In This Park

Activities Available at this Park
Facilities Available at this Park

On This Page

Park Contact

This park proudly operated by:
Shuswap Adams Parks Ltd.
parkinquiries@telus.net
250 320-9305

BC Visitor Information Centre (Clearwater)

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.

Roche Lake Provincial Park

About This Park

Roche Lake Provincial Park

Seven world-class stocked rainbow trout lakes, only two of which are served by maintained gravel roads, on the Thompson Plateau. The park includes rustic campsites that are located on Horseshoe Lake and Roche Lake.

This is a year-round recreation area, noted for camping, hunting, wildlife viewing, fishing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling.

Established Date: April 30, 1996
Park Size: 2,027 hectares

Know Before You Go

Stay Safe

  • The park is natural habitat for black bears. Campers must keep all food in vehicles and deposit garbage in bear-proof garbage cans.

  • As of August 29, 2013, the backcountry of Roche Lake Provincial Park has multiple hazard trees that pose a potential safety risk. Camping outside of managed campgrounds is not recommended at this time. For more information, contact BC Parks at 250 371-6200.

Special Notes

  • A pay telephone is available at Roche Lake Resort, which is located on the same gravel road that is used to access the park, just follow the signs.

Location

  • Location Map
    • 36 km southeast of Kamloops, accessed via gravel road from Hwy 5A at the north end of Trapp Lake. Communities close to the park are Kamloops, Quilchena and Merritt.

    Maps and Brochures

    Nature and Culture

    • History: Established April 30, 1996 as a result of recommendations made in the Kamloops Land and Resource Management Plan.
    • Conservation: The park protects a series of world-class recreational trout fishing lakes in a plateau setting, and encompasses small stands of old-growth interior Douglas-fir forest, highly productive habitat for moose, waterfowl and perching birds.
    • Wildlife: Black bear, moose, mule deer, white-tailed deer and birds such as the Canada goose, mallard, common snipe, vesper sparrow and mountain bluebird all make their home in the park.

    Management Planning

    Activities Available at this Park

    Canoeing

    Canoeing

    Canoeing and kayaking are popular.
    Cycling

    Cycling

    There are many informal trails for cycling. Bicycle helmets are mandatory in British Columbia.
    Fishing

    Fishing

    Lakes are stocked with rainbow trout. This is a world-class rainbow trout fishing area. Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence.

    Ice fishing is sometimes available. Ensure that ice is safe before attempting this activity because aeration is used in some of the lakes to prevent winter kill.

    The Freshwater Fishing Society provides more information on fishing at Roche Lake.

    Hiking

    Hiking

    There are many informal trails for hiking. 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.
    Horseback Riding

    Horseback Riding

    There are many informal trails for horseback riding.
    Hunting

    Hunting

    Hunting is permitted only during lawful game hunting season. Check the Hunting & Trapping Regulations Synopsis for regulations.
    Pets on Leash

    Pets on Leash

    You are responsible for behaviour of pets and domestic animals and you 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

    Swimming

    Swimming is available in this park.

    There are no lifeguards on duty at provincial parks.

    Winter Recreation

    Winter Recreation

    There are many informal unset trails for cross-country skiing and for snowshoeing. For your own safety and the preservation of the park, obey posted signs and keep to designated trails.

    There are many informal trails for snowmobiling. For your own safety and the preservation of the park, obey posted signs and keep to designated trails.

    Ice skating is available in this park. Ensure that ice is safe before attempting this activity because aeration is used in some of the lakes to prevent winter kill.

    Facilities Available at this Park

    Boat Launch

    Boat Launch

    There are undeveloped boat launches in each campground. They are only suitable for launching small boats.
    Campfires

    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. Campfires must not exceed half a metre in height. Keep fires small, save trees and conserve firewood. Do not leave your campfire unattended. This is a high-risk forest fire area.
    Group Camping

    Group Camping

    Roche Lake North is quite open and is suitable for group camping.
    Pit or Flush Toilets

    Pit or Flush Toilets

    Pit toilets are available at Roche Lake North, Roche Lake West, Horseshoe Lake, Black Lake, and John Frank Lake.
    Vehicle Accessible Camping

    Vehicle Accessible Camping

    This park offers vehicle accessible campsites on a first-come, first-served basis; campsite reservations are not accepted.

    There are three rustic campgrounds; Roche Lake North (8 sites), Roche Lake West (21 sites) and Horseshoe Lake (4 sites).

    Vehicle Accessible Camping Fee: $13.00 per party/night
    BC Senior’s Rate (day after Labour Day to June 14 only): $6.50 per senior party/night. Read the User Fees Policy for information on Senior Camping Discounts.
    Walk-In/Wilderness Camping

    Walk-In/Wilderness Camping

    As of August 29, 2013, the backcountry of Roche Lake Provincial Park has multiple hazard trees that pose a potential safety risk.

    Camping outside of managed campgrounds is not recommended at this time. For more information, contact BC Parks at 250 371-6200.