Park overview
Visitors to Morton Lake Park are sure to discover that there is a reason the area northwest of Campbell River is called “lake country.” From April to June and September to October, lake fishing for rainbow, cutthroat and Dolly Varden trout on Mohun Lake in the park can be excellent.
While this park is popular with anglers, there is still plenty to do if fishing isn’t your favourite pastime. During the summer, visitors can fill their days swimming, canoeing, boating or just lounging on the sandy beach at Morton Lake.
Morton Lake Park, which includes all of Morton Lake and a section of shoreline on neighbouring Mohun Lake, provides access to the popular Sayward Canoe Route which is a 47 kilometre paddle and portage circuit. The park offers lake-front camping, as well as a boat launch, pit toilets, a short hiking trail to tranquil Andrew Lake and a large day-use area.
Advisories
Dates of operation
The park is open year-round
- Facility type
- Frontcountry camping
- Main operating season
- 2024: April 25 to October 14
- Winter season
- Not known
- Booking required
- 2024: April 25 to October 13
- Winter season note
- Winter camping fees are in effect from October 1 to April 30. During this period, no services provided.
Camping
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.
Campsite reservations are accepted and first come, first served sites are also available. All sites are located adjacent to the lake. This park is open year-round. A winter camping fee is in place and campers must be self-sufficient.
| Vehicle-accessible camping fee | $18 per party per night |
| BC seniors’ rate (day after Labour Day to June 14 only) | $9 per senior party per night |
For information on the BC seniors’ rate, see the camping fees page.
This park is open year-round. Campers must be self-sufficient.
Facilities
Accessibility information is available for this park.
There is one cold water hand pump, located at the intersection of the campground and day-use area.
While fires are allowed, we encourage visitors to conserve the environment by minimizing the use of fire and using stoves instead. Campfire rings are provided at each campsite, as well as communal rings in the day-use area. Be prepared to bring a portable stove for cooking.
Firewood can be purchased from the park operator. Fees for firewood are set locally and may vary.
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.
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.
This park is a very popular summertime destination, with a sandy beach and warm lake. Facilities include picnic tables, a parking area and pit toilets.
Activities
A fine sandy beach with a warm lake and picnic area attracts swimmers and sunbathers.
There are no lifeguards on duty in BC Parks.
Canoeing and kayaking is a popular activity on both Morton and Mohun Lakes. Mohun Lake provides access to the Sayward Canoe Route which is a 47 km paddle and portage circuit. Contact the Ministry of Forests for further information on this paddling opportunity.
From April to June and from September to October, lake fishing for Dolly Varden, rainbow, and cutthroat trout on Mohun Lake can be excellent. Fishing is permitted as per provincial and federal fishing regulations. All anglers should check the current regulations issued by Fisheries and Oceans Canada prior to fishing.
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.
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 Morton 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.
Morton Lake Park is located 27 km northwest of Campbell River in the Sayward Forest. The easiest way to reach Morton Lake is via Highway 19. Turn off at the Menzies Main logging road, approximately 10 minutes past the pulp mill. Follow the gravel Menzies Main for 12 km, then take Morton Lake Road for another 7 km to the park.
Park and activity maps
Learn more about this park
Park details
- Date established: November 28, 1966
- Size: 74 hectares
Park contact
This park proudly operated by:
Quality Recreation Ltd.
250 850-7125
info@explorebcparks.ca
Nature and culture
History
A devastating fire in 1938 burned more than 30,000 hectares of forest surrounding Morton Lake to the ground. The fire, which burned for more than one month, inspired a massive replanting effort the following year, during which 800,000 Douglas fir trees were planted in one month, which was an incredible accomplishment in those days. Hemlock, cedar and white pine has naturally regenerated in the park.
Conservation
Douglas fir while hemlock, cedar and white pine are found here.
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.