Carp Lake Provincial Park

Camping

The Carp Lake Campground, located at Kettle Bay at the north end of Carp Lake, boasts 90 sites that will accommodate tents and most recreational vehicles. A playground, horseshoe pitches and a picnic shelter with wood stove are located within the campground. Water, toilets and firewood are provided. Two sandy beaches that are suitable for the entire family are located along the Beach Trail; these are about 20 minutes and 40 minutes from the campground. No lifeguard is on duty. There are 12 more campsites near the east end of War Lake, although these are not suitable for long units. Water, toilets, firewood and a car-top boat launch are provided.

Although the park has the aforementioned "family" amenities, most of Carp Lake's visitors are interested primarily in angling and water-oriented activities in a wilderness setting. The lake, with its many islands, bays and coves, lends itself to exploration by boat or canoe. Three of the islands with which the Carp Lake is dotted--Balsam Island, White Spruce Island and Spirea Island--have so-called "wilderness" campgrounds. These primitive sites are user-maintained, which means that campers are expected to haul all their garbage back to the boat launch for disposal. Developments in the park are rudimentary, and only those who are completely self-sufficient should plan on visiting. Other than water and firewood there are no supplies of any kind, and the nearest settlement, McLeod Lake, is 32 kilometres to the northeast.

A boat-launching ramp is located near the campground. It is capable of handling standard boat trailers but caution should be exercised. After launching a boat, please return your trailers and towing vehicles to the campground before going boating. Both power boating and canoeing can be an enjoyable pastime on Carp Lake, provided reasonable care is practiced. The lake is subject to high winds and the resulting rough waters can swamp the boats of anyone who is unwary. Watch the weather and observe common-sense boating practices. Always wear life-jackets.

Power boat operators are requested to please reduce speed in Kettle Bay to prevent damage to boats and equipment and to reduce erosion of the lakeshore. The launching of personal watercraft or boats with above-water unmuffled exhausts is not permitted in Carp Lake Provincial Park.

Return to Carp Lake Provincial Park.