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Phone: 250 548 0076
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Haynes Point Provincial Park
- As of May 17, 2013 - The wetlands at Haynes Point Park have flooded in areas, so they have been closed. Please check back for updates.
About This Park
Surrounded by warm water and sandy beaches, Haynes Point sits on a pencil of land jutting into Osoyoos Lake. Situated in the rainshadow of the Cascade Mountains to the west and protected from the worst of winter storms by the Columbia Mountains to the east, this is Canada's only true desert area. The water is reported to be the warmest in Canada making it excellent for swimming, boating and fishing. Lakeside campsites and privacy make this a popular camping area and reservations are necessary during the summer months.Special features: Wetlands are rapidly disappearing in the Okanagan Valley. The marsh area and self-guided interpretive trail are important features of the park.
Park Size: 38 hectares
Special Notes: Campers are only allowed to stay in this park up to a maximum of 7 days in a calendar year; due to popularity and size of the campground.
Stay Safe:
- The extremely hot, dry Okanagan climate can result in overexposure to the sun. Children and adults should use a sunscreen and wear a hat during long periods in the sun.
- Extreme caution is required when walking in shallow water - steep drops occur on both sides of the sandbar.
- Wind warning - Hayes Point is subject to severe winds, unexpectedly, on occasion. Please ensure that all tents and equipment are tied down at all times, to help prevent damage.
- Poison Ivy warning - Haynes Point has poison ivy, so please become familiar with this plant and avoid any contact.
| Campground Dates 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.) |
March 28 – October 14 approximately (gate locked during the off-season) |
| Campground Dates with Full Services and Fees: | March 28 – October 14 approximately (Entrance gate locked nightly from 10 pm – 7am) |
| Campground Reservable Dates: | May 15 – September 1 |
| Total Number of Vehicle Accessible Campsites: | 41 |
| Number of Reservable Campsites, if applicable: |
41 - 100% reservable |
| 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. | |
Reservations
All vehicle accessible campsites at Haynes Point must be reserved through Discover Camping.
Campsite Reservations:
Campsite reservations are accepted.
Location and Maps
Please note: Any maps listed are for information only - they may not represent legal boundaries and should not be used for navigation. Located two km South of Osoyoos off Hwy 97 onto 32nd Avenue.Maps and Brochures
Any maps listed are for information only - they may not represent legal boundaries and should not be used for navigation.
Nature and Culture
- History - Created in 1962, the park was named after Judge John Carmichael Haynes, who settled in Osoyoos in 1866 and became a prominent judge and land owner.
- Cultural Heritage - Highway 3, which runs through Osoyoos, crosses another sandspit once used by fur traders, explorers, miners and First Nations in their travels up and down the valley. A burial site is within the park along with kekuli pits and caches. Artifacts were turned up while the service yard was being prepared. The old Hudson's Bay Fur Brigade Trail also passed through the area nearly two centuries ago.
- Conservation - The park protects five red-listed plant species; the Peach leaf willow, Western centaury, Busy cinquefoil, Annual paintbrush, False-pimpernel and Awned cyperus.
- Wildlife - The marsh area of the park is home to a variety of wildlife. Blue-listed species include the Western small footed myotis bat, Barn owl, Spadefoot toad and Painted turtle. The Tiger salamander is a red-listed species that calls the park home.
Management Planning
Management Planning Information- Approved Master Plan [PDF 696.31KB] for Haynes Point Provincial Park is available in pdf format.
DISCLAIMER:
This is NOT the original management planning product. This document has been scanned from the original format of the plan. It may contain some formatting changes, however the content is consistent with the original.
Activities Available at this Park
Canoeing
Canoeing and kayaking can be used in the lake surrounding this park.
Cycling
Bicycles must keep to roadways. Bicycle helmets are mandatory in British Columbia.
Fishing
There are 43 different species of fresh water fish in the lake i.e. trout, kokanee, large and small mouth bass, lake whitefish, etc. Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence.
Hiking
Haynes Point Park contains a natural marsh rich in birdlife such as canyon wrens, marsh wrens, white-throated swifts and red-winged blackbirds. A gravel trail leaves from the information kiosk across from the amphitheatre and enters the marsh. The wide gravel trail crosses a footbridge that spans a beaver dam isolating the marsh from the lake. It continues through level grassland rimmed by marsh vegetation with interpretive signs along the way explaining the value of marsh ecosystems.
The trail leads to a two-tiered viewing platform that is roughly ten feet tall and provides a commanding view of the marsh. It is a wonderful spot for viewing the variety of red and blue listed species that are a feature of the park as well as other birds in the area. The platform is eight feet by eight feet with a railing enclosed by plastic link fence for safety. There are two benches underneath the platform.
The trail continues on to 80m of boardwalk and two more ground level viewing platforms with more educational signs. For your own safety and the preservation of the park, obey posted signs and keep to designated trails. Shortcutting trails destroys plant life and soil structure.
The trail leads to a two-tiered viewing platform that is roughly ten feet tall and provides a commanding view of the marsh. It is a wonderful spot for viewing the variety of red and blue listed species that are a feature of the park as well as other birds in the area. The platform is eight feet by eight feet with a railing enclosed by plastic link fence for safety. There are two benches underneath the platform.
The trail continues on to 80m of boardwalk and two more ground level viewing platforms with more educational signs. For your own safety and the preservation of the park, obey posted signs and keep to designated trails. Shortcutting trails destroys plant life and soil structure.
Pets on Leash
Pets/domestic animals must be on a leash at all times and are allowed on the pebbly pet beach found on the narrow, tree lined part of the spit just before the campground. Pets are not allowed in any other 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.
Swimming
There are no lifeguards on duty at provincial parks. Surrounded by warm water and sandy/gravel beaches, this park is excellent for swimming and other water oriented activities. There is also a pet beach designated for pooches.
Waterskiing
The warm waters of Osoyoos Lake are popular for waterskiing. Please obey posted signs regarding border crossings and marked shallow areas.
Wildlife Viewing
There is a viewing platform along the marsh trail.
Facilities Available at this Park
Boat Launch
There is a single launch; concrete ramp, shallow, rocky. The parking lot beside the boat launch is for vehicles with trailers only. Check with US Customs prior to going to USA on Osoyoos Lake; Boaters be aware of narrow channel at end of Haynes Point, so stay between yellow markers. Boats must stay out of marked swimming areas. Marinas in Osoyoos for private boat rentals. There are two flush toilets at the boat launch.
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 taps are located throughout the park. Taps are shut off during the off-season.
Picnic Areas
This park has a day-use/picnic area. A narrow, shaded terrace with tables overlooks the sandy beach and north to Osoyoos. Cottonwoods separate the tables from the beach which is reached by descending a few concrete steps. There is a water fountain. There is plenty of paved parking and two small wooden change houses just off the narrow beach. Two well shaded picnic tables are located behind the information kiosk opposite the amphitheatre. The marsh trail is beside this area.
Pit or Flush Toilets
The campground has flush and pit toilets. Two flush toilets located at the day-use area.
Vehicle Accessible Camping
This small park offers 41 vehicle accessible campsites, seven of which are double sites. All campsites are reservable from May 15 – September 1 after which there are first-come, first-served sites. The maximum length of stay is seven days due to the size and popularity of the campground. The boat launch remains open year round.
The sites are large with level gravel pads, picnic tables and fire rings. The large sites accommodate bigger RVs. Most of the sites are right on the lake, one of the attractions of this park. The landscape is open with sites being separated by pockets of beach and scattered cottonwood and Ponderosa pine trees for shade. The inner campsites and those at the tip of the spit are in thickets of shrubs that offer more privacy and shade and the opportunity for bird watching. The nearest services are in Osoyoos and there is a phone near the entrance to the park beside the boat launch.
Check-in procedures:
The sites are large with level gravel pads, picnic tables and fire rings. The large sites accommodate bigger RVs. Most of the sites are right on the lake, one of the attractions of this park. The landscape is open with sites being separated by pockets of beach and scattered cottonwood and Ponderosa pine trees for shade. The inner campsites and those at the tip of the spit are in thickets of shrubs that offer more privacy and shade and the opportunity for bird watching. The nearest services are in Osoyoos and there is a phone near the entrance to the park beside the boat launch.
Check-in procedures:
- Guests with reservations: Check reservation board at campground entrance for pre-assigned site number.
- Guests without reservations: Check the reservation board for sites that may be available on a first-come, first-served basis or for one night only. Special note: during peak season, reservations are highly recommended as first-come, first-served sites are available on a minimal basis only.
Vehicle Accessible Camping Fee: $30.00 per party / night
BC Senior's Rate (day after Labour Day to June 14 only): $15.00 per senior party/night. Read the User Fees Policy for information on Senior Camping Discounts.
Wheelchair Access
One of the flush toilets in the campground is wheelchair accessible.
