Recreation Sites Lakes District Area
West Francois
This Site has 3 camping units and a boatlaunch. Fishing is the most popular activity here. From Northside ferry landing head West ~55 km along Colleymount Road, take a left at the Colleymount / Owens Lake Road junction. Folllow Ootsa Nadina South around lake 4 km to reach site.
Uncha Lake
Near an old mill site along the southern shore of Uncha Lake is a nine unit open camping and picnicking area. There is a nice beach for swimming and a boat launch for canoeing and fishing. If the campsite is full, there are several other camping options close by. Head East from Southbank, following Uncha Lake Road for 11.8 km. Turn right onto Campbell road for 4.7 km, turning left onto the Binta Road. Travel East on Binta Road for 7.9 km to reach site.
Trout Lake
The two unit site rests alongside a small scenic lake. You can enjoy canoeing and boating as there is a decent boat launch and fishing on the quiet waters.Head East from Southbank, following Uncha Lake Road for 11.8 km. Turn right onto the Campbell road for 4.7 km, turning left onto the Binta Road. Follow Binta Road 10.4 km until the 4-way, then continue East on the Binta North FSR for ~14.6 km. Turn Left and head east for 9.8 km along road (unknown name).
Taltapin Lake
This 13 unit campsite divided into 2 areas, sits in an opening next to the lake. A boat launch is available for fishing, and the site is popular for hunters in the fall. The recreation site also makes an ideal place to have a lazy afternoon lunch as part of a scenic drive. Leave Burns Lake heading North along the Babine Road for 19.5 km, until you reach the Augier FSR. Turn right onto and follow the Augier for ~10.2 km. Turn Left onto the Grizzly Road and follow for 2 km, then Turn Right onto the Taltapin Road. Follow for 6.6 km to reach site.
Takysie Lake
This popular 11 unit open campsite rests beside a gorgeous lake. Actually, there are two sites 500m apart, Takysie A and B. Site A offers 8 sites, while Site B has two. The lake is known for great fishing and also provides canoening and boating opportunities. There is a boat launch available to assist in these activities. Travel South from Southbank for 18.3 km on Keefe’s Landing Road. At the fork, continue south down the Eakin Settlement Road for 3.2 km to reach Takysie Lake.
Pinkut Lake
The semi-open 5 unit camping area rests at the south end of a nice lake. Fishermen staying at the site can expect good lake fishing year round, while trail enthusiasts may wish to follow the Old Babine Road to Division Lake. Leave Burns Lake heading north along the Babine Road for 19.5 km, until you reach the Augier FSR. Cross the Augier road and follow the small road to the Pinkut Lake site (~500 Meters)
Pendleton Bay
Babine Lake Marine Park – Pendleton Bay Site is one of 6 sites that comprises Babine Lake Marine Park. These sites all lie along the shores of Babine Lake and include Smithers Landing, Hook (Deep) Bay, Pinkut Creek, Pierre Creek, and Sandpoint sites.This is a quiet park in a natural setting. The boat launch provides easy access to Babine lake for travellers visiting the community of Burns Lake. Anglers will enjoy the challenge of fishing for rainbow trout and char in the wilderness area of Babine Lake.
Alcans Skins Spillway and campground
This campground offers 20 campsites, covered cook house, drinking water, boat-launch and it’s free of charge!
Ootsa Landing
A scenic 3 unit camping area rests alongside the large lake, which is part of the man-made Nechako Reservoir. The site has a great beach where it is possible to hand launch small boats and canoes. Please note that the lake is subject to strong winds. Travel South from Southbank for 18.3 km on Keefe’s Landing Road. At the fork, continue west down the Keefe’s Landing Road for another 20.7 km. Turn left on the Ootsa Nadina Road and travel for ~300 m to reach the site.
Noralee west
This site is situated on Francois Lake and has five camping spots with fire rings and picnic tables. This site is popular with anglers and has a gravel boat launch.From Northside ferry landing head West ~50.9 km along Colleymount Road. Collymount Road is paved to approxiamtly 30 KM.
Moose Lake
Small semi-open site with one established campsite. There is a pit toilet and an area to launch car-top boats. It is located near Knapp Lake Recreation Site. Head East from Southbank, following Uncha Lake Road for 11.8 km. Turn right onto the Campbell road for 4.7 km, turning left onto the Binta Road. Follow Binta Road east for ~10.4 km. At the 4-way, travel south 18.5 km on the Binta South FSR then turn south (right) and travel 0.6 km to reach the site
McClure Pit & Government Point
This pairing of Recreation Sites are about 1km from each other along the northern shore of Francois Lake. McClure Pit has 6 camping sites and a day use area, offering a beach, 2 outhouses, and abundant space for mid-sized RVs and trailers. Government Point has 4 camping units, the better place for larger RVs and boats/trailers. Both Sites have boat launches. Leave Burns Lake heading South on Hwy 35 for ~22 km until you reach the Francois Lake Ferry landing. Travel West 8.3km from the Ferry landing to reach McClure Pit and 10km to reach Government Point.
Maxan Lake
Off the Maxan Creek Forest Service Road, you will find this 12 unit open campsite in a sheltered bay. Fishing in the spring and fall can be quite good. This Site has a Gravel boat launch, 2 outhouses, and is very accessible to RVs and trailers. There is also a popular cross-country ski and snowshoe trail south of the lake.
Leave Burns lake heading West on hwy 16 travel for ~14 km until you reach the Decker Lake Sawmill turnoff. Follow the 2.7 km road to the mill, and turn left onto the Maxan Road. At 6 km on the Maxan turn right onto the Thompson road, follow the Thompson until the 17km sign. Cross the bridge and turn left onto the Maxan Creek FSR, drive ~1.5 km south, turning left at the junction. Head north 650 meters then turn right onto the next road follow for 1.7 km to reach the site. Can also enter from Forestdale Road from Hwy 16 between Rose Lake and Topley. (SUMMARY: 17km Maxan Creek FSR – off east side of road).
Lund Lake
Set beside a small fishing lake is a four unit camping area. There is a pit toilet, picnic tables, fire rings and a gravel boat launch. It is a great place to have a picnic, or try canoeing, fishing or hunting in the area. Travel South from Southbank for 18.3 km on Keefe’s Landing Road. At the fork, continue west down the Keefe’s Landing Road for another 20.7 km. Turn right on the Ootsa Nadina Road and travel for ~23.2 km, then turn right and head 600 m north to reach the site.
Knapp Lake
This is a smaller 4 unit secluded Site, very popular with anglers and hunters. Access road is rough, but can be done with a 2wd high-clearance vehicle. ATV use popular in the area. This Site has a boatlaunch. Head East from Southbank (south shore of Francois Lake from Burns Lake Village), following Uncha Lake Road for 11.8 km. Turn right onto the Campbell road for 4.7 km, turning right onto the Binta Road. Follow Binta Road east for ~10.4 km. At the 4-way junction, travel south 22.0 km on the Binta South FSR (kilometres are marked), turning onto the Mooney Road when you reach it. Proceed ~0.8 km along the Mooney then turn left. Road/trail leading to site should be nearby. Basic address: 34km Binta-Cheslatta FSR.
Kager Lake
This is a beautiful campsite area within the Boer Mountain Recreation Site, with a large parking area for large RVs and Trailers. 3 day use units (tables/firerings) sit between the lake and the parking area. Adjacent to the parking area there is a large cedar deck and dock on the north shore of the lake. There are 10 walk-in tenting areas on the lakeside trail from the parking area. The trail goes completely around Kager lake, and is very popular for walking, jogging, biking, and skiing in winter months. There is a boat launch and dock to facilitate canoeing on Kager Lake. A portage route to Long Lake, approximately 300m in length, is located just south of campsite number 9 on Kager Lake. Mountain bike trails come down to Kager Lake from Boer Mountain, and the lakeside trail links to another trail around Long Lake to the south. This Site is directly adjacent to the Burns Lake Bike Park, with multi-use trails linking to the Parking area.Take either 5th Avenue or 8th Avenue from Highway 16 in Burns Lake to meet up with Gowan Road. 5th Avenue loops into 9th Avenue, and Gowan Road will be on the right as you are coming out of the loop. 8th Avenue meets up with 9th Avenue at the top of the hill. Turn right and Gowan Road will be on the left. Once on Gowan Road, continue until you reach Boer Mountain Lookout Road. Turn left. Follow the road to the trailhead located on the right (Kager Lake is visible from the road).
A TREASURE HUNT… GEOCACHING
Geocaching is a global and LOCAL treasure hunt! Log onto geocaching.com to find two geocaches in our beautiful Lakes District. Both caches are only a short hike away when you are camped out on the shore of Francois Lake at Noralee East (a free campground with incredible fishing, and a hidden trail that unlocks spectacular scenery), or camped at the Taltapin Lake Recreation Site (where you’ll be sure to catch your limit!). Local businesses have stocked these caches to ensure you catch “the big one”. Good luck fishing! And happy geocaching!!
Brought to you by Lakes Outdoor Recreation Society and the Burns Lake & District Chamber of Commerce.
The Lakes District provides excellent opportunities for camping and exploring.
This is a 7 unit forested campsites, with boatlaunch and outhouses. Very close to the Francois Lake Ferry on the south side of the lake (~3km). Excellent lake access and views. A good Site for larger group gatherings. South from Burns Lake Village, take ferry across Francois Lake. From Southbank head east for 2.3 km, then turn left on Indian Bay Road, and travel for ~1.0 km.
Guyishton Lake
This Recreation Site is a one-unit campsite located in a large grassy field high above Guyishton Lake. Access by small 4×4 vehicles, however walk-in (approximately 20min), horseback, or ATV access is much easier. 3.5 km on Mckenzie Road (also called Guyishton Forest Service Road). Located on west side of Hwy 35 south of Burns Lake Village enroute to the Francois Lake ferry.
Eastern Lake
A small forested 3-unit campsite on a small lake, with a boatlaunch and a dock. Travel South from Southbank for 18.3 km on Keefe’s Landing Road. At the fork, continue west down the Keefe’s Landing Road for another 20.7 km. Turn right on the Ootsa Nadina Road and travel for ~22.5 km, then turn left onto Shelford No. 1 Road. Proceed for 1.4 km, turn left and travel south for 2.2 km to reach site. [This Site is ~2km west of the community of Wisteria
Division Lake
A small 4-unit campsite, RV accessible, on a small lake with a boatlaunch. The Old Babine Road motorized trail departs from this Site and travels ~5km north to the Pinkut Lake Recreation Site
Co-op Lake
A quaint 6-unit campsite, including one group campsite suitable for a party of 3 or 4 units, with boat launch on a small lake. Very close to Highway 16 for those passing by east of Burns Lake. Leave Burns Lake heading East for 22 kms along Hwy 16 turn left onto the Augier Main FSR for 4.5kms.
Colleymount
A 4-unit campsite, RV accessible, on the north shore of Francois Lake. There is a picnic shelter, beach, and boatlaunch. From Northside ferry landing (at Francois Lake, 20min south of Burns Lake Village) head West ~33 km along Colleymount Road.
Binta Lake South
A beautiful treed 7-unit campsite, popular with families. It has a beach and boat launch. Head East from Southbank (south from Burns Lake, accross Francois Lake on the ferry), following Uncha Lake Road for 11.8 km. Turn right onto the Campbell road for 4.7 km, turning left onto the Binta Road. Follow Binta Road 10.4 km until turning onto Binta North FSR, continue for ~13.7 km. Turn right and proceed to lake edge. (Alternate access: from Fraser Lake, travel south on Francois Lake Rd/Dahlgren Rd/Paddle Hill FSR, to the Holy Cross FSR; travel south and west, there are several other Recreation Sites enroute).
Binta Lake North
Recreation Site offers 9 campsites, 2 outhouses, and a boat launch on a sheltered bay of Binta Lake, south of Burns Lake Village.
Head East from Southbank, following Uncha Lake Road for 11.8 km. Turn right onto the Campbell road for 4.7 km, turning left onto the Binta Road. Follow Binta Road east for ~10.4 km. At the 4-way intersection, travel south 400 m then turn east and travel 1.5 km to reach the site. Located at 14km on the Binta Forest Service Road.
AUGIER LAKE
Approximately 19 km long and is 32 km northwest of Burns Lake. Located a few miles past Pinkut Lake, it offers good char and trout fishing. A popular 11 unit campsite on the north shores of Augier Lake. This Site has a boat launch, a beautiful beach, and is a great place for a picnic and swim.
