Roche Lake Park
2,027 ha
Area
1996
Established
Class A
Park class
Park
Type
About this Park
Roche Lake Park has seven world-class stocked rainbow trout lakes. Two of these lakes are served by maintained gravel roads, on the Thompson Plateau. The park includes rustic campsites that are located on Horseshoe Lake and Roche Lake.
This is a year-round recreation area, noted for camping, hunting, wildlife viewing, fishing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling.
Safety information
- The park is natural habitat for black bears. Campers must keep all food in vehicles and deposit garbage in bear-proof garbage cans.
- As of August 29, 2013, the backcountry of Roche Lake Park has multiple hazard trees that pose a potential safety risk. Camping outside of managed campgrounds is not recommended at this time. For more information, contact BC Parks at 250-371-6200.
Special notes
- A pay telephone is available at Roche Lake Resort, which is located on the same gravel road that is used to access the park, just follow the signs.
Location notes
This park is 36 km southeast of Kamloops, accessed via gravel road from Highway 5A at the north end of Trapp Lake. Communities close to the park are Kamloops, Quilchena and Merritt.
Activities
- 6892:Hiking There are many informal trails for 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.
- 6892:Canoeing Canoeing and kayaking are popular.
- 6892:Swimming Swimming is available in this park.
- 6892:Fishing Lakes are stocked with rainbow trout. This is a world-class rainbow trout fishing area. Ice fishing is sometimes available. Ensure that ice is safe before attempting this activity because aeration is used in some of the lakes to prevent winter kill.The Freshwater Fishing Society provides more information on fishing at Roche Lake.
- 6892:Pets on leash You are responsible for behaviour of pets and domestic animals and you 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.
- 6892:Cycling There are many informal trails for cycling. Bicycle helmets are mandatory in British Columbia.Please note that bicycles with electric assist motors (e-bikes) are not allowed on the trails within Roche 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.
- 6892:Horseback riding There are many informal trails for horseback riding.
- 6892:Hunting The discharge and carrying of firearms is permitted in this park for the purposes of hunting during open season. Please consult the BC Government Hunting and Trapping Regulations Synopsis for more information. Contact BC Parks at parkinfo@gov.bc.ca with any specific questions.
- 6892:Winter recreation There are many informal unset trails for cross-country skiing and for snowshoeing. For your own safety and the preservation of the park, obey posted signs and keep to designated trails.Ice skating is available in this park. Ensure that ice is safe before attempting this activity because aeration is used in some of the lakes to prevent winter kill.
Facilities
- 6892:Pit or flush toilets Pit toilets are available at Roche Lake North, Roche Lake West, Horseshoe Lake, Black Lake, and John Frank Lake.
- 6892:Boat launch There are undeveloped boat launches in each campground. They are only suitable for launching small boats.
- 6892: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. Campfires must not exceed half a metre in height. Keep fires small, save trees and conserve firewood. Do not leave your campfire unattended. This is a high-risk forest fire area.
- 6892:Accessibility information Accessibility information is available for these areas of the park:Horseshoe Lake campgroundRoche Lake north campgroundRoche Lake west campground
Location
50.48158, -120.15211 · Thompson Grasslands
