Experience wilderness just outside the big city and stay in a campground near Vancouver. The Coast Mountains frame the city skyline and are the perfect camping backdrop.
An hour’s drive leads to alpine peaks and forested sites in large provincial parks. Hike to tent pads in the backcountry in Garibaldi Provincial Park, or pack up the car and drive to a vehicle-accessible site in Golden Ears Provincial Park.
RV campgrounds in the Lower Mainland are convenient camping options, and can make a good home base to see attractions in the city. Some RV sites are a short 30 minute drive from Vancouver, while others are further east towards Chilliwack or north towards Squamish.
RV and Car Camping Highlights
Provincial Parks
Golden Ears Provincial Park is one of BC’s largest vehicle accessible campgrounds, with more than 400 campsites. The park is north of Maple Ridge, just over an hour’s drive from Vancouver. Enjoy easy walks in the woods or plan a backcountry overnight hiking trip to Panorama Ridge. Rent a pedal boat, canoe or kayak to explore Alouette Lake.
Porteau Cove Provincial Park is extremely popular due to its waterfront setting and proximity to Vancouver. It is located along the Sea-to-Sky Highway near Britannia Beach. There are 44 vehicle-accessible sites; reservations are recommended. Stroll along the shoreline to look for intertidal marine life, or dive right in to Howe Sound – the area has excellent scuba diving and artificial reefs.
Alice Lake Provincial Park is a family favourite. Swim or fish in one of four fresh water lakes, wander along the lakeside trail, or relax on a sandy beach. There are more than 100 vehicle accessible campsites, and reservations are highly recommended.
Private Campgrounds and RV Parks
Private campgrounds with RV or tenting sites offer convenient access and facilities ranging from basic to deluxe.
There are more than two dozen private campgrounds and RV parks within about an hour’s drive of Vancouver. They are mainly distributed east of the city throughout the Lower Mainland, from Burnaby to Chilliwack, with a few located north in Squamish. Some of the RV sites are very close to urban areas, making them convenient to access and close enough to visit Vancouver attractions on a day trip. Others have quieter, more forested settings.
Backcountry and Wilderness Camping
Garibaldi Provincial Park is just north of Squamish along the Sea to Sky corridor, approximately one hour’s drive from Vancouver. It’s a huge park that’s popular with outdoor enthusiasts year round. Pack a sleeping bag and tent, as all sites here are walk-in. Trails to backcountry campsites range from an easy one-hour hike to steep full-day treks. Black Tusk peak is the lofty goal for many hikers.
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, while others are not. Check in advance to be sure.
Play a part in protecting BC's forests. Abide by local park rules, exercise caution and ensure all fires are extinguished. To report a forest fire within BC from a cell phone, call *5555.
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