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Haywire Bay Regional Park (Powell River Reg District)
Overview
Haywire Bay Regional Park offers a quintessential Pacific Northwest camping experience on the shores of Powell Lake. Managed by the qathet Regional District, this park provides a scenic escape into the coastal rainforest while remaining conveniently close to the amenities of Powell River. It serves as a gateway for those wanting to explore the northern Sunshine Coast. The park is characterized by its mature forest canopy and direct access to freshwater recreation, making it a seasonal favorite for locals and visitors alike.
Location & Surroundings
Situated roughly seven kilometers from the historic Townsite area of Powell River, the park sits nestled along the eastern edge of Powell Lake. The geography here is defined by rugged mountains meeting deep, clear water. Accessing the park involves a drive through forested terrain, offering a sense of seclusion despite the short distance from town. The surrounding area is part of a vast network of protected lands, providing a dramatic backdrop for lakeside camping and immersion in nature.
Amenities & Park Features
This park is designed for a rustic, back-to-nature experience, offering over 50 campsites tucked under a thick forest cover. While there are no electrical or sewer hookups, the park provides several essential features for a comfortable stay:
- Centrally located potable water stations for filling tanks.
- Clean and well-maintained pit toilets.
- Individual fire rings and sturdy picnic tables at every site.
A primary highlight is the protected swimming beach, which includes a playground and a designated area for younger children to enjoy the water safely during the summer months.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty of activity right at their doorstep. The park connects to several popular local landmarks:
- The Inland Lake trail, a 13-kilometer accessible circuit.
- Direct access points for kayaking and canoeing on Powell Lake.
- The Sunshine Coast Trail, offering rugged terrain for serious hikers.
For those interested in local culture, the historic Powell River Townsite is a short drive away, offering unique architecture, local breweries, and artisan shops that highlight the region's industrial heritage.
Who This Park Is Best For
Haywire Bay is an ideal destination for self-contained RVers and tent campers who prefer a quiet, natural environment over high-density commercial resorts. It is perfect for families looking for a safe, freshwater swimming spot and outdoor education opportunities for children. If your travel style involves unplugging from technology to reconnect with the forest and lake, this regional park offers the perfect balance of accessibility and wilderness charm on the Sunshine Coast.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
User Reviews
Brittany Stainton
Great campground for families. Playground is in the middle, with the campsites looping around outside of it. Get there early if you want a lakeside spot.
Jamie Rogers
Our favourite camp site that we visited on our sunshine coast trip. Showers were $1/3 minutes, firewood was the best deal we’ve seen in BC ($6 for a wagon full), and most campsites had amazing views of the lake. Only downside we had was a group of aggressive campers which should have been kicked out after the third noise complaint at 1am.
Orion Spalton
Really nice campground, as usual with the Provincial Campgrounds. It's very clean, tidy and well kept, the sites are generous and well treed and private. There is a shower which is nice (takes 2 loonies), and it's also clean and spacious. The check in/registration process was very easy and it was possible to pay by card, always a bonus. Fire wood is available from the host. The location is spectacular, only 20 mins from town (Powell River) along really well graded and smooth FSRs, the beach and lake are gorgeous. Also the famous Sunshine Coast Trail passes really close by so you can easily hop on it here for an epic hike or a leisurely strole up to Haywire Bluffs. All in all I'd happily give this campground a 10/10. Do visit!
Lily Riwukore
A 5 stars campground. We love the size; you have privacy for sure. It is a first-come, first-serve, which is good. The washroom is okay; you just need to find a clean one. Interestingly, there is a shower coin, so you need to pay 1 dollar for 3 minutes warm shower. It is located on the playground—a perfect campground for the family with young kids and a lovely beach. The only thing is the gravel road, but yeah it's fine. Overall, great experience!
Adam Matheny
This is a great place for family's to get away to nature and have a relaxing experience. There is all kinds of activity's available including swimming ,fishing ,boating ,water skiing,hiking ,canoeing and biking and also other lakes to explore near by ! The rules state that dogs must be on leash ,but there where alot off leash. As long as they are well behaved and get along with other dogs it doesn't seem to be an issue ,we only let ours off by the lake for a swim and in the hiking trails to avoid any potential problems😎🐺🐕🚐🎶