Where to find camping in the North Okanagan when provincial parks are full

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

Located on a medium sized fishing lake off Westside Road, this free campground features four campsites, a boat launch, tables and toilets.

Bardolph Lake

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

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

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

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

This free rec area offers two campsites, a boat launch, tables and toilets.

Cherryville Rec Site

This free rec area, which features ten campsites, is located on the Shuswap River and has a boat launch, tables, and toilets.

Sugar Lake

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

There are seven free campsites on this nice little fishing lake. The site has a boat launch, tables and toilets.

Charcoal Creek

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.

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