Top 10 BC Campgrounds: Thompson Okanagan
What better way to discover Thompson Okanagan than to go camping. There are so many campgrounds and camping hot spots in the Okanagan region that sometimes it becomes difficult to choose. Don’t fret, we’ve compiled a list of some good campgrounds for our readers to check out:
1. Bear Creek Park and Campground: Bear Creek Provincial Park is situated in the Central Okanagan Basin on the west side of Okanagan Lake. It’s a popular spot for camping for Kelowna Residents. The park features lakeside camping, over 400 metres of sandy beaches and 5 km of spectacular, well-marked hiking trails. A picturesque canyon has been carved into the bedrock by Bear Creek tumbling onto a cottonwood-lined delta. During the during the summer season the park has a concession located at the Gatehouse and managed by the Park Facility Operator.
2. Ellison: In the mood for boating , fishing , hiking, kayaking , scuba diving or volleyball then go for Ellison campground which is only few minutes from Vernon, British Columbia. Located on the northeastern shore of Okanagan Lake, Ellison Provincial Park includes 200 hectares of forested benchlands above a rocky shoreline of scenic headlands and sheltered coves. The park’s natural attractions, combined with the dry, sunny Okanagan climate provide many recreational opportunities from spring through fall.
3. Shuswap Lake- Scotch Creek: Just off Highway 1 near Chase, British Columbia, you can enjoy day camping on the shores of Shuswap Lake. Swimmers would love 1 km of developed beach and designated swim area. Although Boat rentals are not available here, there is a boat launch and boat trailer parking facilities available (only during the day.) Mountain biking is also permitted here.
Driving Directions: On the north shore of the main arm of Shuswap Lake, and includes Copper Island. Leave Hwy #1 at Squilax, and drive 19 km on paved roads. Note that Copper Island is only accessible by boat.
4. Herald Campgrounds : Herald Campgrounds are easily accesible for Salmon Arm residents. Herald Park is located on the shore of Shuswap Lake, at the base of rugged Bastion Mountain. The area is naturally covered with open, parklike pine forest on sunny slopes and forest on shaded slopes. The campground has an upper, sunnier level and two lower levels - one sunny (an old farm site) and one shaded, both close to the beach (total of 119 campsites). The main attractions are the long sandy beach and a short trail through a canyon leading to impressive waterfalls. Hikers surely check this one out.
5. Haynes Point Camping:This campground is located off Hwy 97 near Osoyoos, British Columbia. There are about 41 sites on a sand spit in Osoyoos Lake. Although a smaller campground, it does have amenities like fire pits, fire wood, recycle bins, flush toilets and disabled access.
Driving Directions: Located two km South of Osoyoos off Hwy 97 onto 32nd Avenue.
6. Kettle river Camping: Kettle River Camping is available near Rock Creek in British Columbia. This campground is located 5 km north of Rock Creek on Hwy 33. The closest communities, towns and cities are Rock Creek, Westbridge, Midway, Greenwood and Osoyoos. Some sites are near river edge, some are double sites and there is nice privacy between sites. Boating option is not available here but other popular activities include: River floating (rubber dinghies, canoes, tubes, etc. - shallow water) and Mountain biking.
7. Robson Meadows Camping - Mount Robson: If you want a beautiful treed setting at the base of the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies then Robson Measows Camping would be suitable for you. Robson meadows campgrounds are located just off Hi-way #16 about four hours north of Kamloops and there are a variety of day use and overnight hiking trails.
8. Gladstone Park - Texas Creek near Christina Lake in British Columbia is another popular camping spot.
There are about 63 large but mostly shady campsites. Gladstone Park is located approximately 20 km northeast of Grand Forks, British Columbia on Hwy 3 at the north end of Christina Lake in the Monashee Mountains. The most common accesses to the park are via the Texas Creek campground and by boat from Christina Lake. The campground is 5 km east of Christina Lake on Hwy 3; turn onto East Lake Drive and follow 4 km to the 63 site campground at the end of the road. There is rough 4WD access to Xenia Lake 22 km up the North Fork Rd from Grand Forks to Miller Creek Rd; turn right and go about 4 km. Look for a small road on the left marked with a white deactivated road sign that leads to the lake.
There is also access to the Mt. Gladstone trailhead from Hwy 3 and the abandoned CPR railway at Paulson, the Mt. Faith trailhead from the Burrell Forest Service Road, and Peter Lake from Dog Creek Road.
9. Champion Lakes near Nelson in British Columbia features 500 meters of sandy beach centred around three small lakes with a diversity of species; Western Larch, Cedar, Douglas Fir, Pine and Engelmann Spruce. Hiking trails, wildlife and fishing are available at this spot.
10. Lac Le Jeune near Kamloops in British Columbia provides lakeside park surrounded by lodge pole, pine and pine grass forests. The roads are paved throughout the campground and are easily accessible. The park features 146 metres of developed beach. Mountain biking is permitted along with access to Stake Lake Trail
Driving Directions: From Kamloops: Drive 37-km southwest of Kamloops on Highway 5. Take the Lac Le Jeune exit.
From Merritt: Drive 50-kms northeast of Merritt on Highway 5. Take the Lac Le Jeune exit.
From Logan Lake: Drive 26-km east of Logan Lake on Meadow Creek Road.
So, if you are planning a camping trip in summer of 2009 then reserve earlier because these campgrounds get booked quickly.
