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Activities Available at this Park
Facilities Available at this Park

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Visitor Information

Bring your own drinking water, as potable water is not available in the park.
Fire Restrictions in Effect for this Park
Smoking is prohibited
During a campfire ban, smoking is restricted in all public areas of a park or protected area. Please read this Information Bulletin.

Darke Lake Provincial Park

Important Notice Attention Visitors – Important Notice! Show/hide public advisories

  • Park access by motorized vehicles

    Motorized access within the park has recently changed. Although the two fire guards created to contain the 2017 Finlay Creek wildfire temporarily improved motorized access, visitors are reminded that ‘roads’ within the park were originally built for resource extraction, and pre-date the park’s establishment in 1943. Roads within the park are intended for ATV/UTV use only.

    The wildfire guard on the west side of the lake is decommissioned to vehicles larger than ATV/UTV near north and south park boundaries. The wildfire guard on the east side of the lake is completely decommissioned. The road between the campground and Munro Lake FSR remains relatively unchanged and accessible to motorized vehicles with high clearance. All motorized vehicles must stay on the already established trails.

About This Park

Darke Lake Provincial 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.

Park Size: 1,470 hectares

Know Before You Go

Special Notes

  • Not recommended for large RV units.

Location and Maps

Please note: Any maps listed are for information only - they may not represent legal boundaries and should not be used for navigation. 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

Activities Available at this Park

Cycling

Cycling

Bicycles must keep to roadways. Bicycle helmets are mandatory in British Columbia.
Fishing

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

Horseback Riding

Horses are allowed in this park and a permit is not required.
Hunting

Hunting

The park is open to hunting. Please check the BC Hunting & Trapping Regulations Synopsis for more information.
Pets on Leash

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

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

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

Pit or Flush Toilets

The small camping area has one pit toilet.
Vehicle Accessible Camping

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.