Kentucky-Alleyne Park is 38 kilometres south of Merritt and 11 kilometres south of Aspen Grove, just off Highway 5A. BC Parks describes rolling grasslands, dry open forest, cattle-country history, and turquoise Kentucky and Alleyne lakes.
The park is less than a 90-minute drive from the central Okanagan. It was established on March 5, 1981.
Kentucky-Alleyne Park is a popular camping and fishing destination with a quieter lake-country feel. The four-kilometre walking trail around Kentucky Lake is an easy one-hour route with lake access, views, Douglas fir, Ponderosa pine, and a short spur to a small quiet pond.
Fishing is a major draw. The lakes and ponds are stocked with rainbow trout from the Summerland Trout Hatchery, and the ponds between Kentucky and Alleyne lakes are open only to anglers under age 16. Canoeing and kayaking work well because motorboats are restricted to 7.5 kW, or 10 horsepower, on both main lakes.
The park also protects a Western toad breeding area at West Pond. Temporary trail and campsite closures may occur during the short juvenile migration period in July or early August.
Plan around frontcountry camping, group camping, trout fishing, youth fishing ponds, canoeing, kayaking, the Kentucky Lake walking loop, cold-water swimming, winter ice fishing, wildlife viewing, and interpretive fishing programs.
Alleyne Lake edges can be deeply muddy, making swimming and boat launching difficult. Respect toad closures, keep generators to posted hours, and remember there is no sani-station in the park.
