The Basics
Two camping areas, one great lake
Camping at Leighton is split between two neighbouring areas — Leighton and Leighton North — both minutes from the water and both operating first-come, first-served. No reservations, no fuss: show up, find a site you like, and settle in.
Together with the Tunkwa Lake campground, the park offers roughly 275 campsites — a mix of traditional sites and informal open camping, including group areas that let up to four parties cluster together. Sites suit tents, truck campers, and RVs alike (services are rustic — no hookups). The main season runs roughly mid-May through late September; the park itself stays open year-round for self-sufficient visitors. Summer weekends fill up fast, so arrive early in the day — or better yet, come midweek and take your pick.
Amenities
What’s here
- Lakeside & lake-view campsites
- Picnic tables & fire rings
- Pit toilets
- Gravel boat launch
- Firewood sold by the park operator
- Pet-friendly (dogs on leash)
- Day-use / picnic area
- ATV offload/staging area (Leighton North)
- Potable water hand pumps
Camping fees are collected on site by the park operator (recently about $18 per party per night, with weekly long-stay rates). Check BC Parks — Tunkwa Park for current rates and any service updates before you head up.
Getting Around
Easy in, easy out
Paved road runs right into the park from either Logan Lake or Savona, so you won’t rattle the dishes loose getting here. Inside the camping areas, quiet loops make it simple to scout for your favourite site — waterfront spots go first, but honestly, there isn’t a bad seat in the house.
Camp Well
Campground know-how
- Arrive early. Sites are first-come, first-served — mornings are the best time to claim a spot, especially on long weekends.
- Water is by hand pump. One pump at each of Leighton and Leighton North provides potable water — check for any boil-water advisories in effect before drinking.
- Buy firewood locally. The park operator sells it — transporting firewood can spread invasive pests.
- Mind fire bans. Summer campfire bans are common in the BC Interior; check BC wildfire status before you strike a match.
- Keep a clean camp. Food and coolers stored away keep wildlife wild.
- Quiet hours are a kindness. Sound carries beautifully over water — including your playlist at 11 p.m.
Good to know
Cell coverage is spotty on the plateau. Download maps ahead of time, tell someone your plans, and enjoy being gloriously hard to reach.