It’s no secret that Kamloopsians love to spend time outdoors, and the Thompson Valley offers a wide variety of beautiful and scenic areas to enjoy all year round.
After setting our clocks forward an hour and enjoying these longer days, it’s hard not to start anticipating the excitement and adventures that summer is going to bring.
A staple summertime activity for many British Columbians is finding a prime location to set up camp and enjoy the beauty that our supernatural province has to offer.
If you’re looking for somewhere to plan your next amazing camping trip, check out the best campgrounds in Kamloops, as voted by you and brought to you by Valley First, a division of First West Credit Union.
Bronze - Paul Lake Campground
Conveniently located within 30 minutes of Kamloops is Paul Lake Campground. The lovely campground is nestled within a forest of douglas-fir, pine, and aspen trees and offers delightful scenery and wildlife.
There are plenty of amenities available including a sani-station and a boat launch to help make your camping trip as smooth and comfortable as possible, but arrive early because the campground fills up quickly!
Enjoy over seven km of hiking trails amongst the forest and make your way up to the summit of Gibraltar Rock which offers an exquisite view of the lake. Birdwatching is also a popular activity at this location because of the diversity of species in this area.
Spend some time taking in the wonderful sunshine while you relax on the sandy beach, get out on the lake and try to catch some rainbow trout, or grab a canoe or kayak and take it easy on the water.
If you’re looking for the perfect place to bring the family camping for the weekend, look no further than Paul Lake Campground.
Silver - Lac le Jeune
If you’re searching for a camping trip with a variety of recreational activities including swimming, fishing, boating, hiking, biking, and sight-seeing, Lac le Jeune has it all! Located amongst spruce, fir, and regenerating young forest, the park is a go-to spot for campers and anglers looking for an accessible spot to spend their summer.
Part of the reason that makes this site so popular other than the awesome views is its ease of accessibility. There is a 240-foot fishing wharf that is wheelchair accessible, as well as various other facilities and trails in the park. No one is left out of the fun at Lac le Jeune!
If you’re more into hiking, check out the Gus Johnson trail which circles the lake through the forest and meadows and is approximately 8 km long. If you’re looking for a more extensive hike you can take the Stake Lake trail which now has over 60 km of trails. Cyclists rejoice because biking is also allowed on the trails!
If you’re looking for something scenic with a multitude of activities for you and the family, venture over to Lac le Jeune this summer!
Gold - Shuswap Lake Provincial Park
Coming in first is one of the most popular summer camping destinations in British Columbia, Shuswap Lake Provincial Park. The park is located along the old delta of Scotch Creek and has 1 km of sandy pebble beach to roll out your towel and spend a day relaxing on.
Head out to the lake on your canoe or boat and venture over to Copper Island, which can only be reached by water. If you make your way over to Copper Island you can go for a hike on the 2.8 km trail and enjoy a remarkable view of the North Shuswap. Make sure you bring good shoes and a lot of water!
Break out your fishing rod and unwind while you catch some trout, kokanee, burbot and whitefish out on the beautiful lake. Check out some of the nearby businesses for awesome activities including bumper boats, go-karts, para-sailing, horseback riding, whitewater rafting, and boat and jet-ski rentals. Or just spend a day on the beach immersing yourself in our beautiful surroundings.
With so many activities and sights to see, Shuswap Lake provincial park is a must-see this summer!
