Vernon B.C. RV parks

[DBCooper]

Going up to Vernon about the 1st part of July and would like to know if anyone can recomend a RV park either private or Provicial? Would like to be fairly close to town, but would be open to any suggestions. We do prefer a somewhat private area, so the parking lot type parks we have around here would not interest us. Thanks.

Dan

 

[DPelletier]

Dan,



I am not familiar with any, but I could check around for you if you like. I live in Kelowna (25min away). I am leaving for Baha next week so, if you can wait until I get back (end of Feb. ), I don't mind checking for you. What kind of setup do you have? What kind of ammenities are you looking for? i. e. just power, water and sewer or do you prefer a park with laundry, pool, lakeshore etc?

There are some really nice Provincial Campgrounds around, but they don't allow reservations, so you may want to go private.

Let me know if I can help

Dave

 

[DBCooper]

Dave, thanks for the offer! My problem is that I am totally lost as to RVing in Canada. It's good to know that they don't take reservations in the provincial parks. We would be up the weekend around the 4th of July (don't have my calander with me). Do you think the provincial parks would be hard to get in to? My trailer is 27' and can get somewhat big for some of the state parks here. I would like full hookups but if there is a great park on a lake or something we can dry camp too. I would like to be less than 30 min. from Vernon if possible. Please don't put yourself out with this. I don't want to take much of your time, really just looking for ideas. Take your time and have fun in the Baha sun.

Thanks again.

Dan

 

[DPelletier]

No problem at all. I have printed out a copy of this thread so I don't forget. When I get back I'll do some checking. I have several good friends that live in Vernon so it isn't a big deal.

There are two types of government campgrounds in BC, the first is called a Forest Service campground which are classified as rustic campgrounds. They typically have outhouses and picnic tables. Some are classified as "enhanced sites" and may have garbage cans and an attendant. I have a 24' trailer and can't get into some of the Forest Service Campgrounds, but others are OK it just depends on the campground. We get a yearly pass (approx. $35. 00, I think) which covers your use of these sites, except the "enhanced" sites charge an additional $5. 00 per night.

The other government campground is a Provincial Campground. These vary widely in ammenities, but are generally easier to get into, many have flush toilettes, attendants, power and water. These are more expensive and less remote, my memory isn't what it used to be but I think $15. 00 to $20. 00 per night is likely. (Of course this is only Monopoly (Canadian) money!).

Private campgrounds vary widely in what they offer.

Bear Creak Provincial Campground is on Lake Okanagan and is very beautiful w. grassy areas, beaches, swimming areas, big willow trees, etc. It has easy access and sites are fairly big. Unfortunately it is very busy in the summer months. It is across the lake from the highway, but you can get to Vernon on the Old Okanagan Lake Rd. Probably would take 30 - 45 min.

Another good choice is Tween Lake Resort, which is located between Duck Lake and Kalamalka Lake, just off of the highway.

There are full service sites and pull throughs. There is also a little store and a place to grab burgers and ice cream. Cost is fairly high depending on site (maybe $27. 00 to $35. 00 per night) they also have a marina, beach and playground. Only drawback for me is that the sites are fairly close together, but that is typical on the private campgrounds (more campers = more $'s!). Tween lakes is only about 15min. to Vernon.

I'll do some checking, but let me know what you think.

Dave

 

[DPelletier]

Dan,

I was wrong about the reservations. There are some times of the year that they don't take reservations, but it seems that they do in peak times. For more info try www.britishcolumbia.com/ParksAndTrails/Campgrounds

then click on the link to "Provincial Park Campgrounds"

You can phone 1-800-689-9025 for reservations.

Let me know if there is anything I can find out for you.

Dave

 

[DBCooper]

Dave, sounds good. If the Provincial parks are anything like some of our state parks, they are nicer than most of the private parks. I think I would like to try to get into one (take our chances on availability) but also have a reservation at a private park just in case we can't get in. I think that I have heard of Bear Creek park up there. Sounds nice. We don't need toilets, showers and the such (not that we don't NEED them, but you know what I mean) so a park without them wouldn't be a problem. Does the 4th of July weekend get any more or less busy in Canada? I wish we didn't have to travel on a holiday weekend, but have no choice.

By the way, how is the weather up there that time of year? We all joke that the July 4th weekend is the wettest, nastiest, rain slingin' weekend we have all year. Then Monday the sun comes out for it's 2 days of the year.

Thanks again. Dan

 

[DBCooper]

Wow, we must have been typing at the same time. I'll look into the reservations in your link.

Dan