Kettle River Recreation Area
RV Guide
Introduction
Sitting between Monashee Mountains and the Okanagan Plateau, Kettle River Recreation Area features open bunchgrass areas and Ponderosa pine trees that provide the perfect setting for RV holidays. Located just 5 km (3 miles) north of Rock Creek town along Highway 33, British Columbia, this provincial park features an abandoned railway which serves as a multi-recreational site. Kettle River, which flows within the park, is also a wonderful place to enjoy fun activities at the park.
Interesting ways to spend your time at Kettle River Recreation Area include hiking and cycling along the Kettle Valley Railway, and enjoying the scenic views of the resplendent flora and fauna in the park. You may also take a dip in the river, or enjoy walks with your pets. If you fancy angling, there are enough opportunities for you to fish in the park. Canoeing and kayaking are also available.
You can have your pick out of the 114 RV campsites in the park which are available both by reservation and on first-come first-served basis. Facilities and amenities available at the park include group camps, picnic areas, and a playground. You’ll be able to use water taps, toilets, showers, and trailer dump stations at the park too. Firewood is also available. Moreover, some sites in the park are wheelchair accessible.
Kettle River Recreation Area was established in 1972.
RV Rentals in Kettle River Recreation Area
Transportation
Driving
Located just 5 km (3 miles) north of Rock Creek town along Highway 33 (known as Kelowna-Rock Creek Highway), Kettle River Recreation Area is easy to access by RVs, trailers, and other motorized vehicles. This is because the recreation area is by the highway and can be easily driven into. Moreover, the local roads within the recreation area offer easy navigation to wherever you may wish to visit, be it the group campsites, day use area, or the RV campsites. There are no driving restrictions within the park.
Parking
At Kettle River Recreation Area, there are three parking areas available for your RVs, trailers, and cars. You’ll find the largest of the parking areas close to the picnic area, just off Kettle Valley Railroad, while the two remaining parking lots are in the campground loops. The parking lots at the loops are graveled and vehicles over 24 ft (7 m) are not allowed due to its small size. Alternatively, you can park your rigs at your designated campsites in the campground. Overnight parking is available at the campground.
Public Transportation
There are no direct public transportation services to Kettle River Recreation Area.
Campgrounds and parking in Kettle River Recreation Area
Campsites in Kettle River Recreation Area
Reservations camping
Loop 1
Loop 1 in Kettle River Recreation Area features 53 pet-friendly campsites available for RVs and tents and accessible by vehicles. Although no RV hookups are available in the loop, you’ll find amenities such as water taps, toilets and showers in the loop. A parking lot is also available, as well as wheelchair accessible areas. From the loop, you can access trailheads and the waterfront to additional recreation.
RV length limit within the loop is 32 ft, however, if you have a larger rig, you should contact the park ahead to find out if there is space available for you.
All but two campsites in the loop are available by reservation. The two campsites are available on first come first served basis.
Loop 2
Within Loop 2 at Kettle River Recreation Area, there are 34 pet-friendly campsites that are accessible by vehicles and available for RVs and tents. Amenities such as water taps and toilets are available in the loop, but no RV hookups are present. You can also easily access trailheads that lead to the waterfront from the campsites in the loop.
RV length limit at the park is 32 ft, and all the campsites are available by reservation.
First-come first-served
Loop 3
Loop 3 in Kettle River Recreation Area consists of 27 pet-friendly campsites that are available for RVs and tents and accessible by vehicles. There are no electric hookups for RVs at the loop, but water taps and toilets are available. You can also access trailheads from the campsites in the loop.
RV length limit at the loop is 32 ft. If your rig is larger than the specified limit, then you should contact the park ahead of your visit to find out if there is space available for you.
All the campsites in the loop are available on first-come first-served basis only.
Seasonal activities in Kettle River Recreation Area
In-Season
Hiking
The Kettle Valley Railway, which was opened in 1916 and closed in 1973, runs through Kettle River Recreation Area and forms a fantastic hiking trail for vacationers at the park. The rail track, which is part of the Tran Canada Trail, is a major recreational feature as it accommodates various activities. What’s interesting to note is that the trail crosses the Kettle River in the park and you will get the chance to walk across the bridge which is still very much intact. Be sure to exercise caution as you walk on and around the bridge though.
Other hiking trails are available in the park and you should look out for, and avoid poison ivy, which commonly grows along the trail.
Flora and Fauna
Kettle River Recreation Area is decorated with resplendent trees and flora that make the park a well-loved destination for nature lovers. Two red listed plant communities are protected in the park – old growth cottonwood and dry Ponderosa pine bunchgrass. Besides these florae which will greet you as enter the park, you’ll also get the chance to see beautiful wildlife, including deer and cavity nesting birds. These birds are commonly seen on the trees in the park.
Cycling
Cycling is a popular activity among RV campers and vacationers at Kettle River Recreation Area and this activity is particularly enjoyed along KVR Trail. The trail which runs along the decommissioned railway track offers great cycling opportunities for riders at the park. Cycling is not limited to the trail though, as the park’s roadways are also open to biking. If you have your kids with you on vacation, they can also enjoy riding at the bike park in the campground area. The use of bicycle helmets is mandatory in the park.
Off-Season
Winter Recreation
Not only is Kettle River Recreation Area an exciting place to visit in summer, but it is also a wonderful destination during winter. This is so because various recreational opportunities are available to RV campers in winter. You’ll be able to enjoy great cross-country skiing in the park, even though the park only experiences moderate snowfall. In addition, snowshoeing opportunities are available in the park in winter. No designated winter trails are available for recreation in the park besides the Kettle Valley Railway.
Swimming
Thanks to Kettle River, opportunities to enjoy swimming are available in Kettle River Recreation Area for RV campers who love the activity. In addition, tubing is available along the river currents. If you enjoy swimming, you should be cautious in the river because there are no lifeguards on duty at the park. Not only can you swim in the river but you can also relax at the day use area just overlooking the river. If you fancy a meal, then you can also have a picnic as you relax at the park.
Pet Walking
Pets are allowed at Kettle River Recreation Area, so you can come along with your dogs and cats and enjoy casual strolls through the park with them. Pets are not allowed around the park buildings, however there is a designated pet beach where you can take your pets for a swim in Kettle River. Be sure to clean up after your domesticated animals and properly dispose of their excrement. Also, pay attention to them in wildlife areas in the park to avoid potential problems with the wild animals in the park.
