(CHARLOTTE HELSTON / iNFOnews.ca)
June 29, 2016 - 8:00 PM
VERNON - Fail to snag a campsite at one of B.C.’s Provincial Parks this long weekend? Don’t worry, there are plenty of other places to pitch a tent, haul a trailer, and enjoy some of that peace and tranquility that camping is all about.
We know how quickly spots filled up when B.C. Parks opened its reservation system in March, so we put together a list of other options, from free forestry sites to affordable campgrounds, no more than an hour or so away. It's not an exhaustive list, but it does give you some options.
VERNON AREA
Bouleau Lake
Buleau Lake
Image Credit: http://www.sitesandtrailsbc.ca
Located on a medium sized fishing lake off Westside Road, this free campground features four campsites, a boat launch, tables and toilets.
Bardolph Lake
Bardolph Lake
Image Credit: http://www.sitesandtrailsbc.ca
It might be a rough last 300 metres to the site itself, but once you get there, you’ll be treated to a lovely little lake with a boat launch, tables and toilets. There are three campsites on the lake and no camping fee.
Becker Lake
Becker Lake
Image Credit: http://www.sitesandtrailsbc.ca
Part of the Vernon Interpretive Forest, this free recreation site features a total of seven campsites located on lovely Becker Lake. The site has a boat launch, tables and toilets.
Damer Lake
Damer Lake
Image Credit: http://www.sitesandtrailsbc.ca
This small fishing lake is also a water supply, and as such, water levels tend to fluctuate. There are three campsites, a boat launch, tables and toilets on this free rec site.
Streak Lake
Streak Lake
Image Credit: http://www.sitesandtrailsbc.ca
Access to this free site is fairly rough, but once there, this medium sized fishing lake won’t disappoint. Enjoy fishing on the lake, or enjoying the view from one of four campsites.
LUMBY/ CHERRYVILLE
Holstein Lake
Holstein Lake
Image Credit: http://www.sitesandtrailsbc.ca
This free rec area offers two campsites, a boat launch, tables and toilets.
Cherryville Rec Site
Cherryville Camping
Image Credit: http://www.sitesandtrailsbc.ca
This free rec area, which features ten campsites, is located on the Shuswap River and has a boat launch, tables, and toilets.
Sugar Lake
Sugar Lake
Image Credit: http://www.sitesandtrailsbc.ca
This popular family site can get very busy in the summer. Camping fees are $12 a night. Boating, canoeing and fishing are all popular activities on this picturesque lake.
Haggkvist Lake
Haggkvisk Lake
Image Credit: http://www.sitesandtrailsbc.ca
There is only one campsite on this small, treed fly fishing lake — and it’s free. You’re sure to enjoy some peace and quiet at this lovely little spot, which features a boat launch, tables and toilets.
Greenbush Lake
Greenbush Lake
Image Credit: http://www.sitesandtrailsbc.ca
This scenic spot features three free campsites, as well as boating, fishing and hiking opportunities. The semi-open timbered site is known grizzly bear habitat; proper precautions are advised. The site has a boat launch, tables and toilets.
Mohr Creek
Mohr Creek
Image Credit: http://www.sitesandtrailsbc.ca
Two free campsites are available at this pleasant little spot in Cherryville. Enjoy the scenic creek and falls. Tables and toilets are on site.
Cottonwood Beach
Cottonwood Beach
Image Credit: http://www.sitesandtrailsbc.ca
Enjoy swimming, hiking, fishing and more on this medium sized site on the eats shore of Mabel lake. There is a sandy beach for swimming at this campground, which features 37 sites. The overnight fee is $12.
ENDERBY AND ASHTON CREEK
Baird Lake
Baird Lake
Image Credit: http://www.sitesandtrailsbc.ca
This tranquil site offers seven free campsites in a timbered area on the lake. Boat launch, tables and toilets are all on site.
Hidden Lake
Hidden Lake
Image Credit: www.sitesandtrailsbc.ca/search/search-result.aspx?site=REC1742&type=Site
Near Baird Lake, the camping at Hidden Lake is $12 a night and features a boat launch, tables and toilets. There is an operator on site.
Noreen Lake
Noreen lake
Image Credit: www.sitesandtrailsbc.ca/search/search-result.aspx?site=REC1742&type=Site
There’s only one site at Noreen lake, and it’s not easy getting there. Once you do though, it’s sure to be a private, peaceful trip on this small lake. Boat launch, tables and toilets are all on site.
Noisy Creek
Noisy Creek
Image Credit: http://www.sitesandtrailsbc.ca
There are 63 campsites at this rec area, which has a boat launch, sandy beach, wharf, tables and toilets. Operated by the Splatsin First Nation this site is popular with families. The camping fee is $12.
FALKLAND
Bolean Lake
Bolean Lake
Image Credit: http://www.sitesandtrailsbc.ca
There are seven free campsites on this nice little fishing lake. The site has a boat launch, tables and toilets.
Charcoal Creek
Charcoal Creek
Image Credit: http://www.sitesandtrailsbc.ca
Popular with families, this free area has four campsites, good fishing, and a large grassy area good for group camping.
For more sites, check out Recreation Sites and Trails B.C.
If forestry site camping is in your future, brush up on what you need to know before heading out.
To contact a reporter for this story, email Charlotte Helston or call 250-309-5230 or email the editor. You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom and be entered to win a monthly prize draw.
We welcome your comments and opinions on our stories but play nice. We won't censor or delete comments unless they contain off-topic statements or links, unnecessary vulgarity, false facts, spam or obviously fake profiles. If you have any concerns about what you see in comments, email the editor in the link above.
News from © iNFOnews, 2016