The 10 Mile Lake Campground near Quesnel in British Columbia is one of our favorite spots to stop at when we are in the area. Whether it is a one night stay on the long drive north to the Yukon or when you want a nice campground with a great shower after our backcountry adventure on the Bowron Lakes Canoe Circuit. This spot is just perfect for a relaxing break.
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The 10 Mile Lake Campground
The 10 Mile Lake campground is split into two sections, a touring campground and a lakeside campground. There are 46 sites in the touring campground and these can be booked for long term stays. We stayed at the Lakeside camping area which has 60 sites, some of which are double sites, perfect for larger groups with multiple units.
All the sites in the Lakeside campground are reservable through the BC Parks reservation website although we’ve never had an issue showing up and grabbing a spot. The Park operator comes round and collects payment for anyone showing up as a first come first serve camper. If you want a specific site though, I’d recommend booking because this place is popular with travellers and locals alike.
Each campsite has a firepit and a picnic bench. These are mostly fairly large and surrounded by trees for privacy. There are garbage cans around the site and recycling bins. Water taps are available for use, however they were under a boil water advisory when we visited, so probably better to bring your own or be prepared to treat the water during your visit.
There are plenty of drop toilets scattered around the campground so you are never too far away for a bathroom. There is also one larger main block which has running water, so flushing toilets, water to wash your hands and even better, showers! There are two shower cubicles in each the mens and womens washrooms as well as an accessible shower in the centre of the block. They are large, hot and have great pressure. Outside the washroom building there are large sinks for doing washing up as well.
The campground has a boat launch for anyone with such a need, a short walk from the campground also takes you to the first day use and beach area, a perfect spot to set up for the day when the sun is shining. The lake has a sectioned off swimming area right off the grassy shore area with a load of picnic benches.
Note that the campground gate is closed and locked at 11pm every night and reopens at 7am. During this time, everyone not registered to stay must leave the campground and if you are out exploring, I’d recommend making sure you are back by 11pm, otherwise it could be a long walk from the gate to your campsite!
Where Is The 10 Mile Lake Campground
The 10 Mile Lake campground is located a short drive North of Quesnel, just over 10km and you will be in the park using Highway 97 heading North.
If you are coming from Prince George its approximately 110km heading South on Highway 97.
From either direction the 10 Mile Lake campground is clearly signposted using BC Parks signs at the 2kma nd 400m marks on the highway.
Things To Do Nearby
I have to say one of the biggest bonuses of staying at the 10 Mile Lake Campground is that there is so much to do right on site. From easy family friendly hiking to gorgeous beaches and picnic areas on the lakeshore. These along with water activities mean you can easily spend a week or two and never leave the campground!
Outside of the campground there are many opportunities for outdoor recreation including mountain bike trails and plenty of great fishing spots to explore!
If you find yourself in the town of Quesnel make sure to check out the Red Tomato Pies company for some incredible pizza toppings and wash it down with a craft beer from the Barkerville Brewing Company.
If you are staying in the area for a while a longer drive will take you out to the town of Barkerville, a phenomenal spot which has been preserved from the Gold Rush era. Including daily tours, attractions and plenty to see and explore just by walking through town.
Items You Might Need
To most enjoy the beach area, I’d recommend a blanket or camp chair in case there aren’t any picnic benches available. A towel, swimsuit and flip flops will also help! If you have inflatables, these can be great fun to play in the water with.
I’d also bring a shelter for the campground, the trees which surround most sites offer a fair amount of shade but it gets hot and a shelter from the sun can be necessary. It also comes in handy if the weather isn’t as favourable and it rains.
To get around camp and to the lake I’d always recommend a great pair of sandals, I love my Chaco sandals for this and well, almost everything else!
It is also bear country here, so make sure you don’t forget to pack your bear spray!