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
The park was created as a result of recommendations made in the Kamloops Land and Resources Management Plan. Visitors can enjoy hiking, nature study, wildlife viewing, and hunting. Scenic and cultural heritage appreciation are also popular. The summit of Mount Savona - accessible by 4-wheel drive road - affords excellent views of the dry Thompson River Valley and Kamloops Lake.
Park Size: 382 hectares
Stay Safe:
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.
Bring your own drinking water as there are no water sources in the park.
There are no toilet facilities. Visitors should exercise proper backcountry sanitation procedures when no facilities are available. Deposit human waste in cat holes. Cat holes are 6 to 8 inches deep and should be located at least 100 feet from any water source. Thoroughly cover and disguise cat holes when finished. Bury toilet paper as well. Do not burn it
The park is located off Hwy 1 approximately 35 km west of Kamloops. Access is by Tunkwa Lake Road from the town of Savona.
Nature & Culture
Cultural Heritage - A pictograph site in a cave formation is in excellent condition. There is also evidence of ancient burial sites in the park. These sites are sacred to the Skeetchestn Indian Band and as such are protected. Viewing is discouraged
Conservation - Cliffs, canyons, dry ridges, old growth Douglas-fir, pockets of high elevation grassland, a small lake and marshland are part of Mount Savona Provincial Park. The park has the highest (elevational) known occurrence of fame flower that grows on Kamloops lavas at specific elevations.
The Fame flower (talinum sediforme) is found scattered and infrequent in the Okanagan and Thompson areas. The flower likes the dry exposed slopes and ledges at the low and mid elevations. The flowers are usually white but may have a pink or yellow tinge. There are five petals. The leaves are a fleshy, waxy looking, green, somewhat circular and form a ground covering similar to a mat. The flowers usually grow in clusters of 3-9 individual flowers. The Fame flower blooms late May through July.
There are no designated cycling trails but the activity is allowed. Bicycle helmets are mandatory in British Columbia.
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.
Horseback Riding
Horseback riding is permitted.
Hunting
Hunting is permitted only during lawful game hunting season. Check with Hunting and Trapping Synopsis for regulations. Exempt from the No Hunting, No Shooting Restrictions within 400 m of the center of park roads.
Facilities Available At This Park
Campfires
No firewood is available and no fire rings are installed. The gathering of firewood in a Park is illegal, so fires should only be used for emergency drying and warming. If a fire is used for an emergency, please keep it small, and ensure it is completely out before you leave. Use a camp stove for cooking.
Walk-In/Wilderness Camping
Wilderness, backcountry or walk-in camping is allowed, but no facilities are provided.
