Park overview
This 35 site campground situated among a lakeside Douglas fir and larch forest, is a peaceful and welcome retreat near the city of Cranbrook. The campground was rebuilt in 2001 to accommodate recreational vehicles.
Sunbathing, swimming, non-motorized boating and picnicking are popular activities at Jimsmith Park. The day-use gates are open from 8am to 10pm.
This is the perfect setting for nature study and wildlife viewing. In winter, the park is transformed into a snowy playground for tobogganing and ice skating.
Advisories
Dates of operation
The park gate is open May 15, 2024 to September 9, 2024
- Facility type
- Frontcountry camping
- Number of campsites
- Reservable frontcountry sites: 17
- Vehicle-accessible sites: 35
- Main operating season
- 2024: May 15 to September 9
- Winter season
- Not known
- Booking required
- 2024: May 15 to September 8
- Winter season note
- Gate is closed during the off-season.
- Winter season note
Gate is closed during the off-season.
If full services are provided, full fees will be in effect.
Please check the website advisory section for information about seasonal closures of the day-use gate. During the winter, visitors are welcome to walk into the day-use area.
For details, contact the park operator using the contact information listed below.
Special notes
- Power boats are prohibited. Car top boats or canoes only.
Camping
Campsite reservations are accepted at this park. All drive-in and walk-in campsites are reservable during peak season. There are no first come, first served sites.
Group campsite reservations are accepted at this park (minimum 15 adults) year-round. Picnic and day-use area is available on a first come, first served basis only and is not reservable at this park.
All campsite and group site reservations must be made the BC Parks reservations system.
This park offers vehicle-accessible campsites. Campsite reservations are accepted and first come first served sites are available. Originally quite isolated, the park is now surrounded by acreages and a growing residential community.
| Vehicle-accessible camping fee | $23 per party per night |
| BC seniors’ rate (day after Labour Day to June 14 only) | $11.50 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.
The new playground is located at the upper day-use area above the large parking lot.
There is a paved boat launch at this park. Powerboats are prohibited. Car top boats or canoes only.
Firewood can be purchased from the park operator in some parks or you can bring your own wood. Fees for firewood are set locally and may vary.
To preserve vegetation and ground cover, please do not gather firewood from the area around your campsite or elsewhere in the park. Dead wood is an important habitat element for many plants and animals and it adds organic matter to the soil.
You can conserve firewood and air quality by keeping your campfire small. Bring a portable stove for cooking.
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.
The park provides the only developed day-use facility immediately adjacent to Cranbrook. The day-use area is split by the access road with the lower part accommodating sunbathers and swimmers and the upper area used by groups for picnicking and field games. The day-use gates are open from 8am to 10pm.
Activities
There is a sandy beach and swimming area in this park.
There are no lifeguards on duty in BC Parks.
There are paddling, canoeing and kayaking opportunities at this park.
Fishing for jumbo rainbow trout and largemouth bass is a regular sport here.
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, day use areas or park buildings. You are responsible for their behaviour and must dispose of their excrement.
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 Jimsmith Lake 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.
Access the park from Hwy 3/95 at the south side of Cranbrook, then drive west 4km on a paved secondary road to the park entrance. The community of Cranbrook is 5km east of Jimsmith Lake Park.
Park and activity maps
Learn more about this park
Park details
- Date established: March 16, 1956
- Size: 13.7 hectares
Park contact
This park proudly operated by:
EK Parks Ltd.
camping@ekparks.ca
250 422-3003
Nature and culture
Conservation
This arid montane bench land lake situated amid a Douglas fir and larch forest is a perfect setting for nature study and wildlife viewing. Cattail marshes at the edges of the lake provide habitat for many birds, fish and insects.
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.