Juniper Beach Park
248 ha
Area
1989
Established
Class A
Park class
Park
Type
About this 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 travellers on Highway 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.
Safety information
- The extremely hot, dry climate can result in overexposure to the sun. Everyone in your party should wear sunscreen 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 10pm to 7am. Music and generators 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.
- The speed limit within the park is 20 km per 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 11pm 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.
Location notes
On the north shore of the Thompson River, 19 km east of Cache Creek on Highway 1. The closest communities are Cache Creek and Savona.
Activities
- 369:Hiking There are a few undesignated trails used by visitors in the vicinity of the campground. Caution should be used when hiking in the area. Watch out for prickly pear cactus and during the months of March to June, watch for ticks.
- 369:Canoeing Canoeing and kayaking opportunities are available in the area. Both vessels can be easily launched from the park. Canoeists should check the grade of the river before attempting navigation.
- 369:Swimming During lower water levels on the river, there is a small “swimming hole” on the beach in front of the campground. It is an area that is naturally sectioned off from the main river and provides a more protected swimming opportunity. Use caution as the waters of the Thompson River are dangerously swift especially during high water.
- 369:Fishing Thompson River contains trout, steelhead and salmon.
- 369:Wildlife viewing There are bird watching opportunities at this park.
- 369:Pets on leash Pets and domestic animals must be on a leash at all times and are not allowed in beach areas or park buildings. You are responsible for their behaviour and must dispose of their excrement. Backcountry areas are not suitable for dogs or other pets due to the potential for problems with bears and other wildlife.
Facilities
- 369:Pit or flush toilets There are four pit toilets located throughout the park.
- 369:Picnic areas There is a large day-use parking area from which visitors can access the river and a small sandy beach area. There are two day-use picnic tables.
- 369:Drinking water In addition to the water hook-ups at each site, there are potable water posts available near the pit toilets and in the grassy tenting area.View the Annual Drinking Water System Report [PDF]
- 369:Accessibility information Accessibility information is available for this park.
- 369:Boat launch There is a small boat launch area at the park that is suitable to launch smaller fishing boats. The boat launch is a rustic gravel access directly into the Thompson River. Environmental conditions can and will alter access and use of this site annually. Please be aware that this access is directly into the Thompson river, and all boats should be equipped with sufficient motor size to navigate upstream on this watercourse.
- 369:Sani-station A sani-station and dump is available during the collecting season. Sani-station use fee: $5 per discharge
- 369:Electrical hook-ups Electrical hookups (30amp service) are available at the park. Please note that the cost of electrictity is $5 per night.
- 369:Water Hookups
- 369:Campfires Campfires are allowed and campfire rings are provided at each campsite. We encourage visitors to conserve wood and protect the environment by minimizing the use of fire and using campstoves instead. No campfires are allowed in the day-use area. Ensure that barbecues or campstoves are used on the ground, not set on picnic tables.Firewood can be purchased in the park or you may bring your own wood. Fees for firewood are set locally and may vary from park to park. To preserve vegetation and ground cover, please don’t gather firewood from the area around your campsite or elsewhere in the park (this is a ticketable offence under the Park Act). Dead wood is an important habitat element for many plants and animals and it adds organic matter to the soil.
Location
50.78626, -121.08252 · Thompson Western Mountains
