Vancouver Island Camping

Last Update: 2021-07-25

Vancouver Island is situated in an area with many lakes, rivers, ranges, woods with Douglas fir, and coastal lines. The mild climate and these natural attractions made Vancouver Island one of the best places for camping in Canada.
The best time for camping on Vancouver Island is from mid-May to early October when you have chances to do warm-weather activities. While you camp on Vancouver Island, depending on the specific location you are in, there would be many things to do. Hiking, climbing, biking, swimming, boating, surfing and fishing are among them. Whether you are looking for RV camps or tent camps, camping on a beach or in the woods, you will find some that suit your taste.
Vancouver Island is like a heaven for those looking for peace and seclusion. There are over 150 provincial parks, hundreds of recreation sites, national parks, and private campgrounds, and each has its characteristics. Buttle Lake has well-maintained sandy beach campsites. Baby Bedwell Lake Campground in Strathcona Provincial Park has a nice backcountry campground in a lush forest surrounded by mountains. The Lighthouse RV Park and Campground in Fanny Bay has oceanfront sites. Nestled in the old-growth forest, Telegraph Cove Campground has beautiful treed, partially treed, and field sites. Having relaxed camping away from bustle would be great in Newcastle Island Marine Provincial Park Campground, known as Saysutshun. Strathcona Provincial Park, the oldest provincial park in British Columbia nestled in the forest and encircled by mountain peaks, is a hot spot for camping that gives you a memorable wilderness adventure.
There are a wide variety of facilities you can expect at Vancouver Island campsites. Playgrounds, picnicking areas, washrooms, pit toilets and water pumps are some common facilities. Also, you may find rentals and shops for the specific equipment you need. In some campsites, you are allowed to have a campfire and enjoy overnight camping beside the pleasant heat of a fire.

Camping Common Questions and Answers

What is camping?

Camping is an outdoor recreational activity, including staying away from home in nature without a shelter or in a tent, RV, or any other shelter.

Why is camping good for you?

Connection with nature and learning about it, stress reduction and meditation, learning and developing skills, creating better relationships, new challenges

Who invented camping?

Thomas Hiram Holding was the founder of recreational camping and the author of The Camper's Handbook. Camping became a favourite between the elites of societies in the early 20th. Later it grew in popularity among other classes.

Where to camp on Vancouver Island?

There are several campsites near lakes, rivers or mountaineering areas on Vancouver Island. Among them are some of the national and regional parks, wilderness areas, and commercial camps.

Where can you camp for free on Vancouver Island?

Gosling Lake Recreation Site, Georgie Lake, Long Point, Elk Creek Campground, Strathcona Dam Campground, Buckley Bay Rest Area, Mohun Lake Recreation Site, Snow Creek Rest Area, Redneck Beach, Loon Bay, Lowry Lake, Scout Beach

Can I camp with my dog?

Not all the camps are dog-friendly and dog-allowed. In case it is, if your dog is aggressive, keep it on the leash.

Are campfires allowed on Vancouver Island?

According to BC Government Fire Bans and Restrictions, a campfire is an open fire that burns piled material no larger than 0.5 m (1.6 ft) in height and 0.5 m (1.6 ft) in width. Please check current campfire rules and restrictions for the campsite.

What camping equipment do I need?

You can make a checklist of essential and non-essential equipment for camping. It may include shelter equipment, clothing and footwear, cooking accessories, matches and lighter, rain gears, personal hygiene essentials, communication devices, and a first aid kit.

What camping food to take?

Drinks, eggs, tortillas, cheese, beef, chicken, salmon, fruit, noddles, bread, salt, sugar, garlic, coffee, oil, chocolate, bacon, potatoes, beans, nuts, pasta, peanut butter, marshmallows

Can camping make me sick?

Getting sick, especially when you are in the backcountry, can ruin your camping vacation. Cold symptoms are expected while you are hiking, camping, or doing other outdoor activities. According to National Outdoor Leadership School, there are some recommendations to prevent or control sickness: hydrate, good hygiene, rest, massage and pain medications for headache and muscle aches, decongestants and anti-cough medications, antihistamines for a runny nose, acetaminophen or ibuprofen to reduce a fever, and bland diets for gastrointestinal distress.

Why is camping fun?

You'll work as a team. There are chances for kids to explore and entertain. Have your holiday with a big group. There are possibilities for doing some other activities like fishing with your family. It is a cost-effective adventure. You can sit around a fire pit listening to music. It is possible to have a view you desire.

Vanislander / Activities / Camping

Camping in the Jordan River Regional Park Campground

Use your memory as your travel bag and fill them as best as you can. Follow your desires of camping and visit the Jordan River Regional Park Campground. a quiet, serene campsite in which you have the chance to stay away from the bustle in town. Please have a visit to gorgeous waterfalls, which are fantastic since they don’t plunge into the water but drain into the ground.

Camping in the Englishman River Falls Provincial Park Campground

Looking for a place you can camp within the area of a forest? You can find nowhere better than the Englishman River Falls Provincial Park Campground. The beautiful campsite is well maintained with tall trees and lovely views that you can hike while appreciating the incredible scenery. Camp lovers are provided with ample facilities and several outdoor activities.

Camping in the Strathcona Provincial Park Campground

As the oldest provincial park on the island, Strathcona Provincial Park Campground will be a memorable wilderness adventure. Every day you spend on this beautiful campground is a different new day, for you can experience any adventure and never get sick of it. As a hot spot for camping, you are given a chance to choose the setting of your campsite.

Camping in the Gordon Bay Camp Site

Choose wisely to make your stay on Vancouver Island unforgettable. Camping in the Gordon Bay Camp Site can give you the chance to have a retreat from daily bustles in a perfect and clean with a quiet atmosphere. It has a lovely swimming area surrounded by log booms in which you can bathe and relax for unnoticeable hours.

Camping in the Living Forest Oceanside Campground & RV Park

Nestled in a beautiful forest among the ocean, Living Forest Oceanside Campground & RV Park will make pleasure flow in your blood, like you are walking on air. Whether tent or RV, your camping would be private and quiet in this scenic oceanside campground. The park is on a hill and is terraced with lots of amazing views of the water. Plus, it has a view of three rivers and some great forests.

Camping in Tribune Bay Campground-Hornby Island

In Tribune Bay Campground-Hornby Island, you would have the chance to spend your time on grass or the area covers by green trees. There might be one of the best places to spend time with your family and an excellent opportunity to observe different flora and fauna. The camp is next to a co-op if one needs anything necessary, which is great for campers.

Camping in the Green Point Campground - Long Beach Unit

Fulfill your camping desires by camping in a proper place. In the Green Point Campground - Long Beach Unit, you can enjoy one of the best recreational camping within the spacious, clean, and gorgeous campsites with excellent facilities. The atmosphere makes the area fantastic for camping, and tent sites and RV sites are available with a superb rainforest environment.

Camping in the Goldstream Campground

Have you ever dreamt about camping in a paradise? Well, Goldstream Campground is where you can make it come true. Giant trees, a high waterfall, birds, beautiful fish, a river which meets the sea with campground facilities will make your stay unforgettable. The area is embellished by a diversity of flora and fauna, making it extraordinary, a place you never get sick of.

Camping in the Rathtrevor Beach Campground

Vancouver Island is saturated with treasury campgrounds, of which one of the best is Rathtrevor Beach Campground. You are provided with different campsites and facilities there, and the beautiful beach is a fantastic place to forget all the bills and relax by the water. You would not be the same when you observe how differently the sun scatters its light on the majestic mountains around.

Camping in the China Beach Campground

Camping in the China Beach Campground would revise your assumption f camping to its best version. A quiet semi-private campground where your relaxing getaway vacation is guaranteed. You are allowed to even camp on the beautiful sand beach and feel the warmth of the sand while walking on it. Remarkable sea life might be observable from the beach.

Camping in the Alder Bay RV Park & Marina

While exploring the northern parts of Vancouver Island, why not relax a day or two in a fantastic campground? Alder Bay RV Park & Marina offers undeniable RV camping with ocean views that can touch your soul. The great ocean-atmosphere, incredible marine life and gorgeous sunsets add up to the reasons why you should camp in this campground.

Wya Point Camping

Find the inside campers of yours while you are camping in Wya Point Campground. In the heart of an oceanside forest, Wya Point Campground offers opportunities for camping, and you are given a chance to choose which campsite you want to spend time at. Crystal water, sandy cove, and tide rocks that offer marine life sights and several beachfront cabins and yurts with ocean-view are available in Wya Point, making it an ideal place.