Camping at Cat Lake in the Paradise Valley near Squamish, BC
Hot sun. Cool wind. Crisp mountain water. The perfect remedy for a warm, Fall day’s hike is a dip in one of the Sea to Sky’s many lakes. If you’re looking for a quick fix hike or bike trail with the family while camping, think Cat Lake. Nestled in the stunning Paradise Valley, Cat Lake is one of the best swimming holes around, complemented with dusty outcrops to set up your picnic area and encircled with fun hiking and biking trails. The lake itself is set against the backdrop of the stunning snow-capped Tantalus mountain range, and is a little more remote than some of the other parks in the Squamish area. Cat Lake provides the out of the way recreational experience but only a stones throw from the main highway. The biking trail system in the area is filled with challenging mountain bike routes navigating around the Cat Lake and Cheekeye River – my advice is to get on them early before the crowds (usually before 11am) as speed and congestion make for a nasty combo!
Camping is plentiful here but set a good distance apart so it feels like you’ve got space and privacy. There’s a 1km walk to reach the campground, so tranquility is virtually guaranteed. We headed straight for the lake in our raft and two kayaks. If you don’t have your own, fret not, there are wooden home-made rafts on the shoreline at your disposal. Look a few metres down from the main beach and you’ll spot rope swings from the trees which provide all the entertainment you’ll need on a hot, sweltering day here. The lake is a popular party spot at weekends, so my advice is to head down from Monday to Wednesday and really experience the beauty this place has to offer.
For other camping opportunities go to http://www.campingrvbc.com/camping.
Published: September 19th, 2013
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25 thoughts on "Camping at Cat Lake in the Paradise Valley near Squamish, BC"
Yeah, no problem no need to go early, usually, there are a lot of spots available on Saturday morning.
We want to go Cat lake on this Sunday , any one knows I have chance to get spot or No?
Hi! Looking to camp this Saturday and was wondering if it would be better to head up Friday night or Saturday morning. We’re not looking for one of the closer sites to the parking lot. A remote one is fine. How has it been on Saturdays? Thanks!
Hi, I am planning on going to Cat Lake sometime next month. The one issue is that my vehicle is a Honda Fit which I am concerned about the road..
Has anyone driven up there with a small car without any difficulty?
Hey Scott, I actually drove up the road in a Honda Fit 2 years ago. There weren’t any real problems, just take it slow and try to avoid the potholes.
it says it’s $15.00. is that per person or per tent? also, where do you pay?
Hi there,
I was just wondering if dogs are allowed at the camp site.
Are there many sites left at cat lake for tonight?
For the August long weekend, what are the prospects of getting a spot early saturday morning? or do most people go on thursday/friday and thats when it fills up? thanks
I have heard that with the forest fires the air is quite ashy, is this true? For anyone who is there.
Is it always full here? Is there a time of the day that’s best to be there? I don’t want to make the drive and not get a spot. First come, first serve seems so iffy. I’m going July 1 or 2nd. Hope I get a spot.
What’s the fees for camping?
hey no reservations – fisrt come first serve. and its 12 bucks a night to park and camp. also fire wood for sale at 8 bucks for an arm full. or 25 for a wheel barrow.
Is the fire ban in affect at Cat Lake?
Hi Meredith,
It is first come first serve at Cat Lake. You can choose any available site and a Site Host will visit you at some point during your stay to collect the fee. Enjoy your visit.
Hey, just wondering how to actually camp at cat lake. Do you have to book in advance our is it a first come, first serve type thing?
Thanks! Great blog!
Meredith
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