For those of you following along you know we spent last week off the grid on our first camping trip in 6.5 years.????  Read on for S⨱ótsaqel / Chilliwack Lake Provincial Park details, and 10 camping tips.

After two years of isolation and staying local it has been revitalizing fill our summer with friends, both new and old, trips near and far, all with a sense of freedom to relax and explore.

Camping is an interesting and unique experience.  Though it may seem like all there is to do is sit around a campfire, there are many things to be learned from camping.

Camping, reminds us how much we rely on the “comforts of home” and how difficult life can be without them,  which can help us to be more grateful for what we have and appreciate the simple things in life.

S⨱ótsaqel / Chilliwack Lake Provincial Park details:

• S⨱ótsaqel / Chilliwack Lake Provincial Park is Located 150 km east of Vancouver in the upper Chilliwack River Valley.
• It is a glacier fed valley bottom lake, the landscape of the park is a blend of old-growth forested slopes and sub-alpine and alpine ridges.
• The lake is suitable for boating, canoeing, swimming, and fishing.
• The park features several trails, including a trail to Lindeman Lake (1.5 km), Greendrop Lake (5.5 km), Flora Lake (7 km) and Radium Lake (6.5 km). All the hikes at the North end of the park are considered strenuous mountain trails.

Know before you go:

• There is no cell phone reception past the “On the Way” store on Chilliwack Lake Road. This is also the closest store and pay phone and it’s  32 km (20 miles) away so you are off quite literally off the grid.
• The park does have ice and propane available for purchase.
• Pit toilet and no showers but the lake is a lovely way to refresh

Along with the challenges that come with camping there are so many beautiful memories.

10 Tips to prepare you for camping with kids

1. Choose the right place to camp with kids- Check the amenities of the park first
2. explore nature with plenty of walks around the park
3. Pack for success- subjective and depends on your location, the weather, and you family’s needs.
4. Rent or borrow camping equipment & only buy camping gear you know you can use
5. Practice camping at home before you go- Nothing worse then getting to the site and not knowing how the tent poles work.
6. Plan outdoor activities- Bocce ball, bike rides, and other back yard games are always fun.
7. Pack campsite & Beach toys.
8. Bring along board games & Glow sticks
9. Bring a camping scavenger hunt or Creative crafts. ( We chose wood crafts)
10. Pack easy but delicious camping meals & snacks.

Are you a tent, cabin, or camper trailer type of camper?  Have any tips to add comment below, I would love to hear from you.

As always thank you for reading.

~Shannon