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Darke Lake Provincial Park
About This Park
Off the beaten track and surrounded by fir and pine-clad hills, this cool, quiet retreat is a great getaway for those who love to fish.
Local people call this the “Fish Lake” for the great rainbow and eastern brook trout. When the weather is warm, hikers will enjoy this remote spot as much as anglers. Also perfect for ice fishing in the winter.
Know Before You Go
Special Notes
- Not recommended for large RV units.
- Bring your own drinking water; potable water is not available in the park.
Location
Located northwest of Summerland off Hwy 97 onto approximately 16 km of gravel road. Follow Fish Lake Road through Meadow Valley to the park. The closest community, town or city is Summerland.
Nature and Culture
- History: Established June 29, 1943. There is an historical fish camp within the park and an old trapper’s cabin near the lake.
- Conservation: Peaceful hills of pine and fir forests surround this undeveloped campground. White-tailed deer are common and the forests also provide habitat for blue and red listed bird species. The Barn owl and Flammulated owl are found in the park along with the red listed Northern goshawk.
Management Planning
- Management Planning Information
- Approved Purpose Statement and Zoning Plan [PDF] for Darke Lake Provincial Park
Activities Available at this Park
Cycling
Bicycles must keep to roadways. Bicycle helmets are mandatory in British Columbia.
Fishing
Darke Lake is a very popular fishing spot. It is stocked by the Summerland Trout Hatchery with both rainbow trout and brook trout. Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence.
Darke Lake is very popular with local residents for ice fishing. It is small enough to freeze but large enough that it doesn't freeze solid allowing fish to be active in the winter for ice fishing opportunities. Another bonus is the close proximity to Summerland and easy access.
Horseback Riding
Horses are allowed in this park and a permit is not required.
Hunting
The park is open to hunting. Please check the BC Hunting & Trapping Regulations Synopsis for more information.
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.
Winter Recreation
There are no specific cross-country or shoeshoeing trails in the park; however, there are a number of old logging roads through the park that provide skiing opportunities depending on snow levels. Roads through the park provide opportunities for snowmobiling, though lack of snow may be a problem. The lake is small enough that you can ice-skate when it freezes.
Darke Lake is very popular with local residents for ice fishing. It is small enough to freeze but large enough that it doesn’t freeze solid allowing fish to be active in the winter for ice fishing opportunities. Another bonus is the close proximity to Summerland and easy access.
Facilities Available at this Park
Campfires
Campfires are only permitted in the designated campfire pits in the campground area. Firewood is not provided and removal or burning of natural debris is prohibited. Limited burning hours or campfire bans may be implemented. Recommend bringing a portable stove for cooking.
Pit or Flush Toilets
The small camping area has one pit toilet.
Vehicle Accessible Camping
This park offers a rustic camping experience for those interested mainly in fishing. There are no designated sites and the area is best suited to truck and camper units as opposed to trailers or motor homes. There are no picnic tables or taps. Campfires are only allowed in the designated fire pits in the campground. The camping area is in mature Douglas fir forest with some old growth cottonwood a short distance from the lake. The campsite is open year-round and is user-maintained.
