This 98-hectare park features an interesting arboretum of exotic vegetation.  In the 1950s, over 100,000 trees were planted to decorate the barren, rocky hillsides.  But many of these trees were non-native species such as Manitoba, silver and Norway maples; Russian olive; Chinese elm; Lombardy poplar and mountain ash.  This unusual mixture of trees intermingled with native species gives the park a unique feel and provides habitat for a wide variety of birds. The dry grassy hillsides above the campgrounds provide habitat for a variety of snakes, including rattlesnakes. This is no reason to avoid the area, just remember to wear heavy pants and high boots and avoid putting hands and feet into crevices that you can’t see into.

The grassy, tree-shaded, beach-fringed park is perfect for swimming and sunbathing. This park is a favourite with visitors year-round and is also a popular boating, waterskiing, and windsurfing spot in summer. Fishing in the lake is permitted and the park has a boat launch.   During the summer months, educational interpretive programs such as guided walks, slide shows and children’s programs are offered.

There are 168 vehicle/tent campsites in two separate campgrounds on the west side of the lake. This is a scenic, well-developed site, with sandy beaches along the lake backed by uplands of ponderosa pine and sagebrush. The Southern Campground consists of 88 sites and is located fairly close to the lake.  The campground is open and staffed from March 30 to Oct 15. The Northern Campground has 80 sites and is located closer to the highway. The campground is open from May 19 to Sept 12 approx, after which the gate is closed. Facilities provided include flush and pit toilets, picnic tables, fire pits, firewood, water and showers.  There is a sani-station and, children’s playground and boat launch located at the south campground, but these facilities are available to visitors in either campground.  The campgrounds are also wheelchair accessible.

For your convenience, during the summer season this park has a concession located at the South campground gatehouse and managed by the Park Facility Operator. The closest store is the Little Acres Fruit Stand 500m south of the park entrance on Hwy 97. For more services, visit Summerland 11km to the south or Peachland to the north.

Across the lake, accessible by boat, is over 10 000 ha of wilderness in Okanagan Mountain Provincial Park.