Okanagan Lake Park is 11 kilometres north of Summerland on Highway 97. BC Parks describes sandy and pebbly beaches surrounded by ponderosa pine and sagebrush, with two large campgrounds and panoramic views.
Across the lake, the landscape from beach to skyline is part of Okanagan Mountain Park.
During the summer season, a concession is located at the south campground gatehouse. BC Parks also provides north and south campground maps online.
Okanagan Lake Park is a summer-focused camping and water-activity park. It has marked swim areas with buoys, canoeing and kayaking on Okanagan Lake, fishing for freshwater species, windsurfing, waterskiing, boating, and excellent birdwatching.
A one-kilometre trail above the landslide zone connects the two campgrounds. The park was created in 1955, and BC Parks notes that thousands of non-native trees were planted on a barren hillside in the late 1950s. Today the tree cover functions as a natural arboretum and bird habitat, while exposed low areas still hold bunchgrass and upper sections include ponderosa pine and Douglas-fir.
Camp, swim without lifeguards, paddle, fish with a licence, waterski, windsurf, boat, walk the campground trail, birdwatch, look for wildflowers such as chocolate lily and Columbian lily, and watch for gopher snakes, ground squirrels, bats, turtles, and birds.
Dry grassy hillsides provide rattlesnake habitat. Wear protective footwear, avoid unseen crevices, and detour around rattlesnakes. Pets must be leashed, bicycles must stay on roads, e-bikes are not allowed on trails, and freshwater fishing regulations apply.
