Provincial Parks | Forest Recreation Sites
Whether you prefer full-facility BC camping grounds or tranquil wilderness sites accessible only by foot, our area offers many Tumbler Ridge camping options. Several Provincial Parks are relatively close by and provide, in addition to camping, diverse opportunities for hiking, swimming, boating, picnicking, wildlife-viewing and photography.
For the most plentiful fishing in BC, explore Tumbler Ridge’s endless streams, rivers, and lakes.
There are nearby Tumbler Ridge campgrounds for RVrs who want to pull in, hook up and enjoy their home away from home. For those seeking a more rustic experience aboard an
ATV, British Columbia’s Tumbler Ridge area offers a number of Forest Recreation Sites scattered about the region. Some are located at the end of rough back roads and are perfect for hiking BC.
User fees may apply at Provincial Park campgrounds. Information available about fees and much more at BC Parks’ website.
http://www.bcparks.ca
Lions Campground
Closest to town, 3 km (2 mi) south on the banks of Flatbed Creek. 40 rustic campsites with firepits, firewood, picnic tables, hot coin showers, sani-station, flush toilets. No electricity. Open May to October. Fees apply. Information at Tumbler Ridge Visitor Centre, 250-242-3123.
Monkman RV Park
Overlooks the Murray River Valley and Bergeron Mountain, 3 km (2 mi) north of town. 54 full-service sites. Electricity, water, washrooms, coin showers, laundry facilities, picnic tables, playground. Campers welcome. Fees apply. Information at Tumbler Ridge Visitor Centre, 250-242-3123.
Provincial Parks
NOTE: Some of these parks are less developed than those in more heavily populated areas of the province.
Monkman Provincial Park / Kinuseo Falls
Campground. 63 km (39 mi) south on unpaved Murray River Forest Service Road, down the west side of the Murray River in 62,896 hectares (155,353 acres) of scenic splendour. 42 shaded campsites (some pull-through), tent pads, picnic areas, playground, pit toilets, boat launch, water taps. Trails to the Stone Corral and Jade Falls are relatively close to the campsite, and stunning Kinuseo Falls is 3 km (2 mi) downstream. Wheelchair-accessible outhouses and falls viewing platform. Open May 15 to Sept. 30. No reservations. Fees apply.
Gwillim Lake Provincial Park
Set in the Rocky Mountain foothills on Hwy. 29, midway between Tumbler Ridge and Chetwynd (45 km/28 mi in either direction). Very popular, partly due to its roadside accessibility and good fishing. 49 vehicle/tent campsites, boat launch, swimming, firepits and wood, picnic tables, pump water, pit toilets. About half the size of Monkman Park, all roads are paved and many campsites back onto the lake for breathtaking views. Open May 1 to September 30. No reservations. Fees apply.
Bearhole Lake Provincial Park and Protected Area
Closest Provincial Park to town in an area teeming with wildlife. Accessed from the Heritage Highway (52) then east 20 km (12 mi) along the Kiskatinaw Forest Service Road, which is not usually maintained and can be difficult, especially after rains. Caution advised. Boat launch, vehicle-accessible camping, picnic area, pit toilets. Wilderness, backcountry or walk-in camping is allowed, but no facilities are provided. No charge.
Sukunka Falls Provincial Park
On Hwy. 29, 50 km (31 mi) northwest of Tumbler Ridge, left turn onto Sukunka Forest Service Road for 25 km (16 mi). Three sets of falls and rapids offer viewing opportunities from roadside locations. Fishing, hiking, picnicking and bare-bones tent camping. Open May to October. No charge.
Wapiti Lake Provincial Park
Wilderness camping amidst stunning scenic beauty of fast-flowing rivers, clear lakes and surrounding mountains. Best visited by experienced backpackers/hikers only. 60 km (37 mi) south of Tumbler Ridge, accessed via the Wapiti River Forest Service Road. Tenting or use of a 4-person backcountry cabin (at km 19.2), which must be kept clean and in good condition for the next visitor. Terrain is rugged and weather can change quickly. Be prepared for an extended stay if necessary and advise friends or relatives of your destination and expected trip duration. No services. No charge.
Wilderness Camping / Forest Service Sites
The Forest Service maintains eight rustic, pack-in, pack-out camping facilities in the Tumbler Ridge area, offering recreational opportunities such as hiking, canoeing, boating and fishing. Moose Lake is by far the most popular, with Boot Lake a close second. Other sites are found along the Heritage Highway (52 East) at Flatbed East, Stony Lake, Redwillow River and Thunder Creek. South from town are Wapiti West and Wapiti East. Camping is possible on overnight hikes at Monkman Lake, on the Monkman Pass Memorial Trail and the Wapiti-Onion Lake Trail. There is no charge to use these sites, except for Moose Lake
Moose Lake Enhanced Recreation Site
Moose Lake is a popular fishing (rainbow trout) and canoeing destination, located 27 km (17 mi) northwest off Highway 29. Eight basic camping and picnic sites with firepit and beautiful views. The campsite can be very busy, especially on weekends. Fees apply.
Park information and Wolverine Nordic and Mountain Society hiking brochures available at the Tumbler Ridge Visitor Centre.
Forest Recreation Sites
The Tumbler Ridge area also offers camping at nine Forestry Recreation Sites. All sites are accessible via two-wheel drive, within driving distance of Tumbler Ridge, and are currently free of charge. These sites include:
- Flatbed East on Highway 52 south of Tumbler Ridge – 6 sites
- Foot Lake (also called Boot Lake) on the Hourglass Road east of Tumbler Ridge – 12 sites
- Moose Lake on Highway 29 north of Tumbler Ridge – 14 sites
- Redwillow River – on the Red Willow FSR south of Tumbler Ridge – 5 sites
- Stony Lake – on highway 52, south of Tumbler Ridge – 12 sites
- Thunder Creek – on highway 52, SE of Tumbler Ridge – 2 sites
- Wapiti Crossing – on the Wapiti FSR south of Tumbler Ridge -10 sites
- Wapiti River – south of Wapiti Crossing – 7 sites
- Windfall Creek – on the Sukunka FSR west of Tumbler Ridge – 2 sites
For more information go to www.sitesandtrailsbc.ca