Campsite reservations are accepted. All campsite reservations must be made through the BC Parks reservations system. 

During the peak season, all of the sites reservable and non-occupied reservation sites can accommodate first come, first served customers for one, or perhaps more nights, depending on availability.

This park offers vehicle-accessible campsites, including five double sites and five pull-through sites. The pull-through sites have slightly curved parking and may not accommodate motorhomes over 30 ft. 

The gate to the park is closed during the off-season. While there is no gatehouse, an information shelter, telephone and handpump water source are located at the entrance to the park. 

The small sites are spread out in a dense forest of Douglas fir trees that provides privacy, shade and a natural setting. Large, mature Douglas fir and Ponderosa pine are found in small numbers. Though the abundance of trees adds to the ambience of the campground, they may also make the entrances to some of the sites a little narrow for some larger RVs. The sites are gravel and have a fire ring and picnic table on a cement pad. There are no BBQ attachments.

The park offers services during the peak season. During this time, all of the sites in Otter Lake campground are reservable and non-occupied reservation sites can accommodate first come, first served customers for one, or perhaps more nights, depending on availability.

For information on the BC seniors’ rate, see the camping fees page. 

Accessibility information is available for this 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.

Otter Lake has a day-use and picnic area approximately 5 km south of the campground in Tulameen at the end of Sixth Street. It is a popular spot with residents. There is parking for roughly 20 vehicles. Six tables are located around the edge of an open, grassy area. Shrubs and aspen provide shade around the tables. 

There are two pit toilets (neither are wheelchair-accessible) and a hand pump for well water. A beach of fine sand forms a strip around the end of the lake which is great for swimming. Though there are no buoys, an anchored wooden float sits off shore. The water is clear and the bottom sandy with a few pebbles.

There is a nature trail along the lake. If you travel off the beaten path in this park, let someone know where you are going and carry a compass. Areas bordering the park include canyons and beautiful, rugged terrain which can be confusing.

Across the lake, and visible from the campground and day-use area, is the Trans Canada Trail. The Trans Canada Trail is a shared-use recreation trail that winds its way through every province and territory forming the longest trail of its kind in the world. It spans approximately 17,898 km. It follows the Kettle Valley Railway line past Otter Lake on its way from Princeton to Merritt.

The Trans Canada Trail accommodates five core activities: 

• walking, cycling
• horseback riding
• cross-country skiing
• snowmobiling (where possible)

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.

A small beach at the campground boat launch provides a spot to swim, though it is better at the day-use area in Tulameen. There are no lifeguards on duty. 

Canoeing and kayaking allowed on Otter Lake. The narrow lake is ideal for non-motorized watercraft with plenty of shoreline to explore opposite the campground.

Otter Lake is stocked by the Summerland Trout Hatchery with rainbow trout fry resulting in excellent sport fishing opportunities. Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence. Ice fishing is possible on Otter Lake.

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 Otter 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.