Lac Le Jeune Provincial Park
RV Guide
Introduction
Featuring the largest campground in the Coquihalla Highway area and a diverse choice of recreational activities, Lac Le Jeune Provincial Park is a fantastic destination for RV lovers. Lac Le Jeune Provincial Park is very popular (especially in the summer time) and it is easy to see why. The elevation of the park combined with the mixed forest, lake and the impressive camping facilities allows visitors to truly feel comfortable here during their stay.
The modern history of the park dates back to 1956 when the park was originally opened. In this first incarnation there were 116 acres protected under the provincial park. The park stayed like this until 1996 when the park was expanded a further 118 acres after recommendations were made in the Kamloops Land and Resources Management Plan.
Recreational activities at Lac Le Jeune Provincial Park are in abundance thanks to the lake, nature activities and interpretive programs. Some of the most common activities include swimming, boating, mountain biking, hiking and visitor program activities in its amphitheatre. The park is also a popular place for cross country skiing and snowshoeing during the colder months.
Lac Le Jeune Provincial Park also has some impressive camping facilities with 144 primitive RV friendly sites that are surrounded by pine and pinegrass forests. Camping is only available during the peak season, which runs from May until the lake ices over.
RV Rentals in Lac Le Jeune Provincial Park
Transportation
Driving
Lac Le Jeune Provincial Park is located in southern British Columbia and is situated around 23 miles south of Kamloops. The park has multiple entry and exit points that allow visitors to access the park from the north and the west.
There are a few streets near the park but they do not offer any services and amenities. Because of this we recommend that you stock up on supplies before you are close to the park. You can do so at the towns of Logan Lake (around 16 miles or 27kms away), Merritt (around 33 miles away or 54kms) and Ashcroft (around 52 miles or 85kms away). The park is also located quite close to the city of Kamloops, which is located to the north of the park. If you do need supplies we recommend that you stop in at Kamloops.
Accessing the park should be very straightforward as the roads in and around the park are suburban roads that are flat, very well maintained and have no obstacles. The road into the campground is also kept in very good condition. Once the weather turns and the snow starts to fall the park does not clear the road into the park so you cannot access the park with your RV during this time.
Parking
There is plenty of parking available at Lac Le Jeune Provincial Park.
Public Transportation
There are no public transport options that will take you to Lac Le Jeune Provincial Park.
Campgrounds and parking in Lac Le Jeune Provincial Park
Campsites in Lac Le Jeune Provincial Park
Alternate camping
Lac Le Jeune Campground
Lac Le Jeune Campground is the only campground at the park and is highly rated by those who have stayed there. The sites at Lac Le Jeune Campground are known to be level, large and separated from neighbors thanks to the large foliage between them. The interior campground road is also paved so you will be able to easily access your chosen campsite.
In total there are 144 RV friendly sites, including 21 double sites that are perfect for families or friends wanting to camp close together. The sites are all primitive but the campground does have some great facilities, including water collection points, picnic tables, fire pits, firewood, flush toilets, and a paid dump station. The campground is also pet friendly and you should be able to get cell phone reception on all of the major networks.
91 of the 144 sites are available to reserve online while the rest can be claimed on a first-come, first-served basis. Once the snow starts to fall at the park the campground does close for the season so be aware that winter camping is not available.
Seasonal activities in Lac Le Jeune Provincial Park
Off-Season
Winter Recreation
While the campground is closed during the winter time you will still be able to check out the winter recreation. Cross-country skiing is very popular once the snow falls the Gus Johnson trail and the adjacent Stake Lake ski area also provides over 27 miles (45 km) of groomed trails. If cross country skiing isn't your thing there are also snowshoeing, ice fishing and ice-skating available for you to enjoy. During the winter the ice levels are not monitored so make sure that you use caution before stepping out onto the lake.
Hiking
While there aren't too many hiking opportunities at the park due to its relatively small size that doesn't mean hikers will be disappointed. You will be able to explore area surrounding the lake as the Gus Johnson trail circles the lake and also will take you through forest and skirting wet meadows. This trail is approximately five miles in length (8km) and we recommend checking it out. If you are looking for more hiking the park also has access to the Stake Lake trail system which provides over 27 miles (45 km) of trails.
Fishing
If you are thinking about casting a line out and trying to land the big one we recommend you do! The waters at Lac Le Jeune are famous for great fishing and they are especially great for those seeking rainbow trout as they have three pound average size. You can fish via watercraft, the banks of the lake or out on the long fishing wharf that is located in front of the day-use area. Remember that anyone fishing within Lac Le Jeune Provincial Park must have an appropriate fishing license.
In-Season
Picnicking
Wanting to go on a picnic? If so, you are in luck as there is a fantastic day-use area at Lac Le Jeune Provincial Park that is perfect for picnics. In total there are 34 picnic tables located near the shore of the lake with some tables also being shaded by large fir trees. The highlight of the picnic amenities at the park is the picnic shelter that has five picnic tables, counter space for preparing food, a sink and windows to provide you protection from windy conditions. The picnic shelter is non-reservable so make sure that you arrive early if you are wanting to use it.
Interpretive Programs
If you visit Lac Le Jeune Provincial Park during the summer you will be able to learn about the history of the park thanks to the naturalist, interpretive and educational programs that are held during this time. The educational programs are perfect for those traveling with kids but they are also entertaining for adults as well. All interpretive programs are available for you to use free of charge and they are held in the amphitheater unless it rains. In that case they move to the picnic shelter. For more information about interpretive programs please contact the park office.
Swimming
The waters of Lac Le Jeune are just perfect for swimming in the warm summer months during your stay at the park. Once visitors to the park make their way down to the lake you are will be welcomed with a large sandy beach that is close to 500 feet (146 metres) in length. The beach area has a specific roped off area of the water for you to swim in that will protect you from any watercraft that might be out on the lake. Please note that there are no lifeguards on duty at provincial parks.
