McDonald Creek Park is 10 kilometres south of Nakusp on Highway 6, on the east and west shores of Upper Arrow Lake. BC Parks says park facilities are in the eastern section, where the shoreline is a holiday destination for swimming, boating, waterskiing, fishing, and camping.
The Arrow Reservoir bisects the park, protecting lakeshore riparian habitat on the east side and forested upland habitat on the west side.
McDonald Creek is a strong Arrow Lake camping choice because it combines waterfront sites, open grassy meadows, several kilometres of sandy beach, a boat launch, and broad lake recreation. At peak season in July and August, the reservoir is higher and the beach is sandy, with natural sandbars and coves along more than six kilometres of combined shoreline.
The park also has a short trail system. A two-kilometre nature trail from the north end of the campground can be extended toward McDonald Creek, with views of Upper Arrow Lake and kokanee salmon viewing in the fall.
Camp by the lake, swim, beachcomb, canoe or kayak from the boat launch or waterfront sites, fish for kokanee, bull trout, or rainbow trout, watch spawning kokanee, waterski, jet ski, windsurf, bike on roadways, and hunt during open seasons where permitted.
Reservoir levels change, and the spring shoreline can be muddy. There are no lifeguards, pets must be leashed except in the off-leash water area, e-bikes are restricted to roads, and mushroom harvesting is not allowed.
