Big plans for North Okanagan riverside campground under new, local ownership

A campground nestled in an old growth cedar forest in the Okanagan has been taken over by new, local owners who have big plans for its future.

Located at 423 on Highway 6 in Cherryville, the Gold Panner Campground had been owned by an American investor for years, but recently two couples decided to buy it and are bringing new energy and ideas for the property.

Brad van Keulen and his wife Lauren live 20 minutes from the site while the other couple, Ian and Sharan Fraser, live on the site. The four share a common vision.

“We all have complimentary skill sets for doing something like this and we have the same childhood memories of growing up in campgrounds,” van Keulen said. “We share a long-term vision of creating a space away from the daily grind that allows for connection to the land and community. It’s like one of those legacy projects, we’re looking at a lot of work.”  

The campground sits on roughly 40 acres and has everything from tent sites to full-service RV sites, small cabins and chalets. It is surrounded by roughly 150 acres of undeveloped land with two creeks running through it for gold panning.

The owners are currently focussed on cleaning up the infrastructure and smoothing out the booking system. van Keuren said he is talking to different non-profits and community groups to help them steward the land responsibly while bringing more adventure opportunities in.

“We’re looking at adding a disc golf course and trails for mountain biking and hiking,” he said. “We’re also looking into curated events like small music festivals, and working with school groups on potential outdoor education opportunities. Some local teachers have a deep knowledge of the property and its history.”

This month the new owners are learning about the campground from campers who have enjoyed the site for years.

“The area was mined in the 1800s,” van Keulen said. “Gold mining was one of the principal reasons the corridor went from Vernon to Lumby to Cherryville. It has been quite the learning experience for the last month hearing everyone’s stories. So many people have these formative memories of the place and know interesting tidbits about it.”

Since announcing the purchase of the campsite earlier this year, van Keulen said the support from the community has been overwhelming.

“People in the community and local businesses and artisans are reaching out asking how they can help and be apart of it all,” he said. “It’s exciting and reiterates why we’re doing it. We have this opportunity to create this place for connection.

“Between Vernon and Naskusp is a heavy corridor for tourists but most people just drive right through. They’re not stopping and appreciating the land.

“For years we didn’t know there is this inland rainforest here, we drove by it all the time. We’re excited to create not just a stop but a destination.”

The new owners are booking reservations for the 2026 and 2027 seasons. They don’t have information on bookings made prior to 2026, so anyone with reservations made under previous management will have to rebook with their site details through the Gold Panner Campground website to keep their spot.

Potential partnerships, collaborations and ideas for the campground are welcome.

Go here to connect with Gold Panner Campground on Facebook.