My plans changed last minute (as I was already half packed up for camping), and I had a free night by myself before needing to be in Merritt the next day. So, instead of unpacking and spending another night at home, I decided to hit the road and spent some time exploring around Hope searching for an off-grid free spot to camp for the night. All of the usual free camping spots were either under construction for the pipeline, or closed/washed out from the flooding this last Fall, so it proved a bigger challenge than I had anticipated.
I got to Carolin Mine Road which is a U-turn route off the highway and decided to pull off and park for a few minutes, grab a cold water out of my cooler and do some research on Google Maps. I drove past the work area for the pipeline and turned onto Siwash Creek Road.
I found a nice quiet spot to park and had cell service, so I got my camping chair out and sat in the sun for a few minutes, enjoying the view before I started my search. My friend texted and suggested camping near Britton Creek Rest Area, down by the creek, and I thought that sounded good, so after awhile I threw my chair back in my truck and hit the road again.
As I turned my truck around to head out, I spotted a little road that went downhill and decided to check it out – and I’m so glad I did! It took me to this beautiful little camping spot right on the creek!
I backed out and turned around so I could back in and have all my stuff handy in the back of my truck. A small rock fire pit, a trail into the woods beside it, and a short walk to the creek to cool off made this the perfect spot!
Once parked, I took my time setting up a few things for camp for the night. I inflated my backseat air mattress, ready to test it out for the first time!
I bought it a few years ago, but always end up tenting it instead. This time I decided it would be easier than setting my tent up just to take it down in the morning and set it up again in the afternoon in Merritt.
It was pretty comfortable, but my long legs did not enjoy being restricted to the width of my truck for the night. It wasn’t terrible and was definitely better than just sleeping on the backseat, so it will stay where it has always lived, under my backseat just in case. That was the reason I got it, so if I ever got stuck somewhere, I could sleep somewhat comfortably for the night.
Then I sat back, relaxed, and enjoyed the view! There was a little bit of highway noise but it was mostly blocked out by the sounds of the creek and listening to the rushing water was so relaxing.
The sun started to set and I got to enjoy a beautiful pink sky as I started my fire and enjoyed the sunset all to myself. This ended up being the perfect spot to solo camp, and finding it purely by accident just made it even better!
An unexpected find turned into the perfect place to camp alone for the night, and I will definitely be back!
It just goes to show, when we push ourselves to do things that are outside of our comfort zone, sometimes we find amazing things! I could have unpacked my coolers and stayed home an extra night, but instead I embraced the adventure, found a great new spot, camped solo, and I am so glad that I did.
As always, thank you for reading! I hope this post inspires you to step outside of your comfort zone, and try something new too.
Road Trip Mama 