Tsintsunko Lake Recreation Site — Kamloops Highland Backcountry
Tsintsunko Lake Recreation Site sits in the rolling ponderosa and lodgepole country northeast of Kamloops, managed by BC’s Forest, Lands and Natural Resource Operations. It’s a modest, no-frills spot — a handful of sites on the lakeshore, a pit toilet, and fire rings. Fishing for rainbow trout is the draw for most, but overlanders running the Lac du Bois grasslands or heading north toward the Bonaparte Plateau use it as a quiet overnight that’s far cheaper and less crowded than anything near the highway.
Access is via Tsintsunko Lake FSR off the Westsyde Road corridor — suitable for high-clearance 2WD in dry conditions, but the surface gets greasy in wet weather. No drinking water on-site; treat lake water or bring your own. Fire restrictions apply in summer — check with BC Wildfire Service before you light anything.
Dry pine hills camp near Lac du Bois country.
Place Details
| Type | Established Campground |
|---|---|
| Street address | PassLake Rec Site, Area J (Copper Desert Country), British Columbia Get directions → |
| Elevation (ft) | 3400 ft |
| Nearest town | Kamloops, BC |
| Miles from pavement | 14 mi |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 2WD |
| Access road surface | Dirt |
| Cell service | None |
| Cost (USD/night, 0 = free) | Free |
| Reservation required | No |
| Stay limit (nights) | 14 nights |
| Best season | May-October |
| Land manager | Other |
| Permit required | No |
| Amenities | Fire ring, Picnic table, Toilets |
| Coordinates | Open directions |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |