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McDonald Creek Provincial Park

mcdonald creek

BC Parks
kootenays · British Columbia · reservable

what to expect

Situated just south of Nakusp, McDonald Creek Park is one of a system of four provincial parks on the Arrow Lake reservoir. With facilities on the eastern shoreline, it is a holiday destination for swimming, boating, jet skiing, water skiing and fishing opportunities. It features several kilometres of fine sandy beach, water front sites and open grassy meadows. You can always find a quiet spot for yourself, try some beachcombing or join in the fun at the main swimming area. A boat launch is available offering good fishing opportunities for kokanee, bull and rainbow trout - a tempting invitation for anglers of all ages. The Arrow Reservoir bisects McDonald Creek Provincial Park and protects lakeshore riparian habitat on the east side and forested upland habitat on the west side. This combi…

the basics

electricwatersewershowersflush toiletsaccessible
drive from calgary
3.8h · 284 km
drive from vancouver
5.2h · 392 km
drive from edmonton
6.4h · 482 km

stay options nearby

independent operators within search radius. campsearch may earn a commission on these links — see disclosure.

private campgrounds
camp at a private site

small farms, glamping, off-grid sites listed on Hipcamp near mcdonald creek.

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rv rental
renting an rv?

this park supports rvs. find a vehicle for your dates.

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hotel nearby
not camping after all?

hotels and inns near mcdonald creek when plans change.

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what to know

updated each morning from provincial parks and Environment Canada.

no fire ban active
Last checked from the provincial fire-ban feed. Check at the gate before you light — conditions change.

what to bring

this list adapts to mcdonald creek. the lake means a swimsuit;

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common questions about mcdonald creek

does mcdonald creek have electric hookups?
Yes. McDonald Creek Provincial Park has electric hookups listed in its amenities. Site-by-site availability varies — confirm with the operator at booking.
how far is mcdonald creek from calgary?
McDonald Creek Provincial Park is 284 km from Calgary — approximately a 3.8-hour drive on highway routes.
do you need reservations at mcdonald creek?
Yes. McDonald Creek Provincial Park is operated by BC Parks and uses an online reservation system. Book direct via the operator link on this page.
when is the best time to camp at mcdonald creek?
Peak season at McDonald Creek Provincial Park aligns with swimmable months — Jul through Aug. Shoulder months (May, September) offer fewer crowds.

nearby places

within ~100 km of mcdonald creek.

data last refreshed 2026-05-14 from bc parks + open sources

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volunteer at bc parks

Provincial parks rely on volunteer stewards for trail maintenance, beach clean-ups, and shoulder-season hosting. Most parks run programs through their park association.

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