Texas Creek Campground in Gladstone Provincial Park is a great place to go camping for waterbabies. The campground is just above Christina Lake, with plenty of paths down to the lake shore. It is perfect if you want to go swimming, messing around in boats, fishing, or basically anything water related. Christina Lake is located in the Monashee Mountains, about halfway between Waterton Lakes and Vancouver (along highway 3.)

I should probably mention, we had no idea the name of the campground we had booked was Texas Creek, until after we arrived. When you book and find the location on google maps, the only name provided is Gladstone Provincial Park.

Texas Creek Camping map

This map is from the (BC Provincial Park website.)

Texas Creek Camping dates

You can reserve campsites from May 11 to September 4 (2023) but the campground is open from May 4 to October 1.

Booking campsites at Texas Creek

Book campsites via the BC Frontcountry Camping Reservation website. Even though the campground is called Texas Creek, you need to search for “Gladstone” to book a site. You can book 4 months before the date you’d like to camp. There are 63 sites that are all reservable. The cost in 2023 is $27 (+$6 reservation fee).

Other campsites nearby:

Gladstone Provincial Park also has 7 back-country marine camping sites on Christina Lake. These are all first come first served, and cash only. You can pay at Texas Creek campground ($13). More info here: Gladstone Provincial Park Marine Sites

Texas Creek Campsites

There are 63 reservable frontcountry campsites, 6 of them are double sites where you can camp right next to friends or family. They are all vehicle accessible, with a range of sizes.  The best spots to camp depend on what kind of experience you fancy. Sites 1-15 have a bit less privacy, but are much closer to the lake. The sites in the middle and away from the lake have more trees and privacy.

Each campsite is vehicle accessible and has a fire pit, a picnic bench and plenty of space to park and set up your tent (or RV.) None of the sites have electrical hook up. Some sites are larger than others, but you can see photos and see the sizes before you book.  Most sites can manage a trailer or RV up to 32ft, some even larger. None of the sites are pull through.

Gladstone Provincial Park Facilities

The facilities at Gladstone Provincial Park include:

• Water taps
• Pit toilets (that are not too stinky!)
• Restroom with running water and showers (and dishwashing station) close to the hosts
• A Boat launch area
• A playground
• A beach

We didn’t find a day use picnic area with benches but you can always have a picnic on the beach.

Bare Campsites

The most important rule about camping is keeping a bare campsite. Basically you need to pack away all food, cups, plates, pans, grills etc., and anything that has a scent that might attract bears. Store things in your vehicle when car camping. Never leave any of food or these items unattended for even a minute, and do not keep them inside your tent.

Campfire or no campfire?

I have a whole post about cooking on a campfires. Although there are fire pits at all of the campsites, depending on the fire-risk when you visit, you might not be able to use them. We ended up cooking on a campstove as the fire-risk was too high when we visited. Firewood can be purchased in the park when fires are allowed.

Trails in Gladstone

There are a few easy trails around the campsite; Up to the cliffs above Christina Lake or down to the beaches. There is a long (23km) Deer Point trail that can take you to the North end of Christina Lake.

Even just wandering around the campground is pretty gorgeous as the surrounding trees provide pretty, dappled shade.

Swimming Gladstone Provincial Park

I was surprised to find the Christina Lake is pretty warm. I had a lovely swim from the beach at Texas Creek Campground.

I am always impressed by Campgrounds in Provincial Parks in British Columbia. Texas Creek was such a lovely place to stay on our road trip along Highway 3 to Waterton Lakes. I would love to come back to stay for longer, and spend some more time in the warm waters of Christina Lake.

What do you think? Would you be interested in exploring BC’s Boundary Country and camping in Gladstone Provincial Park at Texas Creek? Click on the pins below to save this for later.