Campgrounds and RV parks near Strathcona A, BC

Water dominates the itinerary. Canoeing and stand-up paddle boarding are popular on Buttle and Upper Campbell Lakes, though Buttle Lake is subject to strong afternoon winds that may be very hazardous to small craft. Morton Lake Provincial Park provides access to Morton Lake and links to neighbouring Mohun Lake, a launch point for the Sayward Canoe Route paddle and portage circuit. Hiking ranges from short waterfall walks to alpine treks. Observation platforms to view waterfalls can be found at Lupin Falls, Lady Falls, Karst Creek, and both Lower and Upper Myra Falls. The Paradise Meadows trailhead at Mount Washington opens the Forbidden Plateau to day hikers and overnight backpackers. Buttle Lake and many other lakes and waterways in the park can provide good fishing in season for Cutthroat, Rainbow, and Dolly Varden trout. Swimming beaches, boat launches, and wildlife viewing round out a typical trip.

Most park campgrounds in the area operate spring through fall. Loveland Bay runs April 1 through October 12, and Morton Lake runs April 30 through September 27, with winter camping available year round at Morton Lake. Buttle Lake and Ralph River campgrounds inside Strathcona Provincial Park generally operate from spring through early fall, with limited or self-registered use outside the staffed season. July and August are peak. Loveland Bay Provincial Park is busiest during the summer months of July and August when day trippers from nearby urban centres enjoy the lake amenities, while the fall months of September and October feature warm days, cool nights, and fewer crowds. The Loveland Bay campground is closed in the off-season, though the park remains accessible with limited facilities. Alpine conditions differ sharply from the valley floor. Summer in Strathcona is usually pleasantly warm, while winters are fairly mild except at higher levels where heavy snowfalls are the norm. From November through March, snowfalls can be expected on the mountain slopes and alpine plateaus, snow remains all year on the peaks and may linger into July even at moderate elevations, and rain can be expected at any time of the year.

Expect rustic, forested sites rather than full-hookup resorts. Buttle Lake Campground welcomes vehicle and RV campers and features washroom and water pump amenities, and campsites have a steel fire ring so visitors can enjoy a campfire when fire bans are not in place. Pit toilets, hand pumps, and firewood sales from the park operator are the norm; there are no electrical, water, or sewer hookups at the provincial parks. Access roads deserve attention. Access to Loveland Bay is by active logging roads where the chance of encountering loaded logging trucks is highly likely, logging trucks have the right of way at all times, and drivers should use caution and yield to logging trucks. The roads to access Morton Lake via Menzies Bay Main and Morton Lake FSR can be in poor condition and are only maintained to an industrial standard. Cell service is limited across the area, so download maps and confirmations before leaving Campbell River.