Can I reserve a campsite at Leighton Lake?
No — all sites at Leighton and Leighton North are first-come, first-served. There is no reservation system. Arrive early in the day (especially on summer long weekends) for the best choice of sites; midweek visits are the most relaxed.
How much does camping cost?
Camping fees are set by BC Parks and collected on site by the park operator during the main season — recently about $18 per party per night, with weekly long-stay rates available. Rates change from time to time, so check the BC Parks Tunkwa Park page for current fees before you go. Bringing some cash is a good idea.
When is the campground open?
The main camping season runs roughly mid-May through late September, when the operator is on site and services are running. The park itself is open year-round for day use and self-sufficient winter visits.
Is there cell service at the lake?
Coverage on the plateau is spotty and varies by carrier. Plan on being mostly offline: download offline maps, buy your fishing licence in town, and tell someone your plans before you head up.
Can I bring my boat?
Yes — there is a gravel boat launch at Leighton suitable for cartoppers and small trailered boats. Small boats, canoes, kayaks, and float tubes are the norm here. Electric or low-horsepower motors suit the lake; check current regulations for any motor restrictions before running a gas motor.
Do I need a fishing licence?
Yes. Everyone angling in BC fresh water needs a valid BC freshwater fishing licence, available online. Buy it before you leave town — cell service at the lake is unreliable.
Are dogs allowed?
Yes, the park is pet-friendly. Keep dogs on leash at all times, note that pets are not allowed in beach areas, clean up after them, and give wildlife and other campers plenty of space.
Are campfires allowed?
Campsites have fire rings, and firewood is sold by the park operator (please don't transport firewood from home — it can spread invasive pests). Summer campfire bans are common in the BC Interior, so always check current fire bans before lighting up.
Is there drinking water?
Yes — hand pumps provide potable water: one at each of the Leighton and Leighton North campgrounds, plus two at the main Tunkwa campground. Check for any boil-water advisories in effect (posted in the park and on the BC Parks page) before drinking. Other facilities are rustic: pit toilets, picnic tables, fire rings, and no hookups.
What's the difference between Leighton Lake and Tunkwa Lake?
Both lakes sit inside Tunkwa Provincial Park, a couple of minutes apart, and both are famous for stocked Kamloops rainbow trout. Leighton is the smaller, quieter of the two, with its own campgrounds and boat launch. Many visitors fish both in a single trip.
How do I get there?
Take the paved Tunkwa Lake Road from either Logan Lake (~16 km) or Savona (~24 km). From Kamloops it's about 40 km — under an hour either way. See our Visit Us page for full directions and a map.
Still wondering about something?
Official park information lives at BC Parks — Tunkwa Park, or drop us a line at [email protected].