The best camping in Roche Lake Provincial Park, BC

Set high on the Thompson Plateau, one small creature draws the vast majority of visitors to this park—rainbow trout. Seven of the park’s lakes are stocked with this colourful sport fish, and together, they form a world-class fishing destination. Two are easy to reach, as both Horseshoe Lake and the namesake Roche Lake sit along gravel roads. The other five? You’ll have to work a little harder, hiking along informal trails through Douglas fir forest. Along the way, you may spot anything from moose to mule deer, as well as a wide variety of birds, including mountain bluebirds and vesper sparrows. Then settle in for the night at a waterfront campsite.

• Best for the chance at a spot: Roche Lake West has 21 of the park’s 33 sites.
• Best for groups: Roche Lake North has the most open space.
• Best for a slightly more private experience: Horseshoe Lake is the smallest campground with just a handful of sites.

1. All sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis—you can’t reserve in advance. If you want to be assured a spot in summer, especially on holiday weekends, arrive early in the day and hope for the best.

While campsites are serviced between May and September, this is a year-round park. Summers tend to be hot and dry, and can be a bit dusty, but this is the prime time to camp with warm day-time temperatures and chillier evenings, especially late into August. If you come in May or September, be prepared to bundle up at night. And while winter is cold and snowy, it’s perfect for ice fishing or for skiing and snowshoeing on the informal trails.

• Anglers in BC must be in possession of a valid fishing license—you can get one at most places that sell fishing supplies.
• Black bears are active in the area, so keep your food in your vehicle and immediately deposit garbage in bear-proof receptacles.
• If you need to make a call but can’t get a signal, there’s an old-school pay phone at Roche Lake Resort, on the same road used by the park.
• For grocery, hardware, and a good selection of stores selling camping gear, head to Kamloops, about 45 minutes north.