Stave Lake

In the north central Fraser Valley is BC Hydro's Stave River hydroelectric project. The Stave Lake reservoir is bounded by the Stave Lake Dam. Downstream is the Hayward Lake reservoir and the Ruskin Dam.

Many recreational activities can be enjoyed in the area, from boating, fishing and swimming, to picnicking, hiking and mountain biking.

For details about the area, follow the links below:

• Multiple use
• Stave Lake Reservoir Lodge and Campsite (available to registered non-profit youth groups through reservations only)
• Visitor information
• Safety

Access and directions

Need directions? View a map of BC Hydro recreation areas and get directions to the Power House at Stave Falls Visitor Centre, the Stave Lake boat launch, the Stave Lake Reservoir Lodge and Campsite, the Hayward Lake reservoir recreation area and the Ruskin Dam recreation area, all of which are about 60 kilometres east of Vancouver.

Note: Parking is on a first-come, first-served basis. When parking lots are full, entrance gates will be closed.

Find out about recreation area closures and restrictions.

Multiple use

BC Hydro's Stave Lake reservoir recreation area serves as a source of hydroelectric power and also as an attractive recreation area for public enjoyment. To add to your enjoyment, BC Hydro provides parking, washrooms or pit toilets, and picnic tables.

Facilities at Stave Lake include:

• A boat launch complete with a double- wide concrete ramp to low water and floating docks
• Beach and picnic area (sorry, no drinking water)
• 6 unit Campground and Lodge facility (available to registered non-profit youth groups through reservations only)
• Fishing

Stave Lake Reservoir Lodge and Campsite

What do we offer?

Stave Lake Lodge and Campsite provides facilities for two separate registered non-profit youth groups at a time. A large group may wish to reserve both sites. The Lodge and Campsite are open year-round.

The Lodge is a heated building with hot and cold running water. Two dormitory-style sleeping areas and one small supervisor's bedroom are located upstairs. The building accommodates a maximum of fifty persons overnight. Beds and bedding are not provided. Two separate bathrooms with flush toilets, sinks and showers are provided, as well as a dining room, common area and kitchen facilities. The downstairs bathroom is wheelchair-accessible.

The Campsite has six satellite gravel tent pads and a large cooking shelter. Tents are not provided. Two pit toilets are located nearby. The capacity of the camping area is 40 persons.

What cooking facilities are available?

Our Lodge has a kitchen with the following cooking appliances: two regular stoves, refrigerator, freezer and microwave oven. Pans, dishes and cutlery are not provided. Cleaning supplies are provided. Groups are required to provide their own meals.

The rustic campsite has a central cooking shelter with a wood stove, cold running water, counter with sink and space for personal cook stoves and picnic tables. Electrical outlets and firewood are also provided.

Is there an area for night campfires?

There are two outdoor fire circles located near the beach front, one for the use of each group. Firewood is provided.

What is the setting and what activities can we do?

The Stave Lake Lodge and Campsite resides in a West Coast forest and lake (reservoir) environment. Focus is on the natural environment and studies can include how humans have altered and managed the natural environment.

Opportunities for activities in the region include nature education (forest ecology, plant, aquatic, insect and geological study, outdoor survival, bird watching and energy cycles) and outdoor recreation (canoeing, hiking, swimming, fishing, wood craft, orienteering, etc.).

A swimming beach, fishing dock and pond trail exist nearby at BC Hydro's Hayward Lake Reservoir Recreation Area and a fish spawning channel is located at BC Hydro's Ruskin Dam and Picnic Site. Local trails are available for use. For the energetic, there is a four-hour day hike around Hayward Lake Reservoir.

Is there any staff provided?

Each group is responsible for providing supervisory, first aid and support staff. The BC Hydro Warden, located at Hayward Lake Reservoir, will provide an orientation to the site and serve as Hydro's contact during your visit.

Who is eligible?

The sites are booked on a first-come, first-served basis and are available to registered non-profit youth groups. These include public and private schools, Girl Guides, Boy Scouts, church groups, handicapped groups, community groups and other non-profit societies.

How do we make reservations?

Reservations can be made by telephone only. The Stave Falls Lodge and Campsite Booking Office is open every Monday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Bookings for the following calendar year can be made after 8:00 a.m. on the first Monday in November. The Booking Office can be reached at 604 462 7533. When calling, please have the following information available:

• Group name and representative
• Site(s) and dates requested
• Number of persons
• Second/third choice of dates

What are the fees?

BC Hydro's Power Facilities Group provides the Lodge and Campsite for public use. These facilities are operated with the purpose of providing social benefits to non-profit groups that have an environmental education component to their programs. The fees are minimal and do not cover actual operating costs. Therefore, the co-operation of the users is required to keep the facilities and grounds clean. User fees are $170 per night at the lodge (minimum two nights) and $120 per night for the campsite (minimum two nights). Maximum stay, one week.

Visitor information

These Recreation Areas are provided for your use and enjoyment by BC Hydro. Please respect the facilities and natural environment by observing the following rules:

• Deposit all refuse in the containers provided.
• Pets must be on a leash at all times and are prohibited on the Hayward Lake Reservoir beach area.
• Firearms and hunting are prohibited in the recreation area.
• Overnight camping at the Stave Lake Lodge and Campsite is permitted only for registered non-profit youth groups with an approved reservation.
• Vehicles left overnight on BC Hydro property may be towed at the owner's expense.
• Trails are closed to all motorized vehicles. The Reservoir Trail is closed to bicycles.
• Hayward Lake Reservoir is reserved for canoes and non-motorized boats (electric motors permitted). Stave Lake permits motorized boats.
• The consumption of liquor in public places is prohibited.
• For your own safety, avoid designated danger zones and observe all posted signs.
• Follow the campfire safety rules.

Aquatic safety

Hydroelectric production creates special concerns for visitor safety. Please note the following:

Hydroelectric operations

• Avoid the designated hazard areas above and below Stave Falls and Ruskin Dams and obey all posted signs. Water releases occur downstream and strong surface and underwater currents are created upstream. Swimming, boating or fishing in these areas is extremely dangerous.
• On Stave Lake Reservoir, fluctuating water levels may create dangerously shallow channels for boats and expose stumps that are normally hidden. Floating debris may also be encountered.

Shoreline users

• Changes to Stave River levels occur suddenly and without warning. Flooding may occur in low-lying areas and create dangerous conditions for fishers and other shoreline users. For your own safety, observe posted signs and be aware of rising water levels. All bodies of water (lakes, rivers and streams) represent a potential danger. Please note the following:

Boating/Canoeing safety

• An approved personal flotation device (PFD) is required by law for each person on board any boat or canoe. This includes inflatables. Remember, IT WON'T WORK IF YOU DON'T WEAR IT. A sound signalling device, such as a whistle, is also required by law. Further requirements are outlined in the Canadian Coast Guard's Safe Boating Guide.
• Don't overload your boat or canoe with people or gear.
• Watch the weather. Check the weather forecast before starting out. Be alert for the wave, wind, cloud changes that signal bad weather approaching.
• Cold water robs body heat 25 times faster than air at the same temperature. Stave Lake Reservoir, Hayward Lake Reservoir and the Stave River are cold enough to threaten your survival. Wearing your PFD increases your survival time.
• Be off the water one-half hour before posted closing times. DON'T GET LOCKED IN!

Swimming safety

• There are no lifeguards on duty at Hayward, Stave, and Ruskin Recreation Areas. In the event of an accident, contact the Recreation Area Staff and phone 911. Visitors are required to obey the safety directions of all onsite BC Hydro Recreation Area Staff or leave the recreation area.
• Never leave children without proper supervision while they are in or near the water. Children or non-swimmers should wear a personal flotation device.