6 lakes where you can camp for free

Looking to pack up an escape the noise this summer?

There are thousands of places to pitch a tent in B.C., but you don’t have to pay a fee to get a great spot at one of the province’s beautiful lakes.

While provincial parks provide some of the best camping experiences, there are many hidden gems outside the park network. So why not go a little off the grid and save a little money?

Rec sites are more rustic without potable water and electricity, but most are still outfitted with the essentials. All these recreation sites have tables and toilets, so you won’t be totally roughing it.

Here are some of the beautiful spots around Kamloops where you can camp for free this summer:

Bleeker Lake

Bleeker Lake is about 40 minutes outside the city near Roche Lake Provincial Park. A small group of campsites are located partway down the north side of the lake, which is a popular fishing spot.

Skmana Lake

Located just north of Chase, Skmana Lake is a great spot for hikers to looking to explore. The area features a network of trails and three rustic campsites where you can pitch a tent for the night.

Stump Lake

Stump Lake is about a 45 minute-drive from Kamloops. Overnight campers can set up in one of the four sites on the grassy hillside at the edge of the lake. There’s no boat launch but the small lake is perfect for kayaking or paddle boarding.

Dunn Lake

Dunn Lake is just east of Little Fort, about an hour-and-a-half outside Kamloops. The rec site boasts spectacular views of the mountains and a great shoreline for when you want to lounge near the water. There are six campsites and a wharf.

Saskum Lake

This spot has more campsites than most free campgrounds and sandy beaches to enjoy in the summer. Saskum Lake is northeast of Barriere and the rec site at the north end of the lake has 11 camp spots and a boat launch.

Skwaam Bay

There are four campsites at the Skwaam Bay rec site on the western shore of Adams Lake. Most of the sites are located at the water’s edge, with gorgeous views of the lake. The spot is suitable for small trailers, but anything bigger will have difficulty navigating the steep service road.