Kiche Manitou Campground

One of my favorite campgrounds because it is off the beaten track so it is quiet. Yet it has many activities that we enjoyed: miniature golf with courses having names unique to the park, an arboretum, visitor centre with displays of wildlife and photos of animals in the area, a gift store, and the Pine Fort IV general store that even sells camp stoves and sleeping bags. The snack shop sells excellent ice cream, I recommend cherry.

Spruce Woods Provincial Park is a dark sky preserve, the only one in Manitoba. I took a 25 minute star trail picture in the middle of the night.

Had a GREAT three nights in a very quiet campground in our trailer. While services were limited to 30 amp power, fresh water and dump sites were handy and easy to access.

While we didn't really access the activities, trails or swimming area the peaceful setting was wonderful...a VERY RELAXING few days.

Lots of amenities in the campground, showers ($1/$2), well-groomed beach, the river and small lakes, canoe and paddle boat rentals. The staff take really good care of the park and the washrooms are always clean.

Loved listening to the coyotes and other wildlife at night. Cell service is non-existent throughout the entire park (only phone calls occasionally but no data).

I was leaning toward 5 stars, but despite the beautiful sandy, flat site, with enough privacy run around in the buff (should I have wished to), I was frustrated by two things.

First, coin showers. Since when is a shower like a car wash? We already pay for the site, a pass to be in the park, firewood to avoid tree disease... Soon they will start charging us for choosing our own site, like a seat on a plane. Oh, wait! They already do, that registration fee that we pay when we book even though no human ever assists us.

Second. Upon arrival I was told that all water in the PARK is potable. So I take a small bottle of water and walk the km across the highway to the dunes. I wanted to see the punch bowl. However my water ran out before I got there. Thought, no worries. The map shows two places to get water...The first one, in the parking lot, was marked DO NOT DRINK and the second in the middle... Well, I found the sign for the water and the outhouse, but no water. Perhaps I had heat stroke already and simply could not find it like a desert mirage.... Had to turn back or risk worse than heat stroke.

The place is beautiful and so is the hiking. They have swimming, playgrounds and friendly staff.

The campsite is a great place to unwind and relax. It is close to many hiking trails including the Spirit Sands trail which is a good recommended hiking trail. There is plenty of activities such as mini-gold and canoeing which can be rented. An ice cream store and convenience is available on the site which is great to get snacks and a variety of ice cream. All the amenities such as the public toilets and paid showers are very clean.