Northern British Columbia is strung with pocket parks and tiny campgrounds, many of which are partially developed. Most campsites spring up at the confluence of roads and water – common in the river-laced and lake-bejewelled north. If there is one place that sums up the camping experience along the Hwy 97 corridor from Prince George to Mackenzie, Carp Lake Provincial Park is it.
There are 102 vehicle/tent sites at this park available on a first-come, first-served basis. The campground is open from May to September and during the winter months, the main gate is left open. There are no services but camping is possible at the picnic shelter as it has a large wood stove.
War Lake: There are 12 campsites near the east end of War Lake. Not suited for long units. Water pumps, pit toilets, firewood and a car-top boat launch are provided.
Carp Lake: There are 90 sites at Kettle Bay. Will accommodate tents and most recreational vehicles. A playground, horseshoe pitches and picnic shelter are located within the campground. Running water, pit toilets and firewood are provided. Carp Lake and War Lake is approximately 32km apart from each other.
If you’ve come prepared with watercraft, spend a day exploring Carp Lake, then a night at a designated wilderness campsites on one of the islands that dot the lake.
Boating, canoeing, hiking and swimming are the prime activities here. Carp Lake boasts…guess what? And rainbow trout, burbot, and northern squawfish are the prime catch here: but if you’re not having much luck, try fly-fishing on McLeod River located 3km away from Carp Lake. Even the attractions tend to involve water, whether it be a visit to War Falls (just north of War Lake), scouting the marshes for moose, or just watching the sun set across the lake.
Warhorse Lake, Sekani Lake, Munlo Lake, Turner Lake, Oldman Lake, Clarkston Lake, and Gates Lake are all within 15 minutes’ drive of Carp Lake Provincial Park, and all sport Forest Service recreation sites, but if you can find space, spend a day or two at Carp Lake.
In the winter ice fishing, winter camping, back-country skiing and snowshoeing is possible. Snowmobiling is allowed in the park and there are organized snowmobile clubs in Prince George and McKenzie.
Carp Lake Provincial Park is located just over 20 km southwest of McLeod Lake, northwest of Prince George in Northern British Columbia. The main access road to the park is 32 km southwest of the town of McLeod Lake on Highway 97.
Nearby Regions & Towns
Park Notices
