Juniper Beach was established as a provincial park in 1989. The park protects a representative desert landscape which contains sagebrush, prickly pear cactus and of course, juniper. Part of the landscape includes deep post-glacial deposits and large scale erosion features.
It is a convenient overnight camping spot for travellers on Highway 1 and provides access to the Thompson River. Both CNR and CPR railway tracks run by the park and provide an attraction to train-buffs. This park is also a popular base camp for visitors enjoying boating, fishing, photography and touring historic Hat Creek Ranch and Ashcroft Manor, both nearby.
Campsite reservations are accepted at this park and first come, first served sites are also available.
All campsite reservations must be made the BC Parks reservations system. When reservations are not available all campsites function as first come, first served.
This park offers vehicle-accessible campsites. Reservations are accepted, and first come, first served campsites are also available.
Vehicle-accessible camping fee | $23 per party per night |
Electrified sites | Additional $5 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.
Accessibility information is available for this park.
In addition to the water hook-ups at each site, there are potable water posts available near the pit toilets and in the grassy tenting area.
There is a small boat launch area at the park that is suitable to launch smaller fishing boats.
The boat launch is a rustic gravel access directly into the Thompson River. Environmental conditions can and will alter access and use of this site annually. Please be aware that this access is directly into the Thompson river, and all boats should be equipped with sufficient motor size to navigate upstream on this watercourse.
A sani-station and dump is available during the collecting season.
Electrical hookups (30amp service) are available at the park. Please note that the cost of electrictity is $5 per night.
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.
No campfires are allowed in the day-use area. Ensure that barbecues or campstoves are used on the ground, not set on picnic tables.
There are a few undesignated trails used by visitors in the vicinity of the campground. Caution should be used when hiking in the area. Watch out for prickly pear cactus and during the months of March to June, watch for ticks.
During lower water levels on the river, there is a small “swimming hole” on the beach in front of the campground. It is an area that is naturally sectioned off from the main river and provides a more protected swimming opportunity. Use caution as the waters of the Thompson River are dangerously swift especially during high water. There are no lifeguards on duty.
Thompson River contains trout, steelhead and salmon. 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 the potential for problems with bears and other wildlife.
On the north shore of the Thompson River, 19 km east of Cache Creek on Highway 1. The closest communities are Cache Creek and Savona.
This park proudly operated by:
Shuswap Adams Parks Ltd.
parkinquiries@telus.net
250 320-9305
History
Established 1989.
Conservation
Undisturbed low elevation grasslands with their associated sagebrush and cactus are rare in British Columbia, and Juniper Beach Park protects one of the few examples found in the BC Parks system.
Wildlife
Fish species in the Thompson River include trout, steelhead, and salmon. The dry sagebrush areas of the park are home to Western Rattlesnakes, and deer are sometimes seen travelling to and from the river. The campground area is an oasis in this dry environment, and as such it attracts many species of birds. Some of the most colorful that are often seen here during the summer months are the Western Tanager, Mountain Bluebird and the Northern Oriole.
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.