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
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.
There is a concession managed by a non-profit agency available in this 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 1 – October 31
(campground gate is closed but gate for boat launch access is open during off-season)
Campground Dates with Full Services and Fees:
May 1 – September 30
Campground Reservable Dates:
May 15 – September 6
Total Number of Vehicle Accessible Campsites:
105
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.
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.
Nature & 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.
Kootenay Park Services Ltd.
E-mail address: ekparks@telus.net
Phone: 1-250-422-3003
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 roadways. 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.
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. Boat launch access is open year round.
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.
Group Camping
There are two group campsites at this park. Click here for reservation information.
Group Camping Fee: $24.00 per party / night
Youth Group Camping Fee: $50.00 per group / night
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: $2.00 per discharge
Showers
There are hot showers at the Surveyors Lake Campground 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.
Vehicle Accessible Camping Fee: $24.00 per party / night
BC Senior's Rate (Shoulder Season only):
$12.00 per senior's couple/night
Wheelchair Access
Some facilities in the park are wheelchair accessible.