Park Info
Big Bar Lake Provincial Park comprises approximately 330 hectares of rolling landscape situated on the shore of a large lake, and scattered with small lakes and ponds. The park is couched in typical Cariboo ranching country on the southern edge of the Fraser Plateau. This extensive plateau stretches north beyond Lac La Hache, and was formed from lava flows some five to ten million years ago. The park was established in 1969, and is a very popular destination for family camping vacations. The park features 25 new lakeside campsites in addition to a large day-use area offering beachside picnic areas and a Big Toy for children. The construction project was funded by FRBC through the Campgrounds BC Initiative, and was completed in the summer of 1999.
The park's setting is typical of the southern Cariboo. Set against a mountainous
backdrop, the lake is surrounded by lodgepole pine and spruce. Visitors of
Big Bar Lake Park often see wildlife on the 4 km hiking trail surrounding the
scenic wetlands, and enjoy angling for rainbow trout in the 3-mile long lake.
The area is an extremely popular fishing destination, and is also widely used
by other recreationists. Area attractions include several guest ranches, the
towering Marble Range south of the park, and Gang Ranch country. Visitors can
also travel along the Jesmond Loop, by continuing past Big Bar Lake Provincial
Park, and eventually connecting with Highway 97 by way of the Jesmond and Kelly
Lake Roads. This scenic drive passes by Little Big Bar Lake and the historic
townsite of Jesmond, where the OK Corral - one of the oldest ranches in the
area - is situated. The loop also accesses the Jesmond fire lookout by way
of a narrow four-wheel drive road, from which visitors can enjoy panoramic
views of the surrounding landscape, including Marble Range and Edge Hills Provincial
Parks. Big Bar Lake Park and the surrounding country provide a beautiful setting
for a summer holiday.
Big Bar Lake Park is easily accessible, and provides a range of recreational
opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. Some of the major recreational opportunities
available in the park include day-use picnicking, lakeside camping, boating,
canoeing and kayaking, swimming, wildlife viewing, hiking, and fishing.
Abundant rainbow trout typically reward the angler; fishing is active nearly
all season, but is typically the best between mid May and late July. Nearby
guest ranches offer horseback excursions into the open range that lies north
of the lake.
Park Size: 332 hectares.
Special Notes:
Visitor Ethics
Big Bar Lake Park is a popular recreation destination and incorporates areas of valuable fish and wildlife habitat. Please note the following:
- Rainbow trout are plentiful in many of the lakes and ponds in the area. Obey fishing regulations; you will need a British
Columbia angling licence if you plan to fish.
- Motor vehicles are restricted to vehicle roads and parking areas.
- ATVs and off-road motorcycles are prohibited in the park.
- Obey road closures. All closed roads are gated.
- There is no water skiing permitted on the lake.
- Please be extremely careful with fire; place aluminum foil under campstove or hibachi to protect tables.
- Dogs must be leashed at all times, and are not permitted in the day-use and beach areas.
| Campground Hours of Operation
All dates are subject to change without notice |
Opening and Closing Campground Dates:
(campground is accessible but may not offer full services such as water,
security, etc.) |
May 15 – October 10
(gate is closed during the off-season; access to boat launch is open until
October 10) |
| Campground Dates with Full Services and Fees: |
May 15 – September 30 |
| Campground Reservable Dates: |
Not applicable |
| Total Number of Vehicle Accessible Campsites: |
46 |
Number of Reservable Campsites, if applicable:
(all remaining sites are first-come, first-served) |
Not applicable |
| Note: The above information is
for the campground only. Park users can still walk into the park
if conditions such as weather permit. Check the "Attention Visitor
Notice" above for park alerts. |
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General Visitor Information
Location
The park is located approximately 42 km northwest of Clinton. It is easily accessible via Highway 97 to approximately 8 km north of Clinton, and then via gravel road for a distance of about 34 km. For map information, please refer to topographical map number: 1:50,000 92P/15.
Map / Brochure
Any maps listed are for information only - they may not represent legal boundaries and should not be used for navigation.
Contact Info
G & P Kleenery Ltd
E-mail address: gpkleenery@telus.net
Phone: (250) 397-2523
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Activities Available At This Park
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| Canoeing |
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There are opportunities for canoeing or kayaking in this park.
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| Cycling |
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Bicycles must keep to roadways, and bicycle helmets are mandatory in British Columbia. If exploring by mountain bike, the Jesmond Fire lookout provides great views of the Fraser River and the Mountains and rangelands of the Chilcotin.
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| Fishing |
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Fishing for rainbow trout is a popular activity, as the lake has had an active stocking program since 1970, and is now stocked on a yearly basis. There have been trout up to 6.5 lb caught in the lake, and many fish are in the two pound range. Nearby Little Big Bar lake and Beaverdam Lake are also popular for fishing. Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an
appropriate licence.
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| Hiking |
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There is a 3.5 km self-guided Otter Marsh Interpretive trail. Please see Otter Marsh Interpretive trail brochure noted above.
For your own safety and preservation of the park, obey posted signs and keep to designated trails. Shortcutting trails destroys plant life and soil structure.
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| Pets on Leash |
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Pets/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 wildlife issues and the potential for problems with bears.
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| Swimming |
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Swimming is available at the beach located in the day-use area. The swimming area is roped off. There are NO LIFEGUARDS on duty at provincial parks.
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Facilities Available At This Park
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| Boat Launch |
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There is a paved, single-wide boat launch on the lake adjacent to the lakeside campsites. Towing behind boats is not allowed and there is a speed limit of 10 km per hour at Big Bar Lake. Boat launch is open until Canada Thanksgiving weekend.
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| Campfires |
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While campfires are allowed and campfire rings are provided at each campsite, we encourage visitors to conserve wood and protect the environment by minimizing the use of fire and using campstoves instead. Firewood can be purchased in the park or you may bring your own wood.Fees for firewood are set locally and may vary from park to park. Limited burning hours or campfire bans may be implemented. To preserve vegetation and ground cover, please don't gather firewood from the area around your campsite or elsewhere in the park (this is a ticketable offence under the Park Act). Dead wood is an important habitat element for many plants and animals and it adds organic matter to the soil.
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| Drinking Water |
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Cold water taps are located throughout the park. Taps are shut off during the off season.
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| Picnic Areas |
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There is a day-use/picnicking area with picnic tables, pit toilets, an adventure playground, and a parking area.
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| Pit or Flush Toilets |
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There are pit toilets located throughout the campground and day-use area.
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| Playground |
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There is a playground at this park located in the day-use area.
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| Vehicle Accessible Camping |
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This park offers vehicle accessible campsites on a first-come, first served basis - campsite reservations are not accepted. There are 2 campgrounds; Lakeside Campground and the Upper Campground. The Lakeside Campground consists of 25 sites that overlook the lake. There are 10 high density sites that can accommodate large rigs. There is also 1 pull through site at this campground and parking for extra vehicles is available in the park but not on the sites. The campsites in the Upper Campground are larger and more double sites are available. The sites are nestled amongst the trees and there is parking available for extra vehicles on site. This campground is used for overflow camping.
If staff are not around when you arrive at the campground, choose your site and pay later. Staff will be at the campground at least once a day during the camping season.
There is no pay phone in the park and the closest store is located in Clinton, approximately 43 km away.
Vehicle Accessible Camping Fee: $15.00 per party / night
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