Gun Creek campground
Free camping in the Bridge River area
The Gun Creek campground is on the Carpenter Reservoir, part of our Bridge River hydroelectric system.
Surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery, the rustic Gun Creek Campground is an attractive destination, and a popular stop for those on a driving tour of the Duffey Lake and Hurley Roads or while visiting the Gold Bridge area. The campground is also a 20-minute drive from Tyax Wilderness Resort and access to a world-class mountain biking trail network.
Where it is and what you need to know
Gun Creek Campground is located approximately 8.5 km northeast of Gold Bridge and 91 km northwest of Lillooet, on Carpenter Lake Reservoir. Get directions via this Google Map link to the campground.
- Seasonal openings for free camping, available on a first-come, first-served basis (no reservations). Open year-round but maintained only from May 1 until October 31. During the off-season, please pack out your garbage and leave the site tidy for other visitors.
- Carpenter Lake Reservoir generally fills by late June, and water levels remain high until early November.
- At low water levels, visitors can explore nearby remains of the flooded town of Minto.
- Gun Creek Campground has no drinking water.
Resident stocks of Dolly Varden char, rainbow trout and kokanee can be found in the reservoir. Fishers can try their luck in Gun Creek.
Site safety
Gas barbecues are permitted, but briquet barbecues are not.
On-site firewood is not available.
The BC Wildfire Service implements fire restrictions and manages wildfire response. Be sure to check fire bans and restrictions before you visit.
Report a wildfire
To report a wildfire irresponsible behaviour that could start a wildfire call 1 800 663-5555 toll-free, or *5555 on a cell phone as soon as possible. Any information you can provide is helpful, including answering these important questions.
Wildfire updates
For up-to-date information on wildfire safety, including fire danger ratings and regional fire restrictions call 1 888 336-7378 (3FOREST).
Bring hand sanitizer or sanitizing wipes and practice safe hygiene. If you're feeling sick, please stay home.
This recreation area is located within the historic Bridge River Valley. During the early 1900s pioneers staked mineral claims and formed mining communities throughout this region.
The remains of one of these mining towns lie beneath Carpenter Reservoir. Bill Davidson, the President of Minto Gold, planned and built the town site of Minto in 1934 following the startup of the Minto Gold Mine.
For several years, Minto Gold was one of the most productive mines in the valley. However, a flood on Gun Creek in 1950 left the town inundated and severely damaged.
After the Terzaghi Dam was completed in 1954, the Bridge River waters were backed up and Carpenter Reservoir was created, flooding the town of Minto. For detailed information on Minto, visit the Bralorne Pioneer Museum.