Last updated on April 23rd, 2024 at 10:57 pm
Our annual camping trip to Lake Enid near Invermere in British Columbia is usually where we start our summer off. The first camping trip of the summer is always a test. Digging out all the gear, washing sleeping bags, cleaning the pots and pans. Trying desperately to remember all the small things which make car camping just that little bit more comfortable (I somehow managed to pack two pepper pots and no salt for this trip). But as the snow fell, we packed the truck and headed south for three days to Lake Enid.
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Where Is Lake Enid
Lake Enid is a short drive from Invermere, out past Wilmer and along a forestry road. Bumpy would be an understatement for this road but as long as you stay alert you can hop around most of the pot holes. Slow and steady, with sharp eyes is what will get your down this road, do not try and rush! An important thing to remember when travelling along these forestry road is that you often drop out of cell reception, make sure you are self reliant and have a back up plan should you have an emergency.
The best resource we have found for finding hidden camping gems are the Backroad Mapbook series, these detail a large number of camping spots which are located down forestry roads on recreation sites. For camping options in British Columbia it is also worth checking out the Sites and Trails BC website, I just really like having a physical book!
Where To Camp At Lake Enid
The campsite is small, there are maybe seven obvious looking camping spots, these are dotted through the woods from the lake, back along the entrance road. There are two outhouses located near the lake and picnic benches and fire rings at a number of the camping spots and near the boat ramp.
As Lake Enid is located on crown land it is unmaintained so bring your own water and toilet paper, this is not exactly comfort camping but for those who don’t need the luxuries, Lake Enid provides sunshine and a warm water lake for swimming. If, like us, you have a four by four vehicle you can head off around to the other side of the lake and you’ll find a number of other spots to camp but no facilities what so ever.
It can get really hot while camping at Lake Enid and a lot of sites don’t offer any shade, I wouldn’t leave home to go camping here without a tarp and a way to string it up or a gazebo. This means you are fully prepared for rain or sun as there are no shelters here. Since some sites don’t have tables I would also take a chair a sit on as well, if you want to be more comfortable that is!
In early May and we found Lake Enid to be almost empty, one other set of campers each night and the odd day use person but otherwise incredibly peaceful. In the middle of summer this place becomes a mecca for local fishermen and ATV drivers as well as campers. The water was chilly but by July you can swim in it or take a small boat out.
Hiking Around Lake Enid
The trail which takes you around the lake has been recently restored and makes for a pleasant walk, taking approximately one hour. It isn’t uncommon to see a number of different birds on the lake from Loons to Geese and even Eagles soaring above the trees. If you are in the area it’s definitely worth taking a stroll and there are picnic benches by the lake at the campsite to stop at for a spot of lunch.
Leave No Trace Camping
Always remember to practice leave no trace camping. Due to it’s proximity to Invermere, Lake Enid sees not only a number of campers but a large number of day users as well. It is a fantastic spot for sunbaking, swimming, hiking and off road vehicles are very popular in the area. There are no garbage facilities at the campsite so it’s really important to pack out what you pack in, this includes garbage. Even though the lake is popular and fairly close to the town of Invermere, always remember there is still a large amount of wildlife in the area, I’ve heard coyotes near camp at nighttime and seen a grizzly bear hunting deer off-roading in the area.
Overall Lake Enid is a beautiful spot for a few nights of relaxation or just for a short day visit to spot some wildlife and soak up the sun. It is easy to get to and just a short drive from Invermere and it’s amenities. A popular place, if you want some peace and quiet I would avoid visiting in July and August!
