[Editor's note - Amanda is a prolific writer and channel steward at Helium.com]
In British Colombia you will find four KOA campgrounds which each offer something a little different. They are all located in the southern region. The northernmost KOA you will find in fact is in Clearwater. What follows is a brief overview of their operations, amenities, and the extras you can expect to find at each.
The southernmost KOA campground you will find is the Victoria West KOA, which is just off the U.S. border near Vancouver. It opens for business on May 15th and closes on September 15th, which makes for a rather short operating schedule. The campground offers tent sites, one and two room cabins, RV slots with 50 amp service, a swimming pool which operates from June first to September second, and free WiFi service.This is a forested mountain setting campground riddled with fir and cedar trees. Hiking trails to views of the Strait of Juan De Fuca are available, as well as a host of local stops so you don't have to miss high tea. Whale watching and fishing excursions can be arranged through this KOA. It is a charming, quiet campground which is well suited for families with little ones.
The Sicamous KOA offers tent sites, RV slots (100-foot length) with 50 amp service. One and two room cabins are also available (book well in advance). The season of operation here runs from May 1st to October 1st, with the swimming pool opening from May 23rd through September 5th.The campground is just off Trans-Canada Highway 1, only a few minutes from Shuswap and Mara lakes. This is a great KOA for water lovers as there are plenty of activities centered on the lakes. They also offer regular campground activities like pancake breakfasts and ice cream socials. Fireworks and nature walks are also a part of the package at this a very popular KOA.
The Revelstoke KOA operates between May 1st and October 15th and offers accommodations similar to Sicamous. RV sites are 120-foot length, and teepee rental sites are
available for something different. The heated pool is open from June 1st until September 4th.Here you will find a beautiful mountain backdrop that wonderfully offsets the two playgrounds. This is a bit of a luxury KOA in that, in addition to the now standard KOA offering of WiFi service, cable television is also available. You'll also be treated to a duck pond and a meeting hall on site. Mt. Revelstoke and Glacier National Park are the biggest draws in this area and well worth the time to explore. Golfing, whitewater rafting, hiking, fishing, and ATV tours are all available in the area, as well all the local amenities.
The Clearwater/Wells Gray KOA opens for operation on May 1st and closes down on October 12th. RV slots with 50 amp service and 100-foot length are available, as well as tent sites and one-room cabins. The pool opens on May 19th and closes on September 9th. This is known as the waterfall park. Wells Gray Provincial park has over 250 cascades, featuring Helmcken Falls.
Hiking at the park is also available. Nearby you can canoe, mountain bike, river raft, kayak, or take a more relaxing lake cruise. The pool is heated. Sand volleyball, mini-golf, and a selection of other games are also available. This site won the 2007 KOA President's Award!No matter which KOA you choose you can't go wrong. There's plenty to do at each, and with affordable rates it won't break the bank to stay at any of them. Remember to book in advance whenever possible for cabins, and that kids 5 and under stay free. The only thing that stands in the way of you and a good time at these great sites is you. The four KOA's of British Columbia offer everything you need to have a great camping experience.
Reprinted by permission from Amanda Fox.
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Really enjoyed your guide to KOA's of BC, Amanda. I've never been anywhere near those, and would love to make the trip sometime. Way too far to haul the camper, so I'd have to opt for using the big ol' tent we refuse to discard, or else rent a cabin. (I'd call well in advance, as you suggest!)
ReplyDelete~Jim
Over the past several years we have stopped at the Revelstoke KOA and always enjoyed our stay until this last trip. We noticed that the sites are not being maintained like they used to nor are the bathrooms. We very seldom saw anyone doing any cleanup around the sites and there was never any irrigation so the sites were full of dust rather than nice green grass. We checked other R.V. parks around Revelstoke and have decided the next time we stop it will be at another park.
ReplyDeleteThanks anonymous.... we are making some KOA camping decisions and are not wanting to drive for hours only to be greeted by a dusty campground. Sadly... campgrounds seem to be so much work that owners have a tough time keeping up. We will avoid Revelstoke KOA. Have been reading other reviews, as well.
DeleteThanks for your update, Anon --
ReplyDeleteInformation like this is always appreciated. Interesting that, despite the horrid economic conditions, camping is still going strong.
~Jim