The McDonald Creek Campground is an absolute gem of a spot on the Upper Arrow Lakes, just South of Nakusp. One weekend we decided we wanted to go and check out Arrow Lakes, a spot I’d never been to before and while searching for a spot to camp, I stumbled across the McDonald Creek campground, a BC Parks campground, turned out, I’d found a really stunning campground and one I’ll certainly be back to visit again next spring and into the early summer, while the area is more peaceful.
We booked a spot for a night and we’re blown away with what a pleasant, clean and modern campground we were greeted with. The lakeside camping spot didn’t hurt either! The McDonald Creek campground has obviously had some major investment over the last few years and is continuing to grow with new tent pads being put in during out stay, the aim is for them to be ready for the high summer months
Looking at the reservations calendar for McDonald Creek campground, this is obviously a highly popular spot and I have no doubt, we got very lucky, someone cancelled and we swooped up the spot, probably thanks to a very rainy forecast!
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Where Is The McDonald Creek Campground
The McDonald Creek campground is only a 13 kilometer drive south of Nakusp following Highway 6 along the shoreline of the Upper Arrow Lake.
Whether you are heading North or South on Highway 6, the McDonald Creek Provincial Park is clearly posted from the highway and the provincial park entrance has a large wooden sign signaling your arrival.
If you are heading from Revelstoke, the McDonald Creek campground is a 50 minute drive from the Galena Bay Ferry terminal following Highway 23 and then Highway 6 from Nakusp.
What To Expect At The McDonald Creek Campground
The McDonald Creek campground is a well maintained site which is spread out along the shore of the Upper Arrow Lake. There are double and single sites which are on both sides of a paved road which runs almost parallel to the lakeshore, totaling 112 vehicle accessible campsites. As you enter the provincial park there is a small cluster of 18 sites on the right hand side, these are the only powered sites at the McDonald Creek campground. All of the other sites don’t have services, so come prepared.
Each campsite has a fair amount of privacy, surrounded by trees. Where we stayed towards the very end of the McDonald Creek campground, the sites were staggered on different levels, offering even more privacy from the neighbors. Each site has a large picnic bench and fire pit. Firewood can be purchased from the park staff or campground host when they are on duty.
All the sites seem to have fairly level patches and we were spoilt for where to pitch our small tent compared to many campgrounds! Many sites have access to the lake shore but there are also regular paths marked beach access and these tend to be the easiest way down, especially from the sites like ours at the far end of the campground where the bank down was rather steep!
There are clean outhouses throughout the site, they seem to have many new outhouses as they were ever so clean and still smelt like cut wood. In the day use area there is a larger washroom building which also includes showers. Alongside this there are potable water taps spread throughout the park.
There is a small nature trail at the far end of the McDonald Creek campground, this short loop is approximately two kilometers and takes you through the woods. There is also plenty of beach and shoreline to explore, you could walk forever along the lakeshore. Make sure to have your bear spray though!
At the day use area there is also a children’s play area on the beach. Many people bring boats to the lake when they camp here too, we saw lots of people out kayaking along the shore.
How To Book A Site At The McDonald Creek Provincial Park
The McDonald Creek campground is typically open from the first week of May though until the last day of September. Reservations can be made for the entire operating period and it is advisable to reserve ahead of time on the BC Parks camping website.
Any sites which are available are marked as such and are available on a first come first serve basis. However this is a popular spot so I’d definitely recommend booking in advance. Note that you are unable to reserve a site under 48 hours prior to check in for your trip to McDonald Creek campground.
Activities To Do Around The McDonald Creek Provincial Park
If you are looking to explore outside the provincial park there are endless opportunities! Head to nearby Nakusp and walk the gorgeous lakeside trail with a cup of coffee from one of the local stores.
There are also the Nakusp Hot Springs just outside of town which can be a great place to relax, on the drive out to the hot springs you’ll also see numerous trailheads for hiking. There were hiking guides at the information board just inside the entrance to the McDonald Creek campsite for ideas on great hiking trails in the area.
A more remote and rustic hot springs option is the Halfway Hot Springs, just north of Nakusp and down a forestry road. These popular hot springs are less developed than the Nakusp Hot Springs but still an incredible spot for a soak.
Things You Might Need When Camping At McDonald Creek Provincial Park
When we camped at the McDonald Creek campground, the forecast called for rain and oh were they not wrong. Our dinner tent gazebo was an absolute must have on this trip to continue to enjoy the camping experience without being soaked!
A bathing suit and towel are must haves for anyone looking to take a dip in the hot springs nearby or go for a swim in the much cooler lake.
As always I took my Chaco sandals in and lived in them. Perfect for wearing round town, hitting the lakeshore, heading to the hot springs or taking on small and easy trails.