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Advisories

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Backcountry camping

In the lower and mid valleys, there are 11 developed campgrounds. In the lower valley, visitors must camp only at these sites. In the lower valley, from the trailhead near Lytton to Cottonwood Creek, each campground has a pit toilet and a metal food cache.

In the mid valley from Scudamore Creek to Stein Camp, each campground has a rustic backcountry toilet and a metal food cache.

  • Visitors must use the food caches provided. The incidence of bear and human conflict has greatly decreased with the use of the food caches. For visitor safety and to lessen the impact on the environment, a metal food cache and backcountry toilet have been installed at Brimful Lake. If you must camp where there is no food cache, use a rope cache, ensuring the food is 4 metres off the ground and 1 metre from the trunk. In other areas of the park where there are no developed campgrounds. Please camp where your presence will have the least amount of impact on the environment or camp where it is obvious others have camped.
  • Visitors should ensure they are totally self-sufficient. The nearest amenities including pay phone is in Lytton.
  • Due to the low snow levels in the Lytton area, there is opportunity for visitors to camp in the lower valley during the winter.
Group camping

Large groups (over four) need to contact the Thompson Southern Rivers staff of the BC Parks office in Kamloops during the planning phase for the Stein. Please do not go until you coordinate with the BC Parks staff. This park has a limited carrying capacity (i.e. limited resources in small areas) and we need to minimize negative impacts to the environment and other backcountry campers.

These campgrounds are set up to accommodate larger groups: 

  • Devil’s Staircase
  • Teepee 
  • Suspension Bridge
  • Cottonwood Creek 

Please use the ‘Contact Us’ link on the webpage or call 250-371-6200 to discuss the Stein with the Thompson Southern Rivers staff with BC Parks.

School Group Information

The following table provides recommendations regarding group sizes:

E-W Traverse (Main Trailhead to Tundra Lake)
#Campground# of Tent PadsMaximum # of People 
(for Entire Campground)
Approximate 
GPS Location
Other Information
1LoopSee ‘Other Information’ 1650° 16’ 11.82"; 
-121° 39’ 21.78"
Improved in summer 2017; can accommodate at least 6 (single) tents
2Devil’s StaircaseSee ‘Other Information’ 1650° 15’ 54.48"; 
-121° 40’ 58.20"
Improved in summer 2017; can accommodate at least 6 (single) tents
3TeepeeSee ‘Other Information’ 1650° 16’ 16.02"; 
-121° 43’ 46.14"
Improved in summer 2017; can accommodate at least 6 (single) tents
4Earl’s CampgroundSee ‘Other Information’ 1650° 16’ 53.04"; 
-121° 45’ 11.82"
Improved in summer 2017; can accommodate at least 6 (single) tents
5Suspension BridgeSee ‘Other Information’ 20 (approx.)50° 17’ 25.92"; 
-121° 46’ 54.24"
Improved in 2016/2017 – largest campground in the park; please stay in open areas of campground
6Lean-To3850° 18’ 20.88"; 
-121° 49’ 30.00"
Improved in 2016
7Ponderosa3850° 18’ 39.18"; 
-121° 52’ 12.12"
Improved in 2016
8Cottonwood31250° 18’ 21.60"; 
--121° 57’ 32.40"
Improved in 2016
9Logjam3850° 15’ 54.00"; 
-122° 0’ 34.26"
Improved in 2016
10Avalanche3850° 12’34.18"; 
-122° 4’38.94
Improved in 2016
11Stein Lake3850° 10’ 1.92"; 
-122° 10’ 4.8"
Improved in 2016
12Puppet2650° 9’ 52.57"; 
-122° 13’ 1.87"
New campground as of 2016
13Tundra3850° 9’ 12.28"; 
-122° 15’ 22.09
Moved to this location as of 2016
Winter camping

Due to the low snow levels in the Lytton area, there is opportunity for visitors to camp in the lower valley during the winter.

Picnic areas

In the parking area at the trailhead, there are three picnic tables and one pit toilet that is user maintained. There is also a large information shelter depicting the history, landforms and flora and fauna of the park.

Pit or flush toilets

Each campground from the trailhead to Stein Camp has a user maintained pit or backcountry toilet. There is one pit toilet at the trailhead in the parking area. Visitors should bring their own toilet paper. 

When in the backcountry, please exercise proper backcountry sanitation procedures when no facilities are available. Deposit human waste in cat holes. Cat holes are 6 to 8 inches deep and should be located at least 100 feet from any water source. Thoroughly cover and disguise cat holes when finished. Bury toilet paper as well. Do not burn it.

Hiking

The Stein Valley offers a wide variety of hiking opportunities. Visit our Stein Valley hiking page for more details. Sections of the trails may be hiking closed due to natural hazards of wildlife, weather, and trail conditions. 

Canoeing

The Stein River is not suitable for canoeing due to its inaccessibility. The section of river below the suspension bridge is navigable by kayaks but is classified as grade V water and should only be attempted by expert kayakers. 

Kayaking

The section of river below the suspension bridge is navigable by kayaks but is classified as grade V water and should only be attempted by expert kayakers. The Stein River is not suitable for canoeing due to its inaccessibility. 

Fishing

There is salmon fishing in the Stein River. Stein Lake has been stocked in the past. The river and lakes are not known for good fishing. Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence.

Wildlife viewing
Backpacking in the alpine areas of the Stein offers the opportunity to view wildlife.
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 the potential for problems with bears and other wildlife.

Hunting

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

Winter recreation
Visitors have been known to ski tour the areas of Blowdown Pass and western park boundary areas. However, extreme caution should be exercised as these are isolated areas and subject to severe winter storms.