BC Provincial Parks

Thank you. I don't need--or want--hookups.

I consider the Backroads Mapbooks essential when using Rec Sites (and other forest access roads). I suppose one could glean all the necessary info from the online maps, but it would be harder to make last minute changes in your plans.

Roads and pads are quite similar across Provincial Parks. The pads, for example, are usually large thick gravel embankments.

The rec sites are much more variable. Some are just open areas around a lake, with signs of cattle grazing. Others look like private getaways carved out by loggers. Some won't hold anything bigger than a pickup camper - and may require substantial leveling gear. Most that I've seen are some where between established US Forest Service sites and popular dispersed FS sites.

I just finished driving through BC and the Yukon. We entered Canada on May 1st, and are now in Fairbanks. Many of the provincial parks we had planned to stop at were closed, even though the government web site said they would be open by May 1. This really put us way ahead of schedule because we had to keep driving to the next campground, sometimes 100 miles away. I also had several free campgrounds we were going to use and found all unsuitable for a 28 foot trailer. So the free ones have been a total bust so far.
Many of the private RV parks are also still closed,not sure why because the snow is melted for the most part. One other remark about the parks, both government and private, they are very dusty when the weather is dry. If they would just lay down washed gravel it would make your stay much more pleasant.

The provincial parks that were open, we used cash but they might have taken a check. Not sure. Some have been manned and others you just put the money in the box. Several times we were the only people in the park.

Road conditions: We came north on the Cassiar Highway. The last 75 miles was pretty rough. No road construction of any kind going on right now. The Alaska Highway from Whitehorse north wasn't much better. Once you cross the border into Alaska, the roads were 100% better. Once again there was a center line, fog lines along the edges, and guard rails. Still lot's of frost heaves to deal with.

A quick word about travel guides: Remember, the big popular one that everyone uses to come north, primarily only lists the RV parks that advertise with them. So if you don't have other sources, you will miss many parks. Also, the guides don't mention that there are train tracks, airports, and highway noise to contend with.

I am writing a blog about the trip if you want to take a look. The address is: russandpatsrvadventures.blogspot.com

Thank you, Russ & Pat. Yes, I do have The Milepost but also the Church's book, Traveler's Guide to Alaskan Camping. I am hoping the provincial parks will be open when I get to Canada (next week) but I'm pretty good at improvising.

The problem with cash-only is, when there is only an 'iron ranger', you must have the exact change, which is not always possible.

I'll have a look at your blog when I can. Thank you!

When you cross, go to a bank and get multiple denominations of coins. Perhaps Google for fees as some of the Provincial parks you hope to use to get an idea of the cost per night. Then you'll be ready. Have a great trip...wish we were going again this year.

You'll find attendants collecting at almost all PP's and they should be open now. Alaska is where you're likely to run into more Iron Rangers. PP's don't take checks from Americans, at least not in my experience, but they will take US cash most of the time at some approximation of the exchange rate. One other thing as far as route, it's way quicker to take #5 to Kamloops than to go up #1/97 to Cache Creek. #1 is mostly 2 lanes with some passing lanes, but #5 4 lane all the way to Kamloops and very lightly traveled. More scenic too!

tonymull wrote:
You'll find attendants collecting at almost all PP's and they should be open now. Alaska is where you're likely to run into more Iron Rangers. PP's don't take checks from Americans, at least not in my experience, but they will take US cash most of the time at some approximation of the exchange rate. One other thing as far as route, it's way quicker to take #5 to Kamloops than to go up #1/97 to Cache Creek. #1 is mostly 2 lanes with some passing lanes, but #5 4 lane all the way to Kamloops and very lightly traveled. More scenic too!

Actually, I won't be going through Kamloops at all. I'm crossing the border at Metaline Falls and then up through Banff and Jasper to the Yellowhead Hwy. I'm in no big hurry and want to enjoy the trip, not just the destination. :)

mockturtle wrote:

tonymull wrote:
You'll find attendants collecting at almost all PP's and they should be open now. Alaska is where you're likely to run into more Iron Rangers. PP's don't take checks from Americans, at least not in my experience, but they will take US cash most of the time at some approximation of the exchange rate. One other thing as far as route, it's way quicker to take #5 to Kamloops than to go up #1/97 to Cache Creek. #1 is mostly 2 lanes with some passing lanes, but #5 4 lane all the way to Kamloops and very lightly traveled. More scenic too!

Actually, I won't be going through Kamloops at all. I'm crossing the border at Metaline Falls and then up through Banff and Jasper to the Yellowhead Hwy. I'm in no big hurry and want to enjoy the trip, not just the destination. :)

That sounds like a great route! I make several fishing runs north of Kamloops every summer, so for me the quicker I can get that far the better. Besides with two mostly empty lanes to play with my eyes can wander and still make good time. Have a great trip! Assuming our business sells we'll be spending 6 months in BC and Alaska next year. My wife is from Valdez and I lived in Fairbanks and Anchorage for many years, but there's still lot's of places yet to see! I'll look forward to your reports.