Kootenay Lake Provincial Park

About This Park

Kootenay Lake Provincial Park is truly an undiscovered Kootenay gem. Are you in need of a working sabbatical? With its newly installed WiFi, Davis Creek is the perfect place to hunker down and get it done, between fishing, paddling, hiking and biking, of course. The new group site can be booked for your private function up to one year in advance, check it out on the BC Parks reservations system.

In addition to the opportunities listed above, this park offers numerous other recreational opportunities. Nestled between the Selkirk’s and the Purcell’s, visitors can also discover Mount Buchanan Look Out, Hamill Creek (Earl Grey) Trail, Fry Creek Canyon, Monica Meadows or Idaho Peak. Visit the Kaslo Tourist Information Centre located in the restored SS Moyie. This beautifully restored stern wheeler is designated as a natural historic site.

Kootenay Lake Provincial Park is divided into the following sites:

Campbell Bay
Coffee Creek
Davis Creek/Lost Ledge: Davis Creek and Lost Ledge are two campgrounds situated on the north-western shore of Kootenay Lake offering lake views and shady, secluded campsites. Both sites are very picturesque and are popular with anglers and families for their unique, informal camping experience.
- Davis Creek: Davis Creek is a smaller campground with 32 sites situated on the north-western shore of Kootenay Lake, 5 km apart, 25 km (16 miles) north of Kaslo off Hwy. 31. Known for outstanding views of the Purcell mountain range with lakeview, sheltered campsites that provide a million dollar view.
  
  Davis Creek is north of Lost Ledge towards the Lardeau Valley and has recently undergone a reconstruction adding 10 new sites along the waterfront, an upgrade to the drinking water system and easier beach access points with the addition of a large retaining wall. The new campsites, called Cove Loop, have been added to the BC Parks reservations system and can be reserved up to 4 months prior to your planned visit.
  
  Easy beach access to Kootenay Lake makes water activities such as kayaking, canoeing and stand up paddle boarding an ideal way to pass the day. Swimming would be considered refreshing as the water tends to be cold. When the wind is up the area is also well known for windsurfing and kite boarding.
  
  A Group Site at Davis Creek is an ideal setting for gatherings of between 15 – 50 people.
- Lost Ledge: is a small secluded campground with 14 sites situated on the north-western shore of Kootenay Lake, 25 km (16 miles) north of Kaslo on Hwy. 31, and 5 km south from Davis Creek Campground. Lost Ledge is known for outstanding views of the Purcell mountain range and lake view sheltered campsites. It is popular with anglers and is equipped with a concrete boat launch and parking for boat trailers.
  
  Offering a true opportunity to get away and relax in a beautiful setting with easy beach access, Kootenay Lake makes kayaking, canoeing and stand up paddle boarding an ideal way to pass the day. When the wind is up the area is also well known for windsurfing and kite boarding.
Midge Creek: Access to the park at Midge Creek is via water vessel. Water-oriented activities are most popular, with angling for kokanee, Dolly Varden and rainbow trout. Boasting more than a kilometre of sandy beach, it is a popular destination for boaters.

Other provincial parks located on Kootenay Lake are:

Know Before You Go

Stay Safe

Lake weather can change rapidly, be prepared. Visitors should be aware that high winds and spring squalls could come up quickly.

Special Notes

Wi-Fi: This park offers wireless internet for $4.00 per 24 hour period. This service can be arranged with the on-site park operators.

Reservations

All campsite reservations must be made the BC Parks reservations system. When reservations are not available all campsites function as first-come, first-served.

Campsite Reservations

Campsite reservations are accepted at Davis Creek campgrounds only and first-come, first-served sites are also available.

Group Campsite Reservations

Group campsite reservations are accepted at this park through the BC Parks reservations system.

Location

Davis Creek / Lost Ledge sites are located in south central BC, on Highway 31 adjacent to Kootenay Lake. Both sites are north of Kaslo – Lost Ledge 25 km and Davis Creek 30 km. The driving time to Kaslo is 30 minutes.

Midge Creek site is located 38 km south of Balfour, on the southwest shore of Kootenay Lake across from Sanca Creek.

Maps and Brochures

Park Map [PDF 2MB]

Nature and Culture

Davis Creek / Lost Ledge:

History
Conservation
Wildlife – specific to park

Management Planning

Management Planning Information
The approved Purpose Statement and Zoning Plans for Kootenay Lake Provincial Park sites:

Activities Available at this Park

Canoeing

There are opportunities for canoeing and kayaking on the lake.

Davis Creek/Lost Ledge: Access is from the lake front campsites or the boat launch at Lost Ledge. Shoreline canoeing is recommended, due to unpredictable winds and sudden squalls.

Kootenay Lake Paddle Sports on site offering Canoe, Kayak and Paddle Board Rentals off the beach at Davis Creek.

Cycling

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

Fishing

Visitors can enjoy angling for kokanee, bull and rainbow trout. Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence. Check the BC Fishing Regulations Synopsis for restrictions and quotas.

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.

Swimming

Davis Creek/Lost Ledge: For the very brave, some swimming does take place. The water is considered cool to refreshing. The beaches are pebbly with coarse rocks. There are no lifeguards on duty at provincial parks.

Windsurfing

Davis Creek/Lost Ledge: There are windsurfing opportunities on Kootenay Lake.

Facilities Available at this Park

Accessibility

Lost Ledge: A campsite and pit toilet is wheelchair-accessible. All roads and pathways are paved.

Boat Launch

Davis Creek/Lost Ledge: There is a single wide, concrete boat launch at Lost Ledge located at the north end of the park, past the last campsite. It is designed to accommodate full size boats. A 40-vehicle parking lot is nearby for vehicles and boat trailers. Boats can be left in the water or beached at either park but this is not commonly observed because of the changing weather.

Campfires

Davis Creek/Lost Ledge campgrounds:
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 from the park operator 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

Davis Creek/Lost Ledge campgrounds: Cold, hand pumped water is available at both sites for cooking and drinking.

Midge Creek: Bring your own drinking water; potable water is not available in the park.

Group Camping

There are reservable group campsites at this park.

Youth group camping charges per night are $1/person (6+), with a $50 minimum and $150 maximum. Read the Youth Group policy about Criteria for Youth Groups.

Regular group camping charges per night are the base rate for the site, which is $120.00/group site/night, plus $5/adult (16+, minimum charge for 15 adults), plus $1/child (6-15). Children under 6 are free!

Picnic Areas

Midge Creek: This park has a day-use/picnic area.

Pit or Flush Toilets

Davis Creek/Lost Ledge: Each site contains centrally located pit toilets.
Midge Creek: This site only has pit toilets; no flush toilets.

Vehicle Accessible Camping

Vehicle-Accessible Camping is available at the Davis Creek and Lost Ledge campgrounds. There are no pull through campsites. The campgrounds offer services during the peak season of May to September. Campsite reservations are accepted at Davis Creek campgrounds, first-come, first-served campsites are also available. All campsites at the Lost Ledge campgrounds are on a first-come, first-served basis. Visitors can select any unreserved campsite and staff will come to collect fees. The closest pay phone and stores are in nearby Cooper or Meadow Creek.

Davis Creek campground with gravel roads has 32 small, medium to large vehicle-accessible sites, two are double sites. The park offers both lake view sites with beach access or shaded sites in a fir, birch forest. The reservable campsites are sites 1-10 in Cove Loop. A park gate is located at the park entrance. There is limited parking in the larger sites for extra vehicles.

Vehicle Accessible Camping Fee: $21.00 per party/night

BC Senior’s Rate (day after Labour Day to June 14 only): $10.50 per senior party/night. Read the User Fees Policy for information on Senior Camping Discounts.

Lost Ledge campground has paved roads in a circular campground with 14 large to medium vehicle accessible sites, 4 are doubles. There is a choice of open, lakefront with magnificent lake views or shaded, forested sites in a mixed forest of fir, birch, larch and cedar. There is no park gate. Parking for extra vehicles is available at the nearby day-use parking lot.

Vehicle Accessible Camping Fee: $23.00 per party/night

BC Senior’s Rate (day after Labour Day to June 14 only): $11.50 per senior party/night. Read the User Fees Policy for information on Senior Camping Discounts.

Walk-In/Wilderness Camping

Midge Creek: Wilderness camping is allowed; no facilities are provided.

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