Chilliwack-area campground will not open in 2025, citing several factors

CHILLIWACK — Nestled between two waterways and surrounded by towering cedar trees in a peaceful riverside setting, a popular Chilliwack-area campground has confirmed it will not open this year for summer camping.

Sweltzer Creek Campground, located at 4745 Sleepy Hollow Road in Cultus Lake, made a brief announcement on its social media page in late April, but did not elaborate.

“To our valuable Sweltzer Creek Campground customers, we regret to inform you that the campground will be closed for the 2025 Season!!!! Have a great summer…” the campground wrote on April 25.

Fraser Valley Today reached out to the campground for further details and learned the closure was due to several factors.

“The campground will be closed to the public this year due to ongoing feasibility studies, business plan development, and insufficient staffing and funding,” Sweltzer Creek said. “Thank you for understanding.”

Sweltzer Creek Campground commenced operations in the summers of 1987, 1988 and 1989 as a weekend facility, and later began operating throughout May and September in the summer season. It was constructed by the Soowahlie First Nation on their reserve, and is owned and operated by the band and its members. It had offered several creekside sites as well as multiple group camping sites.

Several people expressed sadness over the campground’s announcement, while one online commenter said the facility could be improved with better management.