Nature of camping has changed

RE:Nothing for free


It's true, nothing is free. Including well set up camping facilities. The nature of camping has changed so much, that sites are needed to accommodate the 30+ foot "campers" that require sewer, water and electric hook-ups, as well as a suitable access road and sites. The days of tenting are over for most people, especially the older population of the Okanagan.

As for Bear Creek, it's not really my idea of camping at all. Five minutes to Wal-mart? I don't think so. But it is the mentality of the masses. I disagree with the reservation system altogether, but I understand the necessity of it. I think that without the reservation fee, there would be more empty sites that people didn't show up to claim. And since the park is reservation only, these sites would remain empty if people didn't show up. the fee insures partly that people make serious commitments to stay there, especially when the park is in such demand.

Tenting sites are still available for the adventurous, and many are free. They are not Provincial Parks, but Provincial forestry sites instead. I prefer the free site at Mable Lake to the provincial park/campground just down the road, for example.

Sure Bear Creek is nicely equipped, that's why it's not free. Try Lambly Lake or any other lake above the west side. Or James Lake, or somewhere in Greystokes or up the Thompson plateau by Beaver Lake, Dee Lake, Ideal Lake, Specs Lake, the list goes on, and most are free.

We've spent weeks up there and have the whole lake to ourselves most of the time. Camping like you remember it still exists, but it's been pushed further off the beaten track by those willing to pay.


Ryan Davids