This is a big region with lots to see and do. Experience all three distinct parts – Cariboo, Chilcotin and Coast – with a camping or RV trip along a driving route.
Feeling adventurous? Have a float plane drop you off for backcountry camping and hiking in a remote park, such as Tweedsmuir Provincial Park; paddle and camp on a canoe circuit (Bowron Lake is world-famous), or join a guided horseback pack trip and sleep under the stars.
RV and Car Camping Highlights
Provincial Parks
BC Parks calls Lac La Hache, "one of the most popular recreation lakes along Highway 97." The historic Cariboo Wagon Road runs through Lac La Hache Provincial Park, which has 83 campsites beneath a canopy of Douglas-fir forest. Enjoy excellent trout fishing or drive 30 minutes to explore Heritage House at 108 Mile.
Ten Mile Lake Provincial Park offers a big picnic area, three sandy beaches, good fishing and many treed campsites near Quesnel. Two campgrounds provide a total of 142 vehicle-accessible sites.
Set up camp near the emerald waters of Green Lake Provincial Park, by 70 Mile House. Located amid open ranchland and mixed forests of aspen and lodgepole pine, Green Lake is one of the biggest water bodies in the south Cariboo and has 121 campsites over three campgrounds.
A popular destination for family camping in the Cariboo, Big Bar Lake Provincial Park offers 46 campsites, 25 of which are lakeside, and a large picnic area. The park is set in the heart of ranch country, northeast of Clinton, and is surrounded by scenic wetlands and forest.
Private Campgrounds
Private campgrounds with RV or tenting sites offer convenient access and facilities ranging from basic to deluxe.
The Cariboo Chilcotin Coast has 65 private campgrounds and RV parks. The majority are located in the north-south corridor between Lillooet and Quesnel, with many near the fishing lakes along Highway 24 (the "Fishing Highway"). There are also private campgrounds along Highway 20, which stretches from Bella Coola to Williams Lake. Campgrounds can be set lakeside, near guest ranches, or part of a larger resort.
Backcountry and Wilderness Camping Highlights
Provincial Parks
Big Creek Provincial Park and Spruce Lake Protected Area are outstanding areas for wilderness camping, hiking, biking and horseback riding in the South Chilcotin mountains. Rough logging roads lead to a vast network of trails that weave across broad valleys and ridges; fly-in options are available. Summer wildflowers are spectacular.
Outdoor enthusiasts flock to Tweedsmuir Provincial Park for wilderness campsites near the Turner Lake Canoe Chain, Rainbow Range hiking area, and Alexander Mackenzie Heritage Trail. Thirty-six vehicle-accessible campsites are also available in two campgrounds. The Fisheries Pool campground is popular with anglers.
Recreation Sites
Three recreation sites near Williams Lake provide great fishing, water sports opportunities and boat launches. Felker Lake Recreation Site is southeast of Williams Lake and has 11 sites. Just south of Felker Lake are Chimney Lake South and Chimney Lake Centre recreation sites.
Horn Lake Recreation Site is in a remote location south of Tatla Lake. It's one of the nicest recreation sites in the area but is rarely full. Stay at one of 14 waterfront campsites and fish for rainbow trout.
When to Go Camping
Camping season is generally mid-May to early September; some sites are open later, earlier or year-round. July and August are busiest; May, June, September and October are great camping months - fewer crowds! Reservations are recommended for popular locations or during public holiday weekends.
Planning a Camping Trip
- General information about fees, reservations and facilities can be found at Camping in BC. For more details about where to camp, plus photos, visit the Camping and RV BC website.
- Phone or stop in at Visitor Centres for local camping knowledge or directions. Plan routes using Maps.
- Campfires may or may not be permitted, depending on the campground and if there is a campfire ban in effect.
- Some campgrounds are pet-friendly. Check in advance to be sure.
Play a part in protecting BC's forests. Abide by local park rules, exercise caution and ensure all fires are extinguished. For more information, visit firesafebc.ca. To report a forest fire within BC from a cell phone, call *5555.
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