Hay River beach

Sandy beaches and sunsets

Hay River Territorial Park

General Information

Located on Vale Island in the town of Hay River, the campground is on the shore of the Great Slave Lake. The Hay River campground has a variety of amenities including powered campsites, Laundry, and a large beach front camping area that is perfect for accommodating group functions. Enjoy the sandy beach, excellent swimming, a range of water activities, unique viewing of cargo barges and fishing vessels, and great opportunities to fish for pickerel and northern pike.

Operating Date

May 15 – Sept 15

Address

Hay River Territorial Park is located on Vale Island at the mouth of the Hay River. It is 10 km/6 mi past the town Visitor Information Centre and accessible from NWT Highway 2.

Phone

867-767-9206

Email

parks@gov.nt.ca

On this page

Amenities

Accessible
Beach
Campsites
Laundry
Drinking Water
Dump Station
Firewood
Group Camping
Interpretive Displays
Picnic / Day Use Area
Picnic Shelter
Playground
Powered Campsites
Showers
Washrooms
Wifi

Nearest community

Hay River. Known as the Hub of the North, Hay River is surrounded by boreal forests, rivers, and lakes, making it the perfect base for an outdoor adventure.

Park Highlights

Great Slave Lake is the remnant of an enormous inland sea scoured out of the Canadian shield by glaciers during the last ice age. It is the second largest lake within Canada (28,438 sq km/ 10,980 sq mi) as well as the deepest lake in North America (616 metres/2,027 feet).

Advisories

Information

2025 Camping Reservations

Discover when you can start reserving campsites online! Find information on campground operating dates and the availability of extended stay campsites.

Camping

  • 43 powered campsites
  • 22 powered group campsites

Activities

Camping
Fishing
Swimming
Trails
Water Sports

Special Notes

Accessibility
The campground facilities are accessible and campsite A3 at the park is designated as a wheelchair accessible site. To book, please contact the park directly.

Nearby Attractions
Perhaps the best beach in the North, the Hay River Beach is mi of sandy dunes stretching along the shores of Great Slave Lake.
Make time on your Saturday to visit the Fisherman's Wharf, a market filled with local goods and crafts. It's open from 10 am - 2 pm on Saturdays during the summer.

Safety information
For general information about safety resources while in the Northwest Territories, check our Safety resources page.

Weather 
See current weather conditions and forecasts from Environment Canada.