McDonald Creek Provincial Park


Overview

Situated just south of Nakusp, McDonald Creek Park is one of four Provincial Parks on the Arrow Lake reservoir. With facilities on the eastern shoreline, it is a holiday destination for swimming, boating and fishing opportunities.

McDonald Creek Park features several kilometres of fine sandy beach, water front sites and open grassy meadows, and a sani station for fresh water fill and black water dump. You can always find a quiet spot for yourself, try some beach combing, or join in the fun at the main swimming area. A boat launch as well as good fishing opportunities for kokanee, bull, and rainbow trout are always a tempting invitation for anglers of all ages.

The Arrow Reservoir bisects McDonald Creek Provincial Park and protects lakeshore riparian habitat on the east side and forested upland habitat on the west side. This combination offers outdoor recreational opportunities in a unique forested lakeside setting.

Reservations can be made up to 4 months in advance for qualifying campsites and up to 12 months in advance for group sites and picnic shelters. > FAQs

Activities

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Facilities

campveh-ywater-y campfrs-ysani stationshowers at parkpicnic-ywashrom-yboat launchplaygnd-ypower at park

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Campground and Google Map


    

Park Details


Park Location
10 km south of Nakusp on Highway #6

Total Number of Campsites: 111
Reservable Campsites: 100
First-Come, First-Served: 11

Opening & Closing Dates
May 1 to September 30, 2024
(gate closed during off season)

Campground Reservable Dates
May 1 to September 29, 2024

Reservations
Contact BC Parks at 800-689-9025 or book online at camping.bcparks.ca

Vehicle Accessible Camping Fee
$30 per party/night

Camping Fees
• $30 per camping party/night
• 2nd vehicle $12
• Electrical hookups $7 (sites 1-18)
• Cash or credit only, no cheques
• Firewood $10 per bundle
• Sani-station $5.00 per discharge (coins or tokens)

Cellular/Wifi Service
Limited cellular and no Wifi service at this park.

credit card accepted

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Facilities

wheelchair accessibleThere is some wheelchair access in the park.

boat launchThe boat launch is located at the south end of the park, accessed by turning left at the park entrance. The boat launch is accessible all year (not plowed in winter). The boat launch extends down to the waterline even at low water levels. Adjacent to the launch is a long floating dock that parallels the launch, suitable for tying up vessels. A 25 vehicle parking lot is available nearby for overnight parking.

water-yCold potable water is available for cooking and drinking. The water is pumped up from the lake into a treatment facility where the water is filtered (sand, cartridge  and UV filters) and chlorinated.  Six taps are conveniently located in the park, four in the campground and two in the day-use/picnic area. Taps are shut off during the off-season.

picnic-yThe day-use/picnic area is located along the lakeshore, adjacent to the wash house. Facilities in this area include 6 picnic tables that overlook the lake, fire pit, garbage receptacles, a playground, two pit toilets and two water taps. The beautiful sandy beach is ideal for spending time lounging in the sun and enjoying the great swimming opportunities. Many visitors stroll along the entire length of the 2 kilometre beach to enjoy the sun, sand and water.

martha3For information on the park and surrounding area, visit the information shelters at the campground entrance and opposite site #46 , the park host at site #19, or talk to any park staff.

washrom-yThis park has 15 pit toilets conveniently located throughout the park, and one shower building that has a single flush toilet in each of the men’s, women’s and family rooms.

campfrs-yWhile 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 camp stoves instead. Firewood can be purchased in the park for $10 per bundle or you may bring your own wood. 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.

showers at park  The shower building is located adjacent to the day use parking lot (for registered camping parties only). The facility has 3 showers (including a disability accessible stall) as well as a flush toilet in of the  men’s and women’s side of the facility. In addition, there is a barrier-free family room complete with shower, toilet, sink and infant change table.

power at parkThe park has 18 electrical serviced sites (sites #1 to #18) with 15, 30 and 50 amp service. An additional $7 fee per night is charged for the use of these sites.

campveh-yThe park has two distinct camping areas. The first area is accessed by turning left onto the road just past the turn-off for the boat launch. These sites (#1 to 18) are electrified and can be reserved. There is an additional $7.00 fee per night for these sites. Sites 6, 7, 8 have 20 and 30 AMP service; Sites 1-5, 9 –18 have 20, 30 and 50 AMP service.

The second area, and remaining non-electrified sites, are accessible by following the access road into the park. During high season, the Park Host lives in site #19 where firewood can be purchased (4:00 – 8:00 pm). The access road into these sites is long and linear and parallels the lake shore. There are three convenient turn-around locations, strategically positioned along its entire length.

The park has 112 vehicle accessible sites; of which four sites have tent pads, and seven sites (#22/23, #34/35, #41/42, #47/48, #55/56, #57/58, #66/67) are doubles, suitable for two camping parties. There are two pull-through sites (#30, #65, #109). The campground has an even mix of small to large sites and can accommodate all sizes of recreational vehicles. Many sites are lakefront and offer access to the beach. Most of these sites have lake views. With the exception of sites 1 to 18, all sites are shady, set in a mixed forest of pine and larch.

Extra vehicles can either be parked on the site (space permitting) or in the day-use parking area for an additional fee. Second vehicle charges apply ($12.00 per vehicle per night).

A park gate is located at the park entrance. The closest phone and store is in Nakusp, a 15 minute drive 10 km north on Highway 6. There is reasonable cell phone coverage in the park.

martha2Parking is permitted only in designated lots and on the gravel portion of campsites. Parking is not permitted on roadsides.

playgnd-yAn adventure playground with swing set, monkey bars and slide is provided near the picnic area/swimming lagoon. The equipment is set in sand.

sanistn-yA sani-station/dump (fee), and potable RV fresh water fill (no charge) is available near the campground entrance. Sani-station Use Fee: $5.00 per discharge (accepts coins and tokens only).

Activities

walking, hiking, trailsThis park has a trail that leads from the North end of the campground to McDonald Creek. The first loop is a 2 km nature trail and can be extended by continuing onto the McDonald Creek trail which loops further northward passing by McDonald Creek, the Park’s namesake. The trail features several views of the Upper Arrow Lake reservoir.

During the fall watch carefully for spawning Kokanee salmon in the creek. Total hiking time is 45-60 minutes. This trail is wide and mostly flat terrain suitable for off road bicycles and strollers. For your own safety and preservation of the park, obey posted signs and keep to designated trails. Shortcutting trails destroy plant life and soil structure.

pets, domestic animals in parksPets/domestic animals must be on a leash at all times in the park unless signed otherwise. There are three dog zones that border Arrow Lake. All are signed accordingly. A Dog Off Leash zone is found adjacent to the north of the Boat Launch. A No Dogs On Beach zone is found immediately in front of the Day Use Beach. A Dogs On Leash zone is found in front of the entire campground waterfront beach area. Pets are not allowed in park buildings.

Pet owners are responsible for their pets’ behaviour and must dispose of their waste. Backcountry areas are not suitable for dogs or other pets due to wildlife issues and the potential for problems with bears.

swimming-yAs the park is on the Arrow Lake reservoir, the water does fluctuate significantly throughout the season. Spring is traditionally low water, extending the beach for exploring. At peak season, during July and August when the water is high, the beach is sandy and is popular for sunbathing and swimming. The water can be described as refreshing to cool. There is no roped-off swimming area. There are no lifeguards on duty at provincial parks.

The combined shoreline on the east and west encompasses over 6 km and is complemented with natural sandbars and coves. The eastern shore, where all the day-use, picnic facilities and campsites are located is the most popular. The western shore, although equally as sandy, is less used as logging roads or boats are required to access it. There are no facilities on the western shore.

fishingThere are kokanee, bull and rainbow trout angling opportunities at this park. Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence. Check the BC Fishing Regulations Synopsis for quotas and restrictions.

canoe-yThere are opportunities for canoeing, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. Users access the lake from the boat launch, the waterfront sites and the beach trails.

cycling, mountain biking, bicyclingBicycles must keep to roadways. Bicycle helmets are mandatory in B.C.

waterskiThere are excellent waterskiing and jet skiing opportunities on Arrow Lakes.

viewsDuring the spawning season, you can see Kokanee salmon at the North end of the nature trail and beach.

windsurfWindsurfing opportunities are available on Arrow Lake.

Seniors Fee Discounts

  • Day after Labour Day to June 14 only
  • $15.00 per senior party/night.
  • Read the User Fees Policy on the BC Parks website for information on Senior Camping Discounts.

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RESERVATION CALL CENTRE
($5 surcharge applies)
Canada/USA Toll-Free • 800-689-9025
International Callers • +1 778-309-1439
7:00 AM to 7:00 PM (PST) • 7 days per week
CLOSED December 25 and January 1
WKPM Contact Form

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RESERVATION CALL CENTRE
($5 surcharge applies)
Canada/USA Toll-Free • 1-800-689-9025
International Callers • +1 778-309-1439
7:00 AM to 7:00 PM (PST) • 7 days per week
CLOSED December 25 and January 1
WKPM Helpline • 250-837-5734 • FEEDBACK

Proud Operator of BC Parks

Watch for this Badge

bc parks operators

Questions during your stay?
Park operators are ready to help.

GO > Frequently Asked Questions