Ultimate Guide to Lillooet Lake Lillooet BC
Lillooet Lake in BC is one of the best lakes in BC and if you’re visiting Whistler and looking for a lake near Whistler for camping, this is a great option.
There’s no shortage of great camping in BC and Lillooet Lake is one of the best options out there. North of Pemberton, this 25km long, glacier-fed lake has several campsites along it and lots of options for camping.
Just off the Sea to Sky highway, this lake is a popular place for weekend camping trips for people from all over the Lower Mainland.
Though busy, you’re likely to find somewhere to pitch a tent it just might not be the biggest or most picturesque spot.
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How to get to Lillooet Lake
Lillooet Lake is about 20km north of Pemberton and still over 70km away from the town of Lillooet itself. It’s in what’s known as the Squamish Lillooet Regional District.
The lake’s proximity to Pemberton over Lillooet can be a bit confusing and I’d always assumed the two were closer together until we went through Lillooet, BC itself later on.
One of the best things about Lillooet Lake is that you don’t need a 4×4 to get to it. You do need to drive down a logging road but it’s a fairly tame one and if you take it slow any car should be fine.
Heading north out of Pemberton on the 99, you’ll take a right turn onto the In-Shuck-ch Forest Service Road.
If you wish, you can continue down In-Shuck-ch Forest Service Road to Skookumchuk and Sloquet Hot Springs. It’s also a good base to break up the drive from Vancouver to Joffre Lakes if you’re looking at doing the Joffre Lakes hike.
Lillooet Lake Camping
There are four different Lillooet Lake campsites with multiple camp spots. They are:
- Strawberry Point Campground
- Twin One Campground
- Lizzie Bay Campground
- Driftwood Bay Campground
More information about the campsites is below. Official campsites usually have picnic benches, walk-in sites or dispersed spots along the lakeside outside of the official campground will not.
Strawberry Point Campground
The Strawberry Point Lillooet Lake campground offers walk-in Lillooet camping and is at kilometer 7 on the forest service road. There’s lots of space to spread out but limited facilities at the Strawberry Point Camping areas.
For Strawberry Point Recreation Area there are 27 campsites within the forest (none at the level of the lake.) Then there are loos and a bear cache and some cool structures made from driftwood down by the lake and a day-use parking area.
This campground won’t give you views of the lake from your tent, but it seemed like all the campsites were new-ish, flat, with nice picnic benches.
Twin One Campground
Twin One Campground is smaller than strawberry point and is 10km down the logging road. At this campground, there’s a boat launch, beach access, and lots of room to explore the lakeside.
There are more facilities here with picnic tables, garbage cans, and pit toilets. If you’re in a larger vehicle such as an RV, this campsite is your best bet for a Lillooet campground.
Lizzie Bay Campground
Lizzie Bay Recreation Site is at kilometer 15 is has around 12 designated campsites. You’ll find more walk-in spots to camp where others have previously been if you walk into the forest a bit further.
Some of the campsites are right next to the lake, so they may be flooded in the springtime. Like the other sites, Lizzie Bay campsites each have benches and some kind of fire pit. There are also pit toilets and trash cans.
Driftwood Bay Campground
Driftwood Bay is the last designated Lillooet Lake camping spot at kilometer 17. There are 10 drive-in spots and walk-in camping spots available too.
There is another flat path along the lake if you’d like to go for a walk.
Other things to know about Lillooet Lake Camping
Here are some of the key things to know about camping at Lillooet Lake, BC.
- When is Lillooet Lake camping open?: From April 1 to October 31
- Lillooet Lake camping reservation: It’s not possible to make a reservation at Lillooet Lake
- Cost: $15 per group. Pay by cash and put it in an envelope at the collection box by the campground.
- Facilities: Each campground has an outhouse, and some have picnic tables.
- Water: There is no drinking water available. You’ll need to bring all the water you need or bring a filter to filter from the lake. This one is good for personal use and this one for a group.
- Rules of stay: You may stay for up to 14 consecutive days. ‘Checkout’ is at noon and quiet time is from 11 pm to 7 am.
- Wildlife: There are bears in the area. Never leave food or cooking items and trash unattended at your campsite OR in your tent. If no bear caches are available, lock items in your car.
- Weather in Lillooet: Lillooet Lake weather is usually pretty warm because the lake’s inland location means it’s usually warmer than along the coast in Vancouver. In peak summer you’ll be grateful for the cold glacial waters!
- Always leave no trace: Never leave your rubbish and trash behind. ALWAYS take it back home with you where you can dispose of it properly.
Mosquitoes at Lillooet Lake
During our visit to Lake Lillooet in summer the mosquitoes were absolutely awful and deserve their own paragraph in this blog post.
As soon as we stepped out of the van we were practically swarmed by them and they didn’t let up until the sun went down and the campfire was in full swing.
The only way to escape them was by floating in the middle of the lake.
Some people had full-on bee suits everyone in the campground had cleared out by 9 am on Sunday because they couldn’t face more mosquitoes.
If you’re planning on visiting Lillooet Lake, then heading later in the summer, once the mosquitoes have died down, is probably better!
Lillooet Lake Fishing
Lillooet Lake boasts an impressive variety of fish for avid anglers, including Chinook salmon and rainbow, cutthroat, bull, and Dolly Varden trout. People have reported success with almost every method, from fly fishing and baitcasting to spinning and trolling.
The only boat launch is a basic, dirt one located at Twin One Campground, best accessed by 4×4.
While on the lake keep your eyes peeled for all the floating driftwood and remember that you will need a British Columbia freshwater license to fish.
Other Lillooet Lake Accommodation
Want to visit the lake but don’t want to go camping? There are other options that might suit you near the lake too.
Lillooet Lake Lodge
The cottages at Lillooet Lake Lodge have been around since 1957. Their small and rustic but all have amazing views of the lake and surrounding mountains. These Lillooet Lake cabins are a great option for a place to stay if you’re not into camping.
Joffre Creek Cabins
These Pemberton cabin rentals come with open wood fires, incredible views, and the cutest little details, these cabins are perfect for a weekend away near Pemberton.
FAQs on Lillooet Lake
How deep is Lillooet Lake?
Lillooet Lake is relatively deep, with an average depth of about 300 feet (91 meters). The maximum depth of the lake is not precisely known, but it is one of the deeper lakes in British Columbia.
Can you swim in Lillooet Lake?
Yes, you can swim in Lillooet Lake, but the water can be quite cold, even in summer, due to its glacial origins. The lake is known for its clear and clean water, making it a refreshing option for a swim.
What fish are in Lillooet Lake?
Lillooet Lake is home to various species of fish, including Rainbow Trout, Dolly Varden, and Kokanee Salmon. It is a popular location for both local and visiting anglers but you will need a fishing permit.
Is Lillooet Lake glacier fed?
Yes, Lillooet Lake is a glacial lake, fed by glacial meltwater and runoff. The cold and clear water is a result of its glacial origins.
Can you boat on Lillooet Lake?
Yes, boating is a popular activity on Lillooet Lake. There are several access points for launching boats, and the lake is known for its calm and scenic surroundings, making it an ideal place for boating.
Final thoughts on visiting Lillooet Lake BC
Camping Lillooet Lake is such a beautiful experience if you’re able to go mid-week and avoid the majority of the crowds which can turn up at the weekend.
This beautiful lake has several camping areas for you to choose from so there’s not just 1 Lillooet Lake campground. The furthest campgrounds have some of the best lakeside spots but there are no bad camping sites here.
If you’re looking for camping near Lillooet, you can’t go too wrong with this spot and the forest road / Lillooet Lake road is accessible in most vehicles (our old Ford Econoline van managed it!) so there’s no need for a 4×4 either.
Looking for more British Columbia travel guides? I’ve got plenty!
Last Updated on August 17, 2023 by Hannah
Hannah started That Adventurer after graduating back in 2013 and has documented all of her adventures since then. From backpacking South America to city breaks in Europe, a 3 month road trip across the USA in a self-converted van and 6 years living in Canada, you’ll find posts on all of this.
Hannah specialises in active travel and on That Adventurer you’ll find hiking, walking, biking, skiing and all sorts of active travel guides to allow you to see a destination in an adventurous way.
Now back in Europe, you’ll find new guides as Hannah and her husband spend the next year ‘digital nomading’ from Norway to Portugal, Switzerland to Scotland and places in between.
