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Advisories

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Total number of campsites
Total reservable frontcountry sites: 20
Total vehicle-accessible sites: 46
Vehicle-accessible camping

There are two vehicle accessible campgrounds in this park – Lakeside Campground and the Upper Campground. Campsite reservations are accepted and first-come, first-served sites are also available.

The Lakeside Campground consists of 27 sites that overlook the lake. There are 10 high density sites that can accommodate large rigs. There is also 1 pull through site at this campground and parking for extra vehicles is available in the park but not on the sites.

The campsites in the Upper Campground consists of 19 sites that are larger and more double sites are available. The sites are nestled amongst the trees and there is parking available for extra vehicles on site. This campground is used for overflow camping.

If staff are not around when you arrive at the campground, choose your site and pay later. Staff will be at the campground at least once a day during the camping season. There is no pay phone in the park and the closest store is located in Clinton, approximately 43 km away.

This park offers vehicle-accessible campsites on a first-come, first-served basis – campsite reservations are not accepted. 
 

Vehicle Accessible Camping Fee: $18.00 per party / night
BC Senior’s Rate (day after Labour Day to June 14 only): $9.00 per senior party/night. Read the User Fees Policy for information on Senior Camping Discounts.

Long-stay camping

Upper campground (Sites 28-46): Full Season. A minimum of 4 consecutive weeks must be booked. Please contact the Park Operator for information and to book one of these sites. 
 

Long-stay camping available. $88/week

Information on other parks participating in this program, or a link to the Long Stay Policy document, is available on the Frontcountry Camping Policies and Fees webpage.

Accessibility information

Accessibility information is available for this park.

Picnic areas
There is a day-use/picnicking area with picnic tables, pit toilets, an adventure playground, and a parking area.
Pit or flush toilets
There are pit toilets located throughout the campground and day-use area.
Drinking water
Cold water taps are located throughout the park. Taps are shut off during the off season.
Playground
There is a playground at this park located in the day-use area.
Boat launch
There is a paved, single-wide boat launch on the lake adjacent to the lakeside campsites. Towing behind boats is not allowed and there is a speed limit of 10 km per hour at Big Bar Lake. Boat launch is open until Canada Thanksgiving weekend.
Campfires
While campfires are allowed and campfire rings are provided at each campsite, we encourage visitors to conserve wood and protect the environment by minimizing the use of fire and using campstoves instead. Firewood can be purchased in the park or you may bring your own wood. Fees for firewood are set locally and may vary from park to park. Limited burning hours or campfire bans may be implemented. To preserve vegetation and ground cover, please don’t gather firewood from the area around your campsite or elsewhere in the park (this is a ticketable offence under the Park Act ). Dead wood is an important habitat element for many plants and animals and it adds organic matter to the soil.
Hiking
There is a 3.5 km self-guided Otter Marsh Interpretive Trail. Please see Otter Marsh Interpretive trail brochure noted above. For your own safety and preservation of the park, obey posted signs and keep to designated trails. Shortcutting trails destroys plant life and soil structure.
Swimming
Swimming is available at the beach located in the day-use area. The swimming area is roped off. There are no lifeguards on duty at provincial parks.
Canoeing
There are opportunities for canoeing or kayaking in this park.
Fishing
Fishing for rainbow trout is a popular activity, as the lake has had an active stocking program since 1970, and is now stocked on a yearly basis. There have been trout up to 6.5 lb caught in the lake, and many fish are in the two pound range. Nearby Little Big Bar lake and Beaverdam Lake are also popular for fishing. Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence.
Pets on leash
Pets/domestic animals must be on a leash at all times and are not allowed in beach areas or park buildings. You are responsible for their behaviour and must dispose of their excrement. Backcountry areas are not suitable for dogs or other pets due to wildlife issues and the potential for problems with bears.
Cycling

Bicycles must keep to roadways, and bicycle helmets are mandatory in British Columbia. If exploring by mountain bike, the Jesmond Fire lookout provides great views of the Fraser River and the Mountains and rangelands of the Chilcotin.

Please note that bicycles with electric assist motors (e-bikes) are not allowed on the trails within Big Bar Lake Provincial Park. E-bikes are restricted to park roads and areas where motorized use is permitted. The only exception to this policy will be for authorized and identified trail maintenance bikes conducting work on behalf of BC Parks.