Park overview
Situated on the shoreline of Kotcho Lake, Kotcho Lake Village Site Park is an area of traditional settlement and resource use by the Fort Nelson First Nation, Dene Tha First Nations.
Advisories
Safety info
- Hikers and campers should be prepared for all weather conditions in this changeable climate.
- Always carry first-aid equipment and extra clothing and food.
- Water sources in the backcountry may carry giardia or other parasites. Boil or filter all water when in the backcountry.
Camping
Wilderness camping is allowed, but no facilities are provided.
Facilities
There is no firewood available. Be prepared to bring a portable stove for cooking.
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.
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.
Activities
There are no lifeguards on duty in BC Parks.
Canoeing and kayaking opportunities are limited, as Kotcho Lake is shallow and has many weeds.
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 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.
The park is located approximately 100 km east of Fort Nelson. There are no roads to the park. Access is by boat or air. The Helmet Road provides motorized access to within three km of the park. Access is via the Helmet Oilfield Road 10 km south of Fort Nelson, then approximately 150 km to the lake.
Learn more about this park
Park details
- Date established: June 29, 1999
- Size: 34 hectares
Nature and culture
History
The Fort Nelson Land and Resource Management identified the area for protection in 1997.
Cultural Heritage
The park is a site of traditional First Nation settlement and resource use.
Conservation
Kotcho Lake Village Site Park is situated on the shoreline of Kotcho Lake at the outlet of Kotcho River. Kotcho Lake is a large, very shallow lake located within the Etsho Plateau ecosection, a region of extensive muskeg, lowlands and rolling plateau dominated by boreal white and black spruce.
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.