Since hot water was first discovered bubbling out of Harrison Lake by a group of miners, Harrison Hot Springs has been a popular vacation get-a-way. For those who prefer living in luxury, the Harrison Hotel will not disappoint, but if you really want to commune with nature, camping in Harrison Hot Springs is always a great choice.
Camping options in Harrison Hot Springs range from private resorts to provincial parks and, for the more adventurous, wilderness camping.
Provincial Government Campgrounds around Harrison Hot Springs
Sasquatch Provincial Park is a 1,217 hectare combination of wilderness area and developed areas that provide access to Harrison Lake and several smaller lakes. For Hicks Lake and Deer Lake are designated motor-boating and canoeing while Trout Lake lives up to its name as a fishing spot. of course all water activities can also be enjoyed on Harrison Lake, one of the largest freshwater bodies in the region.
Swimming areas are provided in a few different areas of Sasquatch Provincial Park. Buoys mark off swimming areas. Deer and Hicks Lake are relatively warm during the summer but Harrison Lake can be cool. Hicks Lake and Deer Lake have sandy beaches, while Harrison Lake has a rocky beach. High winds can come up quickly on Harrison Lake.
Swimmers itch may be present at Deer Lake and Hicks Lake. There are no lifeguards on duty at provincial parks.
Sasquatch Provincial Park offers a unique second-growth and birch forest, with scenic mountain and lake views from hiking trails. Visitors can enjoy the day use areas for picnicking, swimming and wildlife viewing, particularly at the Green Point day use area, the first portion of the park to be developed back in 1959.
The diversity of habitats at Sasquatch Park supports a large variety of wildlife species including beaver, mountain goat, woodpeckers, warblers, and vireos. Several rare species have been observed in the park, including the bald eagle, tailed frog, and black petaltail dragonfly. The lakes and streams in the park provide excellent fish habitat for over ten species of fish from the sturgeon, smelt, salmon, catfish, and stickleback families. Watch for the park’s namesake, the elusive Sasquatch or Big Foot, said to frequent the Harrison Lake region.
Bench Campground – Open April 1-September 30. 64 vehicle accessible campsites: 64 of which 46 are reservable sites (May 18 – September 2). All other sites and times are first come first serve.
Lakeside (Deer Lake) Campground – Open March 30-October 8 and offers 42 vehicle accessable campsites of which all can be reserved (April 5 – September 2), and the balance of the dates are first come first serve. See map of the Bench and Lakeside Campground portions of Sasquatch Provincial Park.
Hicks Lake Campground – Open March 30-October 8 and offers 72 vehicle accessable campsites of which 45 can be reserved (April 5 – September 2), and the balance of the sites and dates are first come first serve. See map of Hicks Lake portion of the park.
All three campgrounds have services (water, security etc) and fees in effect during the open dates. Outside the open dates, the park is still accessible for visits by walking in, but the Park says access is subject to weather. Snow is uncommon in the Harrison Lake area, so as a practical matter access is available nearly all the time.
Privately Operated Campgrounds in Harrison Hot Springs & Area
A great centrally located campground. Located across from the Public Mineral Hot Pool. Very close to the beach, shops and restaurants.
Located in the core of Harrison Hot Springs, one block from the beach and across the street from the public mineral hot pool.
Harrison Springs Camping & RV Park
Camp in a quiet, spacious, natural forest like setting with full service 30 – 50 amp sites.
Nestled in the valley amongst the cedars, the Springs offers a variety of activities and services only a 1/2 mile from Harrison Lake.
24 RV sites and area to accomodate over 100 tenters. Located in Agassiz about 10 minutes from Harrison Hot Springs
22 sites situated on the sandy shores of the Harrison River and walking distance to Kilby Historic Park.
Wilderness Camping Near Harrison Hot Springs
There are some vast wilderness areas around Harrison Hot Springs, accessible by logging road, boat, and/or hiking. One particularly popular camping spot is Clear Creek Hot Springs to the northeast of Harrison Lake. Using a boat to reach remote beaches and islands on Harrison Lake is another popular way to rough it camp.
If you plan to go wilderness camping practice “Leave No Trace” and be considerate of other wilderness users. Be aware that bears, cougars and large ape like hairy creatures live in the Harrison Lake area and that you are in their home. For more information on wilderness camping ethics, visit the BC Parks site.
More Information about Camping in Harrison Hot Springs
Stop by Tourism Harrison’s Visitor Information Centre on your way into town, just 3 blocks before the beach. Phone: 604-796-5581 Fax: 604-796-0289
Some of the information on this page is adapted from the BC Parks website and is used under license. Other information is from Tourism Harrison listings. Circumstances change, so before you go, especially near the stated campground open and closing dates, consider verifying conditions with BC Parks.
