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
This 34 site campground situated among a lakeside Douglas fir and larch forest, is a peaceful and welcome retreat for the traveling public and visitors to the nearby city of Cranbrook. The campground was rebuilt in 2001 to accommodate recreational vehicles.
Sunbathing, swimming, non-motorized boating and picnicking are popular activities at Jimsmith Park that are located in a day-use waterfront area.
This is the perfect setting for nature study and wildlife viewing. In winter, the park is transformed into a snowy playground for tobogganing and ice skating.
Park Size: 13.70 hectares
Special Notes:
Power boats are prohibited. Car top boats or canoes only.
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.)
June 1 – October 11
(Gate is closed during the off-season)
Campground Dates with Full Services and Fees:
June 1 – September 7
Campground Reservable Dates:
Not applicable
Total Number of Vehicle Accessible Campsites:
28
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.
General Visitor Information
Mountain and lake weather can change rapidly - be prepared. Visitors should be aware that high winds can come up quickly.
Access the park from Hwy 3/95 at the south side of Cranbrook, then drive west 4 km on a paved secondary road to the park entrance. The community of Cranbrook is 5 km east of Jimsmith Lake Park.
Nature & Culture
Conservation: This arid montane bench land lake situated amid a Douglas fir and larch forest is a perfect setting for nature study and wildlife viewing. Cattail marshes at the edges of the lake provide habitat for many birds, fish and insects.
Kootenay Park Services Ltd.
E-mail address: ekparks@telus.net
Phone: 1-250-422-3003
Activities Available At This Park
Canoeing
There are paddling, canoeing and kayaking opportunities at this park.
Cycling
Bicycles must keep to roadways. Bicycle helmets are mandatory in British Columbia.
Fishing
Fishing for jumbo rainbow trout and large-mouth bass is a regular sport here. Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence.
Hiking
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 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 a sandy beach and swimming area in this park. There are NO LIFEGUARDS on duty at provincial parks.
Facilities Available At This Park
Boat Launch
There is a paved boat launch at this park. Power boats are prohibited. Car top boats or canoes only.
Campfires
Firewood can be purchased from the Park Facility Operator in some parks or you can bring your own wood. Fees for firewood are set locally and may vary. To preserve vegetation and ground cover, please do not gather firewood from the area around your campsite or elsewhere in the park. Dead wood is an important habitat element for many plants and animals and it adds organic matter to the soil. You can conserve firewood and air quality by keeping your campfire small. Limited burning hours or campfire bans may be implemented. Bring a portable stove for cooking.
Drinking Water
There are cold water taps conveniently located in the campground and in the day-use area. Taps are only available during the operating season.
Picnic Areas
The park provides the only developed day-use facility immediately adjacent to Cranbrook. The day-use area is split by the access road with the lower part accommodating sunbathers and swimmers and the upper area used by groups for picnicking and field games.
Pit or Flush Toilets
This park only has pit toilets. They are located in the campground and in the day-use area.
Vehicle Accessible Camping
This park offers vehicle accessible campsites on a first-come, first-served basis - campsite reservations are not accepted. Originally quite isolated, the park is now surrounded by acreages and a growing residential community.
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
In the day use area, there is a paved path to a pit toilet, garbage bin and wheelchair accessible tables.
