Located in the Cariboo area of central British Columbia, Green Lake is so named because of its greenish hue. Because of its low outflow, and shallow warm water, the microorganisms and chemical make-up of the lake create a beautiful green color. The park occupies 346.9 hectares (855 acres), and was established in 1975.
The lake itself is fed by lake-bottom springs and two creeks, and is approximately 14 kilometers (8.7 miles) long and 1.5 kilometers (.93 miles) wide. The lake is stocked annually with rainbow trout and the low fishing rate in the area preserves the fish and other aquatic animals. With 57 kilometers (35.42 miles) of shoreline, the lake also provides excellent habitat for migratory birds and waterfowl.
The surrounding wilderness area consists of open rangeland and forests, with aspen and Lodgepole pine trees. The region provides excellent habitat for large herbivores such as moose, deer, and occasional black bears, as well as local coyotes, squirrels, and marmots. If you keep a sharp eye out you may even spot birds of prey such as owls and golden eagles.
The lake, forests, and rangelands in this beautiful park provide ample opportunity for summer and winter activities. A boat launch and RV campsites make this Provincial Park an ideal destination for campers who love nature and lake activities.
Green Lake Provincial Park is 20.3 kilometers (12.61 miles), approximately a 21-minute drive to the northeast, of 70 Mile House on North Bonaparte Road. 70 Mile House has a store and several services for campers to access, and is an interesting historic site. You can take Highway 97 to 70 Mile House which is a paved highway running north from Cache Creek and easy to access. Alternatively, you can access the park from Highway 24 and take the Watch Lake Road from Lone Butte. Highway 24 runs west of Highway 5 from Little Fort which is the southern part of the main Yellowhead Highway route, and is well maintained for RV travel. The two-lane highways 24 and 97 require you to pass or be passed depending on your rate of travel but traffic on these routes is moderate.
Traffic on the access roads is light but be sure to check road conditions for North Bonaparte Road and Watch Lake Road prior to your trip as it can be subject to slides and washouts which can be hazardous to passenger vehicles and RV units.
Please note that winter tires are required by law on many highways in British Columbia from October 1 until March 31 and on some select highways such as the Coquihalla until April 30. Ensure your vehicle is properly equipped when traveling during this time period.
Pets are permitted on leash in campgrounds but not on the beach areas or in park buildings, and you must be prepared to clean up after your dog. Off-road vehicles are not permitted in the park. There is a total of 121 campsites at three locations in the park and a Sani-station/dump facility with a flush toilet which is open during summer months. The Sani-dump is located where North Green Lake Road and North Bonaparte Road meet.
You will find 51 sites here in a forested area with plenty of shade. Some of the sites are double lots and there are long spacious sites that will accommodate RVs up to 32 feet in length. There are no electric, water, or sewer hookups; however, generator use is allowed during specific hours in the morning and early evening. Reservations are accepted at some of the Emerald Bay RV campsites and some are on a first come first serve basis. Restroom facilities consist of outhouses and a wheelchair accessible outhouse is situated here. A flush toilet is located at the Sani-dump which is 18 kilometers (11.2 miles) southwest of the site. A playground with play equipment for families with younger members provides fun activity. A beach and swimming area are also accessible nearby.
With 54 sites and a few double sites, this wooded campground area has both reservable and first-come, first-serve sites available. The Sani-dump and a flush toilet facility are located 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) to the west. They have many sites that accommodate 18 foot RVs and some sites for 32 foot units, as well as four walk-in tent sites. Pit toilets including a wheelchair accessible outhouse are available. There are no electric, water, or sewage hookups available. However, generator use is permitted during limited hours each day. Families will find a playground, beach, picnic sites, and boat launch for recreational use. Group campsites are also available, so if you are traveling with a group this may be an ideal option.
Whether you like to fish, waterski, or just do some wildlife viewing and take in the beautiful scenery, Green Lake provides ample opportunity to get out on the water. You can canoe or kayak; however high winds on the lake can make this treacherous, so use caution. Motorboats are allowed on the lake and there are two boat launches, one at Sunset View Campground on the south side of the lake and the other at the Little Arrowhead Picnic Site on the north side. The lake is restocked annually with trout so if you enjoy a little fishing or angling, be sure you have a fishing license for B.C. to take advantage of the opportunity. Waterskiing is also a popular activity on this lake and is permitted.
There are swimming areas and beaches at Green Lake Provincial Park. The water is warm and shallow, and sand/pebble surfaced beaches with roped off swimming areas are available at day-use areas and overnight campgrounds along the lake. Be aware that blue-green algae blooms in summer months can prevent swimming activity, so check the website for warnings. There are no lifeguards on duty so make sure you stay in an area that is appropriate for your swimming ability and keep children within arm’s reach.
From the Sunset View campground, there is a 1 km self-guided interpretive trail for campers to use, and many trails in the area are ripe for exploring while staying at Green Lake Provincial Park. Be sure to obey signs and stay on trails so as not to disrupt or damage the local flora and fauna. Also, make sure to pack all litter out of this wilderness area to preserve the natural habitat for local wildlife.
Looking for some waterfront camping with easy accessibility and views of the lake? Then Little Arrowhead is for you. Little Arrowhead has 16 sites that are closely situated, in an open area near the waterfront. Enjoy the proximity to the lake, the beach, swimming area, and the boat launch located here. Sites are available on a first come, first serve basis only, and electric, water, and sewage hookups are not available, with generator use limited to a few hours each morning and evening.
Most of the sites here are more suited for smaller RVs 18 feet or less in length, however, there are a few that will accommodate RVs up to 32 feet in length. A drinking water station and outhouses are centrally located for your convenience. An information station for the campground is located at the entrance, and picnic sites are available by the boat launch to enjoy the view of the water and activities while enjoying a meal.
Please note that the campground gates are closed during the winter season. However, the area does provide opportunity for some winter activities. If you enjoy hiking here during the summer, you may want to try snowshoeing in the winter. Enjoy the same hiking trails or venture out onto the lake when it is solidly frozen. Use caution on frozen lakes that may have thin ice near shorelines where vegetation grows or where springs are located. Please obey signs regarding ice conditions and winter use for your safety.
The open rangeland around the Green Lake Provincial Park has rolling hills, plateaus, and highlands, with a view of the lake. This terrain is popular with cross country skiers in the area. There is usually plenty of snow during winter months, and once the lake is frozen you can even ski on the lake. Always use caution, even during frigid months on frozen water bodies, as this spring-fed lake may have soft spots that can be hazardous. If other skiers have been using the area you may be able to follow their set tracks. Otherwise you may be setting them yourself, so be prepared!
Even in the winter, you can spot some wildlife in this park. Deer and moose may be sighted along the shoreline. You may even be serenaded by some coyote song in the evening. These pack animals like to “talk” to each other when they gather up to go hunting late in the evening and can be heard calling to each other to signal their location. During the day you can spot tracks along the shore and across the lake. Pick up a good book on local wildlife tracks and do some sleuthing to figure out what animal made the tracks you discover.
