McLaren Lake Regional Park has a natural beauty of its own with the spring water shed spilling into the lake from miles around. The park has lots to offer with regular, seasonal and group camping, bathrooms with showers as well as a concession and camp kitchen. Enjoy the beach area while boaters laze the day away on the water or enjoy water sports. Kids can dig, climb, swing and hang around in the playground. Shoot a few hoops of basketball or try your hand at tetherball. Try your skills or luck! at horseshoes or grab a few friends for a friendly game of beach volleyball, softball, or even golf with the gophers on the 9-hole course. If you enjoy nature, search the grounds for the many different wildflowers in bloom, or simply appreciate bird watching and the serenity of the vast prairie. Every July 1st, Canada Day is celebrated in the park with fireworks to end the day. The second weekend in July features the annual Ball Tournament and Music Festival. This family friendly park provides opportunity to meet people, make new friends and create memories of time spent at this quiet gem called McLaren Lake.
Just 10 miles north and 5 miles east, in the town of Richmound, you’ll find a confectionary/post office, Credit Union and Petro-Can cardlock. The RCMP and hospital are located in the towns of Leader and Maple Creek.
Looking for something to see or do? Check out the museum located in the RM building in the town of Richmound. Or head on to Burstall where you'll find a well kept 9 hole golf course with grass greens, a driving range and a practice green. The town of Maple Creek has many attractions: Rafters Brewing Company, Cypress Hills Winery, Cowtown Toys and The Daily Grind to name only a few. And about an hour to the E and N is the Great Sandhills. Feel free to chat with the caretakers or anyone local for directions or more information on attractions in the area.
Negotiations for the park began on September 19,1961. With agreements with 6 partners engaged in the creation and success of the park, energy abounded. Five thousand trees were planted in short order. By 1965, there was already a ball diamond and a concession booth. The lake was stocked with 250,000 pickerel in 1966 and a golf course and office were soon added.
The park has grown since then with 50 electrified sites and flush toilets and showers! Quite a change from the early years, but the old merry-go-round, one of the first pieces of playground equipment, still turns as kids squeal in delight.
The campsites, washrooms and park grounds are all barrier free.
Quiet time 11pm to 7am. Fire allowed only in tubs provided. A Fire Ban may be in effect depending on amount of rainfall received in the year. Dogs must be on leash. Firewood shall be purchased at the park office. ATVs are prohibited within the park.
(prices subject to change without notice)
| Description | Unit | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| 30 Amp | Daily | $30.00 |
| 30 Amp | Weekly | $180.00 |
| 30 Amp | Monthly | $720.00 |
| 30 Amp – Includes 2 Wagon Loads of Firewood | Seasonally | $1600.00 |
| Non Serviced Sites | Daily | $20.00 |
(prices subject to change without notice)
| Description | Unit | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Firewood – (No outside firewood will be allowed in the park) | Per Bundle | $15.00 |
| Firewood – (No outside firewood will be allowed in the park) | Wagon Load | $50.00 |
| Canoe Rental | 1/2 Day | $30.00 |
| Canoe Rental | Per Hour | $15.00 |
| Camp Kitchen/Shelter Rental | Per Weekend | $50.00 |
| Camp Kitchen/Shelter Rental | Daily | $25.00 |
| Paddleboat Rental | Per Hour | $15.00 |
| Paddleboat Rental | 1/2 Day | $30.00 |
Camping sites offer 15-30 amp electrical power. Five sites are located in close proximity to the lake: about 20 sites are located in the more recently established shelterbelt area and another 15 located within the area established for campers in the early 60’s. If you’re looking for something a little more secluded and away from the main hub, the remainder of the powered sites are located on the further south and east end of the park. There is an area designated for tenting or non powered units in the north west corner. And if required, there is an overflow area to the far east. Some of the sites are well treed while others provide less shade. All amenities are within an easy walking distance from any camp site. There are 50 powered sites and 20 non powered sites available.
After a couple years spent renovating, the old caretaker’s cabin is available for rent. Please refer to the letscamp website for a full description of the cabin and booking info.
The sewage disposal station is located at the entrance of the park. Washrooms for men and women offer flush toilets and shower stalls.
Although there is no specified group camping area, with enough notice, sites can be booked to accommodate family reunions or any group event. A camp kitchen, which includes a fridge, briquette barbeque and seating for 30 people, is located close to the suggested camping area. It can be reserved for a day or for the duration of the event. The playground is right next to the camp kitchen and directly across from the shower house making this area ideal for group camping. It has 14 30 amp sites.
There is a 9-hole par 3 golf course with sand greens and a driving range for the golf enthusiasts.
Young and old alike enjoy spending time on the water. The lake is suitable for swimming, however there is no lifeguard on duty. Swimmers must do so at their own risk.
For the youngsters, there is a Blue Imp playground, swings, slides, tetherball and basketball hoop. There is a fenced ball diamond and two horseshoe pits for your enjoyment.
Although the lake was stocked with Rainbow Trout from 2011 through 2013, Northern Pike in 2015 and then randomly stocked with Rainbow Trout from 2016 – 2019, no catches have been reported. BUT ….. there is a mystery. Boaters armed with fish finders have recorded activity in the water! No concrete evidence has been brought to light, however, the search is on to identify those mysterious swimming creatures in our lake!
A paddle boat and a canoe are available to rent. Guests are required to fill out appropriate paperwork at the concession before renting these items. There is a boat launch available also. Jet skis, boats, sailboats and water skiing are permitted.
Paddle boarding is a relatively new activity for those who enjoy being on the water. You can’t beat the calm summer evenings nor the serene early mornings for the ultimate paddleboard experience on a lake a smooth as glass.
A 1 Km walking trail along the southwest end of the park offers a lake side stroll and the opportunity to enjoy the sights and sounds of the park. Benches are placed along the path inviting you to take some time to enjoy the scenery. The walking trail was extended in 2024 to 2.5 kms taking you to a ‘lookout’ point where you can enjoy the park from a new perspective. Sit atop the small incline at about the halfway point and allow yourself to be taken up in the tranquility of the wild life preserve.
| Description | Date | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| McLaren Lake Annual Slo-Pitch Tournament and Music Festival | July 11 | $120.00/Team
$20.00 wrist band |
| Canada Day – fireworks, kids parade and kids crafts | TBA | Park Entry |
