
Expect beaches, paddling, hiking and cycling, with scenic viewpoints above the lake. Beach and water conditions vary, so check locally before you go.
Summer Heat Planning
- Okanagan summer temperatures can be hot.
- Campground shade varies — check site details when booking.
- Running air-conditioning increases electrical demand; know your hookup and power limits.
- Carry plenty of drinking water.
- Never leave pets in an overheated vehicle or RV.
- Plan hikes and outdoor activities for earlier or later in the day.
Wildfire and Smoke Awareness
- Wildfire and smoke conditions can change during summer.
- Road closures or evacuation alerts can affect travel plans.
- Check current official BC Wildfire Service and DriveBC information before and during your trip.
- Campground conditions can change quickly during active wildfire periods — keep your plans flexible.
Reservations
- July and August can be very busy across the valley.
- Popular lakefront campgrounds may book well ahead.
- Confirm your reservation before arriving rather than counting on a walk-up site.
- Shoulder seasons (spring and early fall) are usually quieter.
Large RV and parking notes
- Downtown and lakefront areas can be busy, especially on summer weekends.
- Large RV parking is not guaranteed at every attraction or beach.
- Use your campground as a base when visiting busy town centres.
- Verify parking and access before driving a large motorhome or trailer into smaller attraction lots.
Lake Country
Lakes, orchards and farm country between Vernon and Kelowna.
Why stay
- Set between Kalamalka, Wood and Okanagan lakes — more than just a place to pass through.
- Farm-country scenery, orchards and local produce.
- Easy access to the Okanagan Rail Trail for cycling.
Things to do
Wood Lake
A smaller lake beside the highway with beaches and paddling.
Farm stands
Watch for fruit stands and farm markets in season — what's available changes through the summer.
Rail trail cycling
Ride sections of the Okanagan Rail Trail along Wood and Kalamalka lakes.
Kelowna
The valley's largest city and main service centre.
Why stay
- Major groceries, shopping and fuel.
- RV supplies and repair options in general terms — the strongest service centre on the route.
- Beaches, lake recreation, restaurants and family activities.
- Trail systems in and around the city.
Things to do
Waterfront Park and downtown lakefront
Walking paths along Okanagan Lake downtown. Parking is busy — base yourself at a campground.
Knox Mountain Park
Hiking trails and viewpoints over the city and Okanagan Lake.
Mission Creek Greenway
A long creekside walking and cycling path through the city.
Okanagan Lake beaches
Several public beaches along the lakeshore.
Orchards and farm markets
Fruit stands and farm markets around the city in season.
Worth the Detour: Myra Canyon
Myra Canyon is a section of the historic Kettle Valley Railway above Kelowna, now a walking and cycling trail with a series of wooden trestles and tunnels and big views over the canyon.
Access is by a mountain road to trailhead parking. Large RV parking is not guaranteed — confirm parking and access before taking a large rig, or visit in a smaller vehicle.
Campgrounds along this section
A few places to start. Open any listing for hookups, rates, seasons and contact details.
Fuel & resupply
Vernon
Fuel, full groceries, hardware and general supplies.
Kelowna
The largest centre on the route — groceries, fuel, propane where available, hardware and RV supplies.
RV services
Vernon and Kelowna are strong repair and service centres. Handle mechanical issues in larger communities rather than relying on small seasonal stops.
Section 2
Kelowna → Penticton
Route basics
- Start: Kelowna. Destination: Penticton.
- Highway 97 crosses the bridge to West Kelowna and follows the west shore of Okanagan Lake through Peachland and Summerland — roughly 60 km, about an hour of driving without stops (approximate).
Before you leave Kelowna
- Fuel up.
- Stock up on groceries.
- Confirm your campground reservation.
- Check the weather.
- Check wildfire and smoke conditions if relevant.
- Check route conditions.
- Carry drinking water in hot weather.
Along the west shore
South of Kelowna the highway runs above Okanagan Lake, with orchards and lake views much of the way.
West Kelowna
Lake views, beaches and orchard country on the west side of the bridge, with Bear Creek Provincial Park just north.
Peachland
A small lakeside town with a waterfront walk, beach and rest-stop feel — a good place for coffee or a bite and a stretch by the lake.
Summerland
Orchard town above Okanagan Lake.
Why stay
- Orchards, fruit stands and farm-country scenery.
- Beaches and lake views.
- A relaxed stop between Kelowna and Penticton.
Things to do
Kettle Valley Steam Railway
A heritage steam train ride on a preserved section of the Kettle Valley Railway. Check current schedules and seasons before visiting.
Orchards and fruit stands
Seasonal fruit and farm stands around town.
Beaches and lake views
Lakeside parks and viewpoints over Okanagan Lake.
Penticton
Between two lakes — beaches, paddling and a great multi-night base.
Why stay
- Set between Okanagan Lake to the north and Skaha Lake to the south.
- Beaches, paddling and cycling, with plenty for families.
- Full resupply and restaurants.
- Ideal for a multiple-night stay.
Things to do
Okanagan Lake waterfront
Beach and lakeside walking paths along the north end of town.
Skaha Lake
A long beach and park at the south end of town.
Kettle Valley Rail Trail
Cycling and walking on the old railway grade above the lakes.
Waterfront paths
Walking and cycling paths linking the town and its lakefronts.
Local markets
Farmers' and community markets in season — check current dates.
Campgrounds along this section
A few places to start. Open any listing for hookups, rates, seasons and contact details.
Fuel & resupply
Kelowna / West Kelowna
Full services before heading south.
Penticton
Fuel, full groceries, propane where available, hardware and RV supplies.
RV services
Kelowna and Penticton are the stronger repair and service centres on this section.
Section 3
Penticton → Osoyoos
Route basics
- Start: Penticton. Destination: Osoyoos, near the US border.
- Highway 97 follows Skaha Lake and the Okanagan River south into the drier South Okanagan — roughly 60 km, about an hour of driving without stops (approximate).
Oliver
Orchard and farm-stand country in the South Okanagan.
Why stay
- Orchards, farm stands and a strong agricultural landscape.
- Local food and seasonal produce.
- Valley scenery with vineyards and orchards on the benches.
- Groceries, fuel and resupply.
Things to do
Farm stands and fruit markets
Seasonal fruit and vegetables along the highway and side roads.
International Hike & Bike Trail
A riverside path along the Okanagan River channel near town.
Gallagher Lake and Tuc-el-Nuit Lake
Small lakes near town for swimming and paddling.
Into the South Okanagan
South of Penticton the valley gets hotter and drier, with orchards and vineyards on the benches and sagebrush hills above.
Okanagan Falls
A small community at the south end of Skaha Lake with beaches, outdoor recreation and campground options.
Vaseux Lake
A small lake beside the highway, with a provincial park campground.
Fruit and Farm Stops
- Watch for fruit stands and farm markets along Highway 97, especially around Oliver and Osoyoos.
- Seasonal produce changes through the summer — what's available in July may be gone by September.
- Pull in only where parking is clearly suitable for your rig.
Osoyoos
Warm-lake town at the southern end of the valley.
Why stay
- Warm lake recreation and beaches on Osoyoos Lake.
- A distinctive dry, shrub-steppe landscape.
- Plenty of campground choices and family activities.
- Useful resupply before heading east on Highway 3 or onward.
Things to do
Osoyoos Lake
Beaches, swimming and paddling around the lake.
Nk'Mip Desert Cultural Centre
An Indigenous cultural and interpretive attraction operated within the Osoyoos Indian Band community. Check current hours and seasons.
Osoyoos Desert Centre
Boardwalk trails and interpretation about the South Okanagan's rare dry grassland and antelope-brush ecosystem. Check current hours and seasons.
Anarchist Mountain viewpoint
A pullout on Highway 3 east of town with wide views over Osoyoos Lake. The climb is steep and winding — use the pullout only if it suits your rig.
Campgrounds along this section
A few places to start. Open any listing for hookups, rates, seasons and contact details.
Fuel & resupply
Penticton
Last larger centre before the South Okanagan.
Oliver
Fuel, groceries and general supplies.
Osoyoos
Fuel, groceries and basic supplies.
RV services
Penticton is the closest stronger service centre. Handle mechanical issues there rather than relying on smaller seasonal stops.
Section 4
Osoyoos → South Okanagan Stay
Route basics
- Osoyoos is more than the end of the line — stay a few nights and explore the South Okanagan at an easy pace.
- Everything below is a short drive from Osoyoos or Oliver.
Ideas for a few slow days
Mix active mornings with lazy afternoons at camp.
Beach day
Spend a day on Osoyoos Lake — swimming, floating and shade breaks.
Paddling
Calm early mornings are the best time to get on the water.
Cultural visits
Learn about the region at the Nk'Mip Desert Cultural Centre and the Osoyoos Desert Centre.
Farm-market loop
Drive Highway 97 between Osoyoos and Oliver and stop at fruit stands along the way.
Oliver side trip
Ride or walk the riverside trail, then swim at a nearby lake.
Scenic drive
Head up Highway 3 toward Anarchist Mountain for valley views — check that the road suits your rig.
Campground downtime
Hot afternoons are a good time to slow down at camp.
Fuel and resupply
- This route is much better serviced than the remote northern routes.
- Vernon, Kelowna, Penticton, Oliver and Osoyoos are all practical resupply points.
- Expect groceries, fuel and hardware/general supplies in each, with propane where available.
- RV supplies are easiest to find in the larger centres.
Large RV and parking notes
- Lakefront areas and town centres can be busy in summer.
- Large RV parking is not guaranteed at attractions.
- Use your campground as a base for day trips.
- Confirm parking and access before taking a large rig into small attraction lots.
Campgrounds along this section
A few places to start. Open any listing for hookups, rates, seasons and contact details.
Fuel & resupply
Oliver
Fuel, groceries and general supplies.
Osoyoos
Fuel, groceries and basic supplies.
RV services
For repairs, Penticton is the nearest larger centre; Kelowna and Vernon have the most options.
Route complete
You've completed the BC by RV Okanagan RV Tour. From Osoyoos, Highway 3 heads east toward the Kootenays and west toward the Similkameen Valley.