Kikomun Creek Provincial Park

Ponderosa Campground has been completed and now has a new shower/toilet building.
Electric Hookups - Ponderosa campsite offers 14 vehicle accessible campsites with electrical hook-ups. The charge is an extra $5/night. Please note: For sites with electrical hookups, there are no firepits.
Water level in the Koocanusa reservoir is at full pool and expected to remain this way until fall.
Fishing for Kokanee in the reservoir has been excellent although fish are small.
Cabins are available for rent in the Park at the Ponderosa Campsite and near the Ponderosa Groupsite. More information is available here.

About This Park

Located in a dry sunny area of the province, this park preserves an example of Interior Douglas fir and Ponderosa pine forest and grassland habitat. Paved roads within this family oriented park are conducive to biking.

Park Size: 682 hectares

Special Notes:

Visitors are asked to only enjoy viewing the painted turtles. Because the survival rate of these turtles is low, it is crucial that they be protected in the park and treated with respect by visitors. IT IS AN OFFENCE TO DISTURB, ABUSE OR REMOVE TURTLES FROM THE PARK.

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.)	May 9 – September 30
Campground Dates with Full Services and Fees:	May 15 – October 1
Campground Reservable Dates:	May 15 – September 6
Total Number of Vehicle Accessible Campsites:	169
Number of Reservable Campsites, if applicable: (all remaining sites are first-come, first-served)	75
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

For parks that accept reservations, all reservable vehicle accessible campsites and cabins must be reserved through Discover Camping.

Campsite Reservations:
Campsite reservations are accepted and first-come, first-served sites are also available.

Group Camp/Picnic Reservations:
Group campsite and/or group picnic site reservations are accepted at this park.

Location and Maps

Location Map

From the east, turn off Hwy 3, 3 kms west of Hwy 3/93 junction at Elko, the park entrance is 8 kms west. From the west, turn off Hwy 3 at Jaffray, the park is located 16 kms south.

Maps and Brochures

Any maps listed are for information only - they may not represent legal boundaries and should not be used for navigation.

Park map (PDF)

Nature and Culture

History - Created on May 18, 1972, the park is located on Lake Koocanusa, a 144 km long reservoir created by the Libby Dam on the Kootenay River in Montana.
Conservation - Because native grasslands are rare to this part of the country many endangered plants are found throughout the park. An extensive program to restore native grassland is underway in the park. Flowers, trees and shrubs are part of the park's natural heritage, please do not damage or remove them.

Management Planning

Management Planning Information

Approved Purpose Statement and Zoning Plan.

Activities Available at this Park

Canoeing

Canoeing is welcomed on Surveyors Lake within Kikomun Creek Park. There are canoe rentals available at this park.

Cycling

Bicycles must keep to roadway and designated bike trails. Bicycle helmets are mandatory in British Columbia.

Fishing

Smallmouth Bass and Rainbow Trout can be found in Surveyors Lake and Kokanee in Lake Koocanusa. 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.

Hunting

Hunting is allowed in Kikomun Creek Provincial Park during a lawful game hunting season. Please check the Hunting and Trapping Regulations Synopsis for specific details. Hunters are reminded that, it is prohibited to hunt or discharge a firearm or bow in a BC Park within 400m of either side of the center line of any park road.

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.

Swimming

There are no lifeguards on duty at provincial parks. Surveyors Lake offers warm water and sandy beaches.

Facilities Available at this Park

Boat Launch

A concrete slab boat launch is located on Lake Koocanusa. The drop off can be steep during low water periods. A new public boat launch has recently been constructed near the park on Lake Koocanusa. The park boat launch will now be closed during the off season of the park.

Cabins / Huts / Yurts

Ponderosa Cabins

P1- Cabin is furnished with a double bed with single bunk, and single bunk beds sleeping a total of 5 persons. Power outlets within and without, indoor and outdoor picnic table. Campers are required to bring their own bedding and cooking apparatus. Keys must be picked up from the gatehouse before 9pm.

P5- Larger cabin is furnished with two bunk beds with double beds on the bottom, singles on top sleeping a total of 6 persons. Power outlets within and without, indoor and outdoor picnic table. Campers are required to bring their own bedding and cooking apparatus. Keys must be picked up from the gatehouse before 9pm.

Reservations for these cabins are available through Discover Camping.

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. Please note: for sites with electrical hookups, there are no firepits.

Drinking Water

Cold water taps are located throughout the park. Taps are shut off during the off-season.

Electrical Hookups

Ponderosa campsite offers 14 vehicle accessible campsites with electrical hook-ups. The charge is an extra $5/night. Please note: for sites with electrical hookups, there are no firepits.

Group Camping

There are two group campsites at this park. Click here for reservation information.

Youth group camping charges per night are $1/person (6+), with a $50 minimum and $150 maximum.

Regular group camping charges per night are the base rate for the site, listed in the fee schedule, plus $4/adult (16+, minimum charge for 15 adults), plus $1/child (6-15).

Picnic Areas

This park has a day-use/picnic area.

Pit or Flush Toilets

Pit and flush toilets are located throughout the park.

Playground

There is an adventure playground located between the day-use area and Surveyors Lake campground with a grass area adjacent.

Sani-Station/Dump

A sani-station/dump is available during the collecting season.

Sani-station Use Fee: $5.00 per discharge

Showers

There are hot showers at the Surveyors Lake Campground, Ponderosa Campground\Group use area and at the South Pool group use area in this park.

Vehicle Accessible Camping

This park offers vehicle accessible campsites. Campsite reservations are accepted and first-come, first-served sites are also available. Ponderosa campsite offers 14 vehicle accessible campsites with electrical hook-ups. Please note: for sites with electrical hookups, there are no firepits.

Electrification: $5.00 per night

Vehicle Accessible Camping Fee: $30.00 per party / night

BC Senior's Rate (Shoulder Season only): $15.00 persenior party/night. Read the User Fees Policy for information on Senior Camping Discounts.

Wheelchair Access

Some facilities in the park are wheelchair accessible.