Chump Lake (Big Johnson Lake)

In mid-August, we spent a nice morning on Chump Lake (also called Big Johnson Lake), about half way between Boyle and Lac La Biche. The launch is in the Chump Lake Campground and the turnoff of Highway 663 is not signed. You want to watch for (and turn north onto) Golden Nodding Road and then follow it to the end.

There is no cost for day use and you can launch off the beach or use the boat launch. There are pit toilets (super clean!), a playground, and benches. The campground staff were very friendly.

We launched off the beach. It is about an 80m carry from the parking lot down a hill and across the sand. The carry was so-so (bit of a slope, uneven footing--no big deal if you are fully mobile). Super easy beach launch and good swimming here.

The boat launch has a dock and is cement.

I can't say enough about the water quality. There are the usual weeds but the water was very clear.

The shoreline is about 10km and is basically this: reeds and bullrushes, then a mixed forest.

There is an island in the middle of the lake that you cam camp on. 

Access is on the west side. The bottom is a mix of rocks and sand.

On shore there is a fire pit (with wood!) and benches. There is room for a tent here. There is also a second more rustic site further into the interior of the island.

We did a loop that included most of the shoreline. There was not much for wildlife the day we were there. There was a lot of loud loons and lots of beaver lodges.

Overall, a very nice two hours. The campground operator said the fishing was very good, especially over in the southwest bay.