Camping is one of the most popular recreational activities on Vancouver Island in British Columbia, and campgrounds in BC are as varied as the wonderful terrain in which they are located. Campers can pitch tents in private campsites, in BC Recreation Campsites located on Crown land outside of parks, and alongside lakes or rivers, but the real camping highlight is a space in one of Vancouver Island’s magnificent provincial or national park campgrounds!
Provincial Park Campground on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada.
Private Campgrounds and Camping Services
- Private Campgrounds & RV Parks in Greater Victoria
- Private Campgrounds & RV Parks on Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands
- Camping Services on Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands
- Camping Trips on Vancouver Island (By Kayak, Horseback or Backpacking)
- Motorhome/RV Rentals
Recreation: Camping Information
Provincial Park Campgrounds and Reservations
Information on provincial park campgrounds for which a reservation service is available, park campsites for which no reservations are possible, and how to reserve a provincial park campsite by phone or online.
National Park Campgrounds and Reservations
There are seven national parks in British Columbia, all offer Frontcountry Camping, Backcountry Camping, Huts and Cabins, and Winter Camping. Reservations can be made for camping in three of them: Gulf Islands National Park, Kootenay National Park, and Pacific Rim National Park.
Camping on Crown Land in BC Recreation Sites
Camping is also available at any of more than 1,100 recreation campgrounds situated on Crown land outside of provincial or national parks that have been made available for recreational use. The sites are rustic, usually small (less than 10 vehicle units), and located near lakes and rivers, blending in with the natural surroundings. Although these sites do not offer sophisticated amenities, such as power hook-ups and piped water, they include basic sanitary facilities, fire rings, picnic tables, and boat launch ramps where appropriate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions about parks and campgrounds in British Columbia, including regulations on vehicles per campsite, vehicle and trailer size, people per campsite, length of stay, campground reservations, generators, vehicle idling, gate times, pets, security, noise, winter camping, firearms and hunting, permits, mushroom picking, campfires, firewood, bicycles, and bear safety.
Provincial Park User Fees
Information on fees for camping, additional vehicles, camping and picnicking at group sites, fees for seniors and persons with disabilities, volunteer fee exemptions, payment of fees, check-in and check-out times, hours of operation, and the backcountry registration system.
Premier Listings
Business Information
Moutcha Bay Resort, Nootka Sound Resort and Newton Cove Resort operate together as Nootka Marine Adventures. Located on the pristine west coast of Vancouver Island, Moutcha Bay Resort is situated at the mouth of the picturesque Conuma River and only a 40 minute drive from Gold River. The two other floating resorts; Nootka Sound Resort and Newton Cove resort are located in the sheltered waters of Nootka Sound and Esperanza Inlet.
These resorts offer exceptional amenities, comfortable luxury accommodation, gourmet meals and boat moorage, along with some of the most spectacular, salmon, halibut and tuna fishing available. The Nootka Marine Adventures’ guides are some of the most experienced and professional in the area. They will help ensure that you have both a memorable as well as a highly-productive angling experience aboard comfortable, covered 28-foot boats. Take a fully-guided fishing trip or partake in the numerous outdoor activities including; wildlife-viewing, trail walks, caving, kayaking, stand up paddle boarding or excursions to the historic Friendly Cove.
Business Information
Orca Dreams offers twenty years experience hosting people from around the world in the wildlife-rich waters of Johnstone Strait and Broughton Archipelago, off the east coast of Vancouver Island, British Columbia. Orca Dreams now offers Canada’s first whale-watching camp, with BC packages that include 4 days of luxury camping.
Watch surfacing humpback whales, a passing pod of orcas, or a curious seal pass by while sipping your morning coffee from your waterfront safari-style tent. Whale watch from camp, kayak or boat, surrounded by the rich wildlife of coastal BC.
Orca Dreams is situated within the traditional territory of the Mamalilikula-Qwe’Qwa’Sot’Em First Nation, on Compton Island on the edge of Blackney Pass, one of the most wildlife-rich marine ecosystems in the world. Blackney Pass connects Queen Charlotte Strait with Johnstone Strait where the strong currents churn up nutrients from deep below, feeding everything from small herring to the 40-ton humpback whales.
Blackney Pass is also one of the best places in North America to view Orcas – also known as Killer Whales – as they make their way to and from Johnstone Strait and the rubbing beaches of Robson Bight on Vancouver Island.
Business Information
Page’s Resort and Marina on beautiful Gabriola Island welcomes you with secluded fully-equipped seaside COTTAGES, a pristine CAMPGROUND nestled in the woods, a full service MARINA providing quiet nightly moorage with fuel dock, showers and laundromat, kayak RENTALS, and mountain bike RENTALS, BOOKSTORE featuring local authors as well as charts and the best of marine publications, Li’l market providing a wide selection of food and products locally made or grown on Gabriola Island as well as a wide range of groceries, pharmaceuticals and sundry items. There is fresh coffee and scones to enjoy here or on the go.
Located on five acres overlooking Silva Bay on beautiful Gabriola Island, minutes from golf and restaurants, Page’s offers spectacular kayaking and sailing, incredible diving and fishing, scenic hiking and cycling, and simply relaxing with a book in our picnic grounds and gardens. Arrive by land, sea or air: now with an air service from Vancouver’s South Terminal to Silva Bay via Gulf Island Seaplanes.
Business Information
Mowhinna Creek Campground is located in the heart of Salt Spring Island, 1 km south of Ganges, where shopping, banks, galleries and restaurants abound. The campground offers a convenient central location from which to explore the island and is located on the local bus route.
Nestled in the woods, the RV sites are easily accessible for large units and have water, power and septic hook-ups. Tent sites vary from very sunny to partly shaded. Walk-in sites are accessed by a ring road. We have 2 small unfurnished sleeping cabins that sleep 2 adults and a child comfortably. The cabins have power and water onsite, and one is situated on a large site that can accommodate a RV or tent at additional cost.
Campground amenities include 30-amp power, flush toilets, showers, WiFi internet, a playground and friendly campground hosts. Leashed pets are welcome. Reservations recommended.
Business Information
The Heriot Bay Inn is Quadra Island’s adventure resort. Adventure: Kayak, whale or grizzly watch. Dine: Casual seaside fare in Herons, HBI Pub with live music Fridays. Stay: accommodations range from hotel rooms to ocean-view housekeeping cottages. Also onsite: marina, RV & tent campsites with full service hook-ups, wireless internet.
Business Information
When you’ve had enough of work and routine, it is time to escape to Fair Harbour Marina and Campground on Vancouver Island. Here you get back to nature with the most amazing fishing, surfing, kayaking, hiking, and camping in British Columbia. We are the undisputed premier launch point for unbeatable outdoor activities – a water lover’s paradise.
Located in the traditional territory of Ka:’yu:’k’t’h’/Che:k’tles7et’h’ First Nations on Vancouver Island, we feature a rugged and spectacular shoreline with beautiful islets and breathtaking beaches. There’s the ocean as far as the eye can see, and tidal pools teeming with ocean life. If you like to fish, you will be in heaven at Kyuquot! We feature some of the most productive, yet uncrowded, fishing spots on the west coast of Vancouver Island! You’ll find large salmon, halibut, ling cod, and more!
You can base your adventure out of one of our luxurious cabins, or if you prefer to camp, enjoy one of our spacious campsites surrounded by trees. Fair Harbour Marina provides supervised monitored moorage at our private dock in Fair Harbour.
New for 2020: Fair Harbour is pleased to be offering guided fishing and scenic tour day charters.
Business Information
Ucluelet Campground is located in the historical fishing village of Ucluelet, at the southern edge of the Pacific Rim National Park. The private campground offers 125 sites for tents, trailers and RVs, some with beautiful harbour and mountain views. Amenities include full-service, partial-hookup and no-service sites, clean shower and washroom facilities, fire rings, picnic tables, and water stations.
Business Information
FarOut Wilderness is an outdoor adventure travel company specializing in overland vehicle rentals and tailor-made itineraries in British Columbia. We use our local knowledge and experience to transform your ideas into an authentic and unique adventure.
Our self-drive itineraries allow you to explore off the beaten track at your own pace. We provide you with the resources to re-connect with nature and most importantly each another. All of our vehicles are fully insured for driving on unpaved roads and are equipped with a rooftop tent, camping equipment and GPS Messenger service.
FarOut Wilderness operates in all seasons and has one pet friendly vehicle. We offer complimentary vehicle collection and drop off at the following locations: Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal, Victoria Airport, Victoria Downtown, Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal, Vancouver Downtown, and Vancouver Airport. If you have another collection or drop off location in mind, please contact us!
Business Information
Malahat Mountain Meadows RV Park and Campground is located 26 kms north of Victoria near the summit of the Malahat Drive. Our quiet and natural resort offers private and scenic campsites, and 63 spacious, fully-serviced RV sites nestled amongst giant cedars and seasonal creeks – either warm and sunny or deeply shaded lots. Amenities include clean washrooms with hot showers, and much more.
Our goal is to make campers as comfortable as possible during their stay in the Greater Victoria area. Head south to Victoria or north to explore the beautiful Cowichan Valley and the rest of Vancouver Island beyond. Come visit Malahat Mountain Meadows RV park and campground today! Quiet and natural!
Business Information
Pachena Bay Campground is nestled in an old-growth rainforest next to an expansive, sandy beach that directly faces the open Pacific Ocean. The campground is at the mouth of the Pachena River, next to the Huu-ay-aht First Nations community of Anacla, and just 5 kilometres from the picturesque town of Bamfield.
Enjoy unparalleled wilderness adventures, go beachcombing on pristine shores, hike through old-growth rainforests, and watch soaring eagles and other local wildlife along the way. Enjoy some of the world’s best sportfishing, kayaking, diving or eco- and cultural tourism adventures. The campground has been smartly upgraded to welcome RVs and campers, as well as tenting.
Business Information
Cedar Beach Resort is located on beautiful St. Mary Lake on Salt Spring Island. Our 5 acre resort offers 17 cabins and suites as well as 23 fully-serviced RV/camping sites. We have our own private, sandy beach right on the lake. Our heated, outdoor swimming pool (open mid-May to mid-September) and hot tub offer fabulous lake views. All cabins and suites are fully furnished with cooking facilities, and the adjoining Beach House offers indoor and outdoor recreation space. An exceptional venue for family reunions, gatherings, and small group weddings.
