north thompson river provincial park

A nice place to stop for lunch or packed dinner on the way to Wells Gray or on your way out from Wells Gray. If the kids are getting restless, also a good place to stretch legs and mess about on the river's edge.

A display board tells of the original homes of the first nations people who lived along the river for centuries prior to 'contact' - Although the homes have long since fallen into the pits in the ground that provided warmth and security during the winter months, they are quite noticeable as one walks along the North Thompson River bank/path. If one has the energy to hike up a short path to the 'look-out' area, even more remains are located there. What I noted the most was the 'lack of evidence' that peoples lived there for centuries - only the pits remain - no garbage dumps, no cement, no steel beams - no - the earth did not suffer any changes until after contact. This beautiful little Park is within walking distance of the 'modern word' where the town of Clearwater provides all the basics; however, when you pitch you tent or park your camper in this Provincial Park, you have the opportunity to go back in time and appreciate nature at it's finest - 'just off' the Highway #5.

We have just arrived home after staying here for 5 nights in our 22ft trailer. The first thing that is disappointing is the provincial governments decision to make this "100% reservation only" which means, if you are like my husband and myself, that travel, pull over as the whim takes us, and then stay four or five days depending on what there is to do in the area, well, you can't plan to do this at this campsite. Because it is 100% reservation you can only pay for 2 nights maximum, with the threat that if someone books your site online you must pack up all your belongings and either move to another available campsite or move to another park. We were ok for the first 4 nights then on the 5th day the park attendants stopped at the end of our campsite, flipped the sign to "reserved" and drove off. I chased her down the road and asked if that meant we had to move and she stated "yes, that's the way it works, you have until 11 am to move to another site"...thanks for the 2 hour notice!The washrooms are poorly kept in this park, and even though they are pit toilets, I have camped at other provincial campsites where the toilets don't smell like this, and I am not sure the last time anyone even wiped the seat...just nasty. (we used our trailers toilet most of our stay) The picnic table in our site hadn't been cleaned in ages, I actually took cleaning solution and wiped it all down before I even thought of putting any of our stuff on it. Trains run all day and night and some ppl complained however I heard them but cannot say they were that bothersome.On the positive side, the bulk of these sites are very private with lots of room between them and lots of trees and shade for those hot summer days.Would I stay here again? probably not. due to the reservation system and the cleanliness.

Nice quiet site - theres a swimming lake in town as you can't really swim in the river its too fast flowing. Great trail to run round at the top of the hill