Otter Lake Park
About this Park
If you’re looking for privacy in a natural setting, Otter Lake is ideal for old-fashioned camping. The park has two locations, a main picnic and day-use area in Tulameen and a lovely lakeside campground about 5 km further north along the road.
The Cascade Mountain Range surrounds the park and includes awesome canyons and clear flowing streams. Large numbers of otter, beaver and red squirrel inhabit the area, as well as mountain goats, cougars and grizzly bears. Fishermen will find time spent on Otter Lake rewarding, with large lake trout being the catch of the day.
The scenic lakeside campground is an ideal base for those who want to explore the mining history of the Tulameen area.
Safety information
- If you travel off the beaten path in this park, let someone know where you are going and carry a compass. Areas bordering the park include canyons and beautiful, rugged terrain which can be confusing.
- The extremely hot, dry Okanagan climate can result in overexposure to the sun. Sunscreen and a hat should be used during long periods in the sun.
- Currents can be deceptively fast in streams. Cross them with caution and be sure of your footing at all times.
- Accessing the park using secondary forestry roads from B.C.’s lower mainland, as suggested by Google, is not recommended. These routes are unreliable and are not safe.
Special notes
- Off-road ATV use is prohibited within this park.
Location notes
The park is located 33 km northwest of Princeton off Hwy 5A toward Coalmont and Tulameen. The route is well marked with signs. There is also access from Hwy 97C, Coquihalla Connector Hwy. Turn at Aspen Grove, which is Hwy 5A, and follow signs. A 34 km gravel road leaves Hwy 5A just past the Kentucky-Alleyne turnoff. It leads through sections of the Nicola Ranch to approach Otter Lake from the north. The roads, both from Tulameen and the gravel road from the north, are narrow and winding with limited visibility. Use caution and yield to logging trucks.
Accessing the park using secondary forestry roads from B.C.’s lower mainland, as suggested by Google, is not recommended. These routes are unreliable and are not safe.
Activities
- 146:Wildlife viewing Chance encounters are possible for many species including birds, water fowl, deer and bear.
- 146:Swimming A small beach at the campground boat launch provides a spot to swim, though it is better at the day-use area in Tulameen.
- 146:Pets on leash Pets and 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 the potential for problems with bears and other wildlife.
- 146:Waterskiing Waterskiing is allowed on Otter Lake.
- 146:Hiking There is a nature trail along the lake. If you travel off the beaten path in this park, let someone know where you are going and carry a compass. Areas bordering the park include canyons and beautiful, rugged terrain which can be confusing.Across the lake, and visible from the campground and day-use area, is the Trans Canada Trail. The Trans Canada Trail is a shared-use recreation trail that winds its way through every province and territory forming the longest trail of its kind in the world. It spans approximately 17,898 km. It follows the Kettle Valley Railway line past Otter Lake on its way from Princeton to Merritt.The Trans Canada Trail accommodates five core activities: walking, cyclinghorseback ridingcross-country skiingsnowmobiling (where possible)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.
- 146:Canoeing Canoeing and kayaking allowed on Otter Lake. The narrow lake is ideal for non-motorized watercraft with plenty of shoreline to explore opposite the campground.
- 146:Cycling Bicycles must keep to roadways. Bicycle helmets are mandatory in British Columbia.Please note that bicycles with electric assist motors (e-bikes) are not allowed on the trails within Otter Lake Park. E-bikes are restricted to park roads and areas where motorized use is permitted. The only exception to this policy will be for authorized and identified trail maintenance bikes conducting work on behalf of BC Parks.
- 146:Winter recreation Ice fishing is possible on Otter Lake.
- 146:Kayaking Canoeing and kayaking allowed on Otter Lake. The narrow lake is ideal for non-motorized watercraft with plenty of shoreline to explore opposite the campground.
- 146:Fishing Otter Lake is stocked by the Summerland Trout Hatchery with rainbow trout fry resulting in excellent sport fishing opportunities. Ice fishing is possible on Otter Lake.
- 146:Windsurfing Windsurfing and kiteboarding are possible on Otter Lake. Please be aware the Lake permits motorized use as well.
- 146:Scuba diving Scuba-diving is possible in Otter Lake.
Facilities
- 146:Drinking water There are four cold water taps located throughout the park. Taps are shut off during the off-season.
- 146:Picnic areas Otter Lake has a day-use and picnic area approximately 5 km south of the campground in Tulameen at the end of Sixth Street. It is a popular spot with residents. There is parking for roughly 20 vehicles. Six tables are located around the edge of an open, grassy area. Shrubs and aspen provide shade around the tables. There are two pit toilets (neither are wheelchair-accessible) and a hand pump for well water. A beach of fine sand forms a strip around the end of the lake which is great for swimming. Though there are no buoys, an anchored wooden float sits off shore. The water is clear and the bottom sandy with a few pebbles.
- 146:Campfires 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. 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.
- 146:Accessibility information Accessibility information is available for this park.
- 146:Pit or flush toilets There are four pit toilets and four flush toilets located in the campground.
Location
49.58585, -120.77415 · West Okanagan
