More Free RV Camping near Merritt BC in our Roadtrek Zion Campervan!

[@offroadcamper2106]

Hi guys, I just happened to find your channel today. I’m glad I did , because being a local BC boy, I recognize all your destinations, and have camped at 90% of them myself. It’s great to relive the various camp spots that I’ve been to,and can’t wait till I get out there again.. I hope the one in this video is still there when I head up there this spring, because as you know the Nicola Valley was devastated by flooding in November. Hopefully they have Hwy 8 rebuilt by then too. It’s nice to see some locals showing off this beautiful place we reside in. Great job !

[@hikenrv]

Appreciate the comment! Perhaps our paths may cross one day! As you noted, Its been tough for everyone in that area so hoping things improve!

[@Donquiontee125]

unfortunately, this free campsite is closed due to flood damage.

[@petefrost1787]

Hi, just found your channel. My wife and I have driven the coldwater road and really like it too. I look forward to watching more of your camping adventures in BC. Cheers!

[@hikenrv]

Welcome! Hope you enjoy some of our trips!

[@darren5049]

Beautiful area there!

[@hikenrv]

We love the area around there; this rec site was impacted by flooding a few years ago so we are unsure if it’s even opened again, but we hope so as we really enjoyed staying there.

[@debbies2295]

We were at N'kwala several times last summer. Beautiful place. Another camper mentioned that rubber boas also live there. 😮

[@hikenrv]

A very pleasant spot....with all the flooding and related damages in the area last fall not sure when it may reopen. Interesting about the snakes...we didn’t see, but not always obvious (Gordon not very keen on snakes!). Helps keep down the rodents!

[@thomas194907]

i was going to take the coldwater road yesterday but it was pouring rain (rain all the way from tunkwa lake) so quick trip down the coq. next time if weather is better !!!

[@hikenrv]

We were out your way...on the island, but south near Victoria and had sun! As you note, the Coq. Is best if you need to get somewhere more quickly!

[@whereswendy8544]

Sure sounds crispy dry there. I will have to check this rec site out.

[@hikenrv]

We quite enjoyed! And don’t forget the fry bread!

[@lanceguilin]

Hi Gordon and Miki. Been watching most of your videos since the beginning. Good stuff! Keep it up! Re: free dispersed camping / boondocking, I'm so glad you're trying that out. Besides the 'free' aspect, what I like the most about dispersed camping is being away from other people. You guys are constantly wedged in between lots of other RVS and campers at all the campgrounds you go to. With dispersed camping, you can try finding areas where no one is -- or very few people are -- around. That, to me, is the best part about going out to 'wilderness' to explore and hike. At campgrounds filled with countless other RVs and campers, it doesn't even feel like you're going out to nature -- just moving from one suburb area to another suburb area with lots of RVs all congregating in the same area. LOL. Anyway so glad you guys are giving dispersed camping a try. Enjoy and safe travels!

[@hikenrv]

Thanks for the comments! Somewhat like you we much prefer not to have others close. Most BC parks have quite spacious spots and usually quite quiet, but the popular ones can get busy...not so much crowed, but lots of people about and we prefer it to be more quiet and remote feeling where we can! Best time for that we have found is the off or shoulder season. But we keep trying new spots, some like this one. Free as you noted is a bonus!! 🚐

[@tomaustin4526]

Beautiful place to camp and hike 🌎👍😎❤️🚌 thanks for sharing and safe travels

[@hikenrv]

Thanks Tom...appreciate the comments. Places like this are waiting for you to come up our way and visit!🚐

[@tomaustin4526]

Hike'n RV yes we would love to visit the Vancouver area it’s a beautiful area y’all are so fortunate to live in the area. We got our RV Bus a couple weeks ago and area planning some trips to the Smoky Mountains and looking forward to traveling out west and Canada 🇨🇦. I flew out to Salt Lake City to purchase my Skoolie and drove it 2000 miles back home to Birmingham Alabama. Thanks for sharing your travels with us.

[@hikenrv]

Tom Austin a skoolie...WOW now that is cool! And a lot more room than a class B! If you get a chance send us a photo ([e-mail]) please and if you are ever up this way we would love to see it in person. Safe travels and enjoy!

[@mjm3852]

Wow, are they true wild horses? Looks like a gorgeous spot.

[@hikenrv]

We believe the horses are owned by folks on the other side of the river, but left to graze openly. Still, where they were it made them look like they could be wild. And yes, a gorgeous spot! Thanks for the comments🚐

[@tinrat-n-teet]

@@hikenrv they will come right across the river in the fall , I came back to my site and they were all over the campsite

[@MrSpaceace1999]

I terribly miss that spot , 😢😢 it no longer exists after the flood, it making me sad watching

[@flyfish6473]

NOW you're talking! What a great spot on the river. Was that the Nicola river? YYeeeaaahh, have lunch (and then tie flies;)) at the picnic table while watching the river go by, and for free, can't beat that! Beautiful scenery, nice footage of the area/town and great editing. Thanks for posting, going to watch it again. Hope your knee is better Miki:)

[@hikenrv]

We thought of you there and knew you would enjoy! And yes the Nicola a bit after when the Coldstream joins. And knee much improved! Appreciate the comments!

[@CanadaFree.6014]

Beautiful free spot! We've got that same folding camp table you guys have. Love how little space it takes up when you put it away. We also have similar chairs but different brand. Very light and tiny packed up.

[@hikenrv]

Like you folks we are pleased with both, and with class b ‘light and small when packed’ is important! We did have to weigh everything down though when not in use due to the wind! And yes, it was a beautiful area!

[@winfieldsam5404]

Great spot for free camping; N'Kwala is on my list. Gordon, would you mind sharing the information on the sliding door screen. Thanks.. WS

[@hikenrv]

The whole area around Merritt is a wonderful place to consider...lots of lakes as well! Still this was a great spot and free! Our screen was an option with our Zion (there is one for the rear as well), so we don’t have much info on it. It doesn’t actually slide, but rather opens in the middle and closes automatically (via magnets). If we need to leave it open (rarely) it will stick to the side of the van. In the bug free season we can easily remove it. We will check and see if a brand/name attached and update if we find something. We quite like it, but others with it may not. We simply find it so easy to get in and out of, but there are a few gaps where bugs could squeeze in. Still it hasn’t been an issue for us (we tend to ensure the few gaps are closed off). Thanks for the comment.🚐

[@stephaniem8927]

My husband and I enjoy your adventures. The area is beautiful! We hope to get an RV in about 2 years and explore areas as well. We are interested in your camp meals that we see Miki making a lot. It always looks so delicious! We have tried to watch all your videos. Maybe you already discussed this? Thank you! PS-We love Precious and hope she is doing well. :)

[@hikenrv]

Thank you and glad you enjoy...it has been even more fun than we expected! You are correct...mostly Miki’s meals, albeit I (Gordon) do related cooking in fire or on Flatpack grill. We don’t usually cover a lot of details about our food; generally simple, vegetarian mostly (on occasion fish or perhaps chicken for Gordon)...almost everything tastes good if cooked outside! The last few meals were cooked in the coals of the grill. Hard to beat! Let us know if any questions, you can always reach us at [e-mail]. And Precious is doing ok for almost 23, a birthday next month! Appreciate all the comments🚐

[@stephaniem8927]

Hike'n RV thank you for the reply! My husband, Steve, noticed your Flatpack grill. He wants to get one. Happy early birthday to your sweet Precious! ❤️

[@hikenrv]

Note from Miki: Stephanie thanks for your comment about our meals! I'm not much of a cook, so for the foil wrapped meals I just sprinkle on an assortment of spices from Coghlan's Multi-Spice (you can buy from most RV/camping/hiking stores or Amazon as well) with some olive oil and lemon on potatoes and some veggies (with salmon for Gordon) - that's it! Very simple but tasty. I also try to stick to one-pot meals with noodles, rice or pasta, or veggie burgers/hot dogs and a simple salad to keep dishes to a minimum. Precious appreciates your comments too!

[@stephaniem8927]

@@hikenrv Thank you Miki! Everything you both make looks so fresh and delicious. My mother used to make a lot of meals without meat (even though we lived on a farm). She was a closet vegetarian :) . She would make lunch using cucumbers, tomatoes, and anything fresh from the garden. Thanks again...Stephanie

[@hikenrv]

Those fresh veggies must have tasted so good...thank you for sharing the story about your mom with us!

[@patriotofgod9827]

What is the name of this free paradise ?

[@hikenrv]

N’Kwala Recreation Site. The sign is around the 1:37mark.

[@hdlowrider5413]

Very nice and free also. I guess no chiggers in Canada. I always have to wear lightweight pants here in southeastern United States while hiking, or those little buggers get in the top of your socks and chew away😡and itch for days.

[@hikenrv]

The fact that we had to look up ‘chiggers’ means not very common here...at least in the west. We can sometimes have ticks, but still rare in our experience, though more often in the interior (like Merritt), but usually done by end of June. Chiggers don’t sound pleasant all all! Thanks for the comment and info. 🚐

[@hdlowrider5413]

Hike'n RV That's good news. I'll be able to wear more shorts while hiking up there. Hopefully next summer. Yes they are very unpleasant tiny creatures.

[@hikenrv]

HDLowrider let us know if you need any suggestions....we if can help we will.

[@touristiqueducanada346]

🔆👣

[@hikenrv]

🌲🏔🚐..thank you/merci!

[@touristiqueducanada346]

Kooteney’s are my fav

[@hikenrv]

Touristique du Canada and on our list!

[@lovemountains5517]

is tent camping allowed in that area? enjoyed watching your trips, gives me an idea. keep posting!

[@hikenrv]

Yes, you could camp in a tent most places here though no formal tent pads. There were two groups of people tenting when we were there. Thanks for your comments!🚐