OVERFLOW CAMPING FOR EMPLOYEES AND ADMINISTRATORS
Click the blue READ MORE button below for information and details about the Watersprite Recreation Site before placing a reservation.
Watersprite Lake in Squamish is a crystal clear, turquoise lake framed by dramatic peaks. It is one of the most awe-inspiring hikes and alpine campgrounds in Southwestern British Columbia.
The Watersprite Lake Provincial Recreation Site features 20 Alpine Tent Platforms, a fine outhouse, and is Managed by the British Columbia Mountaineering Club in Partnership with Rec Sites and Trails.
Reservations in Campgrounds, can be made NOT MORE than 60 Days in Advance of your ARRIVAL DATE (not departure date).
This area is in active bear country.
Read more here to stay safe in Bear Country: https://bcparks.ca/explore/misc/bears/
Room types
Watersprite Lake is a superb and scenic area for hiking, climbing, scrambling, ski mountaineering, snowshoeing, and mountaineering.
Any trails outside of the main campground may have fallen trees, ice and snow, and other hazards. Use at your own risk. Trails within the campgrounds are suitable for walking.
Disclaimer
Watersprite Lake is located in a harsh mountain environment. Participation in Outdoor Activities involves many risks, dangers and hazards. The terrain around Watersprite Lake is uncontrolled, unmarked, not inspected. Avalanches and rock fall occur frequently in the terrain around Watersprite Lake that is used for Climbing, Scrambling, Ski Touring and Mountaineering and may be caused by natural forces or by persons travelling through the terrain. Those engaged in outdoor activities in and around Watersprite Lake do so at their own risk.
Visitors / Day Use
Day users are allowed to visit Watersprite Lake.
We do not have dedicated space for day users and do NOT have picnic tables for day use. Campsites are for the use of paid overnight campers only.
We do not have real time communications with the campgrounds and are unable to provide availability reports.
Arrival set-up times are after 1:00 PM, but before 10pm (early check in may sometimes be permitted depending on availability, but not guaranteed).
Vacate Time is before 12:00 Noon.
The time between check-out and check-in is to allow the host time to ensure the campsite is clean, damage free and ready for use by the next camper.
Reservations Required
The most popular campsites (all sites during the summer months), are quite often booked back to back and we need time to check the site to ensure it is ready for the next camper. With many campers all checking-out at noon, reservation holders might NOT be able to check-in early.
Open/Close Dates for Reservable Camping Season
All open/close dates may change based on weather and host availability.
Watersprite Lake Campground - open July 1st to Thanksgiving Long Weekend
Weather Forcast: https://www.mountain-forecast.com/peaks/Round-Mountain-volcano/forecasts/1646
Note: The Forestry Service Road (FSR) is rugged in some areas and 4x4 vehicles are recommended.
The trailhead to Watersprite Lake begins about 20km up a series of Forestry Service Roads to the east of Squamish. From Vancouver, drive to Highway #1 and enter the highway heading westbound. Following Highway #1 towards Horseshoe Bay and then merge onto Highway #99: The Sea To Sky Highway heading towards Squamish. Follow the scenic Sea To Sky Highway northbound for about 40km.
About 1.5km after passing the Sea To Sky Gondola, turn right onto the gravel Mamquam River FSR and zero your odometer (note: this turnoff is just before the 4-way stop by Chances Casino, so if you reach the intersection, you will need to turn back). Follow the Mamquam River FSR for the next 13.2km as it starts out relatively smooth but becomes bumpy and steeper in some sections. At the 13.2km mark, turn left and drive over the bridge crossing the Mamquam River. Drive past the parking area for the kayak put-in at 9 Mile Bridge on your left before crossing a second bridge over Skookum Creek.
Just after crossing the second bridge, you reach a junction in the road with two large signs fastened between log pylons on the left. Turn left and pass between the signs as you are now on the Skookum Dam FSR. Pass the power station on your left and continue to follow the Skookum Creek FSR as it steadily climbs through a fairly bumpy section of road while offering views of the valley to the right.
Near the 16km mark, you reach a junction in the road next to a huge metal air vent that looks like a giant candy cane. Go left at this junction to continue to the new trailhead for Watersprite Lake as the road continues through a relatively flat section for a bit before climbing up a very steep hill and then descending a short time later.
The road ends at a metal gate and large parking area near the Skookum Dam. Park your vehicle here and begin the hike near the metal gate.
Reservation Terms and Conditions
COVID-19.
All campers and visitors are required to follow any and all Provincial Heath Officer orders and guidelines that are in place at the time of their stay/visit at any of our campgrounds, even if those numbers are less than our maximum campsite/group site allowance. This includes Physical Distancing.
Reservations and Camping Permits
are Non-Transferable, and can NOT be offered for Resale or Resold at anytime. Reservations found being offered for resale or resold, will be rendered void and cancelled with no refund.
At least one of the reservation holders must be on-site overnight for each day of the reservation.
Picture ID may be required to keep your reservation or camping permit valid.
NO exceptions will be made to our cancel/refund/no-show policy.
This includes, but not limited to: errors when making a reservation, campground evictions, inclement weather, air quality, personal reasons, medical reasons, vehicle problems, vacating your campsite early, etc.
Maximum Occupancy
The Watersprite Lake Campground has a
Maximum 4 adults per tent platform
Fees and Discounts
You agree to pay the fees as stated on your reservation.
No discounts are offered on any reservations.
Drones
Drones are prohibited in the Watersprite Lake Recreation Site area
https://bcparks.ca/visiting/parks-and-drones/
Cancellations.
To cancel your reservation please go to our website. Once a Camping Permit is issued, it is non-refundable.
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