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
There is no day-use area at Sowchea Bay Provincial Park (use facilities at Paarens Beach Provincial Park, just 5 km east on Sowchea Bay Road). This campsite was once a Forest Service recreation site. Site layout is not BC Parks standard; larger RVs may have difficulty maneuvering. This is a busy destination for boaters and anglers, with a single lane concrete boat launch available with limited parking.
Park Size: 13 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 15 – September 8
(Gate is closed during the off-season)
Campground Dates with Full Services and Fees:
May 15 – September 8
Campground Reservable Dates:
Not applicable
Total Number of Vehicle Accessible Campsites:
30
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
For safety reasons, firearms are not permitted in the park. Sowchea Bay is closed to hunting.
From Prince George travel 100 km west on Highway 16 to Vanderhoof. From Vanderhoof travel 55 km north on Highway 27 to Fort St. James. From Fort St. James travel 20 km west on Sowchea Bay Road.
Any maps listed are for information only - they may not represent legal boundaries and should not be used for navigation.
There are no digital maps or brochures for this park.
Reservations
For parks that accept reservations, all vehicle accessible campsites (with the exception of
group sites) must be reserved through Discover Camping.
Reservations are not accepted at this park, all campsites are on a first-come, first-served basis. For parks that accept reservations or information on the reservation service, click here.
There are canoeing or kayaking opportunities at this park.
Fishing
Stuart Lake anglers enjoy fishing for char and rainbow trout. Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence.
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. Safe swimming practices are a must! Visitors are encouraged to remain within the designated area. An abrupt drop-off is marked with floats.
Waterskiing
There are waterskiing opportunities in this park.
Windsurfing
There are windsurfing opportunities in this park.
Facilities Available At This Park
Boat Launch
There is a single lane concrete boat launch available with limited parking.
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.
Vehicle Accessible Camping
This park offers 30 smaller vehicle accessible campsites on a first-come, first-served basis - campsite reservations are not accepted. This used to be a forestry recreation site, therefore the sites may not be up to the BC Park standards that visitors may be accustomed to.
Vehicle Accessible Camping Fee: $10.00 per party / night
BC Senior's Rate (Shoulder Season only): $5.00 per senior's couple/night
