Martha Creek Provincial Park sits on the western shore of Lake Revelstoke, about 20 minutes north of town on Highway 23. It's not a place that comes up much in MTB conversations — but it should, at least for families. Book early and you can nab one of the sites along the lake. With lakeside camping and bike trails built right into the campground, you don't have to choose between a swim and a ride. You get both.
The Campground
Some sites at Martha Creek back right onto the lake. We had one of these, which meant the kids had their own little beach twenty steps from the campsite. They were in the water before we'd finished setting up.
The sandy day-use area is wide and shallow at the edges — great for younger kids. Calm enough for paddleboarding, which we did. When the kids tired of that, the playground kept them busy. The campground is well set up in general: hot showers, and rangers who'll deliver wood to your site.
A couple of things to flag: the water is cold even in August. Lake Revelstoke runs deep and doesn't warm up the way a shallow lake does. The kids didn't care. We cared. There's also no wifi, so plan ahead.
The campground books up for a reason. Reserve well ahead if you're planning a summer trip — especially if you want one of the spots on the lake.
Trails in the Campground
This is the part that surprised us most. There are bike trails right in the campground — no driving, no loading up, just ride from the site. Easy loops for younger kids, slightly more technical options for riders who want more, with mellow climbs and fun descents throughout.
After a pre-ride with the kids, we handed them walkie-talkies and let them go explore on their own. That was the right call. They came back sweaty and happy and immediately went again. The freedom to ride without a parent shadowing their every move is its own kind of confidence-builder — they sorted out the small problems themselves. The walkie-talkies meant we weren't stressed either.
It's also just a campground that attracts riding families. Plenty of other kids were out on the trails, and ours had no trouble finding a few friends. If you're camping with kids who can ride independently, this setup is hard to beat.
Quick Notes
- Campground booking: Reserve early — lake-access sites go fast in summer
- Water temperature: Cold even in August. Wetsuits for younger kids aren't a bad idea
- Campground trails: Easy to moderate; best for kids who can ride independently
- Location: Western shore of Lake Revelstoke, ~20 min north of town on Highway 23
Why It Works
Martha Creek doesn't ask anyone to compromise. The kids ride the campground trails on their own, come back for a swim, and go again. The adults get time for their own ride. Everyone ends the day tired in the right way — and that's harder to find than it sounds.