Carp Lake Provincial Park

Canoeing and kayaking are very popular at this park. The islands offer backcountry camping and you can register at the boat launch at Carp Lake. The lake is subject to high winds and consequently rough waters that can be responsible for swamping the unwary. Watch the weather and always wear life-jackets.

Bicycles must keep to roadways.

Carp Lake is legendary for its fine trout fishing. Mcleod River offers excellent Fly fishing opportunities. Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence. Carp Lake is popular for ice fishing as long as you have a snowmobile to travel to this lake; the main gate is left open during the winter months. There are no services but camping is possible under the picnic shelter. It has a large wood stove.

A loop trail connects the campground with Rainbow Lake and with McLeod River, providing access to fly fishing sites. Also on this trail there are interpretive signs providing information on local features. There is also a trail between Drumlin Bay and Dace Lake that can only be accessed by boat. Near the eastern entrance to the park a short trail leads to magnificent War Falls. For your own safety and the preservation of the park, obey posted signs and keep to designated trails. Shortcutting trails destroys plant life and soil structure.

• Trail Map [PDF]

This park is open to hunting. Please check the Hunting & Trapping Regulations Synopsis for more information.

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 behavior 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.

• Dogs are not permitted in Bert’s Cabin at any time.

There are two sandy, very attractive beaches at this park; one is a 20-minute hike and the other is a 40-minute hike from the Carp Lake campground. There are no lifeguards on duty at provincial parks.

There are no viewing platforms in this park but there are bridges over wet areas with interpretive signs highlighting special features and items of interest, particular to the park. Abundant wildlife inhabits the park. Larger mammals such as black bears and deer are often seen. Moose frequently forage in the marshy areas about the lake and from time to time may be seen swimming to or from the islands. Waterfowl are prevalent during migratory and nesting periods. The haunting cry of the loon often echoes over the lake.

War Falls on the McLeod River, just downstream from the outlet of War Lake, are a scenic attraction easily accessible from the access road. The falls are comprised of two cascades separated by about 100 metres of rushing, white water. The upper falls are close to six metres in height and the lower falls are approximately 12 metres high.

There is the possibility of back-country skiing, snowshoeing and winter camping in the park. There are no services but camping is possible under the picnic shelter which has a large wood stove. In Prince George and Mackenzie, organized clubs have groomed a network of trails. Snowmobiling is allowed in the park and most visitors come to ice fish or sight see; remain on roads that are not plowed and snowmobile on the lakes. There are organized snowmobile clubs in Prince George and Mackenzie.

Carp Lake is popular for ice fishing as long as you have a snowmobile to travel to this lake; the main gate is left open during the winter months.

There is a double concrete boat launch at the Carp Lake Campground that is capable of handling standard boat trailers, but caution should be exercised. After launching, trailers and towing vehicles must be returned to the campground or parking lot before going boating. There is a gravel car-top boat launch at War Lake. Power boating is an enjoyable and popular pastime at Carp Lake, provided reasonable care is practiced.

The lake is subject to high winds and consequent rough waters which can be responsible for swamping the unwary. Watch the weather and always wear your lifejacket. Powerboat operators are requested to please reduce speed in Kettle Bay to prevent damage to boats and equipment and to reduce erosion of the lakeshore.

Bert’s Cabin: Site includes one cabin (Maximum Occupancy: 4 people) and three tent pads (Maximum Occupancy: 4 people / tent pad). Available by reservation through the BC Parks reservations system.

• Dogs are not allowed in Bert’s Cabin at any time.

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.

Cold water taps are located throughout the park. Taps are shut off during the off season. There are also hand-pumps available in the park.

There are group campsites available. Reservations are not required.

There is a day-use/picnicking area with picnic tables and parking area. There is also a large picnic shelter with a wood stove.

There are 13 pit toilets, no flush toilets.

There is a playground and horse-shoe pitches at the Carp Lake Campground.

During the collecting season a sani-station/dump is available at the Carp Lake Campground.

There are 102 campsites at this park available on a first-come, first-served basis. During the winter months, the main gate is left open. There are no services but camping is possible at the picnic shelter as it has a large wood stove.

War Lake

There are 12 campsites near the east end of War Lake. Not suited for long units. Water pumps, pit toilets, firewood and a car-top boat launch are provided.

Carp Lake

There are 90 sites at Kettle Bay. Will accommodate tents and most recreational vehicles. A playground, horseshoe pitches and picnic shelter are located within the campground. Running water, pit toilets and firewood are provided. Boaters and canoeists can choose among three island campsites that offer secluded camping.

Long stay camping

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.

Boat-accessible camping is available with rudimentary facilities on Balsalm, Spirea, and White Spruce Islands, as well as at Bert's Cabin. No garbage facilities are available. Please bring your garbage back to the boat launch for disposal. These sites are user-maintained outside of the main camping season. Please leave your site as clean as you found it or cleaner. These sites are only accessible by boat and are available by reservation only through the BC Parks reservations system.

Island camping:

Bert's Cabin camping: Site includes one cabin and three tent pads.

• Dogs are not allowed in Bert’s Cabin at any time.