The Alaskan highway is dotted with many breathtaking spots for adventurers and RV vacationers to take a break from the driving and enjoy the surrounding natural beauty, wildlife and local culture. Buckinghorse River Wayside Provincial Park offers outdoor enthusiasts the opportunity to stop and camp by a picturesque river-side setting on the last stretch of flatlands before the mighty Rocky Mountains.
The park has everything a nature lover wants in a camping destination. Scenic views, excellent amenities, privacy and tons of recreational activities are available to spend the time enjoying British Columbia's pristine wilderness. These lands are densely wooded with black pine trees that are home to abundant wildlife. The river waters are also teaming with may species of fish which makes it a great spot for keen anglers to toss in a line in the hopes of catching a monstrous Arctic grayling.
Visitors and campers alike can also make use of the well-maintained facilities and amenities available at the park, including the day-use picnic area, boat launch area, pit toilets, hand pump and campfire rings. Plenty of hiking and biking trails lead off the campgrounds for some light exploring with family or friends. Enjoy the river's cool placid waters or venture deep into the woods for a chance at spotting wildlife and birds. Buckinghorse River Wayside Provincial Park is undoubtedly a camping holiday any nature lover would thoroughly enjoy.
Buckinghorse River Wayside Provincial Park is situated about 200 km or 125 miles northwest of Fort St. John. The park entrance lies on kilometer 278 of the Alaska Highway (Hwy 97). This part of Northern British Columbia lies close to the rolling hills that mark the start of the Rocky Mountains. Hwy 97 is wide and well-maintained so getting to the park is no issue at all. Once inside, gravel roads lead to the various campsites and park amenities.
Buckinghorse River Wayside Provincial Park has a total of 33 campsites available for RV and tent camping. 17 of these sites are vehicle-accessible campsites and most are surrounded by trees offering plenty of privacy and shade. Campsites also come with a picnic table and fire pit with firewood available for purchase at the campgrounds or you can also bring your own. A hand pump is also located near the park entrance. The water here isn't suitable for drinking until boiled so it is recommended to bring drinking water when visiting the campground. Pit toilets are also available as well as a small boat launch area located near the campground. The park offers campers a primitive and remote camping experience bringing them closer to nature and everything it has to offer.
Buckinghorse River offers many secluded spots that are ideal for catching some truly large-sized fish. Most anglers flock to these river waters, in-season, to try their luck at catching the elusive Arctic grayling that thrive in these northern lake and river waters. The park is hardly ever crowded so anglers can find many private spots for a day out fishing in these rich river waters. If you're planning to fish here, make sure you have the appropriate British Columbia fishing license on-hand.
Although there are no official or developed trails around the area, campers and visitors are free to trek around the park grounds exploring the diverse flora and fauna that can be found in the woodlands and around the river banks. The mostly flat landscape makes for a comfortable hiking experience for beginners. There are many things to admire along the way, so make sure you bring your camera.
Canoeists and kayakers will love taking on these cool and calm river waters. A small boat launch area allows RV travelers to easily bring out their canoes and kayaks for a trip down the river. Admire the wildlife or find a private spot for fishing or relaxing. No motorized boats are allowed on the river waters. Swimming is also allowed in the river but there are no lifeguards at the park. Always make sure you have someone on the lookout and wear a life jacket before taking a dive into these refreshing waters.
Whether you are stopping over after a long drive on the Alaskan highway or you are in the mood for a river-side picnic, Buckinghorse River Wayside Provincial Park is just the place to sit-back and relax. Enjoy a few snacks and warm-up near a camp fire. The park offers visitors a day-use picnic area that is equipped with picnic tables and fire pits close to the river itself. You'll find pit toilets a short distance away.
British Columbia is home to diverse wildlife and plenty of unique ecosystems that give this land its charm and beauty. Buckinghorse River Wayside Provincial Park is no different. The dense woodlands and rich river waters make it the ideal hunting and nesting grounds for many animals and birds. One can often spot moose, caribou, black bears and even large grizzlies in the surrounding areas.
All ORVs (off-road vehicles) are prohibited inside park premises with the exception of mountain bikes that can be used on roadways. Cyclist have to wear a helmet and stick to the roads as they travel throughout the park. Venturing off-road can damage the diverse flora that grows around the park.
