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Our Rustic Riverside Camping is located 25 kilometres east of Golden in the beautiful Beaverfoot Valley. Our Camping lies just outside the western border of Yoho National Park! There is plenty of space for everyone and we have clients that return year after year to spend time at this marvellous place! Whatever time of year you decide to Raft & Camp, you will have a great time! The Kicking Horse River is both Glacial Fed and Snow melt Fed, meaning the river has great water levels all summer long
- MAY – Early season camping, less crowded
- JUNE – Warmer temps, great water levels, high water.
- JULY – Hot summer fun on the river, you can never go wrong with July! Spectacular Camping Weather
- AUGUST – Emerald coloured water, clear days, and Class 4+ rafting is still abundant. You might get to see the Northern Lights!!
- SEPTEMBER – Emerald coloured water, clear days. Class 3 & 4 thrills are still happening! Cooler nights for camping – but it’s do-able!
- What are the pros to camping along the Kicking Horse River ?
- What to expect: Rustic Riverside Camping is First- Come, First- Serve. The camping area is 25 acres, so there is plenty of room for everyone. There are ‘sites’ in the forest and sites along the riverbank. The ‘sites’ are not like sites you would find at a normal campground. They are not numbered, and you do not need to check in and be assigned a site. This means that how the site is when you arrive, is how is should be left when you leave. There is not a campground maintenance crew that goes ’round to do the cleanup. There is a centrally located garbage bin to place your garbage. Please keep the lid closed after use
- When to go: In the Canadian Rockies and along the Kicking Horse River, our camping season runs from mid May to mid September. Anytime during those months is a great time to join us for a rafting & camping trip. While we are hopeful that your camping trip will be filled with sunshine be prepared for inclement weather (cold or rainy). Rain clothes, tarps, warm socks, sweater, toque. These extra little things will go a long way in keeping you comfortable
- Whats new at the Campground? There is not much new at the Campsite. Currently there is one outhouse and one commercial garbage bin. We have just built several new outhouses and they are slated to be put in any day.
- What are the pros of camping along the Kicking Horse River?
- It is a wild and beautiful setting. A rare treat to camp right along a beautiful glacial fed river
- Your large group can all camp together
- There is no quiet hours enforced
- The Camping is Free
- What are the cons to camping along the Kicking Horse River?
- The amenities are very limited. No hookups or electricity
- If the weather is inclement, you must be prepared!
- The rustic riverside camping is really only suited to people with camping equipment & experience
- There are no quiet hours, it is not suitable for families.
- Is there cell service? Yes, there is cell service at the campground with TELUS. For Bell, Koodo, Virgin and all the others we can’t really comment as that is not a carrier we use. Feedback has been that yes there is cell service. We can’t guarantee that, service could be patchy with your carrier. So just a heads up !
- Where are the closest amenities? The closest amenities are 1 km away at the Chancellor Peak Chalets. There are no services at the Chalets for non guests. However, some groups will rent one cabin so if they have a few non campers or want to use the shower. The next closest amenities ( grocery stores, hotels, restaurants) and 25 KM to the east in Golden BC
- Can I bring a fifth wheel/trailer to the campground? Yes. If you want power, you should consider bringing a generator if you have one. Driving down the gravel road to the camping is at your own risk. If you have a small camper, less than 14 feet, you can consider driving down onto the gravel flats. If you have a larger unit, up to 22 feet, we recommend camping and staying at close to the road you drove in as well. If you want to drive down onto the gravel flats, it is at your own risk. You can always get out and walk around and see what will suit your needs best.
- What are the rules?
- Clean up after your group. Pack out all garbage
- Observe all fire bans. Please visit the SouthEast Fire Centre There is a little campfire icon and it will say “Permitted” beside it if campfires are allowed and “Not Permitted” If they aren’t. Conservation Officers do patrol the area frequently & the fines for non compliance can be hefty.
- Dont Cut Down Trees. See the packing list. Bring your own firewood as firewood is a bit scarce
- You must be Whitewater Rafting with Alpine Rafting to take advantage of the Free Rustic Riverside Camping. We have staff travel thru the sites to make sure of this
- Where do we check in for rafting? It is your responsibility the day of your trip to travel from the campground to our office for your departure time. Please check you confirmation document once you book for these times. Our office is located in Golden, BC next to the BC Visitor Info Centre. The address is – 1509 Lafontaine Road Golden, BC V0A 1H3. We are the first turnoff as you come in from Alberta. Please note we are on Mountain Standard Time ( same as Alberta)
- What if this is not the kind of camping I’m looking for? We prefer amenities! Not a problem. Here are the campsites we recommend in and around Golden, BC to stay at: