British Columbia
has a seamingly endless number of campsites, both public and private.
If you're going to explore some of the parks surrounding Vancouver make
a point of taking advantage of the reservation system, since they are
extremely popular in season (be aware that not all Provincial Park campgrounds
accept reservations, and by no means do they all have sites accessible
by car).
Some parks have
walk-in camping, which generally involves carrying your gear into the
site on foot. Distances to walk in sites may be only a few metres but
they do vary significanlty and we try ("try", that's the operative
word) to distinguish between walk-in sites and back country sites. Our
distinction is that backcountry sites require some "real
backpacking" to reach the tent site. Check with the park to ensure
that the sites are what you expect in order to avoid unpleasant surprises.
As should be obvious
British Columbia camping is generally more rustic than what you'll find
in eastern Canada and RVs, motorhomes and campers may have problems
finding fully serviced sites.
Vancouver
Coast and Mountains
Alice Lake - Reservations, front country
camping, hiking, swimming The park has 88 front country campsites. The
park has its own trail network and with a short drive you can easily
get access to the backcountry trails which will take you to the Black
Tusk and Diamond Head areas of Garibaldi Provincial Park. The park is
fften used by campers intending to visit Whistler, which is less than
and hour by car. Make sure you have reservations in the high season.
From Vancouver take the Lions Gate Bridge into West Vancouver then head
up Taylor Way to the Upper Levels Highway and head west towards Whistler.
The park is just off Hwy 99, approximately 13km north of Squamish.
Birkenhead - Sea to Sky, Off Hwy 99 north
of Whistler and Pemberton. There are 85 front country sites as well
as 6 walk-ins.
Brandywine
Falls Provincial Park - Reservations, Front country camping, hiking
trails, waterfall The park is located just 11km south of the town of
Whistler on Highway 99 from Vancouver. The waterfalls are spectacular
and well worth a visit. The park is perhaps the best base base camp
you'll find for exploring Whistler, Garibaldi and the surrounding areas.
Reservations are a must in high season. From Vancouver take the Lions
Gate Bridge into West Vancouver then head up Taylor Way to the Upper
Levels Highway and head west towards Whistler.
Chilliwack Lake - Lower Mainland/Fraser
Valley, Hwy 1 in the Fraser Valley. The park has 100 front country sites.
Cultus
Lake - Lower Mainland/Fraser Valley, Hwy 1 in the Fraser Valley
south of Chilliwack. this is a popular park within an hour of Vancouver,
there are 296 front country camp sites in the park.This is a very popular
spot for campers.
Golden
Ears Provincial Park - Reservations, front country camping, backcountry
camping, hiking, backpacking, mountain biking, horse packing, canoe
camping, sea kayaking, swimming A spectacular park 48km east of Vancouver
off highway 7, you'll find 343 front county campsites and 50 walk-ins..
The park has easy car access with trails into the backcountry and several
significant peaks to scale. The park butts up against Mount Garibaldi
Park at its north boundary providing a seamless corridor of untouched
wilderness essentially surrounding the populous lower mainland... more
Kilby - Lower Mainland/Fraser Valley,
Kilby has 38 front country campsites.
Manning
- Lower Mainland/Fraser Valley, on Hwy 3, in the Fraser Valley south
east of Hope. There are 355 front counrtry campsites along with 70 walk-ins.
This is a spectacular park, very much representative of British Columbia's
awesome natural splendor. The park has an excellent trail system...
more
Nairn
Falls Provincial Park - Front country camping, hiking, swimming,
waterfall The park has over 80 front country campsites available. The
Nairn Falls after which the park is named are a spectacular site at
60m in height. The park along with Brandywine Falls and Alice Lake are
often used by campers who need a base station from which to explore
Garibaldi Park or Whistler. Reservations are a must in high season.
The park is located just off Highway 99 approximately 32km north of
Whistler. From Vancouver take the Lions Gate Bridge into West Vancouver
then head up Taylor Way to the Upper Levels Highway and head west passed
Whistler.
Nicolum River - Lower Mainland/Fraser
Valley, the park has 9 front country campsites
Porpoise Bay - Sunshine Coast. There
are 84 front country sites along with some walk-ins.
Porteau
Cove - Reservations, front country camping, scuba diving, sea kayaking
There are 44 Front Country and 15 Walk-in. A lot of the parks campsites
are situated right on the water. The park and the surrounding area are
well know to have great scuba diving. The park is locate on the shores
of Howe Sound on Hwy 99 south of Squamish about 9km from Britannia Beach.
From Vancouver take the Lions Gate Bridge into West Vancouver then head
up Taylor Way to the Upper Levels Highway and head west towards Whistler.
Roberts
Creek - Sunshine Coast. The park has 25 front country sites.
Rolley Lake - Lower Mainland/Fraser Valley,
there are 64 front country campsites in the park.
Saltery Bay - Sunshine Coast, the park
has 42 front country sites as well as some walk-ins.
Sasquatch - Lower Mainland/Fraser Valley,
a total of 177 front country campsites.
Silver Lake - Lower Mainland/Fraser Valley,
there are 30 front country campsites.
Skagit
Valley - Lower Mainland/Fraser Valley. Silver Tip is the closest
campground to the park entrance and has 43 sites. Ross Lake Reservoir
has an additional 88 front country sites in the south of the park. Sites
are available along the Skyline II Trail (Manning) and the Skagit River
Trail for backcountry enthusiasts. There is also group camping in the
park... more
Smelt Bay - Sunshine Coast, their are
22 front country sites in the park.
Stawamus Chief - Sea to Sky, Hwy 99,
Just South of Squamish. The park has 40 walk-in campsites as well as
15 front country sites. If you ever though about climbing the walls
this is the place to do it.
North
Vancouver Island
Elk
Falls Provincial Park - North Vancouver Island - 122 Campsites,
Flush Toilets, Sani Station, Hiking. The campground has sites along
the river. From Campbell River follow the 28 towards Gold River. For
the most up to date information on the park as well as maps and photos
(where available) see the official park site at BC
Parks Reservations
Loveland
Bay Provincial Park - North Vancouver Island - 31 Campsites,
Group Camping, Lake Canoeing, Swimming. From Campbell River take Highway
28 4km to the west of Campbell River and follow the turnoff to Elk Falls
then turn left right after the dam and drive about 12km to the park.
For the most up to date information on the park as well as maps and
photos (where available) see the official park site at BC
Parks Reservations
Miracle
Beach Provincial Park - North Vancouver Island - 200 Campsites,
4 Walk-In Campsites, Group Camping, Showers, Flush Toilets, Sani-Station,
Wheel Chair Access From Courtenay follow the old island highway along
the coast towards Campbell River. The park is approximately half way
between the two towns. For the most up to date information on the park
as well as maps and photos (where available) see the official park site
at BC Parks Reservations
Morton
Lake Provincial Park - North Vancouver Island - 24 Campsites,
Swimming, Canoe Tripping, Hiking, Wheel Chair Access From Highway 19
north of Campbell River head west on the Menzies Main to Morton Lake
Road which will take you into the park. For the most up to date information
on the park as well as maps and photos (where available) see the official
park site at BC Parks Reservations
Schoen
Lake Provincial Park - North Vancouver Island - 9 Campsites,
Backcountry Camping, Hiking, Lake Canoeing The park is located off of
Highway 19 north of Campbell River between Sayward and Woss. For the
most current information on the park as well as maps and photos (where
available) see the official park site at BC
Parks No Reservations
Strathcona
Provincial Park - North Vancouver Island - 160 Campsites
(Butte Lake & Ralph River), Group Camping, Hiking, Canoeing, Climbing,
Mountaineering, Mountain Biking, Kayaking, Wilderness Camping From Campbell
River follow Highway 18 west from Campbell River towards Gold River.
The highway cuts through the northern section of the park. For the most
up to date information on the park as well as maps and photos (where
available) see the official park site at BC
Parks Reservations
Central
Vancouver Island
Englishman
River Falls Provincial Park - Central Vancouver Island - 105
Campsites, Hiking, Swimming (but it's cold) The park has a
short hiking trail which takes you around the falls. Follow Highway
4 just north of Nanaimo towards Port Alberni and watch for Errington
Road on your left which will take you into the park. Reservations
For the most up to date information on the park as well as maps and
photos (where available) see the official park site at BC
Parks Reservations
Little
Qualicum Falls Provincial Park - Central Vancouver Island - 94
Campsites, Swimming, Lake Canoeing The park is about half way
to Port Alberni from the cut off to Highway 4 north of Nanaimo. For
the most up to date information on the park as well as maps and photos
(where available) see the official park site at BC
Parks Reservations
Rathtrevor
Beach Provincial Park - Central Vancouver Island - 175 Campsites,
25 Walk-in Sites, Hiking, Swimming, Flush Toilets, Showers, Sani-Station,
Group Camping, Picnic Shelters, Nature House, Gift Shop, Concession
Well know for it's sandy beaches the park is amongst the most popular
on the island so reservations are highly recommended. The park is located
just north of Nanaimo off Highway 1. For the most up to date information
on the park as well as maps and photos (where available) see the official
park site at BC Parks Reservations
Sproat
Lake Provincial Park - Central Vancouver Island - 58 Campsites,
Group Camping, Showers, Lake Canoeing, Swimming, Boat Launch The park
has ancient petroglyphs. From Nanaimo head north to pick up the 4 west.
The park is just a short distance passed Port Alberni. For the most
up to date information on the park as well as maps and photos (where
available) see the official park site at BC
Parks Reservations
Stamp
River Provincial Park - Central Vancouver Island - 23 Campsites,
Hiking From Nanaimo head north to pick up the 4 west. At Port Alberni
follow Beaver Creek Road north into the park. The park is an excellent
area to view spawning salmon in the fall. For the most up to date information
on the park as well as maps and photos (where available) see the official
park site at BC Parks Reservations
South
Vancouver Island
Bamberton
Provincial Park - South Vancouver Island - 50 Campsites,
Wheel chair Accessible, Reservations From Victoria follow Highway 1
north towards NanaiFor the most up to date information on the park as
well as maps and photos (where available) see the official park site
at BC Parks Reservations
Cowichan
River Provincial Park - South Vancouver Island - 72 Campsites,
2 Campgrounds, 4 Walk-in Campsites (Stoltz Pool), Group Camping, Hiking,
Swimming, Kayaking, Cycling, Horseback Riding The park is well known
for it's water sports and activities including tubing (consult with
the park regarding cautions). Cyclists and horse riders can take advantage
of the Trans Canada Trail section which is accessible from the park.
From Victoria head north on Highway 1 and then west at Duncan on the
18. There are three access points for the park. For the most up to date
information on the park as well as maps and photos (where available)
see the official park site at BC Parks
Reservations
French
Beach Provincial Park - South Vancouver Island - 69 Campsites,
Group Camping, Sani-station, Hiking, Swimming (it's very cold) From
Victoria head towards Nanaimo on Highway 1 then head southeast towards
Sooke on the 14. The park lies beyond Sooke just off Highway 14. BC
Parks Reservations
Goldstream
Provincial Park - South Vancouver Island - 173 Campsites,
Group Camping, Flush Toilets (day use area only) Showers, Hiking, Swimming,
Yurts The day use area and the camping area have seperate entrances
along the highway into the park. From Victoria head towards Nanaimo
on Highway 1, the park lies along the highway just passed Langford.
For the most up to date information on the park as well as maps and
photos (where available) see the official park site at BC
Parks Reservations
Gordon
Bay Provincial Park - South Vancouver Island - 134 Campsites,
Group Camping, Showers, Flush Toilets, Swimming, Lake Canoeing From
Victoria head north on Highway 1 and then west at Duncan on the 18 to
Lake Cowichan. For the most up to date information on the park as well
as maps and photos (where available) see the official park site at BC
Parks Reservations
Juan
De Fuca Provincial Park (China Beach) - South Vancouver Island -
75 Campsites, Wilderness Camping, Hiking, Backpacking,
Yurts The park lies along the spectacular 47km Juan de Fuca Marine Trail.
Wilderness camping areas are available to backpackers along the trail.
From Victoria head towards Nanaimo on Highway 1 then head southeast
towards Sooke on the 14. The park lies between Jordan River and Port
Renfrew just off Highway 14. For the most up to date information on
the park as well as maps and photos (where available) see the official
park site at BC Parks Reservations
Gulf
Islands National Park Reserve - Vancouver Island
McDonald
Campground
- Saanich Peninsula - Front Country Camping, Sea Kayaking (nearby).
Located on the edge of Vancouver Island just above Sidney, the campground
is used by kayakers and travelers who are waiting of the next day's
ferry sailing. The park is also nicely positioned as a jump off point
for exploring the Saanich Peninsula and Victoria.
For
information on kayak camping at the regions marine parks, see our Sea
Kayaking section. For
information on wilderness camping see our Hiking
and Backpacking section.
Gulf
Islands National Park Reserve - Gulf Islands
Prior
Centennial Park
- Front Country Camping, Walk-in Camping,
Hiking, Sea Kayaking. Front country camping is found on the north island
at Prior Centennial, which also has a short hiking trail. The walk-in
camping area is located on South Pender Island at Beaumont/Mount Norman.
An excellent, but challenging hike is to be had to the top of Mount
Norman (244m elevation gain), which will reward you with excellent views
of the Gulf Islands. The Roesland/Roe Lake area has hiking (but no camping)
as well as a small fresh water lake. The Pender Islands consist of South
Pender Island and North Pender Island, which are separated by a narrow
man made channel, with a short bridge connecting the two. Pender
Islands
Gulf
Islands - Provincial Parks
Montague
Harbour Marine Provincial Park - 40 Front Country Campsites, 15
Walk-in Campsites, Drinking Water, Hiking Trails, Picnic Area, Beach,
Boat Moorage - From the ferry terminal follow Sturdies Bay Road and
bare right on Montague Road which will take you into the park. BC
Parks Montague Harbour, Galiano Island
Ruckle
Provincial Park - Salt Spring Island - 8 Front Country Campsites,
78 walk-in Campsites, hiking, sea kayaking. There are 78 walk-in
campsites in the park overlooking the ocean and running along the forests
edge. The park also has 8 front country sites which are accessible by
car. The campsites have picnic tables, access to water and pit toilets.
Reservations are not accepted for the camping sites.From the Fulford
ferry terminal take Fulford Ganges Road a short distance, then turn
right on Beaver Point Road (there are signs) which will take you into
the park. BC Parks
Gulf
Islands - Regional Parks
Descanso
Bay Regional Park
- Gabriola Island - 32
Front County Campsites, 595 Taylor Bay Road, All Year From
the Ferry the turn off for Taylor Bay Road is less than a kilometre
on your left as you drive onto the island.
