Camping season could be upon us early this year. For those who missed the opportunity to reserve a site at their favourite provincial park, here are a few suggestions for a less crowded rustic getaway.
Image Credit: istock photo
June 29, 2016 - 8:00 PM
PENTICTON - Camping season began early in the South Okanagan again this year, and with the provincial campgrounds booking up quickly, you may have missed out on your favourite campground.
This is where the lesser known forestry recreation sites in the area come in. You may be roughing it with fewer amenities, but that’s the main reason you’re going camping, right?
Some recreation site have litter barrels, some don’t. Most don’t provide firewood and most are found on gravel forest service roads. A few are maintained, while others are user maintained; some also carry a fee, usually about $12 per night. Most do have fire rings, picnic tables and outhouses.
Be aware many of these sites are small — don’t expect to find parking for your Winnebago — tents or a truck camper are often all you’ll be able to fit.
Here is a sampling of a few forestry sites in the Penticton area, with a short description of what you might expect to find. You can find many more on the Recreation Sites and Trails B.C. website.
Idleback Lake
Idleback Lake.
Image Credit: sitesandtrailsbc.ca
Large treed site with boat launch and fishing, off the 201 logging road, east of Penticton.
Allendale Lake
Small treed site with good two-wheel drive access, again off the 201 logging road east of Penticton. The lake is located roughly five kilometres off the 201.
Solco Lake
Solco Lake.
Image Credit: sitesandtrailsbc.ca
Small treed site with rough two wheel drive access; fishing, east of Penticton, approximately 15 kilometres off the 200 logging road.
Ripley, Madden and Burnell Lakes
Ripley Lake.
Image Credit: sitesandtrailsbc.ca
Three small lakes in the mountains west of Oliver, all in the same area. Sites are small to medium in size with car top boat launching, fishing at each lake and rough access.
Ashnola
Ashnola River.
Image Credit: sitesandtrailsbc.ca
Starting approximately 15 kilometres west of Keremeos on the Ashnola Road, campsites of various sizes and description line the river’s edge for a 10-kilometre stretch. Some of the sites are large enough to handle small trailers and motorhomes.
For further information regarding the province’s forestry sites, contact: http://www.bcadventure.com/adventure/camping/.
If forestry site camping is in your future, brush up on what you need to know before heading out.
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