Jimsmith Lake Provincial Park
Jimsmith is a small Park with a great beach. Close to Cranbrook, it’s a particular favorite with campers who have business in the nearby city and want a more natural experience than what a hotel is able to offer.
The lake is great for young swimmers as it has a motor restriction. Common wildlife include a variety of waterfowl, ground squirrels and the occasional bobcat. The new dock installed by BC Freshwater Fisheries gives fishing access 90 ft into the lake.
Reservations
Jimsmith Lake is entirely first-come-first-serve, and does not offer reservations for camping. To occupy a campsite, it must be paid for with a living unit on site (tent/trailer/rv).
Facilities
Vehicle Accessible Campsites: Jimsmith has 29 first-come-first-serve campsites. These campsites are good for tents, RVs or trailers.
Toilets: This Park has several outhouses. There are no flush toilets.
Picnic Area: Jimsmith has a large picnic area as part of the day use. There are no pets permitted in the picnic and day use area.
Drinking Water: Water posts are available for drinking water. Water quality is tested every two weeks.
Campfires: Each campsite is equipped with a fire pit. Firewood can be purchased on site from the Park Operator.
Things to Do
Swimming: Jimsmith Lake is a popular swimming spot. This is a non-motorized boating lake so it a great option for swimmers.
Hiking: A very short trail is accessible off the end of the campground, however it only goes to the park boundary and back. There is also a small trail between the campground and Day Use.
Biking: For the young ones, Jimsmith is two paved loops (be cautious of vehicles). Helmets are mandatory in BC.
Boating: A boat launch is available for non-motorized boating.
Fishing: There are several species of fish in Jimsmith Lake: Perch, Bass, Burdot and Rainbow Trout. Fishing licenses can be purchased and regulations read here: http://www.fishing.gov.bc.ca/
Park Fees
Nightly Fee
$23.00
This is the fee per camping party per night.
Extra Vehicles
$11.50
One vehicle is permitted for each camping party. Any additional vehicles are subject to a nightly fee.
Seniors Rate
$11.50
During the shoulder season, BC Seniors pay a reduced rate.
Firewood
$8.00
Firewood can be purchased on site from the park operator.
Photo Courtesy of Tracy Garvin
Maps
Photo Courtesy of Tracy Garvin
Key Rules to Know Before You Go
Camping Party Size: A camping party is 1-4 persons 16 years of age or older. Maximum party size is 8 persons (when including children under the age of 16). A camping party can have one vehicle and trailer, either one (but not both) may be an RV.
Extra Vehicles: A camping party may have a second vehicle (non-RV) on site for an additional nightly charge of half its camping fee. A towed vehicle and/or boat are not considered a second vehicle.
Check In/Check Out: Check in time is 1:00pm on scheduled date of arrival. Check out time is 11:00am. Late check outs may be permitted with prior approval from the Park Operator.
Pets: Pets are permitted on leash within the camping area. They are not permitted in the day use or picnic areas. Waste must be cleaned up and properly disposed of. Noise must be controlled.
Equipment: All tents, RVs, vehicles and equipment must remain on the gravel portion of the campsite to protect the ecological values of the park and preserve it for future users.
Day Use Gates: Day use gates are opened at 8:00am and closed at 10:00pm.
Quiet Time and Generators: Quiet time hours are 10:00pm-7:00am. Excessive noise is not permitted to enhance the enjoyment of all guests. Generator hours are 9am-11am and 6:00pm-8:00pm.
For more information on park rules and regulations, you may check out the BC Parks Website here: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/campingEthics.html
Campground Opening and Closing Dates
All campground opening, closing and charging dates are dependent on many factors (weather, water systems, etc.), as such they are approximate and may change without notice.
Gates open for Off Season Camping
May 1st
Off Season Camping happens before the water is turned on and after the water is shut off. At this time there is no charge for camping
Water is turned on
Second Week in May through the end of the Labour Day Weekend.
Once the water is turned on, camping fees will be collected.
Photo Courtesy of Tracy Garvin
Things to do in the Area
City of Cranbrook: 10 minutes North of the Park is the City of Cranbrook. Activities to do in Cranbrook include shopping, dining and more. http://www.hellobc.com/cranbrook.aspx
Canadian Museum of Rail Travel: Do you like trains? Of course you do. Check out the Canadian Museum of Rail Travel for an interactive loco-experience. http://www.trainsdeluxe.com/
Fort Steele Heritage Town: Hands down one of the coolest attractions in the East Kootenays, Fort Steele Heritage town is a destination for tourists from all over the world. Live theatre, old timey demonstrations and hands on activities are only a few of the reasons to visit this local gem. http://www.fortsteele.ca/
Kootenay Trout Hatchery: A great way to spend a sunny day, the trout hatchery offers live demonstrations, learn to fish programs, and live fish/turtle viewing. Feeding the fish is a popular activity. http://www.gofishbc.com/about-us/what-we-do/fish-hatcheries/kootenay-hatchery.aspx