Sweltzer Creek Campground, a long-standing recreational site near Cultus Lake in Chilliwack, British Columbia, will not open for the 2025 summer season, according to an announcement made on April 25 via the campground’s social media page.
The message, addressed to its customers, stated: “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…”
In a follow-up provided to Fraser Valley Today, campground representatives confirmed that the decision to close stems from a combination of operational challenges.
“The campground will be closed to the public this year due to ongoing feasibility studies, business plan development, and insufficient staffing and funding,” the campground stated.
Situated at 4745 Sleepy Hollow Road, the campground occupies a unique location between waterways and cedar forests, offering a natural riverside retreat that has attracted both local and visiting campers for decades.
Sweltzer Creek Campground originally began limited operations during the summers of 1987, 1988, and 1989, functioning primarily on weekends. It later expanded to a full seasonal schedule, operating from May through September.
The campground is owned and operated by the Soowahlie First Nation and sits on the band’s reserve lands.
Its facilities have included creekside campsites and group camping areas, contributing to the local tourism economy while serving as a cultural and environmental asset to the region.
The closure comes at a time when many campgrounds are facing increased operational pressures, including staffing shortages and the need for long-term planning to address evolving market demands and financial sustainability.
For business owners in the outdoor hospitality sector, Sweltzer Creek’s temporary closure highlights the importance of strategic planning, workforce stability, and investment in operational infrastructure.
While the campground has not announced plans beyond 2025, the feasibility studies and business plan development may lay the groundwork for a revitalized reopening in the future.
In the meantime, the site’s closure has prompted public responses ranging from disappointment to constructive criticism, with at least one commenter suggesting improvements through stronger management.