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Plenty of camping
Friday, June 13th, 2008 by GetawayBC.com
Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows are regular destinations each year for thousands of campers seeking time in the wilderness.
Some popular local spots:
Golden Ears Provincial Park
Golden Ears park is the province’s busiest park and most popular campgrounds.
The park has three vehicle-accessible campgrounds: Alouette has 205 sites; Gold Creek has 148 sites; and North Beach has 55 sites.
There are also two group campgrounds and walk-in back country camping.
Alouette and Gold Creek have hot showers and flushing and pit toilets, while the more rustic North Beach has no showers and pit toilets.
Campfires are allowed in the provided fire rings only, unless there is a fire ban, and firewood can be purchased.
Camping fees in the regular season are $22 for Alouette and Gold Creek, $14 for North Beach, $5 for back country and $22/party for group sites. Shoulder seasons offer discounted rates.
To avoid disappointment, use the reservation system. Between 40 and 62 per cent of the campsites are dedicated for reservations, with the remainder offered throughout the season on a first come, first served basis.
The first-come sites fill up quickly, with the “full” sign often appearing about mid-week throughout the spring and summer.
You can reserve up to three months in advance. Reservations are taken at www.discovercamping.ca, 604-689-9025 or 1-800-689-9025 for a fee of $6.42/night to a maximum of $19.26.
Access is from Dewdney Trunk Road – turn north on 232nd Street, right on Fern Crescent and follow the signs.
Maple Ridge Campsite
Maple Ridge Campsite is a 50-site private campground offering both tent and RV sites, each equipped with one community fire pit, free wood and picnic tables.
There are no electrical hook-ups available, but a pay phone is on-site as well as wheelchair-accessible restrooms with flush toilets.
Campers are offered one free family pass to the Leisure Centre facility in downtown Maple Ridge.
Maple Ridge Campsite has a stream running through, a series of nature trails and a children’s playground.
It is a great place to enjoy local fishing, hiking and the amenities offered at nearby Maple Ridge Park.
This is a municipally-owned campground and which runs May 1 to Oct. 1. To book ahead, phone 604-467-7357.
This site is located in the 23400 block of Fern Crescent, on the way to Golden Ears Park.
Rolley Lake Provincial Park
Located nearby in northern Mission, Rolley Lake is also quick to fill up – catching much of the overflow from Golden Ears.
Rolley Lake offers 64 vehicle-accessible campsites. The campground has flush toilets and hot showers. Campfires are allowed in provided fire rings only, unless a fire ban is in place, and firewood may be purchased.
The vehicle-accessible regular season camping fee is $22 per party per night. The seniors’ rate (during shoulder season only) is $11 per couple per night.
Campsite reservations are accepted and first come, first served sites are also available. For reservation information, see the Golden Ears Provincial Park listing.
To access the park, take Dewdney Trunk Road east into Mission, then turn left on Bell Road.;