2 Chilliwack River Valley campgrounds closed until further notice due to storm damage

CHILLIWACK RIVER VALLEY – Two campsites in the picturesque Chilliwack River Valley have been closed due to storm damage.

According to a formal notice posted by Fireside Camping on Tuesday, May 26, Recreation Sites and Trails BC has officially closed Chipmunk Peninsula and Rapids Campgrounds until storm damage can be repaired.

Chipmunk Peninsula is a medium-sized 23 site campground located among beautiful mature timber along the Chilliwack River. The site is suitable for most vehicles, but access is by a forest service gravel road.

Similarly, Rapids Recreation Site contains 25 forested sites adjoining the nearby Chilliwack River and affords convenient access to local off-road trails. On its website, Fireside Camping says Rapids Campground is a popular venue for families who enjoy off-road adventures during the day and campfires at night. The site is monitored and managed by a roaming host who lives on-site at Chipmunk Peninsula, 2km down the road.

Rapids Recreation Site. (Image Credit: Recreation Sites and Trails BC.)

Fireside Camping says work could possibly begin in the fall to repair the sites. It has directed the public to contact recinfo@gov.bc.ca for all inquiries.

In response to inquiries and comments made through social media, Fireside Camping said they’ve been told funds will be allocated to campgrounds when a new budget is set. At some point, the campgrounds should reopen, perhaps not in time for the 2026 camping season.

The Rapids Staging Area will stay open and will be user maintained. No fees will be collected, and no maintenance will be completed, Fireside Camping said.

Image: Mapbox/OpenStreet Map via Fireside Camping / The location of the two closed campgrounds.

The Rapids Staging Area should not be confused with Tamihi Rapids, which is located in the Tamihi Creek Recreation Site.

Altogether, Fireside Camping currently manages Tamihi West and the related staging area, Chipmunk Peninsula, Rapids/Staging and Camp Foley recreation sites in the Chilliwack River Valley.