A short drive from Penticton, Oliver and Osoyoos, the Grist Mill Campground is a quiet family-oriented destination nestled in the shade of tall cottonwood trees adjacent to the meandering Keremeos Creek. This campground consists of 11 creekside RV/Tent/Camper sites with power and water hookups at $40/night as well as four tent-only sites at $25/night; water, picnic tables, and fire rings are available for all sites. Washrooms with sinks and toilets are available 24 hours a day.
Our small campground is the perfect jumping-off place to explore the many farm stands, wineries, attractions and recreation opportunities in both the Similkameen and South Okanagan Valley, as well as our site’s own many events and activities.
To reserve a Grist Mill campsite, please reserve online. Questions or group bookings should be addressed to frontdesk@oldgristmill.ca.
Cancellation Policy: All fees must be paid in advance to reserve your spot. Reservations are non-refundable but with more than 48 hours notice of cancellation, we can give a credit that is good for one year from your original check-in date. There is no credit with less than 48 hours notice of cancellation.
Fees
All fees must be paid in advance to reserve your spot. Once booked, reservations are non-refundable but we can give a credit that is good for one year from your original check-in date. There is no credit with less than 48 hours notice of cancellation. .
Check-in / Out
Check-in starts at 2PM; please check-in at the Visitor Center before heading to your site. Early arrivals may be accommodated only if site is ready. If you are anticipating your arrival after 5pm, please email frontdesk@oldgristmill.ca and check the campground bulletin board for a site map and more information. Check-out time is 11AM.
If you arrive without a reservation, please check–in at the Visitor Center. If closed, please check campground map for availability and be sure to settle into an unreserved site. Please fill out payment envelope at the Visitor Center and we’ll check in with you in the morning.
Water
All creekside sites have water hookups with potable water supplied by our municipal water system. Tenting sites will have access to a shared water tap. Our water is untreated (no chlorine or fluoride), however very clean. Please note that water pressure in our campground is quite high (~80 PSI) and so you should plan to use a pressure reducer.
Power
Both 15 and 30 amp power are available on standard receptacles in all creekside sites.
Waste
Please separate garbage and clean recycling, and leave in the waste enclosure near the campground entrance (all returnables are donated to a local cat rescue). There are no waste water hookups on site but there are sani-dump facilities 15-45 mins away in Twin Lakes, Penticton, Osoyoos and Princeton. Please do not dump any waste water on site to protect the sensitive creek nearby and please leave your site free of litter when you go.
Campfires
In the summer, please check the campground bulletin board daily for information on campfire bans. Campfires are permitted in fire rings only and must be fully extinguished when left unattended. Firewood can be purchased from local gas stations. Propane fire pits are permitted year round. Rentals are available here. Please be respectful of our natural areas and the environment; do not scavenge deadwood or other materials from the site and do not burn garbage, plastics or any toxic materials.
Washrooms
Our washrooms have sinks, flush toilets and hot water and are available 24 hours at the north end of the Visitor Centre; follow the path to the right of the entrance around the right side of the Visitor Center. There are no showers on site.
Quiet Hours
Quiet hours are from 10:00PM to 7:00AM. Please be considerate of your neighbours. Excessive noise, as well abusive or offensive language are not allowed at any time.
Alcohol, Tobacco and Marijuana
If you choose to smoke or vape, please be considerate of your neighbours. As this is a family-oriented heritage site, all alcohol and marijuana is to be consumed in your campsite and excessive drinking may result in eviction.
Pets
Pets must be kept on a leash no longer than 8ft at all times and never left unattended. All pet litter must be cleaned up promptly by the owner.
Damage
Persons causing damage to property (including damage to the stream and surrounding natural habitat) are responsible for costs of repair or replacement. Vandalism and littering are all prohibited and will result in eviction.
Occupancy
Only one camping unit (trailer/camper/RV/tent) and one vehicle (car/truck) are allowed per site, except in the case of a second tent for dependent children. A total of six people per campsite is allowed unless campers are members of the same household.
Wildlife
Wildlife (including the occasional bear) are present in and around the campground. Please do not feed any wildlife or neighbours’ pets and always maintain a clean site with no unattended food.
Restaurant, Gift Shop and Heritage Site
Please visit the heritage site and its amenities during open hours only; any after-hours visits on site will trigger motion detectors which can make your campground hosts grumpy.
Get more out of your stay!
Beginning in 2024, we will be offering a variety of items for rent for those staying in our campground to make your stay even more comfortable. Those items include:
- Propane Fire Ring
A great alternative for when the campfire ban is on. - Games Cupboard
We have a collection of both table and field games to keep you entertained during your stay.
- Table-top BBQ
A little propane BBQ, perfect for cooking a quick meal or two. - Canning Kit
Looking to come to the Similkameen to do some canning? We can supply you with everything but the ingredients to do safe and efficient preserving.
- Movie Package
Bring the drive-in experience to your campout! We can provide a projector, speakers, and popcorn–you provide the movie. - Grilling Utensils
- Cast-iron Cookware Set
If you’re celebrating a special event, we can also arrange for decorations or fresh flowers from one of our neighbours. Prices for each item will be posted by March 1st, 2025. Send us a note to enquire about availability.
Also, we look forward to launching catered camping for the 2025 season; we’ll provide you with everything you need for a quick, delicious Similkameen meal right at your campsite. We’ll be posting a menu later in the spring.
Local Amenities
The Similkameen Valley is full of wonderful experiences; there are great wineries to visit, fruit stands to shop at, wilderness to explore, fish to catch and more! (Not to mention all the activities and events happening here on our own site!) Click on any of these images to learn more…
Time Your Stay
Depending on why you’re coming to the Similkameen, you may find there are some times of the year that are better to visit than others. Maybe you want to schedule your stay in association with one of our many dinners, concerts and special events? Perhaps you want to stay here during prime fishing or hunting season. Maybe you want to take one one of the many wine festivals in the region. Or maybe you want to hit your favourite fruit stands…
[…] at the Old Grist Mill, home to a working 1877 waterwheel-powered flour mill where you can buy flour ground on site and […]