Juniper Beach Provincial Park

Juniper Beach was established as a Provincial Park in 1989. The park protects a representative desert landscape which contains sagebrush, prickly pear cactus and of course, juniper. Part of the landscape includes deep post-glacial deposits and large scale erosion features.

It is a convenient overnight camping spot for travelers on Hwy #1 and provides access to the Thompson River. Both CNR and CPR railway tracks run by the park and provide an attraction to train-buffs. This park is also a popular base camp for visitors enjoying boating, fishing, photography and touring historic Hat Creek Ranch and Ashcroft Manor, both nearby.

Established Date: June 15, 1989
Park Size: 260 hectares

Stay Safe

• The extremely hot, dry climate can result in overexposure to the sun. Everyone in your party should wear sunscreen of at least SPF 15, and a hat with a brim.
• In the areas surrounding the camping sites you will find prickly pear cactus. The spines of this low-set plant are sharp and strong. Wear sturdy footwear and be careful where you step if you are hiking or walking in the area. Be very careful with your pets.
• The waters of the Thompson River are very swift, especially in June and July during high water. Use caution in and around the waters edge.
• Wood ticks are most prevalent between March and June. These parasites reside in tall grass and low shrubbery and seek out warm-blooded hosts. Although they are potential carriers of disease, they are a natural part of the environment and can be easily avoided. Your legs should be protected by wearing trousers tucked into socks or gaiters. After outdoor activity, thoroughly examine yourself. Check your pets for ticks as well.
• Entering the park requires crossing a train track. This is a controlled train crossing, use caution and obey all signs.
• Roadways can be very busy. Whether you are walking, cycling, roller-blading, skateboarding or driving, please be careful. Always yield to the slowest mode of travel; e.g., cyclists yield to walkers. Obey all traffic regulations and rules of the road.

Special Notes

• Quiet Hours are 10 pm to 7 am. Music, generators, etc. must be shut off completely between these hours.
• Hibachis and campstoves can burn the picnic tables. Please do not use them on the tables.
• Valuables should be stored out of sight and locked up at all times, especially when left unattended or at night. Please report any thefts to the park staff as soon as possible.
• Traffic Safety: The speed limit within the park is 20 km/hour or less.
• Motorcycles and bicycles are permitted on park roads only. Motorcycles must be properly licenced and must be operated by a licenced driver only. Helmets must be worn. Unlicenced ATVs or dirt bikes are not permitted.
• Parking is prohibited on the side of the road. Please park on the gravelled portion of your campsite or in designated parking spaces. Vehicles parked in day-use areas after 11 pm may be ticketed or towed.
• Pets must be on leash (no longer than 2 metres) at all times while in the park. They are not allowed on beaches or in day use areas. Owners must clean up after their pets.
• Consumption of alcohol is prohibited except in your campsite.

 

All campsite reservations must be made the BC Parks reservations system. When reservations are not available all campsites function as first-come, first-served.

Campsite Reservations

Campsite reservations are accepted at this park and first-come, first-served sites are also available.

On the north shore of the Thompson River, 19 km east of Cache Creek on Hwy #1. The closest communities, towns and cities are Cache Creek and Savona.

• History: Established 1989.
• Conservation: Undisturbed low elevation grasslands with their associated sagebrush and cactus are rare in British Columbia, and Juniper Beach Park protects one of the few examples found in the BC Parks system.
• Wildlife: Fish species in the Thompson River include trout, steelhead, and salmon. The dry sagebrush areas of the park are home to Western Rattlesnakes, and deer are sometimes seen travelling to and from the river. The campground area is an oasis in this dry environment, and as such it attracts many species of birds. Some of the most colorful that are often seen here during the summer months are the Western Tanager, Mountain Bluebird and the Northern Oriole.
  • General Wildlife, Marine & Outdoor Ethics Information

• Management Planning Information
• Approved management plan for Juniper Beach Provincial Park [PDF]
  Disclaimer:
  This is not the original management planning product. This document has been scanned from the original format of the plan. It may contain some formatting changes, however the content is consistent with the original.

Canoeing

Fishing

Hiking

Pets on Leash

Swimming

Wildlife Viewing

Accessibility

Boat Launch

Campfires

Drinking Water

Electrical Hookups

Picnic Areas

Pit or Flush Toilets

Sani-Station/Dump

Showers

Vehicle Accessible Camping