If you're thinking of taking an outdoor vacation in the province best known for the Canadian Rockies, you won't want to miss out on a trip to Allison Lake Provincial Park. With 23 acres of property to its credit, there is ample room for you to park your RV and do some exploring. A remote recreational area, the park is located well off the beaten track but is close to several small towns.
Nestled between Merritt and Princeton in a region known as Okanagan-Similkameen H, BC, Allison Lake Provincial Park is the perfect place for an overnight stay or a weekend getaway. The campground rests beside the crystal clear Allison Lake and is surrounded by dense tree cover, treating families to solitude and privacy. The terrain is truly majestic, with stunning views of the area's snow-capped mountains and lush vegetation.
Allison Lake Provincial Park is named for the lake with which it shares its property. The park was founded on July 26th, 1960, and remains one of British Columbia's most popular outdoor destinations.
With so much to do at Allison Lake Provincial Park, it is sure to become one of your favorite places to visit. Though the campground is open only during the summer months, there are still lots of interesting activities for families to enjoy during the winter months as well. If you're looking to spend some vacation time at an idyllic British Columbia retreat, Allison Lake Provincial Park is the place for you.
The trip from the town of Princeton to to Allison Lake Provincial Park is short but sweet. The quickest route is 29 km (or 18 miles) in length and takes approximately 24 minutes in light traffic. You will find the trip runs along one two-lane highway that is both straight and direct. Exit Princeton onto Princeton-Kamloops Hwy/Tapton Ave/BC-5A. Continue along this stretch of road for the full 29 km. At the end of this path, you will find Allison Lake Provincial Park located to the left of the highway. The Princeton-Kamloops Hwy/BC 5A is well-maintained and kept free from snow and debris. Road maintenance is possible during the summer months, so be prepared for delays.
To travel to Allison Lake Provincial Park from Merritt, you will travel 61 km (or 38 miles) along Princeton-Kamloops Hwy/BC-5A, heading south. At the sign for British Columbia 5A S, turn right to continue on Princeton-Kamloops Hwy/BC 5A. Allison Lake Provincial Park is located directly on the right. This two-lane highway is in good condition and sees only light to moderate traffic daily. In the summer months, road construction may occur periodically.
Parking can be found at the entrance to the Allison Lake Provincial Park.
Allison Lake Provincial Park Campground is located within the park of the same name. Housed within the park's 23 acres of property, there are 22 unserviced campsites for families to choose from on a first come, first-served basis. One of the 22 lots is double in size to allow room for longer RV's and trailers, but since there is only one, you will need to arrive early to snag it.
This campground does not have any pull through sites, and tenting is not permitted. The campsite surface is gravel. Each of the campsites receives plentiful shade from the surrounding adult Douglas Fir tree cover.
Allison Lake Provincial Park Campground is open for RV camping from May 17th through September 8th yearly. Though the administration area is typically manned; during the off season, there is a self registration depot where you can register and pay your camping fees. Check in is from 1 PM to 11 PM daily with check out at 11 AM. Quiet time is observed between the hours of 10 PM and 7 AM daily.
Among the amenities at this campground are pit toilets, cold water taps, picnic tables and fire rings at each site, and firewood for sale. Generator use is permitted.
There are lots of fun activities to do at Allison Lake Provincial Park including swimming, canoeing, waterskiing, fishing, and cycling.
With 23 hectares of property, you will be spoiled for choice if you are hankering to take your bike out for a spin! Travel along the outskirts of the trees for a serene ride or check out one of the many paths that traverse through the recreational area.
The campground itself is a great spot for taking a leisurely bike ride. You will meet friends and neighbors along the way, allowing you to get in some exercise and some social activity all at the same time. To be sure you remain safe, a helmet is recommended as the terrain can be bumpy in places.
Hobby fishermen and pros alike love to fish at Allison Lake Provincial Park. The lake itself is well-stocked with many different species of fish with one of the most popular being the Blackwater Rainbow Trout.
Take your canoe for a spin and cast your line out the bow or try your hand directly from the shore. When you've caught your fill, take your bounty to your campsite where you can build a fire and roast your treasures for a delicious meal or snack.
Allison Lake Provincial Park is extremely scenic, particularly during the fall when the dense aspen tree cover experiences a changing of the color of their leaves. With immense mountainous terrain on the horizon and a stunningly clear lake, you will not want for subjects for your photographic efforts.
If you're especially lucky, you may find yourself with the opportunity to record some of the park's wildlife or snap a photo or two of some of the vegetation that is indigenous to that Okanagan Valley.
What better way to remember your British Columbia RV vacation than with an assortment of creative photos?
Since Allison Lake Provincial Park is located in an extremely remote location, there is no public transportation available to this recreational area.
Fancy a picnic in a serene setting? Allison Lake Provincial Park has a picnic area that features ten tables for families to use. Bring along a packed lunch and some drinks, and you've got yourself a party.
While you're at it, why not pack a few board games or a ball or two, so you can enjoy a bit of playtime after lunch?
Firewood is available for purchase at the administrative office, and you can build a fire in designated areas where you can roast marshmallows and tell ghost stories when night begins to fall.
Allison Lake Provincial Park is well-renowned for the excellent swimming in its lake. The beach itself has a rock and sand shoreline where families can relax after a dip in the cool lake waters. The beach is not patrolled by a lifeguard, so families must swim at their own risk and exercise caution when the waters are rough.
Dogs may join their families on the beach but must remain on a leash at all times, including in the water.
Allison Lake is the perfect spot to enjoy some watersports. Whether you fancy an afternoon of waterskiing, canoeing, or something entirely different, you will find the lake's cool, crisp waters are most inviting.
Take your pleasurecraft out on the water and bring along your fishing gear to try your hand at reeling in the catch of the day.
Though there is no lifeguard service at Allison Lake, swimming and snorkeling are also popular activities.
