North Thompson River Park is five kilometres south of Clearwater, just off Highway 5. BC Parks describes it as a campground at the confluence of the Clearwater and North Thompson rivers, popular with Highway 5 travellers, young families, and visitors exploring Wells Gray Park.
A viewpoint shows the green Clearwater River meeting the muddy brown North Thompson River.
Bald eagles and ospreys may be seen fishing along the river corridor.
North Thompson River Park is a practical base camp for Clearwater-area travel. Wells Gray Park is about 20 minutes away, and Clearwater has services such as gas, propane, food, and visitor information.
Inside the park, four easy short trails provide quick walks: Northside Trail, Southside Trail, Campground Loop, and Terrace Loop. Anglers can use several river fishing vantage points with the proper licence. The park also has cultural history: traditional use by Shuswap First Nations is indicated by remnants of kekuli, or pit houses, and food cache pits along the riverbanks. The park was established in 1967.
Camp, walk the short trails, view the river confluence, fish from accessible river points, cycle on roads, watch birds and wildlife, and use the campground as a base for Wells Gray and Clearwater activities.
During June and July flood season, river currents can be fast and powerful. Keep to designated trails, leash pets, and keep e-bikes off trails. The park sits between drier southern forest and wet interior forest, with Douglas-fir, lodgepole pine, juniper, cedar, and spruce nearby.
