Prudhomme Lake Provincial Park — Attraction in Port Edward

This is my second visit to Prudhomme, with the first visit being three years ago. My feelings remain largely the same. In four full summers of road trips, this is the noisiest campground I've ever been to, and I can't say that it's close. Even the mammoth 200 site camp city in Campbell River is quieter than this place by a mile. That's saying something. The noise at this place both times I've visited is a disaster. That's not bad luck, it's a pattern.

This whole region is completely broken for camping and it's a shame. There's a tiny place in Port Edward only suitable for small vehicles if you can even get a spot, and nothing even worth mentioning in Prince Rupert. This place is it for places under the ocean's influence, and the demand far outstrips the supply. Every day I sit here and watch at least a dozen rigs arrive only to be turned away.

The site operators here are still wonderful and they take good care of the place. The roads and campsites are well maintained. There's no low hanging branches. There's no big potholes. There's few to no mosquitos or mice. The forest canopy is beautiful. There's a lot to like, but the flaws are tough if not impossible to solve.

The noise is just unceasing, every day, every evening. It's right next to the highway, so you'll hear the trucks no matter which site you pick. There's also the constant in park traffic of people coming and failing, and then going. There still seems to be far more barking dogs here than normal for some reason I can't explain, and though families are normal in summer, they are always way louder here than anywhere else too. I don't know why. The sites are also closer together than normal for BC parks because the park is so small. It's not as bad as private campgrounds and you will get privacy, but it's nearer than normal.

Also, there is no solar power. I've got 500 watts on my roof and barely get a draw of 20 watts on a sunny day because the trees are so thick. A couple of the sites do get a bit more sun, but most do not. This is heavy forest and power is not a sustainable option. Neither is Starlink.

Speaking of internet, the cell signal is only barely functional. I get maybe 2 mbps down and 0.05 upload on Telus here. It is enough to function, but it's a slog.

Overall this campgrounds is OK. It would be better if it were empty, but that's not realistic. It's just that this level of crowding anywhere else I ever go is substantially quieter. The highway doesn't help either way.

I wouldn't come here for Prudhomme precisely and it's frustrating because this is one of the best climates in the world so I'd live here, but there's no where to live here. If you do want to stay at Prudhomme, be prepared to go find one of the many 'No Overnight Parking' signs in the region that spent so many years rejecting RV tourism, and wait out a lucky opening at around exactly 11am. If you get a spot, close your windows to get any kind of sleep, but then, that defeats the purpose of the fantastic air in...

Wonderful little campground! So well managed and maintained. It’s dry camping, but there are pit toilets, and an hand pump for fresh water. I didn’t use either myself, but I have no doubt they were all in great condition. The lake is beautiful, and there is a small beach area. The campsites are fairly private as there is a good amount of space between, and lots of lush vegetation to screen. Very friendly and helpful staff, who suddenly appeared just in time to help me back into my site, and were around later to check me in, and offer firewood for a tenner (there was no fire ban at the time). The campsite had been raked, and the picnic table and fire pit were clean and in good condition. I was in #21, which was nicely shaded by the trees, but sunny spots as well. Plenty of space for my 15 ft teardrop trailer. In early July, there were a few other campers, but I found it very quiet and peaceful, and my dogs enjoyed going for walks through the campground, as well as along some little paths in the surrounding woods. I brought, and used, my bags of course! The only reason for 4 stars instead of 5 was the road noise, which isn’t really all THAT bad, although I think there are sometimes big trucks trying to make the early morning sailings from the ports. The highway is not a terribly busy one though, so it’s really just a mild annoyance from time to time. I slept very well there! They are fairly strict with their noise rules, so it’s not a place for party time, but if you’re looking for a nice, peaceful getaway that is a short drive into town, then you’ll be more than happy. They lock the gates at night too, so that keeps traffic noise down within the park. A really lovely campground a few minutes from town, and decent rates. I’ll be going back...

First, let me get the negative out of the way: it is a bit close to the highway so can be noisy, and caters to families with kids that can be a boisterous, which matters if youre looking for a quiet retreat. Also, it is fairly small and there are few amenities or services. (A water pump, pit toilets, $10 for a bundle of firewood)

So, why 4 stars? Probably in part due to the fact I couldn't give it 3.5 stars, and to go 3 would be unfair. What brings it up instead of down? It has spacious and level lots with fire pits and tables in good condition, it is well maintained, and it has great park operators.

Wendy and Dana are very laid back, yet still run a tight ship. They are beyond helpful, congenial, and fair, while being clear, firm, and even direct when needed. They are a perfect combination of social host, conscierge, service provider, and managers, as they kept things relaxed and fun but orderly and respectful. It gets quiet and the gates are secured at night. And, there are apparently decent fish...