Chek canyon recreation site camping | Established Campground
Canada
Details
- Verified:
- 11 months ago
- GPS:
- 49.91018, -123.15561
- Altitude:
- 465.0 masl
- Website:
- None
- Phone:
- None
- Contributor:
-
myriamgirod
Amenities
- Electricity:
- No
- Wifi:
- No
- Kitchen:
- No
- Restaurant:
- No
- Showers:
- No
- Water:
- Natural Source
- Toilets:
- Pit Toilets
- Big Rig Friendly:
- Yes
- Tent Friendly:
- Yes
- Pet Friendly:
- Yes
- Sanitation Dump Station:
- No
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Description
This is a free BC Recreation Site.
** NOTE: As of July 2020 there is logging truck activity during the day. Use extreme caution when driving up the hill **
Chek Canyon is a climber's paradise and can be very busy with both camping and day use during summer weekends.
It is composed of several rock faces, trails, and two separate camping areas. The lower camping area is primarily walk-in tent-only sites, though there are some level parking spaces in the lot. The upper camping area has a few drive-in camping spots to the right but they fill up fast, however there are plenty of reasonably level spots in the parking lot - especially if you have ramps/blocks. Campsites have a picnic table, and fire ring.
There are outhouses here; good connectivity on TELUS 4G/3G networks; but no running water. The rec site is free to use but there is a 14 day limit. There are no garbage bins - be prepared to pack out your trash and please read the bear smart signage.
If the rec site is full there are also some parking space right at the highway entrance at the bottom of the hill. In addition there are a number of nice pull outs further up the FSR (Forest Service Road) which continues to the left of the upper parking lot.
While the sign at the high-way turn-off says 4x4 recommended, the road up to the rec site is of a tar-on gravel bitumen surface and doable for most vehicles. Note however the average grade is 17%, and that's after a 1km 7.5% climb northbound on the highway - Result: A lot of vehicles overheat by the time they reach the rec site. Recommendation: Idle at the highway turn-off for 1 minute before proceeding slowly up the FSR.
Note also that access to this rec site is ONLY via the northbound lane on the highway. Attempting to access directly from the southbound lane, or turn back onto the southbound lane is dangerous because a) It's on a curve, and b) It's at the end of a lane-merge zone, and c) Despite the 90km/h limit, people regularly drive 120km/h; and d) prohibited by signage.
To access from the southbound lane drive past the rec site for 1.5km. This will take you to a straight section of highway where there is a pull out on the right, and a private driveway on the left - both are suitable for getting even large vehicles turned around.
To proceed south when leaving the rec site first drive north for 500m, and use the salt and sand shed to execute a U-turn. Note the salt shed has an entrance-lane heading south to make getting back on the highway easier.
Why? By checking in after you’ve visited a place you let others know this place is still functional. You can also add or correct any information.
Latest Check-Ins
right next to the north chek climbing, we got up fine in a 2wd definitely don't need 4x4.
no sign of a natural water source so keep that in mind.
we didn't get a drive in site but plenty of room to park fairly flat next to the walk in sites.
Very nice sites a described before. No water, pit toilets are pretty bad so be prepared.
Sites are free which is wonderful. I guess it is up to the campers to take care of the toilets.
Cool spot. At the upper lot there are actual campsites with tables and fire pits
Report Check-InFree camping. Plenty of places but the hill is steep to go in 4 wheel drive if you’re towing. Nice views and easy to find a place.
Report Check-InKarma Canpervan made it up the hill without issue. Stayed on the lower lot and we were the only vehicle in either lot.
Report Check-InStayed here one night. Was easy for our Chevrolet Van to get up there, little holes in road but ok.
Many climbers around as it is a good spot. Some areas for tents with campfire places. We parked opposite of the tent sides so we had space to cook in the back of the car.
Toilets are there, typical toilets for backcountry camping, smell really bad here and tried not to stay in there long.
Super quiet and very nice area.
** NOTE: As of July 2020 there is logging truck activity during the day. Use extreme caution when driving up the hill **
Report Check-InBeautiful campground here, the tent sites are amazing.
We were able to make it up the very steep (paved) road in our 2wd camper without issue. Wasn't busy on a Thursday night but I'm sure level parking would be a challenge to find on busy days here.
Report Check-Inplenty of tent spots spread over 2 camp sites, one at the top of the hill and one half way up, no need for 4x4 but it is steep. plenty of people in RVs or vans parked in the car spots. toilets, fire pits, tables.
Report Check-InWe stayed in the camping spot half the road up. Nice location in the woods with fire place and bear boxes.
Report Check-InFree campsite, plenty of sport routes for rock climbers here at the site. About 35 camping spots and more parking spaces for vans/cars. Pit toilets and bbq pits. Ok att signal. Coming from 99 southbound where the U turn used to be there is now a double yellow line. the road to the camping site is very steep but mostly in good conditions.
Report Check-InStayed here 2 nights to do some climbing - awesome little spot. Perfect for getting up early to hit the crag. Bountiful in pit toilets and we had no problem getting a drive up spot around 6-630pm everyday. I guess since it’s somewhat off season now it’s way less crowded. Would even be ideal if you wanted to visit west Vancouver - only 45 mins and way quieter + peace of
Mind that you are sleeping in a designated campsite and therefore won’t be bothered.
busy day use area & by 2pm the campsites we're almost all taken. Left turn prohibited from north, turn round in compound entrance a km or so down the road.
Report Check-InFree established campground. Few sites with fire pits and picnic tables. Tent friendly. Parking lot. Lockers to put your food safe from bears. Pretty busy, but I think is the only official free campground in the area.
High hill but you don’t need 4x4.
A lot of people here practicing climbing.
Free camping with pit toilets. Campsite with fire rings, pic nic tables. No water.
Saturday night it was pretty full.
Easy access when you arrive from the South but more difficult from the North because you need to turn and cross the highway