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
Goldpan was constructed in 1956 on the banks of the Thompson River. It is a convenient overnight camping spot for travelers on Hwy #1 and is a destination site for fishermen during peak fishing times. This is also a popular base camp for visitors enjoying guided river rafting, and exploring the Thompson/Pavilion area. It's an area rich in geological and human history.
Park Size: 5 hectares
Special Notes:
Quiet Hours - are 10 pm to 7 am. Music, generators, etc. must be shut off completely between these hours.
Hibachis and Campstoves - can burn the picnic tables. Please do not use them on the tables.
Valuables - when left unattended or at night, should be stored out of sight and locked up at all times. Please report all thefts to the park staff as soon as possible.
Traffic Safety - The speed limit within the park is 20 km/hour or less.
Motorcycles and Bicycles - are permitted on park roads only. Motorcycles must be properly licenced and must be operated by a licenced driver only. Helmets must be worn. Unlicenced ATV's or dirt bikes are not permitted.
Parking - is prohibited on the side of the road. Please park on the gravelled portion of your campsite or in designated parking spaces. Vehicles parked in day-use areas after 11 pm may be ticketed or towed.
Pets - must be on leash (no longer than 2 metres) at all times while in the park. They are not allowed on beaches or in day use areas. Owners must clean up after their pets.
Consumption of Alcohol - is prohibited except in your campsite.
Stay Safe:
The extremely hot, dry climate can result in overexposure to the sun. Everyone in your party should wear sunscreen of at least SPF 15, and a hat with a brim.
The waters of the Thompson River are very swift, especially in June and July during high water. Use caution in and around the waters edge.
Wood ticks are most prevalent between March and June. These parasites reside in tall grass and low shrubbery and seek out warm-blooded hosts. Although they are potential carriers of disease, they are a natural part of the environment and can be easily avoided. Your legs should be protected by wearing trousers tucked into socks or gaiters. After outdoor activity, thoroughly examine yourself. Check your pets for ticks as well. See the below Visitor Safety Information for more details regarding ticks.
Roadways can be very busy. Whether you are walking, cycling, roller-blading, skateboarding or driving, please be careful. Always yield to the slowest mode of travel; e.g., cyclists yield to walkers. Obey all traffic regulations and rules of the road.
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.)
Open: May 1, 2009
Closed: September 30, 2009.
Gate is closed outside of these dates (during the winter season).
Campground Dates with Full Services and Fees:
May 1– September 30, 2009
Campground Reservable Dates:
Not applicable
Total Number of Vehicle Accessible Campsites:
14
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.
This park is located on the east bank of the Thompson River adjacent to Hwy #1, 10 km south of Spences Bridge.
Nature & Culture
History - Established in 1956 the park provides access to the river for visitors. The Thompson Canyon area where Goldpan is situated is rich in history. The historic Cariboo Wagon Road passes through the area.The starting point of the road was in Yale and construction of the road took place between 1862 and 1865. The road was a narrow, treacherous track winding along the cliffs of the canyon and allowed stagecoaches and freight wagons access to the interior of BC. The road linked the gold fields of the Cariboo to Vancouver.
Cultural Heritage - There is evidence of First Nations activity in the area in regards to fishing and using the river for a travel route.
Wildlife - Fish species in the Thompson River include trout, steelhead, and salmon. Osprey can be seen flying over the river.
B/L Parks Contracting Ltd.
E-mail address: blparks@hughes.net
Gatehouse and park information: 1 (250) 455-2708 (May to September)
Please specify PARK NAME when sending or leaving a message.
For Employment & Camp Host opportunities, please e-mail to address shown above.
Activities Available At This Park
Canoeing
Kayaking and river rafting are popular activities on the Thompson River. Spences Bridge provides an opportunity for put in for rafts and kayaks.
Fishing
The Thompson River contains trout, steelhead and salmon. There is 600 meters of river frontage. Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence.
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
The waters of the Thompson River are dangerously swift, especially in the high water of June and July. Use caution and watch children in and around the river's edge. During lower water levels, visitors will swim in shallow areas, but caution needs to be used as the water is swift flowing. The beach is made up of mostly large rock. There are no lifeguards on duty at provincial parks.
Wildlife Viewing
There is no viewing platform but in the Spences Bridge area, California Bighorn sheep can be observed on the surrounding hills.
Facilities Available At This Park
Campfires
No campfires allowed in the day use area. Ensure that barbeques or campstoves are used on the ground, not set on picnic tables.
Drinking Water
There is a potable water handpump located next to the information shelter. Water used from the river should be treated or boiled before being consumed.
Picnic Areas
Day-use facilities are located at the entrance to the park adjacent to the highway.
There are seven picnic tables. This day-use site overlooks the Thompson River.
There is no shade provided at this site.
Pit or Flush Toilets
There are four pit toilets located within the campground - no flush toilets.
Vehicle Accessible Camping
Goldpan has 14 camping sites on a first-come, first-served basis. Each
site is situated above the river bank and provides a view of the river.
These sites are small to medium in size and can accommodate tents, campers
and medium sized trailers. Large camping units will have trouble maneuvering
the roadways of this small park. There is a turn around at each end of
the park allowing a limited turning radius. Most sites are provided some
shade, depending on the time of day. There are two double campsites. During
July and August this is a very popular campground and begins filling up
by 4:00 to 5:00 in the afternoon. The gates at Goldpan are not closed at
night The closest store is located at Spences Bridge, 10 km north.
During the camping season, overnight visitors can now pay at the campground with
a self registration system - cash only accepted. Deposit cash in the envelope
(change will be provided when attendant arrives if you do not have correct amount),
fill out the information and place in the vault provided at the information kiosk.
Please detach the receipt portion and attach to the campsite number post. You
may also pre-pay for firewood with your campsite self registration. Staff will
be at the campground at least once a day during the camping season.
Vehicle Accessible Camping Fee: $15.00 per party
/ night
BC Senior's Rate (Shoulder
Season only): $7.50 per senior's couple/night
