Park overview
Goldpan Park was constructed in 1956 on the banks of the Thompson River, and it is still located there today. It is a convenient overnight camping spot for travelers on Hwy 1 and is a destination site for fishermen during peak fishing times.
This is also a popular base camp for visitors enjoying guided river rafting, and exploring the Thompson and Pavilion area. It’s an area rich in geological and human history.
Advisories
Dates of operation
Operating dates are unavailable
- Facility type
- Frontcountry camping
- Number of campsites
- Vehicle-accessible sites: 14
- Double sites: 2
- RV-accessible sites: 13
- Main operating season
- 2024: Dates unavailable
- Winter season
- Not known
- Service note
- Closed due to slope instability and risk to public safety.
- Winter season note
- The gate is closed during the off-season.
Safety info
- The extremely hot, dry climate can result in overexposure to the sun. Everyone in your party should wear sunscreen and a hat with a brim.
- The waters of the Thompson River are very swift, especially in June and July during high water. Use caution in and around the waters edge.
- Wood ticks are most prevalent between March and June. These parasites reside in tall grass and low shrubbery and seek out warm-blooded hosts. Although they are potential carriers of disease, they are a natural part of the environment and can be easily avoided. Your legs should be protected by wearing trousers tucked into socks or gaiters. After outdoor activity, thoroughly examine yourself. Check your pets for ticks as well.
- Roadways can be very busy. Whether you are walking, cycling, roller-blading, skateboarding or driving, please be careful. Always yield to the slowest mode of travel (per example, cyclists yield to walkers). Obey all traffic regulations and rules of the road.
Special notes
- Quiet hours are 10pm to 7am. Music, generators, etc. must be shut off completely between these hours.
- Hibachis and campstoves can burn the picnic tables. Please do not use them on the tables.
- Valuables, when left unattended or at night, should be stored out of sight and locked up at all times. Please report all thefts to the park staff as soon as possible.
- The speed limit within the park is 20 km per hour or less.
- Motorcycles and bicycles are permitted on park roads, only. Motorcycles must be properly licenced and must be operated by a licenced driver only. Helmets must be worn. Unlicenced ATVs or dirt bikes are not permitted.
- Parking is prohibited on the side of the road. Please park on the gravelled portion of your campsite or in designated parking spaces. Vehicles parked in day-use areas after 11pm may be ticketed or towed.
- Pets must be on leash (no longer than 2 m) at all times while in the park. They are not allowed on beaches or in day use areas. Owners must clean up after their pets.
- Consumption of alcohol is prohibited except in your campsite.
Camping
Goldpan has 14 camping sites on a first come, first served basis. Each site is situated above the river bank and provides a view of the river. These sites are small to medium in size and can accommodate tents, campers and medium sized trailers. Large camping units will have trouble maneuvering the roadways of this small park. There is a turn around at each end of the park allowing a limited turning radius.
Most sites are provided some shade, depending on the time of day. There are two double campsites. During July and August, this is a very popular campground and begins filling up by 4pm to 5pm. The gates at Goldpan are not closed at night. The closest store is located at Spences Bridge, 10 km north.
During the camping season, overnight visitors can now pay at the campground with a self-registration system. Only cash is accepted. Deposit cash in the envelope (change will be provided when attendant arrives if you do not have correct amount), fill out the information and place in the vault provided at the information kiosk. Please detach the receipt portion and attach to the campsite number post. You may also pre-pay for firewood with your campsite self registration. Staff will be at the campground at least once a day during the camping season.
| Vehicle-accessible camping fee | $18 per party per night |
| BC seniors’ rate (day after Labour Day to June 14 only) | $9 per senior party per night |
For information on the BC seniors’ rate, see the camping fees page.
Facilities
Accessibility information is available for this park.
Campfire bans may be in place. Before lighting a fire, check for bans or restrictions on BC Wildfire Service and on local or Indigenous government websites.
There are four pit toilets located within the campground, no flush toilets.
Activities
The waters of the Thompson River are dangerously swift, especially in the high water of June and July. Use caution and watch children in and around the river’s edge. During lower water levels, visitors will swim in shallow areas, but caution needs to be used as the water is swift flowing. The beach is made up of mostly large rock.
There are no lifeguards on duty in BC Parks.
There are kayaking opportunities in this park.
The Thompson River contains trout, steelhead and salmon. There are 600 metres of river frontage.
Anyone fishing in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence. To learn more, see the fishing and hunting guide.
Pets and 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.
This park is located on the east bank of the Thompson River adjacent to Hwy 1, 10 km south of Spences Bridge.
Learn more about this park
Park details
- Date established: March 16, 1956
- Size: 5.6 hectares
Park contact
This park proudly operated by:
Shuswap Adams Parks Ltd.
parkinquiries@telus.net
250 320-9305
Nature and culture
History
Established in 1956, the park provides access to the river for visitors. The Thompson Canyon area where Goldpan is situated is rich in history. The historic Cariboo Wagon Road passes through the area. The starting point of the road was in Yale and construction of the road took place between 1862 and 1865. The road was a narrow, treacherous track winding along the cliffs of the canyon and allowed stagecoaches and freight wagons access to the interior of BC. The road linked the gold fields of the Cariboo to Vancouver.
Cultural Heritage
There is evidence of First Nations activity in the area in regards to fishing and using the river for a travel route.
Wildlife
Fish species in the Thompson River include trout, steelhead, and salmon. Osprey can be seen flying over the river.
Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples
BC Parks honours Indigenous Peoples’ connection to the land and respects the importance of their diverse teachings, traditions, and practices within these territories. This park webpage may not adequately represent the full history of this park and the connection of Indigenous Peoples to this land. We are working in partnership with Indigenous Peoples to update our websites so that they better reflect the history and cultures of these special places.