Juniper Beach Provincial Park
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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
Juniper Beach was established as a Provincial Park in 1989. The park protects a representative desert landscape which contains sagebrush, prickly pear cactus and of course, juniper. Part of the landscape includes deep post-glacial deposits and large scale erosion features. It is a convenient overnight camping spot for travelers on Hwy #1 and provides access to the Thompson River. Both CNR and CPR railway tracks run by the park and provide an attraction to train-buffs. This park is also a popular base camp for visitors enjoying boating, fishing, photography and touring historic Hat Creek Ranch and Ashcroft Manor, both nearby.
Park Size: 260 hectares
Special Notes:
- A public pay telephone is located in the park.
- 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.
| Campground Hours of Operation
All dates are subject to change without notice |
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| Opening and Closing Campground Dates: (campground is accessible but may not offer full services such as water, security, etc.) |
Open: April 9, 2009 (or earlier if weather permits) Closed: December 31, 2009 Gate is closed outside of these dates |
| Campground Dates with Full Services and Fees: | April 9 – September 30, 2009 |
| Campground Reservable Dates: | Not applicable |
| Total Number of Vehicle Accessible Campsites: | 30 |
| 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. | |
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General Visitor Information
- 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.
- In the areas surrounding the camping sites you will find prickly pear cactus. The spines of this low-set plant are sharp and strong. Wear sturdy footwear and be careful where you step if you are hiking or walking in the area. Be very careful with your pets.
- 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.
- Entering the park requires crossing a train track. This is a controlled train crossing, use caution and obey all signs.
- 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.
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Location
On the north shore of the Thompson River, 19 km east of Cache Creek on Hwy #1. The closest communities, towns and cities are Cache Creek and Savona.
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Nature & Culture
- History - Established 1989.
- Conservation - Undisturbed low elevation grasslands with their associated sagebrush and cactus are rare in British Columbia, and Juniper Beach Park protects one of the few examples found in the BC Parks system.
- Wildlife - Fish species in the Thompson River include trout, steelhead, and salmon. The dry sagebrush areas of the park are home to Western Rattlesnakes, and deer are sometimes seen travelling to and from the river. The campground area is an oasis in this dry environment, and as such it attracts many species of birds. Some of the most colorful that are often seen here during the summer months are the Western Tanager, Mountain Bluebird and the Northern Oriole.
- General Wildlife, Marine & Outdoor Ethics Information
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Contact Info
B/L Parks Contracting Ltd.
E-mail address: blparks@hughes.net
Park information: 1.250.457.6794
(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.
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Activities Available At This Park
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Canoeing | |
Canoeing and kayaking opportunities are available in the area. Both vessels can be easily launched from the park. Canoeists should check the grade of the river before attempting navigation.
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Fishing | |
Thompson River contains trout, steelhead and salmon. Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence.
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Hiking | |
There are a few undesignated trails used by visitors in the vicinity of the campground. Caution should be used when hiking in the area. Watch out for prickly pear cactus and during the months of March - June watch for ticks.
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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.
Backcountry areas are not suitable for dogs or other pets due to wildlife issues and the potential for problems with bears.
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Swimming | |
During lower water levels on the river, there is a small "swimming hole" on the beach in front of the campground. It is an area that is naturally sectioned off from the main river and provides a more protected swimming opportunity. Use caution as the waters of the Thompson River are dangerously swift especially during high water. There are no lifeguards on duty in Provincial Parks.
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Facilities Available At This Park
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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.
No campfires are allowed in the day-use area. Ensure that barbecues or campstoves are used on the ground, not set on picnic tables.
No campfires are allowed in the day-use area. Ensure that barbecues or campstoves are used on the ground, not set on picnic tables.
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Drinking Water | |
In addition to the water hook-ups at each site, there are potable water posts available near the pit toilets and in the grassy tenting area.
View the Annual Drinking Water System Report: Juniper Beach
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Electrical Hookups | |
There are electrical hook-ups at most sites (the tenting sites and one other site do not have electrical connections).
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Picnic Areas | |
There is a large day use parking area from which visitors can access the river and a small sandy beach area. There are two day use picnic tables.
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Pit or Flush Toilets | |
There are four pit toilets located throughout the park.
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Sani-Station/Dump | |
A sani-station/dump is available during the collecting season.
Sani-station Use Fee: $2.00 per discharge
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Showers | |
There are hot pay showers at this park.
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Vehicle Accessible Camping | |
This park offers vehicle accessible campsites on a first-come, first-served basis - campsite reservations are not accepted.
Vehicle Accessible Camping Fee: $19.00 per party
/ night
BC Senior's Rate (Shoulder
Season only): $9.50 per senior's couple/night
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Wheelchair Access | |
Only one pit toilet is wheelchair accessible. Roads and campsites are gravel.
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