Camping Suggestions for the Long Weekend
Camping and RV BC Coalition
Looking to camp this upcoming long weekend but don't have anywhere to go?
The long weekend is approaching quickly and this summer's record breaking warm weather has definitely heated up campground occupancy. Joss Penny, Chair of the Camping and RV BC Coalition, says "typically we see an increase of campers during the long weekends and it can be challenging to secure a spot at your favourite campground. We recommend planning ahead, however we understand human nature and for last minute travellers we have compiled a list of over 35 campgrounds with availability throughout the province, so act fast. For campers who want to camp at a first come, first serve campsite at a Recreation Site or Provincial Campground arrive as soon as you can, even as early as Wednesday to get a site".
Or skip the buzz of the crowds during the long weekend altogether and instead, hit the road September 11-12. Campgrounds across Canada will participate in the Fall Camping Appreciation Weekend as thank-you to campers for camping in British Columbia, offering a special rate of two nights (Friday and Saturday) at $50.00 + GST. To view participating campgrounds click here.
Campgrounds with availability for the long weekend less then four hours of Vancouver:
Dogwood Campgrounds (reservation recommended) Dogwood Campground is centrally located providing easy access to the many attractions and services within the Greater Vancouver Region. 15151 112 Avenue, Surrey, 604-583-5585. For more information click here
Cal-Cheak Recreation Site (first come, first serve) Located 3km North of Brandywine Falls Provincial Park. Beware of bears on site. Never leave food or garbage unattended for any length of time. RV sites but no hook-ups. For more information click here
Manning Park Provincial Park (reservation recommended) Located in the heart of the Cascade Mountains it is within a three hour drive from the Lower Mainland (Vancouver). Located 26 km east of Hope (western portal) and 52 km west of Princeton (eastern portal). For more information click here
Jandana Ranch (reservation recommended) Safe, quiet family-oriented lakefront RV park located only 25 mins. from Kamloops on paved road. Fishing, swimming, hiking. Catch a good time. 3352 Pinantan Pritchard Road, Pinantan Lake, (250) 573-5800 or 1-800573-5881. For more information click here
Knutsford/Kamloops RV Campground (reservation recommended) Take Exit 368 to Hwy 5A. South of Kamloops. No pit-bulls allowed. 2721 Hwy 5A South, Kamloops, 250 372-5380 or 1-866-777-1954. For more information click here
Logan Lake Municipal Campground (reservation recommended) Reservation Fee $6. 600 Campground Ave, Logan Lake, 250 523-6283. For more information click here
Okanagan RV Park (reservation recommended) Easy access to Hwy 97. Big Rig Friendly. 1865 Ross Road, Kelowna, 250 212-0937 or email info@okanaganrvpark.com. For more information click here
Brookside Campsite (reservation recommended) A family-friendly campground. Pet friendly, no charge. 1621 East Trans Canada Hwy, Cache Creek, (250) 457-6633. For more information click here
Heritage Campsite at Monte Lake (reservation recommended) Lovely Monte Lake views and natural forest park setting. Full, partial and unserviced sites. Shaded and grassed sites. 3961 Hwy 97, Monte Lake, (250) 375-2434. For more information click here
Camping and RVing British Columbia Coalition
The Camping and RVing BC Coalition was formed in 2008 with the support of Destination British Columbia to better position the provincial camping and RVing experience and to capitalize on the growth of nature-based tourism.