Park overview
A lovely campground situated at the confluence of the Clearwater and North Thompson Rivers. Popular with travellers on Hwy #5, with young families, or as a base camp for visitors exploring Wells Gray Park and the Clearwater area.
Advisories
Dates of operation
Open to public access April 28, 2023 to September 29, 2023
Current status:
Open to public access
- Facility type
- Vehicle-accessible camping
- Main camping season dates
- 2023: April 28 to September 29
- Reservable dates
- 2023: April 28 to September 28
- Winter note
- Gate is closed during the off-season; the day-use area remains open.
- Winter note
- Gate is closed during the off-season; the day-use area remains open.
Safety info
- During flood season in June and July, currents can be very fast and powerful in the main part of the river.
Special notes
- At a viewpoint overlooking the meeting of the two rivers, the green of the Clearwater can be easily distinguished from the muddy brown of the North Thompson.
- Attractions in the area include a miniature railroad, gallery, museum, river rafting, guided horseback riding, rowboat rentals, bike rentals, mini-golf and 18-hole golf, boat tours and hiking.
- Services such as gas, propane and food may be found in Clearwater. Information on Wells Gray and other provincial parks can be found at the Wells Gray Travel Information Centre in Clearwater.
Camping
Campsite reservations are accepted and first come, first served sites are also available.
All campsite reservations must be made through the BC Parks reservations system. When reservations are not available all campsites function as first come, first served.
This park offers vehicle-accessible campsites. Campsite reservations are accepted and first come, first served sites are also available.
| 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.
Facilities
Accessibility information is available for this park.
Cold water taps are located throughout the park. Taps are shut off during the off-season.
Excellent adventure playground for small children.
A sani-station and dump is available during the collecting season.
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.
This park has a day-use and picnic area.
This park only has pit toilets, no flush toilets.
Activities
There are four easy, short trails within the park:
- Northside Trail 1.1km, 20 minutes
- Southside Trail 0.5km, 10 minutes
- Campground Loop 1.2km, 25 minutes (including trail from parking lot to campground)
- Terrace Loop 1.3km, 30 minutes.
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.
For anglers who enjoy river fishing, there are several vantage points easily accessible within the park. Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence.
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.
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 North Thompson River 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.
Maps and location
This park is located 5km south of Clearwater, just off Hwy #5.
Park and activity maps
Learn more about this park
Park details
- Date established: November 16, 1967
- Size: 126 hectares
Park contact
This park proudly operated by:
Shuswap Adams Parks Ltd.
parkinquiries@telus.net
250 320-9305
BC Visitor Information Centre (Clearwater)
Nature and culture
History
Established in 1967.
Cultural Heritage
Traditional use by Shuswap First Nations is indicated by the remnants of kekuli (pit houses) and food cache pits along the riverbanks.
Conservation
The park is on the boundary between the drier south and the wet interior. Visitors will find Douglas-fir, lodgepole pine and juniper next to cedar or spruce. Beneath the trees, soopolallie, wild rose, hazelnut, Saskatoon and devil’s club can be found.
Wildlife
Squirrels, deer mice and shrews are common with the occasional visits from marten, coyote, deer, moose and black bears. Birds include chickadees, varied thrush, woodpeckers, flickers, swallows and jays. Bald eagles and ospreys can be seen fishing for Dolly Varden, rainbow trout and chinook salmon.
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.