Frontcountry camping reservation policies

All campsite reservations must be made through the BC Parks reservations system. During reservable dates, campgrounds are 100% reservable. When reservations are not available all campsites function as first come, first served.

This park offers vehicle-accessible campsites of which 26 are in 13 double sites. There are no pull through sites and all vehicles must fit into the gravel portions of the campsite, as there is no parking available for extra vehicles. The gatehouse is located at the entrance of the campground. The entrance gate is locked between 11pm and 7am.

There is a self-registration station located near the gatehouse if the gatehouse is closed. Herald Park is a haven for recreationalists from May through October, dependant on weather.

Campsite reservations are accepted and campgrounds are 100% reservable from May 1 to September 18. For your convenience there are two pay phones in the park, one is located at the entrance and the other is behind sites 113 and 114.

Accessibility information is available for this park.

Cold water taps are located throughout the park. Taps are shut off during the off-season. There are no hookups in this park. Water for filling holding tanks is available at the sani-station.

• Drinking water system report [PDF] 

A new adventure playground was installed in the day-use area as part of the 2016 capital project.

There is a concrete boat launch available at this park. It is located in the day-use area of the park. A large parking area is available for parking vehicles and boat trailers. Overnight parking is not permitted. Please check with the Canadian coast guard or read information signs at launch area for current regulations on Shuswap Lake. Houseboats are not permitted to park overnight at this park, please refer to the Shuswap Marine Park web pages for information about lake sites.

A sani-station is available during the collecting season.

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.

This park has a large day-use and picnic area. It has a combination of grassy areas with over 1,000 metres of mostly sandy beach. There are both pit toilets and water provided. The day-use entrance gate is locked between 10pm and 7am. The gate is left open during off-season until snow stops access, at which time self-contained units are allowed to camp in day-use area.

Pit and flush toilets are located throughout the park.

There are hot showers at this park.

Hikers will enjoy the two distinct topographical areas, upland and flat delta, which have created a great terrain for hiking. There is a trail to Upper Canyon, which has beautiful views of the lake. There are some rough sections along the 2.5km trail. 

A self-guided nature trail has interpretative stops to Margaret Falls. Campground hosts (if available) can assist with area information. 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.

There is a large swimming area that is buoyed off from motor-boat use. There are no lifeguards on duty.

All water sports are popular on Shuswap Lake.

All water sports are popular on Shuswap Lake.

Shuswap lake has 19 different species of fish and year-round fishing. The most popular fish are lake trout and rainbows to 10kg dollies, kokanee, burbot, whitefish. Trolling for deep lurkers is the most popular technique. Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence.

There is an area set aside for pets beginning below Reineker campground, extending to a portion of the day-use area. You are responsible for their control and behavior, and you must dispose of their excrement. Doggie bags are provided throughout the park for your convenience. Pets and domestic animals must be on a leash at all times and are not allowed in park buildings or beach areas except for the area set aside above. Backcountry areas are not suitable for dogs or other pets due to wildlife issues and the potential for problems with bears.

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 Herald 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.

Watersking is allowed on Shuswap Lake. Please check with the Canadian coast guard for the current regulations and restrictions.

Windsurfing is allowed on Shuswap Lake. Please check with the Canadian coast guard for the current regulations and restrictions.

Scuba diving does occur in Shuswap Lake. Please check with local dive operators for more information.