Kettle River Recreation Area

As of May 16, 2013

Due to a delay in the construction schedule, the first-come, first-served sites 86 to 114 are currently unfinished. The sites will be available as overflow for the Victoria Day long weekend. If you chose to stay in the overflow area the cost will be $21.00 per party per night and $10.50 per 2nd vehicle. Sorry for any inconvienence.
BC Parks has finished constructing the new toilet & shower building, located at the old sani-station. A new sani-station is now in operation.

About This Park

Stands of Ponderosa pine interspersed with open areas of bunchgrass characterize this recreation area that lies astride the Kettle River between the Okanagan Plateau and the Monashee Mountains. The abandoned right-of-way of the historic Kettle Valley section of the Canadian Pacific Railway, completed in 1916 to link the Pacific coast with southern Alberta, passes through the site. On the east bank of the river is evidence of the once flourishing gold and silver mines.

In the summer, excellent canoeing or inner tube riding although there are some hazards on the river. In the winter, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are favourite pastimes.

Park Size: 179 hectares

Special Notes:

If you decide to walk parts of the historic Kettle Valley Railway, the bridge across the river is still intact, however, caution is advised at all times on and around the bridge.
Please note: The numbers on the campsites have recently been revised. Please check the park map for the revised campsite numbers.

Stay Safe:

Poison Ivy - A low plant white three glossy, bright green leaves and white berries. Wear shoes when hiking, especially in underbrush. Calamine lotion is an effective treatment.

Campground Dates of Operation All dates are subject to change without notice
Opening and Closing Campground Dates: (campground is accessible but may not offer full services such as water, security, etc.)	May 1 – September 23 (weather dependant) (gate open for dry camping till October 31)
Campground Dates with Full Services and Fees:	May 1 – September 23 (weather dependant) (Entrance gate locked nightly between 10 pm – 7 am)
Campground Reservable Dates:	May 15 – September 1
Total Number of Vehicle Accessible Campsites:	113
Number of Reservable Campsites, if applicable: (all remaining sites are first-come, first-served)	campsites number 3 through to 85 are reservable. 83 total
Note: The above information is for the campground only. Park users can still walk into the park if conditions such as weather permit. Check the "Attention Visitor Notice" above for park alerts.

Reservations

For parks that accept reservations, all vehicle accessible campsites and group sites must be reserved through Discover Camping.

Campsite Reservations:
Campsite reservations are accepted and first-come, first-served sites are also available.

Group Camp/Picnic Reservations:
Group campsite and/or group picnic site reservations are accepted at this park through Discover Camping for dates starting May 2 to September 22.

Location and Maps

Please note: Any maps listed are for information only - they may not represent legal boundaries and should not be used for navigation.

Location Map

Located 5 km north of Rock Creek on Hwy 33. The closest communities, towns and cities are Rock Creek, Westbridge, Midway, Greenwood and Osoyoos.

Maps and Brochures

Any maps listed are for information only - they may not represent legal boundaries and should not be used for navigation.

Park Map [PDF 152KB]

Nature and Culture

History - One of Canada’s most historic and scenic railway routes runs through this park. The Kettle Valley Railway opened in 1916 and discontinued service in 1973 and the track was removed between the towns of Midway and Penticton in 1980. This track now makes an excellent trail. On the east bank of the river is evidence of the once flourishing gold and silver mines.
Cultural Heritage - There is evidence of First Nations use of the area. Some ancestors have been repatriated into the park and there are archaeological restrictions on development.
Conservation - The park protects two red listed plant communities: old growth cottonwood and dry Ponderosa pine bunchgrass. The area is an important winter ranger for deer and there is also a high incidence of cavity nesting birds throughout the park.

Management Planning

Management Planning Information

Online Management planning information for this park is not available at this time.

Activities Available at this Park

Canoeing

Canoeing and kayaking are available.

Cycling

Bicycles must keep to roadways and designated trails. Bicycle helmets are mandatory in British Columbia.

Fishing

There is a bait ban on the Kettle River above Cascade Falls from April 1 to Oct 31. Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence.

Hiking

One of Canada's most historic and scenic railway routes runs through this park. The Kettle Valley Railway opened in 1916 and discontinued service in 1973 and the track was removed between the towns of Midway and Penticton in 1980. This track now part of the Trans Canada Trail, a shared-use recreation trail that will wind its way through every Province and Territory forming the longest trail of its kind in the world, spanning approximately 17, 898 kilometres. It will accommodate five core activities: walking, cycling, horseback riding, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling (where possible/desired). If you decide to walk parts of the historic Kettle Valley Railway, the bridge across the river is still intact, however, caution is advised at all times on and around the bridge. For your own safety and the preservation of the park, obey posted signs and keep to designated trails. Shortcutting trails destroys plant life and soil structure.

Pets on Leash

Pets/domestic animals must be on a leash at all times and are not allowed in beach areas or park buildings. You are responsible for their behaviour and must dispose of their excrement. Backcountry areas are not suitable for dogs or other pets due to wildlife issues and the potential for problems with bears.

Swimming

Swimming in the river is available, as well as, tubing along the river currents. Always be cautious. There are no lifeguards on duty at provincial parks.

Winter Recreation

The open forest and Kettle Valley Railway, make for great cross-country skiing, though the area generally receives only moderate snowfall. Depending on snowfall, there are snowshoeing opportunities as well. There are no designated trails other than the Kettle Valley Railway (KVR).

Facilities Available at this Park

Campfires

While campfires are allowed and campfire rings are provided at each campsite, we encourage visitors to conserve wood and protect the environment by minimizing the use of fire and using campstoves instead. Firewood can be purchased in the park or you may bring your own wood. Fees for firewood are set locally and may vary from park to park. Limited burning hours or campfire bans may be implemented. To preserve vegetation and ground cover, please don't gather firewood from the area around your campsite or elsewhere in the park (this is a ticketable offence under the Park Act). Dead wood is an important habitat element for many plants and animals and it adds organic matter to the soil.

Drinking Water

Cold water taps are located throughout the park. Taps are shut off during the off-season.

Group Camping

There is one large group campsite at this park. The group camping area is accessed from the road to the day use just past the turn-off to the regular campground. The gravel road is gated and leads to a fenced gravel parking loop. There is room for roughly ten vehicles along the loop, more in the open center of the loop. Surrounding the fenced parking is a band of lawn then open Ponderosa pine/bunchgrass forest. There are 13 tables on the lawn area that has potential for tenting with plenty of shade provided by the Ponderosa pines. There are two flush toilets, one wheelchair accessible pit toilet just off the parking as well as two taps and two fire rings. There is also a half-wall log frame shelter with cement floor. Inside are a stove, sink, counter and six tables. The area is on a terrace above the river and there are benches along the edge overlooking the river. Reservations are accepted.

Youth group camping charges per night are $1/person (6+), with a $50 minimum and $150 maximum.

Regular group camping charges per night are the base rate for the site, which is $100.00/group site/night, plus $4/adult (16+, minimum charge for 15 adults), plus $1/child (6-15).

Picnic Areas

This park has a day-use/picnic area situated right on the beautiful Kettle River. There is a gravel parking lot though no vehicles over 24 feet or trailers are permitted due to space restrictions. There is a hand pump for water near the parking as well as two pit toilets. A short, 30m walk from the parking lot brings visitors to the river and 10 picnic tables with excellent views of the river. The tables are separated by shrubs and well shaded. There is a tap near the tables. The amount of beachfront varies with water level. A 2 km trail follows the river.

Pit or Flush Toilets

Pit and flush toilets are located throughout the park.

Playground

The adventure playground is quite popular in this park. A horseshoe pitch is also available.

Sani-Station/Dump

A sani-station/dump is available during the collecting season. Drinking water is available here.

Sani-station Use Fee: $5.00 per discharge

Showers

There are hot showers in the new toilet & shower building which is located at the old sani-station area. There is no extra charge for showers and they are for registered guests only.

Vehicle Accessible Camping

The campground is located 1 km off the highway along the paved access road. There are vehicle accessible campsites in the park, including eight double sites. While there is no gatehouse, an information shelter and telephone are located at the entrance to the campground. If no staff are present, campers can self-register and put their deposit in the self-registration vault which is across from site 12. There are 15 tent pads in the campgrounds. The pads are found behind the site and are framed in gravel. Campsite reservations are accepted and first-come, first-served sites are also available.

The sites are arranged in two loops and along the road in between the loops. Most of the sites are large with gravel pads and plenty of space for backing in. The sites are located in the beautiful, open Ponderosa pine/bunchgrass forest with the red-orange bark of the trees contrasting sharply with the bland grass. This forest type gives the campground an open, spacious feeling. The exception is sites 21-53, in the second loop. These are very private and found in thick Douglas fir with many shrubs separating the sites. The closest store is 5 km away in Rock Creek.

Check-in procedures:

Guests with reservations: Check reservation board at campground entrance for pre-assigned site number.
Guests without reservations: Check reservation board at campround entrance for list of sites available on a first come first served basis.

Vehicle Accessible Camping Fee: $21.00 per party / night

BC Senior's Rate (day after Labour Day to June 14 only): $10.50 per senior party/night. Read the User Fees Policy for information on Senior Camping Discounts.

Wheelchair Access

Site 38 is wheelchair accessible. The pad around the table is paved and there is paved access to the site and to the toilet as well.