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Advisories

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Total number of campsites
Total vehicle-accessible sites: 14
Vehicle-accessible camping

This park offers 14 gravelled campsites on a first come, first served basis. Campsite reservations are not accepted. Staff will be at the campground at least once a day during the camping season to collect and clean. There is no pay phone at the park and the closest store is approximately 18 km away in Clinton.

Please Note: The maximum unit size for this park is nine metres (30 ft). 

Vehicle-accessible camping fee$18 per party per night
BC seniors’ rate (day after Labour Day to June 14 only)$9 per senior party per night

For information on the BC seniors’ rate, see the camping fees page. 

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Accessibility information

Accessibility information is available for the Downing Park campground and the Day Use site.

Drinking water

Cold water taps are centrally located in the campground and picnic areas. Taps are shut off during the off-season.

Boat launch

There is a small, single-wide gravel boat launch located approximately half a kilometre past the day use area on the same road. Kelly Lake is fairly small and not ideal for waterskiing on.

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.

Picnic areas

This park has a day-use and picnic area. The picnic area, situated on Kelly Lake, is located about half a kilometre west of the campground entrance. There are waterfront tables in the picnic area and a picnic shelter with additional tables. There are also fire pits, pit toilets and water taps in the day-use area.

Pit or flush toilets
This park only has pit toilets located throughout the campground and picnic areas. This park has no flush toilets.
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Swimming
There is a very pleasant swimming beach in the park. Swimmers need to be aware that the lake bottom drops off sharply and of the strong winds that arise on the lake. The swimming area is not roped off and there are no lifeguards on duty at provincial parks.
Canoeing
Kelly Lake is very small, so any canoeing or kayaking will be limited, but relatively safe. Strong winds may be experienced anytime during the year so beware of the weather when out on the lake.
Fishing

Kelly Lake has rainbow trout and is popular with anglers. Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence.

Pets on leash

Pets and 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. Bicycle helmets are mandatory in British Columbia.

Please note that bicycles with electric assist motors (e-bikes) are not allowed on the trails within Downing 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.