As spring is coming to an end, and the beautiful summer weather is already approaching, it’s time to start thinking about some fun and adventurous activities to kick off your summer! With all the wonderful events and activities available such as swimming, hiking, fishing, and more, the options are endless!
What are some essentials to bring during camping?
It’s important to be well prepared when you and your friends, family, and loved ones camp out beyond your home. Even the most experienced individuals who have a history of camping should always pack what they can to make the camping experience as enjoyable as it can be! With that being said, there are plenty of essentials to pack with you on your adventure.
- Tent
- Sleeping bags
- Water
- Firestarter
- Pocket knife
- First-aid Kit
- Camping stove
- Map and Compass
- Weather appropriate attire
- Flashlight/Lantern/Headlamp
- Toilet Paper/Baby wipes
With any activity in mind, sometimes summer plans can be expensive for others which can make planning financially challenging. However, lucky Canadians, specifically those who live near Vancouver, there are plenty of campsites near the beautiful city of Vancouver! BC Hydro is the reason for this, as they operate campgrounds that don’t charge a per-night fee. With that being said, let’s review some options that will save you some money on your camping plans!
Mount Seymour
This beautiful Mountain, which is a well-known ski resort only 30 minutes away from Vancouver, has an elevation of 1,449m. This North Shore hiking trail allows anyone to camp anywhere north of Brockton Point. Here are some things to keep in mind when camping on this beautiful Mountain:
- Tend pads and flat grounds are around, making it convenient to camp there
- There are no washrooms or freshwater sources
- Pack your essentials, as you need to stay prepared on these overnight trips
You can find some tips for hiking in our article Recommended Hiking Areas and Essential Equipment to Bring for Hiking.
Squamish River
This river in British Columbia, which is known to be 80 kilometers in length is another well-known camping site for Canadians to experience! Squamish is a beautiful area located in this province and is the ideal place to experience outdoor activities, especially during the summer! Here are some things to know about this gorgeous river.
- It is known to be popular, especially for fishing
- When driving there, make sure you have a four-wheel drive on your car
- Squamish River is known to be a casual area for any experienced or inexperienced camper!
Seton Lake Recreation Area
Located three hours north of Vancouver in Lillooet, this well-known lake operated by BC Hydro is available for tourists and locals! Seton Lake Recreation Area is located in the traditional territory of St’at’imc Nation, having the following activities available for those who visit!
- Seton Lake is perfect for people who want to swim
- Individuals can bring their boat for a fun activity during camping
- Firewood is available to those who would like to purchase it
- This area is only available for camping from May to October
- To those who want to visit, sites are only available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Vedder River
Located in Fraser Valley, Vedder River is another option for campers! It is also known as Chilliwack River and happens to be 80 km in length! It is considered to be very secluded, and others should note these things when camping there!
- There are no toilets or other facilities included, so it is best to be as prepared as possible.
- Others should remember to keep the river clean and pack their garbage before leaving.
Jones Lake
This reservoir which is located in Hope BC, is a beautiful option for those who choose to camp here! It has two recreation areas on the north shore of the reservoir, where both have designated wheelchair-accessible campsites, pit toilets, and picnic tables. It should also be noted that Jones Lake is open to campers during the months of May to October and has plenty of recreation options for campers!
- Picnicking
- Swimming
- Boating
- Kayaking
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Mountain biking
- Backcountry Exploration
Have fun out there!
Although there are so many free options available to others, it is incredibly important to pack what you can to stay safe! Do what you can to make your camping experience the best it can be, and remember to have fun out there!
Happy camping!
Sources:10 Camping Essentials & Must Haves List – Eureka, These free campsites near Vancouver are perfect for a spontaneous trip | Curated, Seton Lake Recreation Area
