Goldpan Provincial Park Campground

Goldpan Provincial Park is a compact, no-frills campground perched right on the banks of the Thompson River in the dry canyon country between Merritt and Lytton. It’s a legitimate overnight stop for rigs running the Okanagan Connector backcountry routes or transiting between the interior and the Lower Mainland. The river is right there — fast, green, and loud. Sites are basic: fire rings, pit toilets, no hookups, no nonsense. It fills up on summer weekends with kayakers and fisherfolk, but shoulder season it’s wide open.

Access is off Highway 1 near Spences Bridge — easy pull-in for any rig size. The canyon walls are dramatic, the swimming is cold and excellent, and the stars in that dry air are something. No showers, no dump station, no hookups. Bring your own water or filter from the river. Reservation system operates through BC Parks Discover Camping in peak season.

Thompson River canyon camp, no frills needed.