In This Park
Park Contact
This park proudly operated by:Kaloya Contracting Ltd.
info@campokanagan.com
250 548-0076
(This is not a campsite reservations number)
Please specify the park name when sending/leaving a message.
During a campfire ban, smoking is restricted in all public areas of a park or protected area. Please read this Information Bulletin.
Kekuli Bay Provincial Park
About This Park
Kekuli Bay Provincial Park is located off Highway 97, 11 km. south of Vernon. The park is situated on a beautiful bay on the west side of Kalamalka Lake, a destination for waterskiing and boating.
A newly developed campground has been added to the area which formerly consisted only of a boat launch. Many young shade trees were planted and the grassy areas between the sites are beautifully landscaped. The young trees planted 10 years ago have begun to mature and provide shade and privacy around the sites, especially on the upper loops.
There are irrigated grassy areas between the sites full of beautiful trees and shrubs including rose bushes that are in full bloom during the spring. All campsites offer great views of Kalamalka Lake and offer the warmth of the sun in the spring and fall.
Established Date: March 8, 1990
Park Size: 57 ha
Special Notes
- The Okanagan Rail Trail bisects the park near the water, providing easy walking or cycling opportunities north and south along Kalamalka Lake. Please note that parking is limited during the summer months and those accessing the trail are asked to consider using the Regional District parking lot above the Park, off highway 97.
- There is still limited shade in the campground, although lake breezes cool the campground in the evening. As a result of this Kekuli Bay is becoming on of the most sought after parks in the region as many visitors are discovering the picturesque, tranquil spring and fall months where they can enjoy the manicured grounds and view while soaking in the warm Okanagan sun.
Reservations
All campsite reservations must be made through Discover Camping. When reservations are not available all campsites function as first-come, first-served.
Campsite Reservations:
Campsite reservations are accepted and a few first-come, first-served sites are also available.
Campsite Reservations:
Campsite reservations are accepted and a few first-come, first-served sites are also available.
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.
The park is located 11 km south of Vernon, off Highway #97, and on the west side of Kalamalka Lake. The park boundary is 2 km from the Hwy 97 turn-off and the campground is 1 km beyond that. The highway turn-off is well signed.
Maps and Brochures
Any maps listed are for information only; they may not represent legal boundaries and should not be used for navigation.
- Park Map [PDF] (Updated May 2013)
Nature and Culture
- History: Established as a park on March 8, 1990.
- Cultural Heritage: The park name “kekuli” was chosen from submissions by local school students who participated in a name-the-park contest. Kekuli refers to semi-subterranean homes built by Interior Salish natives. There is evidence of kekuli pits, and other First Nations use in the park.
- Conservation: The grasslands surrounding the campground provide habitat for field mice and other food sources for raptors like the red listed Prairie falcon. There is a nest platform north of the playground visible on the drive into the park. Also found in the park is the blue listed Western rattlesnake and two red listed plants, Bluebunch wheatgrass and Black cottonwood.
Management Planning
Activities Available at this Park
Canoeing
Canoeing/kayaking is permitted on Kalamalka Lake.
Cycling
Bicycles must keep to roadways. Bicycle helmets are mandatory in British Columbia.
Fishing
Please obey all posted speed and vessel restrictions. Daily kokanee quota is 2. Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence.
Hiking
There are 2.6 km of gravel walking trails through the grasslands around the campground. The terrain is gently sloped. 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.
Interpretive Programs
The Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC has a fun, hands on, Learn to Fish Program that will teach basic angling skills to youth under 16 years old. Check back to this page or ask the Park Operator 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.
Swimming
There are no lifeguards on duty at provincial parks. The swimming area is rocky, use caution due to proximity to active train track and boat launch.
Waterskiing
Kekuli Bay is a boater’s
destination. Kalamalka is a very popular lake for waterskiing. The
boat launch was heavily used even before the creation of the campground and
day-use areas.
Wildlife Viewing
The whole campground
has fantastic views of Kalamalka Lake. There are benches located by the
playground that also overlook the lake. In addition, there are some bird
watching opportunities, especially in the spring and fall.
Facilities Available at this Park
Accessibility
The shower building in this park has a separate wheelchair accessible shower stall complete with a seat and a showerhead/hose that detaches from the wall for easier use. The lockable room also has a toilet. The toilet across from site 67 is also wheelchair-accessible.
Boat Launch
The boat launch is located on a rocky point and is open until the first snowfall. The ramp is double-lane concrete that gets deep fairly quickly. There is also a wharf. Access is across the decommissioned CN railway line which is in the process of being converted into a trail corridor. Please be cautious when crossing as it may be being used by trail enthusiasts. There are two large parking lots. There are two pit toilets by the parking area. Please note that on weekends during the summer parking is at a premium.
Campfires
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.
Drinking Water
Cold water taps are located throughout the park next to the flush toilets. Taps are shut off during the off-season.
Electrical Hookups
Kekuli Bay Provincial Park offers 4 vehicle accessible campsites (#70-73) with electrical hook-ups. These small, paved sites are located in the overflow area and offer both 15 amp and 30 amp service with a standard RV receptacle (NEMA TT-30). Each site has its own picnic table, but the sites share a common fire pit. These sites are reservable.
There is an additional electrical service charge of $8/night for these sites (whether the power is in use or not).
Picnic Areas
A day-use/picnic facility is located just off the boat launch parking area. The large, open lawn area overlooks the lake and the boat launch. There are four picnic tables on cement pads, two with BBQ attachments, and one freestanding BBQ. The lawn is level and surrounds an adventure playground. There is no shade.
Pit or Flush Toilets
The park has mostly
flush toilets; however, there are also a couple of pit toilets located throughout
the park.
Playground
This park has a playground area surrounded by irrigated grass and features a plastic, multi-level playground with two slides, climbing poles, and a small obstacle course, among other features.
Showers
There are warm showers
at this park. The shower building has a men’s and a women’s side. Each
side has two sinks with nearby plug-ins, one toilet, and two shower stalls
with small change areas. There is one payphone at the shower building;
it is lit by a small streetlamp.
Vehicle Accessible Camping
This park offers vehicle accessible campsites including 4 large double sites. The campsites are arranged in three terraced loops to give all sites an unobstructed view of the lake. The sites have large gravel pads great for big RVs. Irrigated lawn landscaped with young trees and a variety of shrubs separates the sites. There is natural vegetation between the different terraces. Reservations are accepted and first-come, first-serve campsites are also available.
For electrified sites:
Vehicle Accessible Camping Fee: $32.00 per party/night
BC Senior’s Rate (day after Labour Day to June 14 only): $16.00 per senior party/night. Read the User Fees Policy for information on Senior Camping Discounts.
For electrified sites:
Vehicle Accessible Camping Fee: $32.00/party/night camping fee plus $8.00 electrical/night = $40.00/party/night
BC Senior’s Rate (day after Labour Day to June 14 only): $16.00 per senior party/night plus $8.00 electrical/night = $24.00/party/night. Read the User Fees Policy for information on Senior Camping Discounts.
Walk-In/Wilderness Camping
There are eight walk-in campsites available. Located in a shared grassy area, each site has a picnic table and can accommodate from 1–4 persons in either one large or two small tents. The fire pits are shared between the sites.
