Cranbrook and creston area conditions
Woundering if anyone knows how things are in south east bc. Planned a trip in that area Ina week and if anyone can tell me what the roads are like and campground availability?
Forum Discussion
As already mentioned, campsites in July and August are very busy if they are prime locations. Around Cranbrook, the provincial parks at Moyie, Wasa and Kookanusa (Surveyors) will be very busy. There are some lesser known ones which are first come, Jim Smith, just outside Cranbrook, and Peckham's Lake east of Cranbrook which will be OK if you get there early. There is also a nice campsite called Lochart which is located on Kootenay Lake about halfway to the ferry from Creston. If you want to get off-the beaten path, there are also some forest service recreation sites. Do a search for B.C. provincial parks for details, and for B. C. recreation sites (camping).
I should point out though that if you want to explore the backroads, many of them are closed now due to washouts and mud slides. It is unknown when and if many will re-open. This will mean that with little backcountry access, campers will be using the front-country camping areas more. The recent storm that affected Calgary so badly also affected this area. Main highways are OK. It is also expected that this area may be busier than usual as the storm in Alberta has damaged many of the camping areas there limiting where Albertans can camp. The Kananaskis area was severely damaged, and may be several weeks until it is opened again. Otherwise, it is business as usual. Have a great time.
I should point out though that if you want to explore the backroads, many of them are closed now due to washouts and mud slides. It is unknown when and if many will re-open. This will mean that with little backcountry access, campers will be using the front-country camping areas more. The recent storm that affected Calgary so badly also affected this area. Main highways are OK. It is also expected that this area may be busier than usual as the storm in Alberta has damaged many of the camping areas there limiting where Albertans can camp. The Kananaskis area was severely damaged, and may be several weeks until it is opened again. Otherwise, it is business as usual. Have a great time.
