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Haynes
Point
Located in Osoyoos
on the west side of Osoyoos Lake near the border with the USA, Haynes
Point Provincial Park (swiws Park) is situated on a narrow sand
spit that almost cuts Osoyoos Lake in half.
Travelling
Here
To get here, take Hwy 97 south from the town of Osoyoos for 2 km
(1.3 miles) towards the border until you reach 32nd Avenue. Travel
about one km (.6 mile) on 32nd Avenue to the park gate and there
you can find the information sign, day-use area, dog beach and camp
host.
Park
Highlights
Osoyoos Lake is reported to be one of the warmest temperatures in
Canada and Haynes Point Provincial Park has a number of sandy beaches
to experience this pleasure. The park's other attraction is a slough
highlighting a wildlife refuge that protects some endangered species
natural to the desert habitat of the southern Okanagan.
Campground
The campground at Haynes Point contains 41 vehicle-accessible campsites
with a maximum stay of seven days. The campsites are fairly large,
offer some double sites and can accommodate larger recreational
vehicles and various tent set-ups. There are some pine trees for
shade and privacy but generally the campsites are quite open to
enjoy the hot Osoyoos Lake sun.
Lakeside
Campsites
This campground is really unique with one of the attractions being
that most of the campsites are located on the lakeside. This makes
it really nice if you own a boat or intend to do a lot of swimming
or tubing, especially with kids. The sandspit that juts out towards
the east can almost be crossed to the other side on Lakeshore Drive.
Facilities
The campground facilities are more limited with washrooms being
only pit style toilets. There are a couple of water stations in
the campground area. For entertainment there is an Amphitheatre
situated near the campsite host. There are also changing rooms at
the public beach near the wildlife refuge. For pet owners, Haynes
Point has a dog-friendly beach. There is a boat launch here with
Osoyoos Lake having pleasure craft, canoeing and kayaking, all available.
Interpretive
Trail
There is a very nice interpretive trail near the entrance to the
park for you to explore. The trail includes a number of wildlife
viewing opportunities notably for nesting migratory birds, barn
owls, the western small-footed myotis bat, painted turtles, spadefoot
toads and tiger salamanders. The Haynes Point slough also contains
a number of lush plant species and some valuable wetlands.
Sand
Spit
If you do stay at Haynes Point Provincial Park, just remember that
boats and pleasure craft use the small channel between the end of
the sandspit and the east side of Osoyoos Lake. Make sure everyone,
especially children, are aware of the possible dangers of watercraft
and deep drop-offs on the sand spit sides when crossing the lake.
Reservations
are Required
Unfortunately, Haynes Point Provincial Park campground is probably
one of the hardest to find a campsite. Reservations are definitely
required and hard to get online through Discover Camping. But, if
you act quickly as soon as reservations are open for the year, you
might obtain a site. There is some overflow camping available for
1 night only.
June
or September
If the summertime is not a requirement, a good time to come to Haynes
Point is either in June or late September. At this time it is on
a first-come, first-served basis but without the crowds it is a
lot more easier getting into the campground.
Park Maintenance
Reservations for Haynes Point Provincial Park can be arranged by
Discover Camping. The park services and maintenance are managed
by Osoyoos Indian Band (OIB).
Information
on Haynes Point
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Haynes Point
Provincial Park
Osoyoos Lake
Lakeside Campsites
on Osoyoos Lake
Boat Launch at
Haynes Point
Osoyoos Lake
Slough Interpretive Trail
Haynes Point
Public Beach
Haynes Point
Haynes Point
Campground Road
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