This park offers vehicle-accessible campsites on a first come, first served basis. Campsite reservations are not accepted. 

The campground of 58 sites is located on a hillside amidst a ponderosa pine forest. Previously, many sites consisted of two levels which limited the camping unit size. After recent campground reconstruction, most sites can now accommodate medium to large camping units. Four of the 58 sites are walk-in and will accommodate tents only. These sites have parking adjacent to the site and have constructed tent pads. Each site is shaded at some point throughout the day. 

The entrance gate is locked from 11pm to 7am. During the camping season, overnight visitors can pay at the campground with a self registration system payable in cash only. Deposit cash in the envelope (change will be provided when attendant arrives if you do not have correct amount), fill out the information and place in the vault found at the information kiosk. Please detach the receipt portion and attach to the campsite number post. You may also pre-pay for firewood with your campsite self registration. Staff will be at the campground at least once a day during the camping season. 

Lytton, 6km away, is the closest centre with amenities.

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

Accessibility information is available for these areas of the park:

• Campground
• Skihist day-use site

Cold water taps are located throughout the campgrounds.

• Annual Drinking Water System Report [PDF]

A sani-station and dump is available during the collecting season.

Campers may bring their own firewood or purchase firewood at the park. Firewood can be purchased from the park facility operator in some parks or you can bring your own wood. Fees for firewood are set locally and may vary. You may pre-pay for firewood with your campsite self registration. 

To preserve vegetation and ground cover, please don’t 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. You can conserve firewood and air quality by keeping your campfire small. 

Limited burning hours or campfire bans may be implemented and some parks may use communal fire rings. Be prepared to bring a portable stove for cooking. Please ensure that all barbeques or campstoves are used on the ground and not set on picnic tables.

The day-use is located on the north side of Highway 1, directly across from the campground. There are 12 picnic tables located in a large grassy area surrounded by ponderosa pines offering lots of shade. Around the perimeter of the grass is a paved walkway which guides the visitor to a spectacular view of the Thompson River Canyon below. There is a paved perimeter trail allowing wheelchair access to some picnic tables. There is a water fountain, flush toilets and a pit toilet. Adjacent to the day-use area is a parking lot and a small area suitable for dog walking.

Campfires are not permitted in the day-use area. Please ensure that all barbeques or campstoves are used on the ground and not set on picnic tables.

There are three flush toilet buildings and three pit toilets in the campground.

There is one toilet building and an additional one pit toilet next to the sani-station at the campground entrance.

On the top loop of the campground there is a trailhead providing access to approximately 8km of hiking trails. These trails provide excellent views of the canyon and mountains as well as wildlife observation opportunities. 

One trail leads to Gladwin Lookout, where goats may sometimes be viewed on the opposite hillside. This takes about one and a half hours round trip. The second trail is a loop above the campground bringing the hiker back out onto the Cariboo Wagon Road. This takes two to three hours. 

Bears are known to frequent this area, so bring bear spray and make your presence known. Carry lots of water in this hot, dry climate. There is no water source on the trail.

There are kayaking opportunities on the Thompson River. Put-ins are located along Highway 1 and at Spences Bridge.

There are opportunities for fishing at various points along Highway 1. Visitors fish for trout, steelhead and salmon. 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. 

Adjacent to the day-use area is a parking lot and a small area suitable for dog walking.

Bicycling is allowed only on paved roads and designated trails in this park. Visitors can cycle around the park roads but keep in mind that the campground is located on the slope of a hill and cycling may be too difficult for some. Bicycle helmets are mandatory in British Columbia.

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