Vehicle accessible campsites at the Bowron Lake Campground on a first-come, first-served basis – campsite reservations are also accepted. There are 25 sites at the campground — a few doubles, the rest single sites of medium size. The sites are shaded and parking is available for extra vehicles. The closest store is Bear River Mercantile, located about 1 km away towards Bowron Lake. There is no payphone in the park.
The campground is run by BC Parks, and they set the nightly fee and the permit rules. Rather than repeat their prices here and risk them going out of date, we send you straight to the source.
Staying overnight requires a permit. You can book and pay ahead through the BC Parks reservation system, or pay on arrival at the Bowron Lake Registration Centre — a registration envelope has to be filled out either way.
Current nightly rates, permit rules and accepted payment methods are all published by BC Parks.
Campground fees on BC Parks ↗When conditions are favourable and there are no fire bans in effect, campfires are allowed. As a courtesy a small amount of unsplit firewood may be provided. Bans change through the season — check the current Cariboo fire restrictions before you count on a fire.
These are BC Parks’ regulations for the Bowron Lake Circuit, the campground, its trails and the parking lot. Non-compliance may result in eviction! They are summarised here because you need them on the water — BC Parks publishes the definitive, current list.
PACK OUT WHAT YOU PACK IN — take a garbage bag and carry out all garbage.
BC Parks keeps the authoritative list of park regulations, and updates it as rules change.
BC Parks pre-trip booklet ↗The package includes a canoe rental on the lake — the canoe is already parked at Kibbee Lake so no transportation of it is required. Walk the 2.5 km trail and enjoy a day of paddling, exploring the inlets including little Thompson Lake, all in the shadow of the beautiful Cariboo Mountains. Price is variable, please call for details.
Right from the campsite — the trail leads to Kibbee Creek where you can explore fish habitat and the rushing water of this small creek that drains Kibbee Lake into the mighty Bowron Lake.
Look and listen for the birds both in the forest, on the trail to Kibbee Lake, around the registration centre, on the lake, and in the river.
There is good fishing in many of the lakes, rivers and creeks in the area and on the Circuit. Ask us at our office in the Registration Centre for the best fishing spots. Fishing licence is required and available on-line.
Watch the salmon run from Bowron Road bridge — August into early September.
Numerous trails and mountain hikes outside of the Bowron Lake Park. Try the most popular hikes on heritage trails near Barkerville, marked and mapped by the Friends of Barkerville Historical Society.
The largest historic site in British Columbia, don’t miss it! For hours of operation, schedules, programs and Theatre Royal — visit the official Barkerville website.
Bowron Lake Park is about 120 kilometres east of Quesnel. Drive north on Highway 97 through Quesnel, then follow signs onto Highway 26 through Wells. Roughly a kilometre before Barkerville, turn left onto the Bowron Lake Road — another 27 km of wide, well-graded dirt road to the park entrance, the campground and the trailhead.
Quesnel is the last major town before the park. If you need fuel, groceries or supplies, get them there.
Canoes ready and waiting at the circuit trailhead — no shuttling required. Live availability on FareHarbor.
