Shuswap Lake Marine Provincial Park
RV Guide

Introduction

Comprising 23 sites distributed on the shore of Shuswap Lake, Shuswap Lake Marine Provincial Park offers various camping options and holiday adventures for campers. The sites in the park are located in five regions – Main Arm, Seymour Arm, Anstey Arm, Salmon Arm, and Mara Lake, and each of these regions offer exciting recreational opportunities for campers. Most of the sites in the park are water-access only, while a few are accessible by road. There are three tent sites in the park.

Recreational opportunities available at Shuswap Lake Marine Provincial Park include flora observation, angling for up to 19 species of fish, canoeing, kayaking, wildlife viewing, swimming, scuba diving, waterskiing, windsurfing, hiking, pet walking, nature observation, photography, picnicking, and many more.

In terms of facilities and amenities, Shuswap Lake Marine Provincial Park features pit toilets, picnic areas, boat launch facilities, winter and backcountry camps, and firewood. There are no public telephones at the park, however there is cellular service in the area.

Shuswap Lake Marine Provincial Park covers 9 sq. km (3.5 sq. miles).

RV Rentals in Shuswap Lake Marine Provincial Park

Transportation

Driving

As Shuswap Lake Marine Provincial Park consists of campgrounds and campsites accessible by water and road. Most of the sites are accessible by water and the few road-accessible camping areas can be accessed via roads off Trans-Canada Highway 1.

Parking

All the campsites accessible by road in Shuswap Lake Marine Provincial Park have room for campers to park their vehicles. Overnight parking is also available.

Public Transportation

There are no direct public transportation services to the campsites in Shuswap Lake Marine Provincial Park.

Campgrounds and parking in Shuswap Lake Marine Provincial Park

Campsites in Shuswap Lake Marine Provincial Park

Alternate camping

Albas Site

Albas Site is an undeveloped camping area in Shuswap Lake Marine Provincial Park at the northwestern end of Seymour Arm. The campsite is available for tents. There are no hookup options for RVs. While camping at Albas Site, campers can enjoy recreational activities such as picnicking, swimming, fishing and waterskiing. Pit toilets are available in the campsite. This camping area is notable for its beautiful waterfalls.

Albas site is available on first-come first-served basis only.

Horseshoe Bay Site

Horseshoe Bay Site in Shuswap Lake Marine Provincial Park is located near Anglemont, at the northwestern part of Shuswap Lake Main Arm and is available for tent camping. Although there are no RV hookups, the camping area features a pit toilet, and campers can enjoy swimming, fishing, and waterskiing at the site.

Horseshoe Bay site is available on first-come first-served basis only.

St. Ives Site

St. Ives Site in Shuswap Lake Marine Provincial Park is situated at the northwestern part of Shuswap Lake Main Arm and is available for tent camping. Pit toilets are available at the site and opportunities to ski, fish, and swim are available.

St. Ives Site is available on first-come first-served basis only.

Seasonal activities in Shuswap Lake Marine Provincial Park

In-Season

Flora

At Shuswap Lake Marine Provincial Park, lush forest vegetation is common and dominated by Douglas fir, birch, poplar ponderosa pine, cedar, hemlock, spruce, and white pine. Some of the trees in the park feature red berries and peeling purplish bark. The forest ecosystem in the park beautifies the park and offers RV campers refreshing scenic settings to enjoy their vacation.

Fishing

Memorable fishing experiences are created at Shuswap Lake Marine Provincial Park because the park features various fish species such as rainbow trout, lake trout, bull trout, burbot, kokanee and whitefish. Anglers at the park often angle for the fish by trolling for deep lurkers in the lake. To enjoy fishing or angling in the park, an appropriate fishing license is required.

Canoeing/Kayaking

Shuswap Lake Marine Provincial Park is home to all water sports. Boating, canoeing, and kayaking are particularly popular in the park. The park features numerous boat launch facilities located around the lake. Docks are also available for small craft. There are areas on the lake designated by buoys for diving, swimming, and safe anchorage, and all boaters are required to watch out for those zones. Within 30 m of shore, power-driven vessels are restricted to 10 km/h (6 mph).

Off-Season

Wildlife

Shuswap Lake Marine Provincial Park features diverse and abundant wildlife which are commonly seen in the park. There's nothing quite like the thrill of seeing a wild animal in its natural habitat. Be warned, though, that species include cougars, bears, and other potentially dangerous wildlife. As a result, you are encouraged to make lots of noise as you hike on the trails in the park and not hike alone. Moreover, only view wildlife from a distance.

Swimming

Swimming and sunbathing are popular activities at Shuswap Lake Marine Provincial Park. Most of the locations in the park do not have designated swimming areas, while a few areas are designated for swimming by buoys. There are no lifeguards on duty at the park. So, feel free to visit the park with your swimming gear and remember to be careful when swimming.

Scuba Diving

Scuba diving is a popular activity among campers at Shuswap Lake Marine Provincial Park. It is often overseen by local dive operators who have information about the activity.

Moreover, waterskiing and windsurfing are also commonly enjoyed at the park. Regulations and restrictions about them are available at the Canadian Coast Guard Offices.