Blackwater & southwest / Full trip pack
Mackenzie Lakes recreation sites
https://hikingprincegeorge.com/hikes/mackenzie-lakes-recreation-sites
Two small campsites serve connected fishing lakes southwest of Prince George. Despite the name, these are on the Blackwater road corridor, not in the town of Mackenzie.
1. Getting there and parking
From the Highway 16–97 junction drive about 9 km west, turn left onto Blackwater Road and continue roughly 27 km to Baldy Hughes. The gravel section begins its kilometre count at zero. For the eastern lake, turn left at 6.5 km, then right after 1.5 km and continue approximately 1 km to the site. For the western lake, remain on the main road to the 8 km point and take the site access on the left. The western approach is steeper and can be difficult in spring or after heavy rain.
- From the Highway 97/16 junction, travel about 9 km west and turn left onto Blackwater Road. Continue about 27 km to the gravel section at Baldy Hughes, where road kilometre zero begins.
- For the eastern lake, turn left at kilometre 6.5, travel about 1.5 km and turn right; the site is about another 1 km in.
- For the western lake, stay on the main gravel approach past kilometre 6.5 to the site on the left near kilometre 8.
Road and vehicle: Both sites are generally described as 2WD-accessible. The steeper western approach may become difficult during spring or after heavy rain.
2. At the campsite
Choose the correct lake access before arriving: the two sites are separate despite the water connection between the lakes. The listing gives six units across the location and describes tables, fire rings and a pit toilet at each small site. It does not establish a maintained walking trail between the camping areas or around either lake. Use the designated sites and boat access, and do not assume that a drivable eastern approach means the steeper western branch suits the same vehicle. Confirm current road conditions and site rules through RSTBC before a stay.
Location map
Published locations only. A complete route line is still needed.
Published locations
Numbered points match the map. Use the role beside each point. A summit or park reference point is not a parking location.
| Place and role | Coordinates | Source and notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mackenzie Lakes recreation sites recreation project location | 53.542765 -122.945991 | PROJECT_NAME=Mackenzie Lakes; FOREST_FILE_ID=REC1157; official source point [-122.94599073429077, 53.54276468386912] https://www.campingrvbc.com/sites/bc/mackenzie-lakes-prince-george/ |
5. Camping, facilities and seasons
Camping and tenting
The directory lists six camping spaces across two separate lake sites. Each site has tables and fire rings; choose the lake before following directions.
Toilets
One pit toilet is listed at each lake site.
Practical details checked 2026-10-17.
Your trip notes
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