CAMPING
Explore Bowron Lake Circuit
VEHICLE ACCESSIBLE CAMPGROUND
Vehicle accessible campsites at the Bowron Lake Campground on a first-come, first-served basis – campsite reservations are also accepted. There are 25 sites at the campground consisting of 3 doubles sites and the rest being single sites of medium size. The sites are shaded and parking is available for extra vehicles. The closest store is Bear River Mercantile, located about 1 km away towards Bowron Lake. There is no payphone in the park.
Frontcountry Camping
Camping Fees
$18
CAD / per night
Park Permit
Staying overnight at Bowron Lake Campground requires a permit. Purchase can be made pre-trip via Discover Camping or upon arrival at the Bowron Lake Registration Centre. Methods of payment at the Registration Centre is cash, debit, and credit. A registration envelope has to be filled out in all cases.
Campfire
When conditions are favourable and there are no fire bans in effect, campfires are allowed. As a courtesy a small amount of unsplit firewood may be provided.
Please be adviced:
You have to use one of BC Parks’ fire rings. Do not build you own fire pit. Do not move the fire rings. No big fires. Before leaving the campsite the fire has to be completely extinguished. Do not leave your campfire unattended. Thank you!
Rules
The following rules apply to Bowron Lake Circuit, campground, its trails and parking lot. Non-compliance may result in eviction!
- No dogs or other pets
- No commercial beverage containers (beer/pop/wine/juice etc. Boxed wine with the carboard removed is acceptable) This is strictly enforced by BC Park Rangers and will result in eviction and/or a fine.
- Maximum canoe weight excluding first aid/survival equipment is 60lbs
- No firearms or bear bangers
- No chainsaws
- No combustion or electric motors
- No cutting of trees or other vegetation
- No drones without permit
- No smoking or vaping
- No camping in undesignated areas
Pack out what you pack in. Take a garbage bag and carry out all garbage.
THINGS TO DO
Day Trip on Kibbee Lake
Day trip on Kibbee Lake now available. The package includes a canoe rental on the lake. The canoe is already parked at Kibbee Lake so no transportation of it is required. Walk the 2.5 km trail to Kibbee Lake and enjoy a day of paddling, exploring the inlets including little Thompson Lake, all in the shadow of the beautiful Cariboo Mountains. Price is variable, please call for details.
Osprey Trail Nature Walk
Osprey Trail nature walk right from the campsite (see details in the sidebar). The trail leads to Kibbee Creek where you can explore fish habitat and the rushing water of this small creek that drains Kibbee Lake into the mighty Bowron Lake.
Birdwatching
Look and listen for the birds both in the forest, on the trail to Kibbee Lake, around the registration centre, on the lake, and in the river.
Fishing
There is good fishing in many of the lakes, rivers and creeks in the area and on the Circuit. Ask us at our office in the Registration Centre for the best fishing spots. Fishing licence is required and available on-line.
Salmon Run
Watching salmon run from Bowron Road bridge – August into early September
Mountain Hiking and Biking
There are numerous trails and mountain hikes outside of the Bowron Lake Park. If you have extra days to spend, we can tell you more about it.
Try some of the most popular hikes on heritage trails near Barkerville, marked and mapped by the Friends of Barkerville Historical Society.
Barkerville Historic Town
The largest historic site in British Columbia, don’t miss it!
For more information on hours of operation, schedules, programs and Theatre Royal – visit the official Barkerville website.
Getting Here
Bowron Lake Park is located about 120 kilometers east of Quesnel. Drive north on Highway 97 through Quesnel, then follow signs onto Highway 26, which leads through Wells. Approximately 1km before the historic townsite of Barkerville, turn left onto the Bowron Lake Road. From there it’s another 27 km to the park entrance on a wide, well-graded dirt road where a 25 unit front country campground and the 116 km wilderness canoe circuit are located.
Quesnel is the last major town before Bowron Lake Circuit. If you need fuel, groceries or supplies. This is the town to get them.
