Hay River Lakeside

Lakeside picnics 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 facilities include powered campsites, laundry, and a large lakeside camping area that is perfect for accommodating group functions.

Changing lake levels have transformed the shoreline into a natural wetland environment, visitors can enjoy beautiful waterfront views, abundant birdlife, and opportunities to experience the unique character of Great Slave Lake. The lakeside campground is also a great place to watch cargo barges and fishing vessels and families can enjoy the park's new playground and a large picnic area while taking in the lakeside setting.

 

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

867-984-3811

Email

jagcontracting53@yahoo.com

On this page

Amenities

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

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).
Hay River Lakeside boardwalk
Lakeside Picnic Area
birdwatching
Hay River Lakeside
Hay River lakeside Playgrounds
Hay River Park campsite, tent and couple walking
Wheelchair accessible (barrier-free) campsite at Hay River
Hay River Park campsite, tent and picnic area

Camping

  • 43 powered campsites
  • 22 powered group campsites
  • This park has a maximum stay limit for non-recreational campers - contractors, work crews, and other non-recreational campers are subject to a maximum stay limit of 14 nights within any 30-day period at this campground. For full details and information on requesting an exemption, please refer to our Reservation Rules page.

Activities

Camping
Trails
Birdwatching
Scenic Lookout
Group Camping
Picnic
Playground

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
Swimming and beach access are available 1 km north of the campground. Here visitors can enjoy one of the area's pristine sandy beaches, great for swimming and a variety of water activities; just a short drive or cycle from the campground. This beach is the perfect place to take a dip and spend a summer day. As this beach is not serviced and there are no amenities, be sure to bring your beach chairs, and everything you need to enjoy the 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.