Overview
A brief introduction to Sowchea Bay Provincial Park
Park summary to come.
FACTSHEET
Information about Sowchea Bay Provincial Park
Location
Address | Sowchea Road, Fort St. James, British Columbia, V0J 1P0 |
Coordinates | |
Directions | Sowchea Bay Provincial Park is located on Stuart Lake, near Fort St. James. Starting from Vanderhoof, head east on Highway 16. When you reach Highway 27 (a few minutes outside Vanderhoof), turn right onto Highway 27. Drive roughly 50 km north toward Fort St. James. When you find Sowchea Bay Road, turn left. The park entrance is ~20 km west of the highway. |
Elevation | 2,240 ft (683 m) |
Area | 32 acres (13 ha) |
Terrain |
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Contact
Phone | (250) 964-3489 |
Website | |
Operator | Park operator: Quartz Contracting |
Links
Resources
Maps | |
Videos |
Reservations
Reservations available | Up to 4 months in advance of arrival date |
Fees |
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Online booking | |
Phone reservations | (800) 689-9025 |
Sold-out? |
Campground
Season | Park open from mid-May through early September |
Access |
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Number of sites | 30 campsites |
Site types |
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Check-in time |
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Check-out time | 11:00 a.m. |
Pets | Permitted but must be leashed |
Campfires | Permitted (please check for fire bans and seasonal restrictions) |
Group camping | No |
Campsites
Max. site occupants | 8 |
Vehicles per site | 2 |
Maximum vehicle length | Some sites can accommodate RVs over 32 feet, but the park road is tight in spots, making it hard to maneuver. Paarens Beach Provincial Park is more suitable for larger RVs. |
Pad type | Gravel |
Campsite features |
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Accessibility
Number of accessible sites | None specifically designated |
Accessible campsites | None specifically designated |
Accommodations | Sowchea has limited accessibility features. The hand pumped water requires strength to utilize and there are no hook-ups. The few accessibility accommodations at this park include:
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Amenities
Facilities |
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Hookups | Unavailable |
Conveniences | Nearby:
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On site |
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Support |
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Waste |
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Activities
Sports |
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Nature |
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Recreation |
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Service
Wifi | Unavailable |
Carriers | Bell, Rogers, Telus |
Nearby
Attractions | |
Campgrounds | To come |
Members say
Pros |
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Cons |
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Tips |
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Best campsites | All campsites are on the water and largely excellent |
ARE Sowchea Bay Provincial Park campsites SOLD OUT?
We can help! Many campsite reservations are cancelled daily. Just tell us when you’d like to camp at Sowchea Bay Provincial Park, and how long you want to camp for. We’ll text you when a suitable spot opens up!
Scan for cancellationsContact Sowchea Bay Provincial Park
- BC Parks
- Booking site: https://camping.bcparks.ca
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Other nearby parks
Open to camping at other nearby parks? Here are a few other parks you'll find in the vicinity.
Reviews
Camper reviews for Sowchea Bay Provincial Park
My favourite place to camp!
A few years back, I spotted a photo of a gorgeous beach and thought to myself, “I need to find out where this is—so I can take my sauna there!” I later learned that the photo was of Sowchea Bay Provincial Park, which was just a couple of hours from where I grew up.
I’ve camped at Sowchea a few times now. I’d go more frequently if it weren’t so far from Vancouver. Every time, I’ve been wowed by this amazing place. Most of the campsites are right on the lakeshore, affording you a perfect beach-front campsite. The campground is reasonably small, so, it doesn’t feel crowded. There’s sufficient space between campsites, but you’re never too far from other campers.
Fort St. James is just a few minutes away from this park. When you visit, make sure to explore the Fort St. James National Historic Site. This indoor/outdoor museum is operated by friendly staff who’re happy to tell you about the displays, buildings, and cultures represented. There’s a restaurant where you can enjoy lunch and look out at the lake. Dogs are welcome on site and inside the museum.
Just a short drive from the town, you’ll find Mount Pope Trail. This hike up to a viewpoint allows for 360° views of the area and doesn’t seem to see a lot of traffic. (Bring ample water as it’s hard to find water sources along this trail.)
Map
View a map of Sowchea Bay Provincial Park
UNABLE TO RESERVE A CAMPSITE?
Get notified when a sold-out campground has availability
Tell us when, where, and how long you want to camp for. We’ll notify you (via SMS) when a suitable spot opens up at that campground—so you can nab that sold-out campsite reservation!