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.
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.
Accessibility information is available for this park.
There are four pit toilets located within the campground, no flush toilets.
There are kayaking opportunities in this park.
The Thompson River contains trout, steelhead and salmon. There is 600 metres of river frontage. Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence.
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.
This park proudly operated by:
Shuswap Adams Parks Ltd.
parkinquiries@telus.net
250 320-9305
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.
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.