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
A convenient overnight camping and picnicking spot for travelers on Highway #1, this is also a popular destination camp for visitors enjoying boating and fishing on Kamloops Lake, at the head of the Thompson River. The park offers 240 meters of beach on the lake and 1,000 meters of frontage along the river. The Savona community offers the amenities of a small town.
Park Size: 38 hectares
Special Notes:
A public pay telephone is located at the residence/shower building.
Stay Safe:
The extremely hot, dry climate can result in over-exposure to the sun. Everyone in your party should wear sunscreen of at least SPF 15 and a hat with a brim.
Caution should be exercised when swimming or boating due to currents at the end of the beach where the lake drains into the river mouth.
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 1 – October 12
(Gate is closed during the off-season)
Campground Dates with Full Services and Fees:
May 1 – October 12
(Services may be available and fees charged later/earlier than this date, weather permitting. For confirmation, please use the contact information listed below.)
Campground Reservable Dates:
Not applicable
Total Number of Vehicle Accessible Campsites:
44
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.
Located 40 km west of Kamloops on Highway #1 on the southwest end of Kamloops Lake. The closest community is Savona.
Nature & Culture
History - The park was established in 1995. It is the site of one of the oldest homesteads in the southern interior and well as a stagecoach depot and ferry landing. The historic buildings and cemetery are still located on site. As a former private campground, the park has electrical and water hook-ups that are not common in provincial parks.
Cultural Heritage - First Nations have been very involved in protection and interpretation of heritage sites and artifacts found within the park. The site relates to First Nations fishing dating back to 10,000 years ago.
Conservation - Vegetation is fragile due to the hot, dry climate. Sagebrush, prickly pear cactus and bunchgrasses prevail. Pink salmon spawn at the river mouth. The largest section of the park is on the south side of Highway # 1 and is established as a natural environment zone.
There are both canoeing and kayaking opportunities on Kamloops Lake. Use caution as the lake is narrow and windstorms can create very rough water. A popular activity is canoeing from Steelhead Park to Cache Creek.
Cycling
Cycling is permitted and must keep to the roadways. Helmets are mandatory in British Columbia.
Fishing
Fishing for trout, salmon and of course steelhead is popular.
A valid BC angling licence is required and must
be carried with you when fishing.
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.
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
Swimming is available at this beautiful sandy beach but visitors should use caution and be aware of the currents as the water from the lake drains into the river. There are no lifeguards on duty in Provincial Parks.
Waterskiing
There are waterskiing opportunities at this park.
Wildlife Viewing
summary
Windsurfing
There are windsurfing opportunities on Kamloops Lake.
Facilities Available At This Park
Boat Launch
There is a boat launch for car top boats.
A public boat launch is located in the town of Savona, a 2 minute drive from the 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
Potable drinking water is available from water posts located in the campgrounds.
Water hook-ups are available at the 10 electrical hook-up sites.
Electrical Hookups
This park offers 10 campsites with electrical hookups.
Picnic Areas
Day-use facilities are located near the river and offer very little shade.
There are 10 picnic tables. A large gravel parking lot is adjacent to the day-use area.
Pit or Flush Toilets
There is one pit toilet and a toilet building.
Showers
There is a shower building.
Vehicle Accessible Camping
Steelhead offers 42 campsites on a first-come, first-served basis - no reservations are accepted. There are 22 campsites that overlook the lake and 10 of these are supplied with water and power hook-ups. There are three sites that overlook the river, 12 informal sites are located in a field and are roomy enough for large vehicles to pull through and five side-by-side sites exist as a parking-lot style overflow. There are very few trees in the campground and most sites are side by side, similar to an RV campground. Sites will accommodate small to large camping units. If there are no staff at the campground upon arrival, choose a site and pay later. Staff will be at the campground at least once a day.The gates at Steelhead are not locked at night. Amenities are found in Savona, a two-minute drive from the campground.
Campsites with electrical hookups:
Vehicle Accessible Camping Fee: $19.00 per party / night
BC Senior's Rate (Shoulder Season only):
$9.50 per senior's couple/night
Campsites without electricity:
Vehicle Accessible Camping Fee: $15.00 per party / night
BC Senior's Rate (Shoulder Season only):
$7.50 per senior's couple/night
