North Thompson River Provincial Park
About This Park
A lovely campground situated at the confluence of the Clearwater and North Thompson Rivers. Popular with travellers on Hwy #5, with young families, or as a base camp for visitors exploring Wells Gray Park and the Clearwater area.
Park Size: 126 hectares
Special Notes:
- At a viewpoint overlooking the meeting of the two rivers, the green of the Clearwater can be easily distinguished from the muddy brown of the North Thompson.
- Services such as gas, propane and food may be found in Clearwater. Information on Wells Gray and other provincial parks can be found at the Wells Gray Travel Information Centre in Clearwater.
- Attractions in the area include a miniature railroad, gallery, museum, river rafting, guided horseback riding, rowboat rentals, bike rentals, mini-golf and 18-hole golf, boat tours and hiking.
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Campground Hours of Operation
All dates are subject to change without notice
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Opening and Closing Campground Dates: (campground is accessible but may not offer full services such as water, security, etc.) |
May 1 - September 30 Gate is closed during the off-season. |
| Campground Dates with Full Services and Fees: | May 1 - September 30 Off-season: day-use area is open. |
| Campground Reservable Dates: | May 15 - September 1 |
| Total Number of Vehicle Accessible Campsites: | 61 |
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Number of Reservable Campsites, if applicable: (all remaining sites are first-come, first-served) |
30 |
| 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
Reserveable, vehicle accessible campsites must be reserved through Discover Camping.
Campsite Reservations:
Campsite reservations are accepted and first-come, first-served sites are also available.
Maps and Brochures
Any maps listed are for information only - they may not represent legal boundaries and should not be used for navigation.
- Brochure [PDF 204KB]
- Campground Map
Nature and Culture
- History – Established in 1967.
- Cultural Heritage – Traditional use by Shuswap First Nations is indicated by the remnants of kekuli (pit houses) and food cache pits along the riverbanks.
- Conservation – The park is on the boundary between the drier south and the wet interior. Visitors will find Douglas-fir, lodgepole pine and juniper next to cedar or spruce. Beneath the trees, soopolallie, wild rose, hazelnut, Saskatoon and devil's club can be found.
- Wildlife – Squirrels, deer mice and shrews are common with the occasional visits from marten, coyote, deer, moose and black bears. Birds include chickadees, varied thrush, woodpeckers, flickers, swallows and jays. Bald eagles and ospreys can be seen fishing for Dolly Varden, rainbow trout and chinook salmon.
Activities Available at this Park
Cycling
Bicycles must keep to roadways. Bicycle helmets are mandatory in British Columbia.
Fishing
For anglers who enjoy river fishing, there are several vantage points easily accessible within the park. Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an
appropriate licence.
Hiking
There are four easy, short trails within the park. Northside Trail 1.1 km 20 minutes; Southside Trail 0.5 km 10 minutes; Campground Loop 1.2 km 25 minutes (including trail from parking lot to campground); and the Terrace Loop 1.3 km 30 minutes. 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 no lifeguards on duty at provincial parks. A wading/swimming area is located on a back eddy where the Clearwater River flows into the North Thompson. During flood season, the current can be very fast and water icy cold. For lake swimming, try nearby Dutch Lake. Although the lake sometimes has "swimmer's itch", there are shower buildings in the adjacent picnic/playground area and a shower after swimming is advised.
Facilities Available at this Park
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.
Picnic Areas
This park has a day-use/picnic area.
Pit or Flush Toilets
This park only has pit toilets – no flush toilets.
Playground
Excellent adventure playground for small children.
Sani-Station/Dump
A sani-station/dump is available during the collecting season.
Sani-station Use Fee: $5.00 per discharge
Vehicle Accessible Camping
This park offers vehicle accessible campsites on a first-come, first-served basis – campsite reservations are not accepted.
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.
Wheelchair Access
Some facilities in the park are wheelchair accessible.
