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Advisories

Camping

Total number of campsites
Total reservable frontcountry sites: 123
Total vehicle-accessible sites: 126
Total groupsites: 1
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Reservations

All campsite and group site 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.

Group campsite reservations

Group campsite reservations are accepted at this park.

Group camping

There is one group campsite at this park, reservation information can be found below. 

Youth group camping charges per night are $1 per 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 per group site per night, plus $5 per adult (16+, minimum charge for 15 adults), plus $1 per child (6 to 15). Children under 6 are free.

Vehicle-accessible camping

This park offers vehicle accessible, semi private campsites, set in a second-growth Douglas fir stand. Campsite reservations are accepted and first come, first served sites may also be available. 
 

Vehicle accessible camping fee: $35.00 per party per night
BC senior’s rate (day after Labour Day to June 14 only): $17.50 per senior party per night. Read the user fees policy for information on senior camping discounts.
Winter camping

The park is open year-round with limited services in the off-season. 
 

Winter camping fee: $13.00 per party per night
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Accessibility information

A number of facilities at this park are wheelchair-accessible, including picnic tables, the main campsites and group campsite, and the shower and flush toilet buildings.

Drinking water

Cold water taps are located throughout the park. Taps are shut off during the off-season.

Drinking water system reports 2021

Playground
There is an adventure playground available at the day-use area of this park.
Boat launch
A boat launch is located northeast of the day-use parking lot.
Campfires

Campfire rings are provided at each campsite. Fire bans may be implemented during extremely hot weather conditions. Be prepared to bring a portable stove for cooking. Firewood can be purchased from the park operator. Fees for firewood are set locally and may vary. 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.

Picnic areas

This park has a large day-use and picnic area with picnic tables, parking lot, adventure playground, amphitheatre, and flush toilets. The day-use area is a popular spot for local residents, who come to the park to swim and picnic.

Pit or flush toilets
Pit toilets are located throughout the park. Flush toilets are located in the campground and day-use area and are open from March 30 to October 31.
Showers
There are two separate hot shower facilities in this park, located within the campground.
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Hiking
Gordon Bay has a number of short, in-park trails that lead to the lake. 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.
Swimming

Cowichan Lake provides excellent swimming and water-oriented activities. The water is warm in the summer and the sandy beach has a designated swimming area, identified by a log boom. Access to the swimming beach is via the day-use area.

There are no lifeguards on duty.

Canoeing
Canoeing and kayaking can be enjoyed on Cowichan Lake. A boat launch is located northeast of the day-use parking lot.
Fishing

Cowichan Lake is known for its spectacular fresh-water fishing in the spring, fall and winter, when anglers can be challenged by rainbow, cutthroat, and Dolly Varden trout.

Fishing is permitted as per provincial and federal fishing regulations. All anglers should check the current regulations issued by Fisheries and Oceans Canada prior to fishing. Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence.

Interpretive programs

The Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC has a fun, hands on, Learn to Fish Program that teaches basic angling skills to youth under 16 years old. Check back to this page or ask the park operator for information.

Pets on leash

Pets and domestic animals must be on a leash and under control 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.

Cycling

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

Please note that bicycles with electric assist motors (e-bikes) are not allowed on the trails within Gordon Bay Park. E-bikes are restricted to park roads and areas where motorized use is permitted. The only exception to this policy will be for authorized and identified trail maintenance bikes conducting work on behalf of BC Parks.

Waterskiing
Waterskiing is a popular activity on Cowichan Lake. A boat launch is located near the parking lot. Waterskiers must remain outside of the log boom.
Windsurfing
Windsurfing is a popular activity on Cowichan Lake. A boat launch is located near the parking lot. Windsurfers must remain outside of the log boom.
Scuba diving
Opportunities for fresh water diving exist in the lake.