There are a ton of logging roads and some mining roads that will lead up close to the high alpine, however the campgrounds as you said are in the valley bottoms. The reason is the length of time the winter snow stays around here. Just last week we had a cool low front come through and the hills just above our campsite were covered in fresh snow, and there is still snow up there left over form last winter.
Couple of places that you may want to check into for hiking but not camping at the same location are:
Kokanee Glacier, you can drive up from the Kootenay lake side and hike in to the Glacier and back to the parking lot in a day hike. Today I couldn't do it but we did it in high school and my friends do it often.
Valhalla provincial park, this hike is longer and I haven't done it before but those friends of mine have note sure of the site, but when we are driving up the Slocan valley We can see the New Denver glacier from the hwy, however it is a bit of a drive to the trail head.
Cody Caves are a really easy hike .
There is also the hike up Old Glory near Rossland BC another day hike. You cam camp at Nancey Greene lake provincial park and drive the 15 or 20 km to the trail head.
Here are a couple of wed site to check out.
Soup.
Old GloryAround New DenverValhallaKokanee Glacier
