Many of Vancouver Island’s campgrounds are bounded by the ocean and offer clear views of the Coast or Olympic mountain ranges. Enjoy beach-combing, swimming, surfing, fishing, kayaking or watching the sun set over the waves. Seeking a forested or lakeside campground? Vancouver Island has those, too.
For convenient camping or RV getaways, look to south and central Vancouver Island, from Victoria to Campbell River. Some sites are within a half-hour’s drive of the ferry terminal.
Or sample campgrounds on the island’s wilder side. Head north (towards Port Hardy and Cape Scott Provincial Park) or west (towards Tofino and Pacific Rim National Park Reserve) for rugged, windswept landscapes.
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RV and Car Camping Highlights
Provincial Parks
When Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park’s campground is full (often the case in summer), Englishman River Falls and Little Qualicum Falls provincial parks are good alternatives near Parksville. Combined, they offer 200 campsites, and have waterfalls, shaded trails and swimming areas.
Just 2km/1.2mi from Campbell River, the “Salmon Capital of the World”, Elk Falls Provincial Park’s campground (122 sites) attracts eager anglers. A riverside trail leads to the Quinsam Salmon Hatchery.
Bamberton Provincial Park (53 sites) is about a half-hour’s drive from Victoria. Swim or search for intertidal life on the long sandy beach, or combine camping with a visit to the world-renowned Butchart Gardens.
Strathcona Provincial Park, BC’s oldest provincial park, has both front- and backcountry camping (160 vehicle-accessible sites). There are 52km (32mi) of hiking trails to explore, from short walks to tough treks, and Buttle Lake offers good trout fishing.
National Parks
Pacific Rim National Park Reserve is a stunning example of west coast rainforest. Camp at a forested vehicle-accessible site (located between Ucluelet and Tofino) near the Pacific Ocean and Long Beach, a huge stretch of sand where it's easy to spend hours searching for intertidal creatures or watching surfers in the waves (pack binoculars). Birdwatching and whale watching are also popular.
Private Campgrounds and RV Parks
Private campgrounds with RV or tenting sites offer convenient access and facilities ranging from basic to deluxe.
Vancouver Island has more than 85 private campgrounds and RV parks. The majority are located between Victoria and Campbell River, with a few on the west coast, by Tofino and Ucluelet, or on the north island, between Campbell River and Port Hardy. They often border beaches, lakes and rivers, with activities such as hiking, fishing, boating, surfing, kayaking or whale watching available nearby.
Recreation Sites
At Campbell Lake Recreation Site (just west of Campbell River), there are 25 sites with lots of space for trailers and RVs. Enjoy the shore and the water with the gravel beach and boat launch. On a clear day you can see the Coast Mountains.
Camp on popular Sproat Lake (near Port Alberni) at Snow Creek Recreation Site. The campground has 27 sites, a nice beach and a boat launch. Swim, fish, waterski or windsurf.
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Backcountry and Wilderness Camping Highlights
Provincial Parks
Northern Vancouver Island is home to Cape Scott Provincial Park’s enticing white-sand beaches, lush rainforest and sea stacks. Camp on the beach at San Josef Bay or Nels Bight. Hiking trails to campsites range from 45 minutes to a full-day trek.
Old-growth Sitka spruce trees tower above campers in Carmanah Walbran Provincial Park (near Port Renfrew). There are walk-in campsites near the trailhead and wilderness camping is in permitted in some locations; trails range from 2 to 4 hours.
Camping in Juan de Fuca Provincial Park can be a simple overnight at China Beach Campground, or a multi-day hiking and camping trip along the Juan de Fuca Marine Trail.
National Parks
Backcountry camping in Pacific Rim National Park Reserve can involve hiking or kayaking. Tackle the world-renowned West Coast Trail and overnight at primitive beach campsites. Or spend up to two weeks paddling and camping in the Broken Group Islands.
Tucked between Vancouver Island and the mainland, the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve is a patchwork of protected areas. Most campsites are accessible by water only (perfect for sea kayakers or boaters), but Sidney Spit is accessible by a summer walk-on ferry and Vancouver Island and Pender Island have drive-in campgrounds.
> For more backcountry ideas, see Parks or Hiking
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.