Otter Lake Park
An easy day, exactly when you need one.
If you're looking for an easy day with swimming, pets on leash, and cycling, Otter Lake Park is a solid pick.
Not the pick for solitude or a rugged wilderness day — this is a developed, easy-access spot.
Don't leave without...
- Hiking
- Canoeing
- Fishing
- Swimming
- Pets on leash
- Cycling
- Waterskiing
- Winter recreation
- Kayaking
- Wildlife viewing
- Windsurfing
- Scuba diving
Overview
A natural park ideal for camping, surrounded by the Cascade Mountain Range and home to a variety of wildlife. It features a lakeside campground and a day-use area.
Photos
Quick Facts
- Type
- park
- Coordinates
- 49.5733, -120.7630
What you can do here
- Hiking
- waterskiing
- Canoeing
- Cycling
- Fishing
- Kayaking
- Pets on leash
- Scuba diving
- Swimming
- Wildlife viewing
- Windsurfing
- Winter recreation
Good to know
- Hours & season
Park gate — This park has a gate.
Operating dates — May 8 to September 29 (as published for the 2025 season).
Off-season use — Not permitted.
- Fees & reservations
Day-use pass reservation — Not required at this park (this says nothing about fees).
Reservations — camping.bcparks.ca
- Getting there & parking
The park is located 33 km northwest of Princeton off Hwy 5A toward Coalmont and Tulameen. The route is well marked with signs. There is also access from Hwy 97C, Coquihalla Connector Hwy. Turn at Aspen Grove, which is Hwy 5A, and follow signs. A 34 km gravel road leaves Hwy 5A just past the Kentucky-Alleyne turnoff. It leads through sections of the Nicola Ranch to approach Otter Lake from the north. The roads, both from Tulameen and the gravel road from the north, are narrow and winding with limited visibility. Use caution and yield to logging trucks. Accessing the park using secondary forestry roads from B.C.’s lower mainland, as suggested by Google, is not recommended. These routes are unreliable and are not safe.
- Facilities
- Picnic areas
- Pit or flush toilets
- Drinking water
- Accessibility information
- Campfires
Day-use and camping areas — Otter Lake Campground sites 1-45.
- Dogs & pets
Pets and domestic animals must be on a leash at all times and are not allowed in beach areas or park buildings. You are responsible for their behaviour and must dispose of their excrement. Backcountry areas are not suitable for dogs or other pets due to the potential for problems with bears and other wildlife.
- Safety & notices
If you travel off the beaten path in this park, let someone know where you are going and carry a compass. Areas bordering the park include canyons and beautiful, rugged terrain which can be confusing.
The extremely hot, dry Okanagan climate can result in overexposure to the sun. Sunscreen and a hat should be used during long periods in the sun.
Currents can be deceptively fast in streams. Cross them with caution and be sure of your footing at all times.
Accessing the park using secondary forestry roads from B.C.’s lower mainland, as suggested by Google, is not recommended. These routes are unreliable and are not safe.
More details
- Activity details
- Scuba-diving is possible in Otter Lake.
- Hiking
- There is a nature trail along the lake. If you travel off the beaten path in this park, let someone know where you are going and carry a compass. Areas bordering the park include canyons and beautiful, rugged terrain which can be confusing. Across the lake, and visible from the campground and day-use area, is the Trans Canada Trail. The Trans Canada Trail is a shared-use recreation trail that winds its way through every province and territory forming the longest trail of its kind in the world. It spans approximately 17,898 km. It follows the Kettle Valley Railway line past Otter Lake on its way from Princeton to Merritt. The Trans Canada Trail accommodates five core activities: walking, cycling horseback riding cross-country skiing snowmobiling (where possible) For your own safety and the preservation of the park, obey posted signs and keep to designated trails. Shortcutting trails destroys plant life and soil structure.
- Canoeing
- Canoeing and kayaking allowed on Otter Lake. The narrow lake is ideal for non-motorized watercraft with plenty of shoreline to explore opposite the campground.
- Fishing
- Otter Lake is stocked by the Summerland Trout Hatchery with rainbow trout fry resulting in excellent sport fishing opportunities. Ice fishing is possible on Otter Lake.
- Swimming
- A small beach at the campground boat launch provides a spot to swim, though it is better at the day-use area in Tulameen.
- Cycling
- Bicycles must keep to roadways. Bicycle helmets are mandatory in British Columbia. Please note that bicycles with electric assist motors (e-bikes) are not allowed on the trails within Otter Lake Park. E-bikes are restricted to park roads and areas where motorized use is permitted. The only exception to this policy will be for authorized and identified trail maintenance bikes conducting work on behalf of BC Parks.
- Waterskiing
- Waterskiing is allowed on Otter Lake.
- Winter recreation
- Ice fishing is possible on Otter Lake.
- Wildlife viewing
- Chance encounters are possible for many species including birds, water fowl, deer and bear.
- Windsurfing
- Windsurfing and kiteboarding are possible on Otter Lake. Please be aware the Lake permits motorized use as well.