Lake weather can change rapidly, be prepared. Visitors should be aware that high winds and spring squalls could come up quickly.
For information on Davis Creek and Lost Ledge areas of the park only:West Kootenay Park Management Inc.
Phone: 250-825-4212
Fax: 250-825-4293
Email for general inquiries: information@westkootenayparks.com
Email for park specific inquiries: kootenaylake@westkootenayparks.com
Click here to view the West Kootenay Park Management Inc web link, for additional information.
Kootenay Lake Provincial Park
About This Park
Kootenay Lake Provincial Park is divided into the following sites:
- Campbell Bay
- Coffee Creek
- Davis Creek/Lost Ledge: Davis Creek and Lost Ledge are two small sites situated on the north-western shore of Kootenay Lake offering lake views and shady, secluded campsites. Lost Ledge is very picturesque while Davis Creek is less developed. Both sites are popular with anglers and families for their unique, informal camping experience.
- Midge Creek: Access to the park at Midge Creek is via water vessel. Water-oriented activities are most popular, with angling for kokanee, Dolly Varden and rainbow trout. Boasting more than a kilometre of sandy beach, it is a popular destination for boaters.
Park Size: 343 hectares - on Kootenay Lake
| 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.) |
|
| – Davis Creek campground | May 15 – September 15 (Gate is closed during the off-season) |
| – Lost Ledge camgpround | Year round (Gate is open year round - but use is subject to snow conditions, as the campground is not cleared of snow.) |
| Campground Dates with Full Services and Fees: | |
| – Davis Creek campground | May 15 – September 15 |
| – Lost Ledge camgpround | May 15 – September 30 Off-season: If full services are provided – full fees will be in effect. If no services are provided - user maintained with no fee. For details contact PFO. See contact info. below. |
| Campground Reservable Dates: | Not applicable |
| Total Number of Vehicle Accessible Campsites: | – Davis Creek = 18 – Lost Ledge = 14 |
| 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. | |
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. Davis Creek / Lost Ledge sites are located in south central BC, on Highway 31 adjacent to Kootenay Lake. Both sites are north of Kaslo - Lost Ledge 25 km and Davis Creek 30 km. The driving time to Kaslo is 30 minutes.Midge Creek Site is located 38 km south of Balfour, on the southwest shore of Kootenay Lake across from Sanca Creek.
Nature and Culture
Davis Creek / Lost Ledge:- History
- Conservation
- Wildlife - specific to park
Management Planning
Management Planning Information- The approved Purpose Statement and Zoning Plan is now available in pdf format.
Activities Available at this Park
Canoeing
There are opportunities for canoeing and kayaking on the lake.
Davis Creek/ Lost Ledge: Access is from the lake front campsites or the boat launch at Lost Ledge. Shoreline canoeing is recommended, due to unpredictable winds and sudden squalls.
Davis Creek/ Lost Ledge: Access is from the lake front campsites or the boat launch at Lost Ledge. Shoreline canoeing is recommended, due to unpredictable winds and sudden squalls.
Cycling
Bicycles must keep to roadways. Bicycle helmets are mandatory in British Columbia.
Fishing
Visitors can enjoy angling for kokanee, bull and rainbow trout. Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence. Check the BC Fishing Regulations Synopsis for restrictions and quotas.
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
Davis Creek/ Lost Ledge: For the very brave, some swimming does take place. The water is considered cool to refreshing. The beaches are pebbly with coarse rocks. There are no lifeguards on duty at provincial parks.
Windsurfing
Davis Creek/ Lost Ledge: There are windsurfing opportunities on Kootenay Lake.
Facilities Available at this Park
Boat Launch
Davis Creek/ Lost Ledge: There is a single wide, concrete boat launch at Lost Ledge located at the north end of the park, past the last campsite. It is designed to accommodate full size boats. A 40-vehicle parking lot is nearby for vehicles and boat trailers. Boats can be left in the water or beached at either park but this is not commonly observed because of the changing weather.
Campfires
Davis Creek/ Lost Ledge campgrounds:
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.
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
Davis Creek / Lost Ledge campgrounds: Cold, hand pumped water is available at both sites for cooking and drinking.
Midge Creek: Bring your own drinking water as potable water is not available in the park.
Midge Creek: Bring your own drinking water as potable water is not available in the park.
Picnic Areas
Midge Creek: This park has a day-use/picnic area.
Pit or Flush Toilets
Davis Creek / Lost Ledge: Each site contains centrally located pit toilets.
Midge Creek:This site only has pit toilets - no flush toilets.
Midge Creek:This site only has pit toilets - no flush toilets.
Vehicle Accessible Camping
Vehicle Accessible Camping is available at the Davis Creek and Lost Ledge campgrounds.
There are no tent campsites, pull through campsites or tent pads. The campgrounds offer services during the peak season of May to September. These campgrounds offer vehicle accessible campsites on a first-come, first-served basis - campsite reservations are not accepted. Visitors can select any campsite and staff will come to collect fees. The closest pay phone and stores are in nearby Cooper or Meadow Creek.
Davis Creek campground with gravel roads has 18 small, medium to large vehicle accessible sites, 2 are doubles. The park offers both lake view sites with beach access or shaded sites in a fir, birch forest. A park gate is located at the park entrance. There is limited parking in the larger sites for extra vehicles.
There are no tent campsites, pull through campsites or tent pads. The campgrounds offer services during the peak season of May to September. These campgrounds offer vehicle accessible campsites on a first-come, first-served basis - campsite reservations are not accepted. Visitors can select any campsite and staff will come to collect fees. The closest pay phone and stores are in nearby Cooper or Meadow Creek.
Davis Creek campground with gravel roads has 18 small, medium to large vehicle accessible sites, 2 are doubles. The park offers both lake view sites with beach access or shaded sites in a fir, birch forest. A park gate is located at the park entrance. There is limited parking in the larger sites for extra vehicles.
Vehicle Accessible Camping Fee: $16.00 per party / night
BC Senior's Rate (day after Labour Day to June 14 only): $8.00 per senior party/night. Read the User Fees Policy for information on Senior Camping Discounts.
Lost Ledge campground has paved roads in a circular campground with 14 large to medium vehicle accessible sites, 4 are doubles. There is a choice of open, lakefront with magnificent lake views or shaded, forested sites in a mixed forest of fir, birch, larch and cedar. There is no park gate. Parking for extra vehicles is available at the nearby day-use parking lot.
Vehicle Accessible Camping Fee: $21.00 per party / night
BC Senior's Rate (day after Labour Day to June 14 only): $10.50 per senior party/night.
Read the User Fees Policy for information on Senior Camping Discounts.
Walk-In/Wilderness Camping
Midge Creek: Wilderness, backcountry or walk-in camping is allowed, but no facilities are provided.
Wheelchair Access
Lost Ledge: A campsite and pit toilet is wheelchair accessible. All roads and pathways are paved.
