New sign clarifies camping rules at McGillivray Lake Outpost site

A new sign installed in early September at McGillivray Lake Outpost is reminding visitors that overnight camping is not permitted at the site.

The outpost will continue to be available for public day use for mountain bikers, hikers, nordic skiers and others visiting from Sun Peaks.

While the new sign may be a change for people who have become accustomed to camping at the site, Christina Antoniak, Director of Brand and Communications at Sun Peaks Resort LLP explained it is intended to clarify a rule that has been part of the site’s land-use agreement for years. 

“The no overnight camping rule has not been promoted, nor enforced, so we understand why there are questions coming from the new sign that was recently erected,” Antoniak said. 

McGillivray Lake Outpost is not a standard BC Recreation Site, Antoniak explained in an email to SPIN. The site operates under a Management Plan and Licence of Occupation between Sun Peaks Resort LLP and the Province of B.C. 

Under this agreement, the site is designed for day use only and does not allow overnight visitors. 

The area covered by the agreement includes the entrance, cabin, dock and day-use picnic area. 

“There have been no issues with the people who have camped here, but we felt it was important to sign the area as per the land use agreement,” Antoniak said. “A representative from Recreation Sites and Trails BC agrees with this approach.”

There are four designated recreation sites in the McGillivray Lake area for those looking to overnight camp. These areas include Little McGillivray, McGillivray Lake West, Morrisey Lake West and Morrisey Lake East. 

McGillivray Lake West is located about one kilometer down the road from the outpost. 

All four sites open for overnight camping are listed on the Recreation Sites and Trails BC website.