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Advisories

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Vehicle-accessible camping

There are six different camping areas, located at various points on the road side of the lakes. Each site has a rustic picnic table, rock fire ring and pit toilet. The park is open year-round when accessible. 

Sites at Francis and Hanna Lake can accommodate one camping party each. The ranger cabin site accommodates one party with the opportunity to stay inside the cabin. Nahatlatch has three camp sites. Salmon Beach has two camp sites. Squakum has eleven camp sites. All sites are situated in treed areas, on the shores of the lake. 

Most visitors camp in either tents or campers. Because the access road to the park can be very rough, very few camp in trailers or fifth wheels. Long weekends are very busy at this park. The closest phone and shopping facilities are at Boston Bar.

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. 

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Boat launch
There is a small rustic boat launch next to the Salmon Beach campground. The launch has a dirt surface and can accommodate a small motor boat or car top boat. Power boats are rarely used on these lakes.
Campfires

Firewood can be purchased from the park operator or you may bring your own wood. Fees for firewood are set locally and may vary. You can conserve firewood and air quality by keeping your campfire small. If you rely on campfires for cooking, be prepared to bring a portable stove should a campfire ban be implemented. Due to high winds funnelling through this valley, visitors are requested to keep their campfires small.

To preserve vegetation and ground cover, it is prohibited to 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.

Pit or flush toilets
Each designated campground has one pit toilet. Swakum has two pit toilets.
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Hiking
There are no designated hiking trails within this park. Visitors have the opportunity to hike in the area surrounding the park, but should do so with caution.
Swimming

The lakes are very cold but provide opportunities to swim. The lake bottom is usually rocky with small areas of sand. During high water, until mid August, there are little or no beach areas. Visitors should use caution when swimming near the outflow of the lakes. There are no lifeguards on duty. Swim at your own risk.

Canoeing
Kayaking and canoeing opportunities are available on all lakes and from the west end of the park on the Nahatlatch River to Nahatlatch Lake. It is not advisable to canoe on the river below Frances Lake.
Fishing

Fishing in this area is for trout. Historically the area is not known for successful fishing. The lakes do not seem to have any hot spots. One area of Nahatlatch Lake where some visitors have had limited success is in the area underneath the rock lookout. Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence.

Pets on leash

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.

Cycling

Cycling is available on the logging roads in the area but visitors should use extreme caution due to the narrowness of the road and traffic from logging trucks. Bicycle helmets are mandatory in British Columbia.

Please note that bicycles with electric assist motors (e-bikes) are not allowed on the trails within Nahatlatch 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.

Hunting

Hunting is permitted only during lawful game hunting season. Check the Hunting and Trapping Regulations Synopsis for regulations.