UPDATED for MAY 6, 2023
New pits were dug and culverts installed for two new outhouses while volunteers completed a general cleanup and repairs to the existing outhouses.
Per RSTBC directive to maintain the site as “4×4 access only,” the original three ditches across the top of the driveway were re-dug deeper than before, and a new ditch and “elephant hump” pothole obstacle were added just below the host site.
Those in low-clearance cars and AWD SUVs and crossovers should be aware of these changes and may want to walk the trail before attempting to drive in, or just avoid the 31km drive up to begin with.
UPDATED for AUGUST 25, 2019:
As of this past weekend, a new outhouse has been installed, and another will be added within a couple of weeks.
A major cleanup was undertaken, mostly of toilet paper and… associated refuse… scattered throughout the campground, often right beside camp spots and roadways. We hope that with the new outhouse, people won’t feel the need to leave such a mess.
There is currently no plan to install garbage cans, so be sure to bring garbage bags and pack out what you pack in.
A boat launch is being constructed at the south end of the site, and we ask that campers please be cognizant not to block access to it.
SKWELLEPIL CREEK REC SITE WILL REMAIN OPEN FREE TO USE UNDER THE MAINTENANCE OF 4WDABC VOLUNTEERS, but we must ALL be responsible for its care and upkeep.
After the Labour Day long weekend, cross ditches will be constructed in the driveway below the gate to aid runoff and prevent further erosion the road. Rec Sites and Trails BC has directed that the site should remain “4×4 access only” so no further road improvements are planned.
(As posted to Facebook):
As some of you may know, last year the government made a decision, after over 25 years of service, to lock the gate and officially close down the Skwellipil Creek Rec Site on the west side of Chehalis Lake, to ALL vehicle traffic. Although this may have seemed like a great idea to some, the majority of the community were pretty disappointed. Most of the local community have been enjoying this site and area for over 20 years. They have camped there as young kids and now continue this tradition with their kids, like me. For those involved in these kinds of situations, we know that it is not easy and can be a long drawn out process to fight for places like these. The Four Wheel Drive Association of BC has played a major role in taking over management of such sites.
Well, last year I took it upon myself to make this my mission to get this site open to the public once again. So I started a petition, hoping to get 500 signatures. That petition exceeded 500 and rose to almost 900! So the response was a true reflection on how much this site meant to the community. I presented this petition with a letter to the Rec officer, MLA and 4WDABC. I was greeted with positivity and open minds. Over the past year or so, with much correspondence with the Rec officer and the MLA, I was able to keep this conversation active and moving forward with progress.
With that being said….I would like to thank ALL of those who took the time to sign the petition and write comments on why you wanted to keep this site open.
Through our hard work and dedication, an agreement between the Recreation Sites and Trails BC and the 4WDABC was signed just recently allowing the management of this site to be given to 4WDABC!
The gate will remain open indefinitely.
I am so proud to be part of this cause and to be part of a community that fights for causes like this.
More information on how you can help improve and maintain this site, for years to come, will be coming soon. We will need to add a couple of outhouses and numerous clean-ups throughout the year.
– Todd Freeman
Do i need to make reservations to camp there
No; all our rec sites are free, first-come first-served. There’s no host and no pickup service, so be sure to pack out what you pack in (or maybe a little more).
Hi… is there any available site for today until sunday?
There is no host on site and no cell coverage; we don’t have any way to track site availability. ALl you can do is go up and see what’s available. If you get up first thing today, there may still be sites available in the trees up top.
Is this place free for camping. I heard something about it was but not 100% sure
Free, no host, FCFS.
Thx for the reply on the camping. So I guess the only other question is can u get a 18 foot travel trailer in there. Just curious.
I have a 1 ton with an 11 foot camper on top. Will I be able to make it in?
I have a stock 2020 Tacoma, will it make it in.
Thanks
Yes, you should be fine in that.
How about nissan pathfinder and toyota rav.4?
Just wanted to know if a mini van could make it up?
I’ve seen a couple of lifted 4WD Astros that probably could, but most minivans… I would say no.
Is the site open for camping year round? I plan to visit this weekend if it is.
Thank you!
It is indeed! What are you driving?
A jeep wrangler 4xe! This will be our first time going off-roading with it 🙂
Enjoy!
Sorry to ask, but I’m so willing to go to this site. Is it a really bad idea to come to Skwellepil Creek Recreation Site in June with a Nissan Rogue with 8.2 inches clearance? Thanks!
It will depend on a couple of factors. Your Rogue could navigate the obstacles with careful line choice and good driving, but that relies a lot on you. It may also have an easier time if people have recently tried to fill in the obstacles.
If you do go up, I’d recommend parking at the top and walking it first, and determine for yourself if you think you and your vehicle are capable enough.
Hello is this recreation camp open on June 6th? And do this close in night? As my husband and kids were planning to go camp on Friday after work like 50pm. And how much for the fee per night?
Open 24/7/365. No host, no fee, first-come first-served, no services, pack out what you pack in.
Has any one been up there recently? Was it busy?Will there be room this long weekend?
It’s a long weekend in summer – guaranteed it will be busy. If you want to be sure to get a campsite, best to head up Thursday.
Is fire still allowed on camp site as of July/12/ 2024?
A province-wide campfire ban came into effect at noon today – NO open fires allowed, only propane stoves or fire pits.
https://blog.gov.bc.ca/bcwildfire/coastal-fire-centre-enacts-campfire-prohibition-3/
how many sites are there?
There are approximately 56 designated campsites.
are there any restrictions on noise or anything?
Fire ban?
Yes, the campfire ban is in place for all of BC.