Golfing, hiking, biking and river rafting are just some of the many outdoor activities to experience while camping near Whistler.
A few popular provincial parks are easy to access from the Whistler area. Hike to a remote backcountry campsite in Garibaldi Provincial Park, or enjoy wilderness with the convenience of a vehicle-accessible campground at Birkenhead Lake Provincial Park.
Whistler has two RV campgrounds, with more RV and tenting campground options located south towards Squamish or north towards Pemberton.
Provincial Parks
Birkenhead Lake Provincial Park is a gem of a campground. The park is about an hour’s drive north of Whistler and has 79 vehicle accessible sites. The lake is framed by forested mountain slopes, with a pleasant sandy beach. Fish for kokanee or rainbow trout, or try a dip in the cold water on a hot August day.
Approximately 20 minutes north of Whistler, Nairn Falls Provincial Park is extremely convenient to access. The 94-site campground often used as a stopover spot for heading north or south, or as a base camp for day trips to Whistler or Garibaldi Provincial Park. Take the short hike to the viewing platform to see Nairn Falls.
South of Whistler, towards Squamish, 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. 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 is only one RV campground in Whistler, but more private campgrounds exist in Squamish (approximately one hour south of Whistler). Most private campgrounds in these areas have fantastic views of nearby mountains and plenty of nearby recreation activities.
Backcountry and Wilderness Camping
Garibaldi Provincial Park is just north of Squamish along the Sea to Sky corridor, approximately a half hour’s drive from Whistler. It’s a huge park that’s popular with outdoor enthusiasts all year round. Pack a sleeping bag and tent – 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, and 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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