When provincial parks are full; alternative campsites in the Kamloops area

KAMLOOPS – So you missed securing a site when the provincial campground reservations opened and now you think you have no where to go on this long weekend? Don’t worry about it, there is much more to camping in B.C. than just provincial parks.

Here is a look at what other options there are for setting up camp in the Kamloops area. We don’t want to give all the secrets away though, so while this list gives you more options, it is not all-encompassing. You will have to do some of your own exploring to find your own hidden jewel.

BARRIERE

Brennan Creek

Tables, toilets, a beach, a boat launch and amazing views make this recreational site a family favourite. A total of 20 sites are available at a cost of $15 per night.

North Barriere Lake

The area is perfect for canoeing, fishing and swimming, which makes the 25 sites a popular family choice. Tables, toilets and a boat launch are available, and sites cost $12 per night.

HEFFLEY

Badger Lake

With 27 sites, road access, tables, toilets and a boat launch, this lake is popular for fishing and canoeing.

Community Lake Southwest

A popular boating and fishing campground, this lake offers nine campsites at a cost of $12 per night.

KAMLOOPS

Bleeker Lake

A popular fishing site, Bleeker Lake offers five free sites, a boat launch, tables and toilets.

Isobel Lake

Operated by the school district, this campground offers 19 sites ($12 per night), a boat launch, tables and toilets. A popular place to go kayaking, mountain biking, hiking and fishing.

LOGAN LAKE

Lodgepole Lake

Nine free campsites, boat launch, tables and toilets. This site offers easy road access, canoeing, fishing and hiking.

There are also many more campsites available through Recreation and Trails B.C. in the Kamloops region, in the Cascades district south and west of Kamloops and heading east into the Shuswap. The province also offers permits for true backcountry camping in 31 park areas and of course there are a whole slew of private campgrounds available throughout the province.

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 Jennifer Stahn or call 250-819-3723 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.