First thing to do is to define where these two horse camps are. Yes two! In the same Provincial Park! We call it Tunkwa/Leighton because there are two lakes (Tunkwa and Leighton) and two separate horse camps; one at each lake for a total of 20 corrals and multiple camp sites. Both are situated in Tunkwa Provincial Park between Logan Lake and Savona. (accessed by turning north onto Tunkwa Lake Road at the intersection of highways 97C and D just outside of Logan lake.) Both are accessed by paved road nearly all the way in.
View of Leighton equestrian campsite.
It is rustic style camping with picnic tables, fire rings, outhouses, garbage bins and corrals for equines (horses/mules). The camp host keeps water tanks filled with non- potable water (equine use) and collects fees for camping during the recreation season. For current information on fees, directions and potable water availability check the BC Parks website https://bcparks.ca Back Country Horsemen of BC members built both sets of equestrian camp corrals. They were built many years ago and offer some outstanding riding and camping with horses.
View of campsite at Tunkwa lake side.
The Tunkwa site is the newer of the two and was not touched by the enormous Tremont Creek wildfire that came so close to destroying the town of Logan Lake and Tunkwa park, three years ago. This site did not need any repairs but in May of this year (2024), three Chapters came together and did upgrades to each site. Seventeen able and enthusiastic volunteers showed up for both the Tunkwa and Leighton sites. We added poles to attach either a tarp or shade cloth to, as the corrals are out in the open with no trees to offer shade in the heat of summer. Bring your own tarp or shade cloth. Set up is for 10’x10′ but any size can work.
Repairing fencing at Leighton Lake campsite.
Leighton was the site that needed the repairs. Many of the posts were either broken, rotten or burned off underground. The entire east and north side of the perimeter fence had been burned in the fire but has since been replaced by BC Parks. So, what our BCHBC volunteers had to focus on was the inside of the corrals. They are now repaired and ready for equestrian campers. Campers with ATV and dirt bikes are allowed to camp at Leighton but not Tunkwa. They idle in and out only within the park, a very short distance to get to trails outside the park. All trails inside the park are hiking, mountain bike and horseback riding only. So far, it is rare to see a pedal bike on the trails. This is also a very popular fishing destination.
Riding the Lake Loop trail.
All trails are open again but the impacts of the wildfire are still very evident. There are a host of trails, some that are shared with motorized and some that are hiking and horseback riding only. The unfortunate thing about the wildfire is that the signage for the most part was burned and has not been replaced as of yet. There is a hand drawn map at each equestrian campground and a geo-referenced map for the Avenza app listed in the Horse Council Trails database. You will need the Avenza app.
“Use it or Lose it” – hope to see you out equestrian camping at Tunkwa Provincial Park!
Relaxing after lunch on the Big Meadow loop.
By Rose Schroeder- BCHBC Shuswap Chapter
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