E.C. Manning Park: Frontcountry camping

As E.C. Manning Park is located in the Cascade Mountains, the summer camping season is dependent on snow levels. There is usually one of the four campgrounds open from May 17 to October 14. 

During the winter months there are two areas open for winter camping.

On this page, you'll find information about summer camping at E.C. Manning Park. Follow these links for other information about the park.

Coldspring campground

Coldspring campground is located on Hwy. 3, 40 km east of the west portal to the park. This campground consists of 66 campsites, of which 50% are reservable and 50% are first come, first served. A few sites overlook the Similkameen River. The camping fee at this campground includes the following services: pit toilets and hand pumps for water. The Canyon Nature Trail commences from this campground. 

The camping fee $23.00 and a second vehicle is $11.50 per party, per night.

Lightning Lake campground

Lightning Lake campground is located 6 km off of Hwy 3. The turn off to the campground is 41 km east of the west portal. The campground consists of 143 campsites; all sites are 100% reservable. The camping fee at this campground includes the following services: washhouses with hot water and showers, flush toilets, water taps, a playground and a gate house. 

As this is the most popular campground, we suggest you make a reservation early. 

There are several hiking/walking trails that commence from this campground. Lightning Lake is a popular swimming and fishing lake. The amphitheatre is also within a very short walk from all campsites. Since this campground usually receives the most amount of snow during the winter it is often the last campground to open in the spring. 

The camping fee $35.00 and a second vehicle is $12.00 per party, per night.

Hampton campground

Hampton campground is located on Hwy. 3, 12 km west of the east portal to the park. The campground consists of 100 campsites, of which 80% are reservable and 20% are first come, first served. The camping fee at this campground includes the following services: wash-houses with hot water and showers, pit toilets, flush toilets, large dish washing sinks, and water taps. 

The camping fee is $23.00 and a second vehicle is $11.50 per party, per night.

Mule Deer campground

Mule Deer campground is located next to the Similkameen River on Hwy 3, 3.4 km west of the east portal to the park. The campground consists of 50 campsites, of which 50% are reservable and 50% are first come, first served. Several sites are located on the river and approximately half the sites are fairly open. The camping fee at this campground includes the following services:  pit/flush toilets, tap water and swings. This is the first campground to open in the spring. 

The camping fee $25.00 and a second vehicle is $12.00 per party, per night.