Established in 1996, Roche Lake Provincial park offers year-round recreation opportunities in the South-Central Interior of British Columbia. Located on the Thompson Plateau, northeast of Stump Lake and to the south of Kamloops, the park includes seven small lakes that are stocked with trout (known for world-class rainbow trout fishing) and old-growth Douglas fir trees. Two of the seven lakes can be reached by maintained gravel roads.
Consisting of 2,027 hectares (7.82 square miles), Roche Lake Provincial Park offers an important habitat for waterfowl, perching birds, moose and black bears. Other animals that make their home in the park are mule deer, white-tailed deer, the Canada goose, mallard, common snipe, vesper sparrow and mountain bluebird. Aside from fishing and keeping your eyes open for wildlife in the park, there are opportunities for camping, boating, hunting, hiking, cross-country skiing, ice fishing, ice skating and snowmobiling. The park includes three rustic campgrounds as well as boat launches for small watercraft.
Regardless of the time of year, a trip to Roche Lake Provincial Park will offer you gorgeous scenery, fresh air and plenty of activities to engage in.
Roche Lake Provincial Park is 36 km (23 miles) southeast of Kamloops. To get to the park, you will drive on Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 W/BC-5 S/BC-97 N from Columbia St. and drive for 3.9 km (2.74 miles). Next, take Princeton-Kamloops Hwy/BC-5A for 24.2 km, turning left onto Roche Lake Road. Proceed 11.6 km (7.36 miles) to the park.
Parking is available throughout Roche Lake Provincial Park.
Public transportation is not available to Roche Lake Provincial Park.
Roche Lake North is able to accommodate tents, trailers and RV’s. In full operation between May 1st and October 12th, the campground is accessible year-round, however services cannot be guaranteed. The campground is first-come, first served and is an open area that is located about a mile before reaching the private resort at the park. Because the area is open, it can work well for group camping. It is the easiest of the three campgrounds to access and offers a boat launch. Pit toilets are available at the campground and cold-water taps are on during the time that the campground is in full operation.
Roche Lake West Campground in Roche Lake Provincial Park offers defined campsites as opposed to the big open area of Roche Lake North. It is important to keep in mind that the road to Roche Lake West can be rough to travel on, with potholes and boulders along the way. The campground is in full operation from May 1st to October 12th and like Roche Lake North, can be utilized year-round without services. Pit toilets are available at the campground along with cold-water taps (only on when the campground is in full operation). Enjoy a campfire at your campsite; firewood can be purchased at the campground.
Harder to access than Roche Lake North, but easier to get to than Roche Lake West, Horseshoe Lake campground is a small campground with a few sites in a wooded area. Campsites are rustic with picnic tables and pit toilets are available at the campground. Sites are first-come, first-served and are in full operation from May 1st through October 12th. Cold water taps are turned on during this time during which the toilets and garbage cans are maintained on a daily basis. Horseshoe Lake Campground is an excellent place to enjoy some quiet time as well as the nature within the park.
Looking for a relaxing activity during your time in Roche Lake Provincial Park? A big attraction for those visiting the park is its world-class rainbow trout fishing. The lakes in the park are stocked with rainbow trout, making it a popular place to sit back and cast a line. While fishing, be sure to take in the gorgeous scenery of the park, along with its solitude. It is important to remember that anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate fishing license.
When visiting Roche Lake Provincial Park, you can explore on foot or on horseback utilizing the informal trails for both activities that are available in the park. Following the parks trails is a great way to see all that the park has to offer; including its seven lakes! Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife and birds that make their home in the park. Breathe in the fresh air as you take in the natural scenery. Make sure to stay on the trails and follow posted signs so as to preserve the park and avoid harming plant life and soil structure.
With seven lakes, Roche Lake Provincial Park offers plenty of opportunity for time in and on the water. The park offers undeveloped boat launches in each campground which are able to be used to launch small vessels like canoes and kayaks. Exploring the park by watercraft is a relaxing way to view it from a different perspective. Taking a swim in a lake while visiting the park is an excellent way to cool off after some hard work paddling or hiking. Remember that swimming and boating is at your own risk-there are no lifeguards within the park.
Roche Lake Provincial Park is fun to explore year-round, not just when the weather is warm. One great activity for exploring the park during the winter months is snowshoeing. The park offers informal unset trails that are perfect for traversing with your snowshoes on. Take in gorgeous 360 degree views as you breathe in cook, fresh air. Make sure to dress in layers as you will likely heat up from exertion and bring a warm beverage to enjoy on a break or when you are done snowshoeing.
Ice skating can be a lot of fun; imagine engaging in the activity outdoors and surrounded by nature? While visiting Roche Lake Provincial Park during the winter, considering spending some time on skates. Before going out on the ice, be sure that the ice is safe; aeration is used in some of the lakes in order to fend off winter kill. If the ice is safe, lace up your skates and glide across a frozen lake, surrounded by the natural beauty of the park.
Looking for a winter activity that will get your adrenaline flowing? When there is snow on the ground why not spend some time snowmobiling? Roche Lake Provincial Park offers many informal trails for the activity, which is a great way to explore the park during the winter months. For your safety as well as to preserve the park, be sure to follow the signs that are posted and stick to designated trails. Enjoy cruising around the park on a snowmobile and taking in its snow-covered scenery.
