BC Camping Question

[sr20s14zenki]

hey wondering if anyone can suggest a good camp site in the BC..
i usally go camping in the kelowna area and some years in the salmon arm area, but this year i wanna try changing it up, usally go on the July long weekend,

i like campsites that a surrounded by tree so you dont see the campsite next to you, and bathrooms is a must

so if anyone knows and good spots, info would be great thanks people

[C_Dave45]

I've found over the years the whole Kelowna/Salmon Arm area getting too crowded. So last year I headed south from Revelstoke. some nice areas around Kimbersley.
But then I stumbled upon White Swan lake. (http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/parkpgs/whtswan/)
It's a bit of a rough ride up the forestry road. A few scary switchbacks, but definitely worth the trip. There are 3 different sites around the lake. Here's pics from "Main Basin" campground, which is the very last one.

Pictures (http://s123.photobucket.com/albums/o312/CalgaryDave/White%20Swan%20Lake/?albumview=slideshow)

Took us about 5 hours from here with the Truck and Trailer.

[AndyL]

Go to chapters - get this:
http://www.amazon.ca/Camp-Free-B-C-Explore-Paddle/dp/0973509937

And a copy of the backroads map for the area you're thinking...

Often you need the two combined... But july long is going to be a gong show no matter where you go...

Some of the forestry sites far off the beaten path (ie adams lake, there's two that are way back the logging road past the PP and commercial CG) are your best bet.
Think this one was called honeymoon bay(?) on adams:
http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i277/cgyreefer/vacation%2008/DSCF5992.jpg
http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i277/cgyreefer/vacation%2008/DSCF5995.jpg

Way up the haul road behind lussier hot springs, there's some great camp spots - user maintained so most are free, but no lake (but the rivers nice). [edit - Yes - this is the same road to white swan PP - heading more towards top of the world. ]
This is one of those forestry/hunting sites:
http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i277/cgyreefer/Sept1%2008/036.jpg
http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i277/cgyreefer/Sept1%2008/DSCF6585.jpg
Great spacing between sites at this one, there was at least 3-400m between each site; about 8 sites.

[03ozwhip]

i used to go to a place alot called surveyors lake. just outside fernie so not a very far drive. its very hard to get a spot though so you would want to reserve it ASAP if there are even spots left.

right on a really nice lake/beach and every site has trees everywhere for alot of privacy.

[speedog]

You guys did notice that the OP said that bathrooms are a must. That would take most BC Forestry sites out of the running as they might have at best an outhouse of some type and most of the BC Forestry sites I've been to don't have anything - ya gots to bring your own washroom/bathroom facilities.

So for the OP's request for a campground with lots of trees/privacy between sites and bathroom facilities - could be a tough call. I know there are some private campgrounds up along Highway 24 east of 100 Mile House - Cotton Bay Resort (http://www.cottonwood-bay-resort.com/) on Bridge Lake would be an example, but it is a long drive to/from Calgary (approximately 765km). Closer to Calgary in BC - I'd say check out Kinbasket Lake northwest of Golden. Kinbasket Lake Resort (http://www.kinbasketresort.com/) could be a possibility.

[AndyL]

All the forestry sites have at the very least outhouses (BC forestry requirement)... Backcountry is a different matter. If ya need true bathrooms then you're stuck with the big PP's like herald - and good luck getting a reservation...

[03ozwhip]

heres the link for surveyors lake. they do have bathrooms. the lake that it extends into is called lake koocanusa....
http://bcadventure.com/adventure/explore/rockies/cranbrook/koocanusa.htm

[sr20s14zenki]

thanks people... anymore suggestions would be cool too

[Lilac Wine]

Maybe somewhere in the West Kootenays? I grew up there. Along Kootenay Lake it really nice. We camped at Kokanee Creek Park alot.
Christina Lake and Champion Lake are also nice.

[m10-power]

Kettle River Area, near Osoyoos (http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/parkpgs/kettle_rv/)

Nice, usually hot, but still in the 'mountains', right on a good sized river.

Cool old silver mining area, lots of trails, located on the Trans Canada Trail. Some mine to explore (technically closed but easy to get inside)

Nice place has 'some flush toilets' mostly outhouses.

[911fever]

Originally posted by 03ozwhip
heres the link for surveyors lake. they do have bathrooms. the lake that it extends into is called lake koocanusa....
http://bcadventure.com/adventure/explore/rockies/cranbrook/koocanusa.htm

I've been there, it's sooo gorgeous