Set on the shore of Nicola Lake, Monck Park offers a wide assortment of recreational activities including camping, picnicking, swimming, fishing, boating, waterskiing, windsurfing and hiking.
Monck Park is a very popular family-oriented campground in a hot, dry setting. In addition to providing recreational opportunities, Monck protects a Ponderosa pine, bunchgrass ecosystem and a volcanic rock cliff landscape.
Campsite reservations are accepted 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.
Monck provides 132 vehicle-accessible campsites, including 17 double sites. Sites are sunny, but each receives some shade throughout the day. Most sites can accommodate larger units. Five of the sites also have a tent pad. Campsites are located in three loops and provide close and easy access to the lake. Campsite reservations are accepted.
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.
Accessibility information is available for this park.
There are potable water posts located throughout the campground.
There is a concrete boat launch located next to the day-use area. Waterskiing is popular on the lake.
There is a user pay sani-station near the entrance of the park.
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.
The day-use is located next to the lake on a large grassy area. There are 40 picnic tables and 15 of the tables have a roof shelter. A few trees provide some shade.
There is a large parking area adjacent to the day-use. No campfires are allowed in the day-use area. Please ensure that all barbeques or campstoves are used on the ground and not set on picnic tables.
There are three flush toilet buildings, five single flush toilets (four with sinks) and seven pit toilets.
There is a 5 km self-guided interpretive hiking trail that loops around the park. In 2005, the park added 1.3 km of trail to the east of the existing upper trails. The loop is best walked from the upper end. Sections of this trail are steep and require caution.
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 is very popular at the sandy beach. There are marker buoys sectioning off the swimming area. The beach shelves quickly to deep water, so swimmers need to use caution. There are two change houses. Please be aware that there are no lifeguards on duty.
Canoeing and kayaking opportunities are available. Extreme caution should be used due to the high winds occurring daily on the lake. These boats should stay close to shore.
Rainbow trout and kokanee are the most common fish, however there are 26 species of fish in the lake. A valid BC angling licence is required and must be carried with you when fishing.
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 more information.
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.
Bicycling is allowed only on paved roads and designated trails in this park. Bicycle helmets are mandatory in British Columbia.
Please note that bicycles with electric assist motors (e-bikes) are not allowed on the trails within Monck 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.
On the western shore of Nicola Lake, 22 km north of Merritt, 12 km off Hwy 5A via narrow paved road.
This park proudly operated by:
Shuswap Adams Parks Ltd.
parkinquiries@telus.net
250-320-9305
History
Established in 1951. The original land was donated and was the site of an old homestead. There are archaeological sites including two First Nations pit house depressions in the day-use area.
Wildlife
There are 26 species of fish in Nicola Lake.
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.