Whitefish Lake Provincial Park
RV Guide
Introduction
Whitefish Lake Provincial Park is a scenic park and campground nestled within Porcupine Provincial Forest in Bowsman, Manitoba. With its own little beach, a boat launch facility, and an unsupervised swimming area, it’s perfectly tailored to water recreation. Spend your days swimming, boating, canoeing or, most famously, fishing in Whitefish Lake. You can fish by boat using the nearby boat launch or simply use the picturesque dock.
The campground is basic but offers 81 sites and the amenities you need for a relaxing RV camping holiday. Bring your own watercraft along and enjoy waterskiing and tubing on the lake, let the kids loose at one of the children’s playgrounds, or hang out at a family picnic. There are several picnic areas and picnic shelters throughout the campground.
While the summer temperatures are perfect for outdoorsy activities - temperatures peak at an average of 77 degrees Fahrenheit (25 degrees Celsius) in July - the evenings can be cool. Packing plenty of layers is recommended all year round.
RV Rentals in Whitefish Lake Provincial Park
Transportation
Driving
Whitefish Lake Provincial Park can be found off Provincial Road 279 in Bowsman, Manitoba. There are no specific driving restrictions within the park but campers should keep an eye out for low hanging branches. A park permit is required for the park and must be displayed year round.
Once you’ve set up your RV camp, you can get around on foot, bike or boat. A boat launch area and boat dock makes using your own watercraft easy.
Parking
Visitor and overflow parking is available in the campground loops, in the center of the park as well as at the boat launch area. Boat and trailer parking is available here too.
Public Transportation
Campgrounds and parking in Whitefish Lake Provincial Park
Campsites in Whitefish Lake Provincial Park
Reservations camping
Whitefish Lake Campground
Whitefish Lake Campground is home to a total of 81 basic campsites spread across seven camping bays or loops. The campsites accommodate both tents and RVs or trailers up to 30 feet in length (longer sites may be available; call ahead to check). There are some disability accessible campsites available as well. Campers will have access to washrooms, water taps, firewood, refuse disposal, and a dump station.
Other facilities in the campground include a beach, picnic area, and a children’s playground. There is also a boat launch area, boat dock, and picnic shelters. The campground is pet-friendly but dogs should be kept on a leash at all times.
Seasonal activities in Whitefish Lake Provincial Park
Off-Season
Fishing
Whitefish Lake Provincial Park is a popular fishing destination. There is a boat launch area, fishing dock, and a fish cleaning station located on Whitefish Lake. Fish you can expect to catch here includes lake trout that can often be larger than 20 pounds. Other species that might end up on your hook are large mountain whitefish, bull trout, brown trout, cutthroat trout, rainbow trout, and yellow perch. Walleye and northern pike are available on a catch and release basis only.
If you plan to make fishing part of your vacation, make sure to check the local restrictions and always have the appropriate license where applicable.
Hiking
There are many ways to explore the beauty of Whitefish Lake Provincial Park and hiking is certainly one of them. Take a trip down one of the backcountry trails for some peace and quiet and to be surrounded by majestic trees. Make sure to advise someone of your travel plans before you go and always be prepared for wildlife encounters and changing weather conditions.
For a more leisurely stroll, head to the campsite's beach and walk along the shores of Whitefish Lake without the congestion of sunbathers and swimmers.
Wildlife Viewing
During the winter and off season months, the campground at Whitefish Lake Provincial Park is a lot quieter. This is the best time to spot the wildlife and birds that call the park home as there is less noise to deter them. Keep an eye out for winter birds along the lake shoreline - don’t forget your binoculars. Whitefish Lake Provincial Park is also home to bears so make sure you keep any food stored away in a locked vehicle. Please do not feed the wildlife.
In-Season
Water Sports
Whitefish Lake is a large 3,300-acre lake that’s perfect for a host of exciting water sports, from power boating and canoeing to sailing and water skiing. At a mile (1.6 km) wide and seven miles (11 km) long, there is plenty of space for everyone to enjoy themselves. Day visitors and campers have access to a boat launch area, boat dock, and boat and trailer parking available at the campground.
Picnics
The warm summer months are ideal for a scenic picnic in Whitefish Lake Provincial Park. Whether you’re a day visitor or staying overnight at the campground, there are several picnic areas and picnic shelters for you to enjoy. Prepare the day's meal while others in your group visit the scenic beach and unsupervised swimming area. There are two playgrounds as well to help keep the little ones entertained.
Swimming
Whether you're staying overnight at one of the park's campsites or just visiting for the day, a trip to Whitefish Lake Provincial Park isn't complete without taking a dip in its namesake lake. It's the ideal way to beat the heat.
The swimming area is unsupervised so go with a buddy or wear a life vest, depending on your confidence level.
