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 40 km north of Creston on Highway 3A, this park and adjacent Lockhart Creek Provincial Park extend from the sunny shores of Kootenay Lake to the headwaters of Lockhart Creek. This small park provides the only easy access to public camping along the south arm of Kootenay Lake. An 18 site campground and day use area are located near a sand and fine gravel beach where visitors can relax and enjoy the clear waters of Kootenay Lake.
Please note:
The facilities in this park are operated by the Ministry of Transportation. Services and facilities differ from those offered in other BC Parks.
Park Size: 3 hectares
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
Gate is closed during the off-season; no vehicle access.
Campground Dates with Full Services and Fees:
May 14 – September 30
Campground Reservable Dates:
Not applicable
Total Number of Vehicle Accessible Campsites:
18
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.
Boil water for at least
5 minutes before drinking.
40 km north of Creston on Highway 3A or 19 km south of Crawford Bay on Highway 3A. Located on the east side of Kootenay Lake with Crawford Bay and Creston being the closest communities.
Nature & Culture
Conservation - Lockhart Beach is situated near the outflow of Lockhart Creek into Kootenay Lake. The beach is backed by a lakeside forest that protects temperate rainforest habitat. Birdwatchers and plant identification enthusiasts will be rewarded by a visit to this diverse area. Rainbow trout, bull trout and kokanee inhabit Lockhart Creek.
Kootenay Park Services Ltd.
E-mail: 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.
Bicycles must keep to roadways. Bicycle helmets are mandatory in British Columbia.
Fishing
There area fishing opportunities in Kootenay Lake especially for Gerrad Rainbow trout. Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence.
Hiking
The adjacent Lockhart Creek Provincial Park has a well maintained hiking trail that follows the north side of Lockhart Creek gaining about 800 metres of elevation over a 3- hour hike. An old cabin site about two hours up is a favourite destination. Though open to wilderness recreation, the park has no facilities or marked trails and is not regularly serviced. Visitors should be self-sufficient and proficient in back country travel practices. 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 are swimming opportunities in Kootenay Lake at this park. There are no lifeguards on duty at provincial parks.
Facilities Available At This Park
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 and some parks may use communal fire rings. Be prepared to bring a portable stove for cooking.
Drinking Water
Hand pump wells provide water. To ensure water is safe for drinking, all water must be boiled for at least 5 minutes.
Picnic Areas
This park has a day-use/picnic area and sandy beach along Kootenay Lake. There is capacity for 12 vehicles in the day-use area.
Pit or Flush Toilets
This park only has pit toilets – no flush toilets.
Vehicle Accessible Camping
The recently rebuilt 18 site campground offers vehicle access on a first-come, first-served basis - campsite reservations are not accepted. There is one drive-through site and three double sites.There is no phone at Lockhart Beach, however nearby towns and resorts offer telephone and tourist services.
Vehicle Accessible Camping Fee: $15.00 per party
/ night
BC Senior's Rate (Shoulder
Season only): $7.50 per senior's couple/night
