BC’s north has lots of camping opportunities, from driving an RV along the Alaska Highway to flying to a remote backcountry campsite in a provincial park.
Drive the Great Northern Circle Route – known for open roads, scenery and wildlife viewing – and stay at provincial parks or private campgrounds along the way. Look for bears, moose and Stone’s sheep, and be sure to stop for a soak at Liard Hot Springs.
The north is more than just mountains and forests; take the ferry to the Queen Charlotte Islands to camp at Naikoon Provincial Park and wander for hours on long, sandy beaches.
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RV and Car Camping Highlights
Provincial Parks
Alaska Highway campers and RVers are in for a treat as they approach the Yukon/BC border. Some of the best scenery is near Muncho Lake Provincial Park, which has 30 lakeside campsites and great wildlife viewing – watch for Stone’s sheep and moose.
Just north of Muncho Lake, Liard River Hot Springs Provincial Park’s natural mineral hot springs are the ultimate camping luxury. The wooden boardwalk leading to the hot springs passes through a warm water marsh (a feeding ground for moose). Stay overnight at one of 144 vehicle accessible campsites to ensure an early morning soak.
Campers head to Lakelse Lake Provincial Park, near Terrace, for its setting amidst old-growth cedar, hemlock and Sitka spruce trees – some of which are 2m (6.5ft) in diameter – as well as its sandy beaches and accessible water sports. The park has 156 vehicle campsites.
Seeking an uncrowded family campground? Look to Paarens Beach Provincial Park on the southwest shore of Stuart Lake near Fort St. James. Some of the 36 campsites border the lake, which is known for its good fishing.
Private Campgrounds and RV Parks
Private campgrounds with RV or tenting sites offer convenient access and facilities ranging from basic to deluxe.
Northern BC has more than 65 private campgrounds and RV parks. There are many located along Highway 16 between Prince George and Prince Rupert. Private campgrounds can also be found along the Alaska Highway, from Dawson Creek to Muncho Lake; along Highway 37, from Terrace to Dease Lake; and on the Queen Charlotte Islands.
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Wilderness and Backcountry Camping Highlights
Provincial Parks
The main attraction of Naikoon Provincial Park is its broad, sandy beaches, which stretch for approximately 100km/60mi. Naikoon is located on Graham Island, the largest of the Queen Charlotte Islands, and has 73 vehicle accessible sites over two campgrounds.
Called “the gem of Central British Columbia” by the popular Backroad Mapbooks, the Babine Mountains provide hikers with many overnight backcountry camping opportunities. Camp outdoors or stay in the Joe L’Orsa Cabin.
Unique volcanic landscapes reward those who make the effort to reach Mount Edziza Provincial Park, located southwest of Dease Lake. The summer backpacking season is usually between July and September. Access is via hiking trail or float plane.
National Parks
Sea kayaking and camping on the beaches of Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve is the ultimate way to experience this wilderness. Spend up to a week paddling into inlets and channels, with only your kayaking partners, sea lions, whales, eagles and moss-covered rainforests as company.
Recreation Sites
Moresby Recreation Site, in the middle of the Queen Charlotte Islands, has six campsites and a boat launch. Kayak or fish in Cumshewa Inlet, or use this as a jumping off point for a larger kayak trip into Gwaii Haanas.
West of Vanderhoof, on the shores of Fraser Lake, Peterson’s Beach Recreation Site has a sandy beach, a boat launch, and 44 campsites. Hike to nearby Ormand Lake and see canyons and waterfalls along the way.
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When to Go Camping
Camping season is generally mid-May to early September; some sites are open later, earlier or year-round. July and August are busiest; May, June, September and October are great camping months – fewer crowds! Reservations are recommended for popular locations or during public holiday weekends.
Planning a Camping Trip
- General information about fees, reservations and facilities can be found at Camping in BC. For more details about where to camp, plus photos, visit Camping & RV in BC.
- Phone or stop in at Visitor Centres for local camping knowledge or directions. Plan routes using Maps.
- Campfires may or may not be permitted, depending on the campground and if there is a campfire ban in effect.
- Some campgrounds are pet-friendly. Check in advance to be sure.