The best camping near Paul Lake Provincial Park

Less than a 30-minute drive from Kamloops in the BC Interior is Paul Lake Provincial Park. Seven kilometres of hiking trails lead to the steep summit of Gibraltar Rock with lovely views of Paul Lake below and Harper Mountain beyond. The park’s sole campground isn’t far from the 400-metre stretch of sandy beach on Paul Lake, which offers a nice spot for swimming, paddling, fishing for rainbow trout, and motorboating.

1. The Paul Lake Provincial Park campground opens in mid-May and remains open for reserved camping until the Labour Day long weekend. For the remainder of September the campground is open for first-come, first-served camping.
2. Of the 90 vehicle-accessible campsites, 47 are reservable in advance and the rest remain first-come, first-served. To make a reservation, book online on BC Parks’ Discover Camping website. 
3. The campground opens at 7am daily. For a first-come, first-served site, get there early.

After September, the campground closes to all but self-contained campers, who can stay for free and without services in the day-use area until the end of October or when snow keeps vehicles from getting through. Weekends (especially long ones) are very popular, and it’s slightly quieter during the week. Remember that the region can get very hot in the peak of summer, when tent camping may be a little less comfortable. Spring and fall are generally less crowded and bring mild weather. 

• The park’s campground is not wheelchair accessible.
• The dense Douglas fir forests are beautiful but prone to wildfires. Ensure you follow the guidelines for campfires, including any limited fire hours or fire bans.
• Discounted rates are available for BC seniors in fall and spring.