Park overview
A few minutes from the Alaska Highway, Muncho Lake Park has the serenity and seclusion expected in this area of the north. Some of the most stunning natural landscapes can be viewed at this park. Spectacular mountains, bountiful wildlife and brilliantly colored wildflowers are just a few of the wonders to discover here.
In the southern portion of the park, you will see the very impressive Folded Mountain towering above the road. Tectonic deformations have bent the limestone giving these mountains their unique appearance. Further along the highway you will have the opportunity to travel across the alluvial fans. Keep an eye open for moose which frequent the many swamps within the park.
Twelve kilometres of jade-colored water will tell you that you have reached Muncho Lake. You have the choice of camping at Strawberry Flats campground or at MacDonald campground, 11 km further north. The lake’s cold, deep waters are tinted green by minerals and provide a home to lake trout, arctic grayling, bull trout and whitefish. Toss out a line and try your luck.
There is a good chance you will see Stone sheep along the highway. The natural beauty of Muncho Lake Park is sure to be the highlight of your northern adventure.
Advisories
Dates of operation
The park gate is open May 1, 2024 to September 15, 2024
- Facility type
- Frontcountry camping
- Main operating season
- 2024: May 1 to September 15
- Winter season
- Not known
- Booking required
- 2024: May 15 to September 14
- Winter season note
- Gates are locked during the off-season/when snow falls. No services or fees.
- Facility type
- Frontcountry camping
- Main operating season
- 2024: May 1 to September 15
- Winter season
- Not known
- Booking required
- 2024: May 15 to September 1
- Winter season note
- Gates are locked during the off-season/when snow falls. No services or fees.
- Winter season note
- Gates are locked during the off-season/when snow falls. No services or fees.
Safety info
- Caution should be used as rain high up in the mountains may cause flooding of these areas with little or no warning.
Camping
- Total number of campsites
- Total reservable frontcountry sites: 10
- Total vehicle-accessible sites: 30
Some campsites can be reserved through the BC Parks reservations service though most campsites are first come, first served.
There are backcountry camping sites available.
There is a privately owned lodge on Muncho Lake.
This park offers most of the vehicle-accessible campsites on a first come, first served basis. Camping fees are payable in cash only at the park. Some campsites can now be reserved through the BC Parks reservations service.
| Vehicle-accessible camping fee | $20 per party per night |
| BC seniors’ rate (day after Labour Day to June 14 only) | $10 per senior party per night |
For information on the BC seniors’ rate, see the camping fees page.
Facilities
Accessibility information is available for these areas 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.
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 has a day-use and picnic area.
This park only has pit toilets, no flush toilets.
Activities
View the Tourism Northern Rockies website for more hiking information and a published guide of the hiking trails. 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 allowed in Muncho Lake.
There are no lifeguards on duty in BC Parks.
There are canoeing and kayaking opportunities at this park. View the Main Current Rafting Expeditions website for information on rafting activities in the park.
There are canoeing and kayaking opportunities at this park. View the Main Current Rafting Expeditions website for information on rafting activities in the park.
Fishing for lake trout, arctic grayling, bull trout and whitefish is offered 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 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 wildlife.
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 Muncho Lake Park. E-bikes are restricted to park roads and areas where motorized use is permitted.
The park is open to hunting. All hunters to the area should check the BC Hunting and Trapping Regulations Synopsis for more information.
At km 681 of the Alaska Hwy.
Established Date: May 31, 1957
Park Size: 88,420 hectares
Park and activity maps
Learn more about this park
Park details
- Date established: May 31, 1957
- Size: 88,420 hectares
Park contact
This park proudly operated by:
Kootenay Forest Services Ltd.
For information concerning the campground:
kootenayforestservices@gmail.com
250-776-7000
Nature and culture
History
European discovery of the area did not occur until the late 1800s, when trappers, traders and explorers passed through the area. It wasn’t until the building of the Alaska Highway, that the face of Muncho Lake changed dramatically. There are still remnants of the construction features, such as wooden culverts and corduroy roads within the park.
Cultural Heritage
It is believed that the Kaska Athapaskan First Nations camped regularly in the Muncho Lake area.
Conservation
Spectacular mountains and brilliantly colored wildflowers are just a few of the wonders to discover here. In the southern portion of the park, you will see the very impressive geological formations of Folded Mountain.
Wildlife
Bountiful wildlife can be seen in this park. Keep an eye open for moose and caribou which frequent the many swamps within the park. There is an excellent chance you will see Stone sheep along the highway. Reduce your speed when animals are on or near the highway and pull well off the traveled surface of the road if you are photographing them.
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.