For the 2nd year in a row, Chilliwack-area campground to remain closed

CHILLIWACK – For the second year in a row, a Chilliwack-area campground situated between two waterways in a peaceful riverside setting has confirmed it will not open for summer camping.

Sweltzer Creek Campground, located at 4745 Sleepy Hollow Road near Cultus Lake, announced last week that it would not open to the public in 2026.

In a statement posted to social media last Wednesday, July 8, and the following day, the campground confirmed the closure.

“Hello everyone, I unfortunately have to announce that this year we will not be opening to the public. We appreciate the ones that love visiting our beautiful area and we love to hear it,” Sweltzer Creek Campground wrote online. “Thank you for understanding and being patient with us. As of right now we are finding it overwhelming for our staff to keep up when we do open to the public. We apologize for the inconvenience, it’s not you, it’s us. Thank you again everyone, have a wonderful summer!”

In response to a comment from a disappointed camper who wanted the venue to seek staff from the community, Sweltzer Creek Campground said, “We are sorry to hear this, we try to give our teens in the community employment experiences as we only hire high schoolers, we find it overwhelming. We are in the works to make a safe environment where everyone feels welcome and safe including the public. Thank you again for understanding. Sorry for the inconvenience,” the campground wrote on Thursday, July 9 at 11:56 a.m.

In 2025, campground staff made a similar announcement but much earlier in the camping season.

“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, 2025.

Following the announcement in April 2025, 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.