Frontcountry

BC Parks accepts reservations for four frontcountry campgrounds in E.C. Manning Park:

• Coldspring
• Hampton 
• Lightning Lake
• Mule Deer

All reservations for these campgrounds must be made through the BC Parks reservation service. You can make a reservation online at camping.bcparks.ca or by calling 1-800-689-9025 (1-519-858-6161 internationally).

For detailed information on making a reservation at one of these campgrounds, see the frontcountry camping page.

When all reservable campsites are booked, any remaining sites are assigned on a first come, first served basis. See the table below to see the percentage of sites that are reservable at frontcountry campgrounds in E.C. Manning Park.

Skyview Campground

Skyview Campground reservations must be made through the Manning Park Resort website. Skyview is 100% reservable. For more information, contact the park operator. 

Skyview reservations cannot be made through the BC Parks reservation service. 

Backcountry

You must book a reservation to stay at Buckhorn Campground during peak season (June 30 and September 3 in 2023). To learn more, visit the E.C. Manning Park: Buckhorn Campground reservations page.

In all other cases, backcountry reservations are not available for E.C. Manning Park. However, a backcountry permit is required to use any of the backcountry campgrounds. Learn more on the backcountry permit registration page.

You can make a reservation or register for a backcountry permit online at camping.bcparks.ca or by calling 1-800-689-9025 (1-519-858-6161 internationally).

For more information on backcountry camping opportunities, see the E.C. Manning: Backcountry camping page.

Group

There are three group campsites available at E.C. Manning Park. Groupsites can be booked through the BC Parks reservation service. Check the dates of operation, above, for reservable dates. To learn more about booking a groupsite, visit the group camping page.

Make a reservation

Hike-in camping is available throughout the backcountry at E.C. Manning Park. There are 10 backcountry campgrounds in the park, offering a total of 55 campsites. All these campgrounds have limited facilities.

Backcountry camping during snow-free season is allowed only at designated campgrounds. Winter backcountry camping is allowed either at designated campgrounds or elsewhere.

To stay anywhere in the backcountry, at any time of the year, you must register for a backcountry permit. To learn more, please visit the backcountry permit registration page.

To camp at Buckhorn Campground in the peak season, you must make a specific reservation. To learn more, see the E.C. Manning Park: Buckhorn Campground reservations page.

For more information on backcountry camping opportunities, see the E.C. Manning: Backcountry camping page.

Responsible recreation

Please practice Leave No Trace wilderness ethics. For more information, see our backcountry guide. Take extra care when camping away from designated campgrounds during the winter season.

Each designated backcountry campground is close to a water source and has at least one pit toilet.  We recommended treating water gathered at the campground before using it.

Campfires are not allowed at Buckhorn and Kicking Horse campgrounds. Elsewhere, campfires are not encouraged, and fire bans may be implemented during hot weather conditions. Bring a portable stove for cooking.

Reservations

You must book a reservation to stay at Buckhorn Campground during peak season (June 30 and September 3 in 2023). To learn more, visit the E.C. Manning Park: Buckhorn Campground reservations page.

In all other cases, backcountry reservations are not available for E.C. Manning Park. However, you must register for a permit to use any of the backcountry campgrounds. To learn more, see the backcountry permit registration page.

Fees

There is a $5 per-person backcountry camping fee. This applies to backcountry permit registration as well as peak-season reservations for Buckhorn Campground. Children under six years of age camp for free.

You can pay for your backcountry permit in advance through the BC Parks reservation service. All Buckhorn Campground reservations must be made through the reservation service.

You can also register for a permit at the park. Register at Manning Park Lodge, Skyview gatehouse, or Lightning Lake gatehouse. Payments can be made by cash, debit, or credit card. There is an ATM at Manning Park Resort.

For more information on backcountry camping opportunities, see the E.C. Manning: Backcountry camping page.

For campground maps, see Park and activity maps.

Cabin rentals are available through Manning Park Resort. For more information, visit the Manning Park Resort website, or contact info@manningpark.com.

Some backcountry campsites, including Frosty Creek, Nicomen Lake, and Poland Lake, have rustic shelters. These are for emergency use only and do not provide a suitable alternative to bringing a tent.

Buckhorn backcountry campground has a large public shelter. This is for cooking only and does not provide a suitable alternative to bringing a tent.

Summer groupsites

Lone Duck I and Lone Duck II 

These group campsites are open from May to October (although dates are subject to change depending on weather conditions). Each groupsite includes a shelter complete with picnic tables and wood stove.

Both sites overlook Lightning Lake’s Lone Duck Bay. They are 4km off Highway 3 on Gibson Pass Road. There are several trails close to these sites and it is a very short walk to the Lightning Lake Amphitheatre.

Winter groupsites

Cambie Creek 

This group campsite is available for large group reservations in the winter. It includes a pit toilet, parking lot, and a large walk-in camping area. Campfires are not allowed. This site has no running water or picnic tables.

Lone Duck II 

This groupsite is available for winter camping by smaller groups. The site features a cooking shelter with a wood stove. It also includes tables, toilets, a fire pit, and several places to set up tents.

Group camping fees

To learn more about groupsites and youth group camping, see the group camping page.

For campground maps, see Park and activity maps.

E.C. Manning Park offers drive-in campgrounds with a total of 450 sites. There are five campgrounds for summer camping as well as three areas set aside for winter camping.

Opening dates are weather-dependent. Snowpack may persist into June. Early season reservations may be affected due to operational requirements or limitations. Contact the park operator to check current campground conditions.

For campground maps, see Park and activity maps.

Reservations

You can reserve sites at four vehicle-accessible campgrounds in E.C. Manning Park via the BC Parks reservation service. Unreserved sites at these campgrounds are available on a first come, first served basis.

For more information on making a camping reservation for E.C. Manning Park, see reservations, above.

Fees

For sites booked through the reservation service, all fees must be paid at the time of booking. For non-reserved sites, you can pay at the visitor centre or campsite gatehouses. We accept cash, debit, or credit cards.

Parking for one vehicle is included in your camping fees. If you wish to park an additional vehicle, there is an additional per-night charge. You can park a maximum of two vehicles at most sites.

Responsible recreation

Quiet hours are from 10pm to 7am. Music, generators, and other sources of noise must be shut off completely between these hours. Generators can only be used from 9am to 11am and 6pm to 8pm.

Dogs are welcome at frontcountry campsites at E.C. Manning Park. They must be leashed, and they are not allowed in beach areas. There is a dog area to the east of the Lightning Lake day-use area.

Lone Duck I

This area is 4km off Highway 3 on the Gibson Pass Ski Hill Road. It includes a picnic shelter, pit toilets, and a parking area. You can pay your camping fees at the Skyview Campground Gatehouse using cash, debit, or credit card.

Lone Duck II

This walk-in group camping site includes a shelter complete with picnic tables. The groupsite also offers a fire pit, a parking lot, and pit toilets. You must book this site in advance through the  BC Parks reservation service.

A wood stove is available at Lone Duck I and Lone Duck II. Firewood can be purchased at Manning Park Resort.

Lightning Lake day-use area

We offer winter camping at Lightning Lake for campers, trailers, and RVs that have everything needed to be self-sufficient. Camping is restricted to the day-use area parking lot 3.7km off Highway 3 on the Gibson Pass Ski Hill Road.

The pit toilets remain available during this time, but no other facilities are available. Fires are prohibited and no potable water or picnic tables are available. Pitching tents is not allowed.

Cambie Creek

This reservable group camping area is approximately 5km west of Manning Park Resort. It includes a parking lot, pit toilet, and large walk-in camping area. Campfires are not allowed here.

To learn more about groupsites, see the group camping page.

E.C. Manning Park backcountry

Winter camping is allowed in the backcountry provided Leave No Trace wilderness ethics are practiced. You must register for a backcountry permit before any overnight stay during the winter.

‘Backcountry’ means an area more than 1km away from any highway or park road. Backcountry campgrounds are not accessible by vehicle and have very limited facilities.

Learn more on the E.C. Manning Park: Backcountry Camping page.

For campground maps, see Park and activity maps.

Accessibility information is available for these areas of the park:

• Beaver Pond
• Blackwall Road
• Blowdown
• Cambie
• Cascade
• Cayuse Flats
• Coldspring
• Hampton
• Lighting Lake and Lone Duck
• Monument 78–83
• Muledeer
• Rhododendron Flats
• Strawberry Flats day-use area
• Sumallo Grove
• Visitor centre
• West Gate

There are taps and hand pumps throughout the frontcountry drive-in campgrounds and the Lightning Lake day-use area. However, you should carry water with you when hiking in E.C. Manning Park.

All backcountry campgrounds are close to natural water sources. Some creeks may dry up during a hot summer. We recommend that you treat any water gathered from natural sources in the park before using it.

There is a playground beside site 15 and the Spruce Bay Beach access trail in Lighting Lake Campground. Playgrounds are also available in Hampton, Mule Deer, and Skyview campgrounds.

A hand-launch is available next to the boat rental building at the Lightning Lake day-use area. No motorized boats are permitted on the lakes within E.C. Manning Park, including those with electric motors.

A sani-station is available during the summer season. It is 1km east of Manning Park Lodge, at the visitor centre. Opening and closing dates vary depending on weather conditions.

Campfires are not allowed at Buckhorn and Kicking Horse backcountry campgrounds. We do not encourage campfires anywhere else in the E.C. Manning Park’s backcountry. Bring a portable stove for cooking.

If you do light a campfire anywhere in the park, please keep it small to preserve air quality. Limited burning hours or campfire bans may be implemented. Always bring a portable stove for cooking.

To conserve vegetation and ground cover, do not gather firewood from anywhere in the park. Dead wood is important for many plants and animals, and it adds valuable organic matter to the soil.

Bans and other restrictions may apply. Check with BC Wildfire Service and local or Indigenous governments for other restrictions and assess conditions before lighting a fire.

There are picnic areas at: 

• E.C. Manning Park visitor centre
• Lightning Lake day-use area
• Blowdown
• Coldspring Campground
• Spruce Bay
• Sub-Alpine Meadows
• Sumallo Grove
• West Gate Portal

Flush toilets and pit toilets are available at campgrounds throughout the frontcountry of E.C. Manning Park. Campgrounds in the backcountry have pit toilets only.

Showers are available for campers staying at Lightning Lake Campground, Lone Duck I and II groupsites, Skyview Campground, and Hampton Campground.

The hiking season at E.C. Manning Park is dependent on snow levels. Most high-elevation trails are not snow-free until late June or early July. During the winter season, hiking trails are under snow.

At any time of year, trail conditions can change quickly. Use the resources below and watch out for advisories to check that conditions are suitable before you head out:

• Trail guide [PDF]
• Check the current trail conditions report before heading out

Easy trails

• Beaver Pond
  500m loop, 15 minutes return, no elevation change.
  Begins on Highway 3, 1.5km east of Manning Park Lodge. A level walk with excellent bird-watching opportunities in May and June.
• Little Muddy
  2.5km or 1 hour each way, 100m elevation change.
  Starts below the tennis courts at Manning Park Resort. Follows a double-track route (a groomed cross-country trail in winter) to Lightning Lake day-use area.
• Paintbrush
  1.5km loop, 30 minutes return, little elevation change.
  Starts from either the upper or lower parking lot at the end of the Blackwall Road. Excellent wildflower viewing from mid-July to mid-August.
• Rein Orchid
  500m loop, 15 minutes return, little elevation change.
  Begins 1.5km along the Gibson Pass Road. The white rein orchid can be seen here and is best viewed in July.
• Rhododendron Flats
  500m loop, 15 minutes return, little elevation change.
  Located 32km west of the Manning Park Resort. Travels through an impressive stand of red rhododendrons with peak bloom in early June.
• Strawberry Flats
  2km or 45 minutes one way, little elevation change.
  Starts at Strawberry Flats parking. Connects to the bottom of the ski hill and the Three Falls Trail.
• Sumallo Grove
  500m loop, 15 minutes return, wheelchair accessible.
  On Highway 3 about 10km east of the park’s west entrance.
• Viewpoint Loop
  600m loop, 20 minutes return, 100m elevation change.
  Forms the start of the Heather Trail. Begins at the end of the Blackwall Road. Loops back after the first viewpoint.
• West Similkameen
  2.1km or 45 minutes one way, little elevation change.
  Located 1km up Gibson Pass Road, this is also the start of the Pacific Crest Trail. Ends at the Windy Joe Junction.

Moderate trails

• Canyon Nature Trail
  2km or 45 minutes one way, 50m elevation change.
  Starts 1km up Gibson Pass Road just over the Similkameen River on the right. Follows a canyon along the river and returns on the other side.
• Dry Ridge
  300m or 20 minutes one way, 125m elevation change.
  Begins 500m up the gravel road leading from the Cascade lookout.
• East Similkameen Trail
  4.7km or 2 hours one way, little elevation change.
  Starts near the Similkameen River on the Windy Joe trail and rolls along as far as Castle Creek. The bridge over Castle Creek is presently closed, so this trail is an out-and-back.
• Engineers Loop
  500m loop, 15 minutes return, 200m elevation change.
  Begins at the Westgate parking area.
• Gibson
  7.2km loop, 2.5 hours return, 125m elevation change.
  Starts at Strawberry Flats parking and follows winter cross-country routes.
• Heather
  21km one way, 7-9 hours one way, 292m elevation change.
  Begins at the Upper Alpine parking lot on the Blackwall Road. Explores the famous meadows of the Three Brothers Ridge and ends at Nicomen Lake.
• Lightning Lake Loop
  9km loop, 3 hours return, little elevation change.
  Starts at Lightning Lake day-use area or at the Spruce Bay parking lot. Follows a route around the entire lake with the option of shortening to a smaller loop at Rainbow Bridge.
• Lightning Lakes Chain to Thunder Lake
  12km one way from Lightning Lake day-use area, 10km from Spruce Bay parking, 4 hours one way, little elevation change with either route.
  Travels along the shore of all four lakes on the chain.
• Monument 78
  12km or 4-5 hours one way, 200m elevation change.
  Starts at Monument 78-83 parking lot.
• Three Falls
  4.5km one way (2km follows the Strawberry Flats Trail), 3 hours, little elevation change.
  Begins at Strawberry Flats parking lot and follows an old fire road to the base of the ski area where the Three Falls trailhead is located.

Difficult trails

• Bonnevier
  17km one way to Heather trail junction, 8-10 hours, 950m elevation change.
  Begin at Eastgate entrance sign. Strenuous uphill hike connecting to the Heather Trail.
• Dewdney
  25km one way to Paddy’s Pond and the park boundary, 14-16 hours, 1131m elevation change.
  Starts at the Cascade parking lot and ends at the Whipsaw FSR.
• Frosty Mountain
  10.4km one way from Lightning Lakes or 14.2km one way from Windy Joe parking, 4-6 hours one way, 1150m elevation change.
  Begins at Lightning Lake day-use area or Windy Joe parking lot. Distances are to the summit.
• Grainger Creek
  9.2km or 4 hours one way, 952m elevation change. 
  Starts from a junction 7km up the Hope Pass trail and goes to Nicomen Lake.
• Hope Pass
  24km or 10 hours one way, 1km elevation change.
  Begins at Cayuse Flats. This historic trail was the old commerce route from Hope to Princeton.
• Hozameen Ridge
  3.9km or 2 hours one way, 450m elevation change.
  Heads south from the Skyline II Trail just west of Mowich camp. Picks its way along a sub-alpine ridge toward Mount Hozameen.
• Memaloose
  9km or 4 hours one way, 450m elevation change.
  Begins at the Allison Pass Highways Yard and climbs to Poland Lake.
• Monument 83
  16km or 5 hours one way, 850m elevation change.
  Starts at Monument 78-83 parking lot.
• Mount Outram
  8.2km or 6 hours one way, 1673m elevation change.
  Begins at Westgate parking. Most of this route is outside E.C. Manning Park and is not maintained by BC Parks.
• Nicomen Lake Trail
  7.5km or 2.5 hours one way, 300m elevation change.
  Runs from Nicomen Lake to the Hope Pass Trail. Rated as difficult due to its remoteness, though most of this route is physically moderate.
• Pacific Crest Trail
  12.2km one way, 4-5 hours, 450m elevation change.
  Begins at Windy Joe parking on the Gibson Pass Road and ends at the U.S. border.
• Poland Lake
  8km or 3-4 hours one way, 435m elevation change.
  Starts at Strawberry Flats parking lot.
• Skagit Bluffs
  5.7km or 2.5 hours one way, 225m elevation change.
  Connects the Cascade parking lot with Cayuse Flats via a route that was once part of the old Dewdney Trail.
• Skagit River
  14.3km or 4-6 hours one way, little elevation change.
  Begins at Sumallo Grove parking lot and connects to 26 Mile Bridge parking on the Silver-Skagit Road. Most of this trail is in Skagit Valley Park.
• Skyline I
  14.6km or 6 hours one way, 775m.
  Starts at Spruce Bay parking or Strawberry Flats parking. Can be made a 20.5km loop combined with the South Gibson and Lightning Lakes trails.
• Skyline II
  18.6km or 7-9 hours one way, 500m elevation gain, 1350m elevation loss.
  Connects the Skyline I trail to the Silver-Skagit Road. Mowich Camp is 12.5km from Strawberry Flats parking.
• Warburton Loop
  7km or 3 hours one way, little elevation change.
  To and from the Dewdney trail. Rated as difficult due to its remoteness and the difficulty of trail-finding in sections.
• Whatcom
  9.5km or 5 hours one way, 1082m elevation change.
  Starts 2.4km up the Dewdney trail. A common loop is made with the Dewdney trail for a total distance of 22.5km.
• Windy Joe Mountain
  8km or 4.5 hours one way, 525m elevation change.
  Begins at Windy Joe-Pacific Crest parking lot on the Gibson Pass Road. Climbs to an old fire lookout.

Lighting Lake is a great spot for a dip, but often remains cool well into the summer. 

There are no lifeguards on duty in BC Parks.

There are canoeing and kayaking opportunities on Lightning Lake. Canoe, kayak, and paddle board rentals are seasonally available at Lightning Lake day-use area.

Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence. To learn more, see the fishing and hunting page.

Lightning Lakes chain offers easily accessible fishing opportunities for rainbow trout. For the hardy hiker, Poland Lake and Nicomen Lake also offer good fishing for rainbow trout.

Motorized boats, including boats with electric motors, are not allowed on any lakes within E.C. Manning Park.

Interpretive programs at E.C. Manning Park run from late June through early September at Lightning Lake Amphitheatre. Interpretive nature walks are available at Alpine Meadows, Rein Orchid Trail, and other locations.

Additional special events run occasionally, including the Lightning Lake Lantern Festival and programs in conjunction with Jerry’s Rangers. Programs run rain or shine, so please dress appropriately.

Interpretive walks

Join the park naturalist on an interpretive tour of one of Manning’s many trails. Themes vary but the walks are suitable for all ages, and everyone is welcome.

Jerry’s Rangers

A summer program for kids and families. Get an official Jerry’s Rangers certificate and earn stickers, pins, and badges.

Evening programs

Evenings of educational fun for all ages at the Lightning Lake Amphitheatre. Everyone is welcome. Parking is available at the Spruce Bay Beach parking lot.

Visit the Manning Park Resort website, email camping@manningpark.com, or call the visitor centre (summer only) at 604-668-5953 for more information.

There are excellent opportunities to view wildlife throughout E.C. Manning Park. Animal life includes squirrels, chipmunks, marmots, pika, coyotes, beaver, muskrat, deer, bears, and moose. Over 200 bird species have been spotted.

The best locations for wildlife viewing include Beaver Pond, Rein Orchid, Lightning Lake day-use area, and the Similkameen Trail. Animals are most easily spotted during the early morning.

Dogs and other domestic animals must be leashed and are not allowed in most beach areas or park buildings. You are responsible for your pets’ behaviour and must dispose of their excrement.

There is a designated pet area to the east side of the restaurant at Manning Park Resort.

Bicycles are allowed on signed or designated trails within E.C. Manning Park. Cyclists must yield to hikers and horses. For details on e-biking, see the e-biking section, below.

The following trails are suitable for mountain bikes:

• North Gibson
• South Gibson
• Lone Duck
• Monument 83
• Poland Lake
• East Similkameen
• West Similkameen
• Windy Joe

Bicycle helmets are mandatory in British Columbia.

Bicycles are allowed on signed or designated trails within E.C. Manning Park. E-bikes are allowed on these trails if they meet the criteria for e-bike use outlined on the cycling page.

Horses are allowed on designated trails only. These include:

• Dewdney
• Hope Pass
• Little Muddy
• Monument 78
• Monument 83 (closed to horses at the 5km mark)
• North Gibson
• Poland Lake
• Similkameen East and West
• Windy Joe

Skagit Bluffs Trail is closed to horses.

If you are on a multi-day ride, please camp only in designated areas. Horse camping is available at the Headwaters Corral in Manning Park Resort. Backcountry horse camps are available on the Dewdney and Hope Pass trails.

We advise carrying a backpacking stove as an alternative to lighting campfires. Horse camps generally include a toilet, a fire ring, access to water, a hitching rail, and grazing opportunities.

Hunting at E.C. Manning Park is only allowed in the MU 2-17 area (the former Cascade Recreation Area). This area is only open to the discharge of firearms, bows, and crossbows from September 10 to June 15. Please check the fishing and hunting guide for more information.

E.C. Manning Park features backcountry trails for ski-touring and snowshoeing, as well as groomed cross-country ski trails. For more information, check the current trail conditions report before heading out.

Visit the Manning Park Resort website for information on alpine and nordic skiing opportunities.