E. C. Manning Provincial Park

Drive in Campgrounds

As Manning Park is located in the Cascade Mountains the summer camping season is dependent on snow levels. There is usually one of the four campgrounds open from May 18 to Thanksgiving. During the winter months there are two areas open for winter camping (see below for more information).

Coldspring campground is located on Hwy. 3, 40 km east of the west portal to the park. This campground consists of 64 campsites all of which are first-come first-serve. A few sites overlook the Similkameen River. The camping fee at this campground includes the following services: pit toilets and hand pumps for water. The Canyon Nature Trail commences from this campground.

Lightning Lake campground is located 6 km off of Hwy 3. The turn off to the campground is 41 km east of the west portal. The campground consists of 143 campsites and all sites are reservable. The camping fee at this campground includes the following services: washhouses with hot water and showers, flush toilets, water taps and a gate house. As this is the most popular site we suggest you make a reservation early. There are several hiking/walking trails that commence from this campground. Lightning Lake is a popular swimming and fishing lake. The Amphitheatre is also within a very short walk from all campsites. Since this campground receives the most amount of snow during the winter it is the last campground to open in the spring.

Hampton campground is located on Hwy. 3, 12 km west of the east portal to the park. The campground consists of 99 campsites, all of which are first-come first-serve. The camping fee at this campground includes the following services:  pit toilets and tap water. The sites at this campground are larger, farther apart and because it is not on a water source is the least used campground in the park.

Mule Deer campground is located next to the Similkameen River on Hwy 3, 3.4 km west of the east portal to the park. The campground consists of 49 campsites, all of which are first-come first-serve. Several sites are located on the river and approximately half the sites are fairly open. The camping fee at this campground includes the following services:  pit/flush toilets and tap water. This is the first campground to open in the spring.

There are two areas set aside for winter camping and a winter camping fee is charged. The winter season is October 8/07 to March 31 08.

Self contained units can camp in the Lightning Lake Day Use area parking lot that is located 3.7 km off of Hwy. 3. The turnoff to the Day Use area is 41 km east of the west portal to the park. The pit toilets are open; NO FIRES allowed and there are no picnic tables available.

Tenters can camp at the Lone Duck I winter camping area which is located 4 km off of Hwy. 3. The turnoff to Lone Duck is 41 km east of the west portal to the park. The area consists of a shelter complete with picnic tables and wood stove, fire pit, pit toilets, parking lot and a large walk-in area to set up your tent.

E. C. Manning Provincial Park - Driving Tour Page.

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