Williams Lake Stampede Campground
The Williams Lake Stampede, taking place this year from June 27 to July 1, 2019, was originally conceived in 1919 when a group of cowboys put on a `Wild West' show for the passengers on trains stopped over at the station in Williams Lake. After the show, the entertainers would pass around a hat to collect donations from adoring fans.
1 of 4
Williams Lake Stampede Campground
Entrance to Williams Lake Stampede Campground
2 of 4
Williams Lake Stampede Campground
Williams Lake Stampede Campground
3 of 4
Williams Lake Stampede Campground
Williams Lake Stampede Campground
4 of 4
Williams Lake Stampede Campground
Williams Lake Stampede Campground Hosts Della & Mark Boothby
The first official Williams Lake Stampede took place the following year, and people trekked from miles around to take part in the revelry. Spectators and participants alike came to camp and compete; to visit and dance; to gamble and party - it was a major social event for the entire Cariboo area. When the show was in full force, the surrounding countryside would come to a standstill: it was Stampede time. As the rodeo's popularity grew, local businessmen and merchants embraced the opportunity to wholeheartedly support the event. Williams Lake was booming, and so was business.
From farmers to fishermen, cowboys to Christians, locals to loggers – all were drawn in - including the First Nations peoples of the Cariboo. In the early years, the primary means of travel was by horse-drawn wagon or saddle horse as very few country folk owned automobiles. Since then the years have borne witness to many changes – a flux in population, booming industry, advances in transportation... But still, one thing remains a constant - the Williams Lake Stampede is a gathering place where good times, excellent entertainment and sterling quality of world-class riding, roping and racing is the rule, not the exception.
Offering the exhilarating experiences that only a professional rodeo can, the Williams Lake Stampede brings it all: barrel racing, saddle bronc riding, steer wrestling, bull riding, bareback, tie-down roping, team roping, mountain races, wild horse races...and much much more. With live musical entertainment, beer gardens, family fun, kid's nights and the "Cariboo Heritage Gathering and Ranch Rodeo" on July 1 - to mention just a few, this event is much more than just somewhere to go – it's where you need to be.
The Stampede Campground is owned and operated by the Williams Lake Stampede Association. The Stampede Association is a non-profit organization operated by volunteers. Campground staff live on site. This friendly campground has over 50 fully serviced sites, and 25 tenting spots. It features pull-through sites with 50 amp services, beautiful landscaping, handicapped washroom facilities, and full laundry.
Open April through to Thanksgiving weekend, this municipal campground is within easy walking distance of downtown Williams Lake and the River Valley Trail.
For more information on the Williams Lake Stampede go to www.williamslakestampede.com, and to reach the campground, call 250-398-6718