Nanaimo Lakes

[scottyg]

Checked out Nanaimo lakes for the first time today. Went to first lake and swam at a Timber West campground.

The campground was free and appeared to be monitored and secured by the campers themselves. We saw mostly families. The environment seemed well taken care off at first glance. Seems like everyone there was really respectful of the environment and of the other campers experience (no blazing stereos or generators).

The lake! Ohhhhohohoh... so heavenlly. The temperature was just right. Played for hours in the water.

Be cautious when going through the Timber West Gate, which is several kilometers before the lake itself. It is only open for a certain number of hours during the day. (it is posted) SOmething like m-f 8 am to 5 pm. And I believe till 8 or 9 on the weekends. We learned this the hard way by getting locked in today. Eventually someone found us and let us out.... but we were fearing we might have to stay the night.

I highly recommend this lake for swimming.

[FireChef]

Going there on Monday for some good ole fishin......Can't wait!!

[riverrat]

The camping is free? Can anyone give more information? It's called Timberwest Campground? Is it owned by a logging company?

[scottyg]

I found a post on directions to it. So you can check it out for yourself.... but just remember what I said about being locked in there.

It is called Windy Point Campground and it is owned by Timberwest. I have found two websites: Both say that you pay 10-15 dollars at the gate depending on the day of the week. But any time I have been there there has been no one at the gate. I may be wrong about the sign that I read (regarding being free). I did get alot of sun that day and may have been hallucinating. Comfirmation would be great!

Directions to Campsite

[Shannon]

There is a charge for camping at the Nanaimo Lakes First Lake Campground during the summer. We have stayed there for free in the winter months, and I believe it's about $10 a night during the summer.

[Fischkind]

2 Bucks For a Day... (Just hand him 2 bucks.. And go through, If camping say I am going to the campsite.. Shouldent cost u 2 bucks..)

15 Per Car Overnight.. (Camping.. Pick your site.. The guy comes at night and collects the money. He comes around after the gate closes.)

Also I think the gates are

Mon-Thurs 8am-6Pm
Fri-Sun 8am-9Pm
(There is a sign at the gate... Which shows the times..)


I know the fee's are correct I was just there buit the times I can not guarentee..

There is no security in the winter, Just tell the guy at the gate though he counts how many cars go in and out. They wotn charge you for staying in the winter!

[riverrat]

Hey Fischkind, thanks so much!

[nathanenge]

I'm hoping to get there for BC Day long...on Friday. You guys figure it'll be jammed pack?
Is it a first come first serve?
I tried looking for a phone number to call on the TW website but I think they took the camping site off...and the google cached site has wrong numbers

[Fischkind]

Phone TW main line and ask the questions they will know it all..First come First served.. There is no p[hone at the gate... (Thought there was, I was wrong..)

[Tedz]

I heard there is no more public acess up to the lakes anyone no if this is true ? becuase somone died at the second lake in a small fishing boat in Feb