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Perry Mack photo
Apple Valley Orchard & RV Park
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Perry Mack photo
Apple Valley Orchard & RV Park
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Perry Mack photo
Apple Valley Orchard & RV Park
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Gatzke Orchards
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Gatzke Orchards
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Gatzke Orchards
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Perry Mack photo
Scenic View RV Park
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Perry Mack photo
Scenic View RV Park
By Darcy Nybo
There’s something about waking up in the morning and looking out over an orchard of fresh fruit that gives visitors the full Okanagan experience. Several Okanagan farmers have turned their farms into agritourism destinations. Its just one more way to put value added services and products into the hands of consumers.
There are several RV sites that offer this true Okanagan lifestyle to RVers. The pluses of RVing in an orchard are numerous, but what stands out the most is the ability to awake in the morning, grab a bite of something fresh off the tree for breakfast and then continue on with your day.
All of the parks we researched were close to wineries, golf courses, shopping and lakes. Many of the RV parks offer mountain and valley views that will relax the weariest of travellers. Some parks are family friendly; while others request only those 13 and over come to stay on their site. RV parks in orchards tend to be quieter in the evenings and most are located within a 10-minute drive to the city.
Several of the parks let you pick fruit from trees around your RV, while others ask that you pick by the bag. Depending on the park, you may also have fresh vegetables available daily, so there is no need to stock up on fruit and vegetables for your stay. Just walk to the farmhouse, garden or orchard, and get what you need.
Tenting is also allowed at most orchard RV parks. Electricity, water, sewer, Wifi and cable are pretty much standard at all of them. Some even go so far as to offer you your own garden plot if you are staying for a long time. Others have Laundromats, pools, showers and other amenities.
Remember, these are working orchards. The nights may be quiet, but during the growing and harvest seasons, the day begins early. There will be workers planting, pruning, trimming, weeding and picking nearby. You’ll also have to prepare for the daily irrigation of the orchard. If you leave it outside, it might get wet.
Note that most of these parks have very similar names, and several are located near each other. Make sure you follow directions to ensure you arrive at the right park. These are working farms/orchards and as such they may not be able to get to their phones right away.
Apple Valley Orchard and RV Park
This RV park sits on an established orchard that was planted in 1910. Touted as one of BC’s best agritourism destinations, Apple Valley offers year round RV sites, tenting and seasonal U-Pick fruit.
This is one of the larger orchard RV parks in the area and is pet friendly. Visitors can choose between the peach or cherry orchard, the grape area (depending on RV and amperage requirements) or you can tent in the apple orchards. The orchard is located at 1980 Union Road. Phone 866-763-9740 or visit applevalleyrv.ca for more information.
Apple Orchard RV Park
This great little park set amid the orchards and farmer’s fields has 10 RV sites, all which are big rig friendly. Each pad has water, power, sewer, Internet and a street lamp. Your pad has a crushed granite driveway, lawn area and a picnic table too.
The full washrooms are wheelchair accessible and there’s a laundry on site. The orchard is located at 4410 Wallace Hill Road. Phone 866-212-7111 or visit appleorchard.ca for more information.
Orchard Hill RV Park
Another small and quiet park is Orchard Hill RV with nine spaces that are tiered and landscaped. They offer Wifi, sewer, electricity and cable. This is an adult oriented park and children must be 13 and older to stay here.
There is a coin laundry and pets on leash are permitted; however, there are no public washrooms. The larger sites are shaded to help cope with the Okanagan mid day sun. You can even get fresh vegetables right here on the farm. The orchard is located at 2351 Rojem Rd. Phone 888-421-4673 or visit orchardhillrv.com for more information.
Orchard Valley RV Park
Like most small Orchard RV parks in the Okanagan, Orchard Valley has 10 RV pads available. Each comes with wireless Internet and cable and they are located only five minutes from a grocery and liquor store.
The park is family friendly with beautiful scenery. The orchard is located at 2389 Rojem Rd. Phone 250-762-9355 or visit orchardvalleyrvpark.com for more information.
Quails View Farm and RV Park
This cozy RV park has been a farm since the early 1900s. All sites are pull-through and they have WiFi, laundry facilities, beautiful landscape, and a play area for pets. Guests are invited to enjoy the delicious fruits and vegetables as well as fresh herbs from this organic farm.
As an added bonus, Quails View Okanagan RV park is also the home of Caramoomel Natural Fine Food Creations, a line of artisan spreads and sauces made with fruits and veggies grown organically on Quails View Farm. The farm is located at 2105 Morrison Road. Phone 888-765-0574 or visit quailsviewfarm.com for more information.
Scenic View RV Park
This quaint 10-site park is easily accessible from Highway 97 and has plenty of room for park tow vehicles. There is also an auxiliary parking lot for guests. All sites have 50 amp, 30 amp and 120v plug-ins and include sewer, water, cable TV and WiFi Internet. They also provide picnic tables and coin-operated laundry facilities.
The park is located at 2360 Scenic Road. Phone 250–762–2861 or go to scenicviewrv.ca for more information.
Gatzke Orchards
About 20 kms north of Kelowna is Gatzke’s Orchards. Cabins, an RV park, and campsites are available to stay overnight at the farm. You can even have a tasty breakfast farm style, then hang around the beach or take the canoe out for a paddle.
The RV park is open from May to September. Check ahead and see if there is live music when you come. The Orchard Café has a seasonal menu and the Bowery and Beer Garden is a great place for tastings, food, or to just relax. At Gatzke’s you can get home made fruit juice, smoothies, ice cream, vegetarian food and much more. Gatzke’s is located at 15686 Hwy 97 in Oyama. Phone 250-548-3444 or visit gatzkefarmmarkets.com for more information.