New Squamish campground in the works

Squamish’s John Harvey’s proposed campground is gaining momentum, $6,000 was raised this weekend for the project.

Many climbers who have visited Squamish in the summer know about the challenges of finding accessible camping, close to the rock. For nearly four decades, people have been illegally camping on a piece of crown land on the Mamquam River off Centennial Way. Harvey, the founder of the Mamquam River Access Society (MRAS) wants to build a campground which would create opportunities for bikers, climbers, kayakers and others to camp.

Once the deal is done, the District of Squamish would need to rezone the land from industrial to a green corridor. An end cost of $100,000 would be needed to clean the area and create nearly 50 individual sites. The Squamish Access Society, Squamish Paddling Club, Squamish Off-Road Cycling Association and Squamish Windsports Society all back the idea. Stawamus Chief Provincial Park campground is regularly fully booked.

Harvey says MRAS plans to charge $15 a site per night with a maximum two-week stay.

For climbers, the campground will be walking distance from Smoke Bluffs Park.

Harvey also has letters of support from Climbers Access Society of B.C. and Squamish Valley Music Festival.

They have applied for a Mountain Equipment Coop Access grant for $15,000.

Dave Jones, the site admin for Squamish Climbing wrote, “A fundraiser last weekend (April 26) at the Howe Sound Brew Pub raised $6,000 for a future low cost climbers campground in Squamish. John Harvey, climber, trail builder and outdoor rec advocate is spearheading this non-profit project. He’s chosen a site across the road from the Rod and Gun Club on the banks of the Mamquam River.

Low cost rustic camping for climbers, mountain bikers, paddlers and kite surfers is desperately needed in Squamish as evident by the rise in illegal camping around Squamish the last few summers.

Sixty two businesses in Squamish donated to the auction a testament to John’s ability to rally the community and an indication of the support for this project.”

To support the project, you can mail a cheque to the Mamquam River Access Society at Box 3530, Garibaldi Highlands, B.C. VON 1T0