A campfire ban is currently in effect for this park. For more information about campfire bans and about provincial parks with park closures and campfire bans in effect, visit the BC Parks campfire ban webpage.
Park Info
Charlie Lake Provincial Park is situated on the southwestern shore of 13 km long Charlie Lake. Covering some 92 hectares, the park lies within the rolling landscape of the Interior Plains. Wander a forested trail or watch children enjoying the play area in the centre of the campground.
Park Size: 85 hectares
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 - September 6
(gate is closed during off-season)
Campground Dates with Full Services and Fees:
May 15 - September 6
Campground Reservable Dates:
May 15 - September 6
Total Number of Vehicle Accessible Campsites:
58
Number of Reservable Campsites, if applicable:
(all remaining sites are first-come, first-served)
17
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.
The park is located 11 km north of Fort St. John at the junction of the Alaska Highway and Highway 29.
Nature & Culture
Conservation - Aspen is the dominant forest cover mixed with stands of birch, alder, lodgepole pine and spruce, and an understudy consisting mainly of Saskatoon berry bushes, soopolalie, flat-top spirea, waxberry and squashberry. Flowers, trees and shrubs are part of the park's natural heritage, please don't damage or remove them.
Wildlife - Wildlife is not prevalent in the park although large mammals such as moose, White-tailed deer, Mule deer and Black bear are fairly common throughout the area. Squirrels, chipmunks, beaver, Snowshoe hares and muskrat are more likely to be seen. Birds of the open woodlands are abundant in summer with species like the Northern Oriole, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Ovenbird, American Redstart and White-throated sparrow much in evidence. Waterfowl are frequent visitors to the lake and shoreline and a walk through the park will often rouse a Sharp-tailed or Ruffed grouse. Park users should always be aware of bears and other wildlife in our park environment. Never feed or approach bears or other wildlife
Canoes and kayaks are welcome. No rentals located at the park.
Cycling
Biking is only permitted on designated roads and trails within the park.
Fishing
The lake offers productive fishing for northern pike and walleye. Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence.
Hiking
Miscellaneous walking trails connect the campground and day-use area. For your own safety and preservation of the park, obey posted signs and keep to designated trails. Shortcutting trails destroy plant life and soil structure.
Interpretive Programs
There are scheduled interpretation programs available at this park.
Most programs include a walk along the trails at Charlie Lake Provincial
Park. Please come dressed for the weather and prepared to walk approximately
3 km. Arriving 10 minutes early is a good idea. To keep the
park alive and healthy, please remember to treat all living things
gently and to "take only photos, leave only footprints."
Have fun!!
Pets on Leash
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.
Swimming
There is swimming opportunities. There are no lifeguards at provincial parks.
Facilities Available At This Park
Boat Launch
There are boat launch facilities in the day-use area.
Campfires
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.
Drinking Water
Cold water is available for cooking and drinking, pressure water system, taps throughout campsite. Taps are shut off during the off season.
Picnic Areas
The day-use picnic area includes an adventure playground, large grass field, picnic shelter, horseshoe pits, parking spaces for 40 vehicles and boat launch facilities.
Group Picnicking Fee: $35.00 per group
Pit or Flush Toilets
Pit/dry toilets only available. No flush toilets at this park.
Playground
An adventure playground is located in the day-use area.
Sani-Station/Dump
Sani-station/dump is located in park near the campground entrance.
Sani-station Use Fee: $2.00 per discharge
Vehicle Accessible Camping
This park offers vehicle accessible campsites. Campsite reservations are accepted and first-come, first-served sites are also available.
Vehicle Accessible Camping Fee: $15.00 per party / night
BC Senior's Rate (Shoulder Season only):
$7.50 per senior's couple/night
Wheelchair Access
There is one pit toilet that is wheelchair accessible.
