Despite last year’s fire, it’s business as usual at Kettle River Recreation Area, which is now accepting reservations for camping. (Photo supplied)
Dear Editor:
This letter has been written to provide an update on the status of Kettle River Recreation Area after the 2015 Rock Creek fire.
Many people still believe the Provincial Campground was destroyed or are unsure if it will be reopening in 2016.
The management team with the recreation area just wanted everyone to know the park will open on May 6 and reservations for the park just began on March 15.
We are excited to announce that Kettle River Recreation Area reserve campsites are now available now that reservations on Discovery Camping are open to the public, effective March 15.
The Rock Creek fire caused an evacuation of the Kettle River Recreation Area campground, but the reserve sites were untouched by the fire.
Any other damage caused by the fire is in final stages of cleanup and will be ready for camping season in May.
Kettle River remains closed to the public as BC Parks finishes assessment and cleanup any potential hazards. The campground is scheduled to open Friday, May 6.
Kettle River Recreation Area is one of the largest and most popular destination family campgrounds in the Okanagan/Boundary region. Located minutes from amenities in Rock Creek, it is only 45 minutes from the Town Osoyoos, 90 minutes from Penticton and just over an hour from Kelowna.
Campers will want to bring their bikes and floaties as this park offers fantastic biking/hiking opportunities and access to the historic Kettle Valley Railway (KVR) Trans Canada Trail network.
More pictures and information is available at the Park Operator’s website www.explorebcparks.ca.
Reservations are strongly recommended during peak season, however, lucky last-minute campers might be able to find a spot in July and August. Reservations for this park are accepted for arrival dates fom mid-May through Labour Day.
Kettle River Recreation Area has 114 campsites and 75 per of the sites can be reserved.
Reservations can be made up to three months in advance of arrival dates at www.discovercamping.ca or 1-800-689-9025.
Kettle River also has one large group site area for larger camping groups of more than 15 adults. The group site area can be booked up to one year in advance of the arrival date.
Kettle River has an adventure playground that is popular for families with young children and offers a mix of flush and pit toilets as well as a large shower house facility. A sanitation station is available on site.
If you can’t wait until May to camp in the South Okanagan/Boundary, Vaseux Lake Provincial Park just opened last week.
Vaseux Lake is a popular roadside campground that provides excellent fishing opportunities for bass, trout and carp. This park boasts beautiful lakeside sites with easy lake access. It is conveniently located in the South Okanagan on Highway 97 between OK Falls and Oliver.
The South Okanagan/Boundary Region of BC Parks is proudly operated by Quality Recreation Ltd.
Thank you for allowing us to share this information.
Kettle River Recreation Area, Management team
Rock Creek, B.C.
