Otter Lake Provincial Park
Otter Lake Provincial Park
3.5
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
3.5
21 reviews
Excellent
8
Very good
6
Average
3
Poor
0
Terrible
4
Heather P
Maple Ridge, Canada70 contributions
Aug 2015 • Family
We picked this park for camping thinking it would be really peaceful and a more traditional camping/nature experience. It didn't work out that way! For starters it was Tulameen Days which we didn't realize when we booked the August long weekend. There was heavy police presence in Tulameen and the campground. We went to the main beach in Tulameen on the day of the parade and it was crazy busy with lots of drinking, and of course, police everywhere. Quite a party atmosphere. The campground was way more peaceful but it was still pretty average. The beach was small and the water was full of seaweed. We have a 1 year old and a 3 year old and it wasn't great for them. The area attracts ATV, motorcycle and off road vehicle enthusiasts due to the Kettle Valley Railway being there. We were told the party atmosphere is pretty much throughout the summer, not just on long weekends.
The description on the government website is misleading, in my opinion. The photo they use is of the main beach in Tulameen, which is another part of the park separate from the main park with campground. It's not really a nice beach. There was no wildlife either so the description of otters and other animals is really off. I would recommend Sasquatch, Rolley Lake or Golden Ears over this park.
The description on the government website is misleading, in my opinion. The photo they use is of the main beach in Tulameen, which is another part of the park separate from the main park with campground. It's not really a nice beach. There was no wildlife either so the description of otters and other animals is really off. I would recommend Sasquatch, Rolley Lake or Golden Ears over this park.
Written September 8, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kelly L
Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada8 contributions
Jun 2019 • Couples
We found Otter Lake Provincial Park rather by mistake but were pleasantly surprised. The road from Princeton is windy but stunning drive.
I'm not sure why another reviewer said there was no wildlife- in 2 days we saw a beautiful Great Horned Owl, many different deer, Bald Eagles and we were actually only in the campsite for 1 night and 1 sleep as we were attending a family affair at Bluey Lake.
Obviously, the camp host has changed since last year. The gentlemen who run the place was kind and unobtrusive. He was up before dawn and quiet because the washrooms were always super clean. There was no strong-arming anyone and sites were clean. Mostly very peaceful but for a group of partiers who weren't too excessive and a young infant that cried excessively. This sometimes can't be helped-you choose to share space with people when you camp at Provincial parks and the rest of my family had zero sleep up at the Forest rec sites they were aty because of ridiculous partying.
And the Loons were amazing. We'll be going back with kayaks and mountain bikes!
I'm not sure why another reviewer said there was no wildlife- in 2 days we saw a beautiful Great Horned Owl, many different deer, Bald Eagles and we were actually only in the campsite for 1 night and 1 sleep as we were attending a family affair at Bluey Lake.
Obviously, the camp host has changed since last year. The gentlemen who run the place was kind and unobtrusive. He was up before dawn and quiet because the washrooms were always super clean. There was no strong-arming anyone and sites were clean. Mostly very peaceful but for a group of partiers who weren't too excessive and a young infant that cried excessively. This sometimes can't be helped-you choose to share space with people when you camp at Provincial parks and the rest of my family had zero sleep up at the Forest rec sites they were aty because of ridiculous partying.
And the Loons were amazing. We'll be going back with kayaks and mountain bikes!
Written June 2, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brooklyn N
British Columbia, Canada4 contributions
Jun 2014 • Family
This campground is extremely peaceful. There is a long, narrow beach, that is perfect for relaxing on. There is also a recreation area. There is a floating dock ( chained down of course) with a slide off it. Not as many weeds in the water as the campground. Um, if you stand in a rocky area of water too long, we did find one leech on our 3 night stay. There is a height restriction for your fires. We did have a problem with that between us and the campground care taker. Because, you can really control fire, it's fire! Overall, pretty nice.
Written March 14, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Saeed
Coquitlam, Canada1 contribution
Jul 2020
Great campsite with fantastic lake. The water was super clean for swimming and boating. The campground is great. Finding flush toilets there was pleasantly surprising. The toilets were very clean and drinking water was excellent.
The staff were the nicest, quite warm and friendly. We definitely would go back and visit the place again in the future.
The staff were the nicest, quite warm and friendly. We definitely would go back and visit the place again in the future.
Written August 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Carrie-Ann L
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada2 contributions
Jul 2018 • Family
The lake is beautiful, warm and quiet. The drive in was a little winding but pretty good. We pulled a 25’ trailer no problem. The sites are like the average provincial sites. Very treed and shady. The bugs are terrible! Mosquitoes were bad but the biting flies were unbearable. The park rangers were more aggressive than the bugs. I don’t know how they even have a job. They complained about our dog, shhh’d our kids while they played during the day and spoke condescendingly to us if we were still at the picnic table or around the propane fire at 10pm. They threatened to kick us out or call the cops every single night. We started going to bed at 10 (the latest we were in bed the whole time was 11pm-it gives you an idea of what kind of family we are) but our last night there they came in our site at 9:40 to yell at us again. We ended up packing and leaving 2 days early. We camp at least 3 weeks with provincial every summer and have NEVER had issues. Bear creek, Haynes point, chilliwack, cultus, golden ears, manning park, rolley, deer, Sasquatch and many more. If you have kids, pets or the hankering to stay up past 9:30, this campground is NOT for you!
Written August 27, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lmjwebber
Vernon, Canada2 contributions
Jul 2016 • Family
The Park itself was great but due to very condescending and cranky park attendants we had a lousy time. Because of them we would never return and would not recommend this park for families with young children or pets.
Written September 2, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bob F
Kelowna, Canada30 contributions
Jun 2019 • Friends
We stayed at Otter Lake Provincial Park for 5 days this June. The campground was almost empty and our site was large and very well maintained. The campground was clean and the park operator was pleasant and efficient. He was aware of all activity in the park and was very attentive to washrooms and all aspects of the park. We biked the Kettle Valley Rail Trail and were able to leave the campground and bike a 20KM loop and return via the road from Tulameen. Definitely would stay here again
Written June 16, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Oilerman
Calgary, Canada312 contributions
Aug 2016 • Family
This place is a little gem in the middle of nowhere. I think there are only 45 sites, but there are outhouses converted to flush toilets which is nice. (note, they do not have sinks). Only downside was there are no showers, but there are coin showers in Tulameen only 5 min up the road. Some of the sites overlook the lake, and at night if the sky is clear it is very beautiful. There is also a small beach where we spent most of our time. As for wildlife, we saw bluejays, bats, fish and on our way out a black bear directly across the street from the campground. We also heard a cougar one night.
Of note, the Tulameen general store has most of the supplies you would need, including liquor. Other then that you have to drive to Princeton for groceries. Also, no cell service.
Of note, the Tulameen general store has most of the supplies you would need, including liquor. Other then that you have to drive to Princeton for groceries. Also, no cell service.
Written August 22, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Judy P
Washington43 contributions
Aug 2015 • Couples
This campground caught our eye due to the write up in Go Camping BC, 2015 Provincial Parks Visitors Guide. "Wildlife viewing includes otters, beavers, mountain goats, cougars and grizzly bears in the more remote sections". Hum, small park and the lake was very built up, don't know if there are any "remote sections", we couldn't find any. We came in from the north on 25 miles of dirt road (used heavily by logging trucks). This area has minimal underbrush so the campsites are very open. Just wasn't our cup of tea, we like more privacy between campsites. We did speak to the Park Ranger and asked her about the wildlife, seems they haven't seen any of the mentioned animals in this park. LOL
Written August 30, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TequilaDreams
Chilliwack, Canada43 contributions
Jul 2018 • Friends
Just returned from excellent 11 day stay at this quaint Provincial Campsite just north sit This mean. Sites are roomy, well spaced and kept in immaculate condition. Weather was also excellent but be prepared for a few cool evenings due to the elevation. There are numerous things to do, (kayaking, biking, ATV trips, biking to Tulameen Falls) with the bonus of being only 5-6 hi utes from the town of Tulameen and it's groceries, gas and propane service at Tulameen Trading Co.
Probably the highlight was our camp hosts/managers. They were very easy to talk to, didn't run the park like a concentration camp but still maintained order and rounds to ensure the park maintained its family friendly atmosphere. All areas and washrooms were kept impecably clean. To my suprise, my wife couldn't arrive until 4 days in, and I was surprised to hear they don't charge any extra for spouses if they must arrive separately with a 2nd vehicle.
We were a large mixed group of adults and children occupying 6-7 campsites. The consensus was "We can't wait to come back".
Probably the highlight was our camp hosts/managers. They were very easy to talk to, didn't run the park like a concentration camp but still maintained order and rounds to ensure the park maintained its family friendly atmosphere. All areas and washrooms were kept impecably clean. To my suprise, my wife couldn't arrive until 4 days in, and I was surprised to hear they don't charge any extra for spouses if they must arrive separately with a 2nd vehicle.
We were a large mixed group of adults and children occupying 6-7 campsites. The consensus was "We can't wait to come back".
Written August 2, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Saeed
Coquitlam, Canada1 contribution
Hello, Has anyone been at Otter Lake campground lately (Summer 2020)? reviews tell that the hosts have not been quite friendly with the families around summer 2018 (like shh-ing kids). have the hosts changed since 2018? Thanks
Nanaim0family
Nanaimo, Canada
Is the road from princeton to the campground paved?
Philip T
Maple Ridge, Canada17 contributions
Yes the road is paved, but narrow and windy but a nice little drive
jstonner
Kelowna, Canada
Can you rent kayaks or boats here?
MsSarahAlexander
Keremeos, Canada95 contributions
Possibly in Tulameen, but not at the park.
Dianne S
Surrey, Canada2 contributions
What kind of bugs can i expect up there? Ross lake is bad for mosquitoes, is otter lake the same? Horseflys? I've never been before but definitely want to be prepared, we are there for 6 nights.. Thanks!
MsSarahAlexander
Keremeos, Canada95 contributions
We were eaten alive by mosquitoes, only saw a couple horse flies.
allertons
North Vancouver, Canada2 contributions
Is there cell phone reception?
MsSarahAlexander
Keremeos, Canada95 contributions
Definitely no.
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Claim your listingOtter Lake Provincial Park - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
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Otter Lake Provincial Park Information
Excellent Reviews | 8 |
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Very Good Reviews | 6 |
Otter Lake Provincial Park Photos | 2 |