- Overview
Whether you are looking for an extraordinary beach, a retreat along the lake, or a mountain escape. Some amazing and perfect campgrounds are there on Vancouver Island for you. There is no shortage of amazing campgrounds on Vancouver Island. And this blog will help you to figure out where to go and where to go camping on Vancouver Island.
Camping on Vancouver Island is quite adventurous and memorable. Vancouver island camping sites are perfect to meet up with nature. The island of Vancouver is full of beauty along with sprawling waterfalls, hidden lakes, lush green mountains, and old-growth forests, This is one of the best ways to explore the island and know what, only the locals discover is to camp your way through it. Whether you are traveling with a family, friends or loved ones. There is an abundance of awesome campgrounds to choose from.
Some of the best campgrounds are found, for camping on Vancouver Island. But you can guess at some of the best outdoor areas. Popular camping sites in the south of the island such as the Victoria region and Port Rainfree are located on the southwest coast. On the north side, you will find places such as Tofino in the west of the island and Strathcona Provincial Park in the interior. Which is very close to the Campbell River. And if you really want to explore north beyond Port Hardy, then the forested edge of Cape Hardy Provincial Park.
How to Reach at Vancouver Island
Vancouver Island is a 285-mile island paradise located approximately 60 miles from Vancouver in the Pacific Ocean and 73 miles north of Seattle. Explore Vancouver Island with thousands of Kilometers of roads and highways, between Port Hardy in the north and Victoria in the south, and Tofino in the east and Campbell River in the east.
Bring your car, truck, RV, bicycle, or motorbike to any available ferry services, or rent or hire a vehicle to explore the abundance of activities taking place in local communities.
Reach Vancouver Island by Air
Reaching the destinations by Air is the quickest as well as the most convenient way to visit Vancouver Island. There are a number of airline providers available, who provide services like- Nanaimo Airport, Victoria International Airport. And other airports, that are situating in neighboring cities such as- Campbell River, Port Hardy, and Courtenay/Comox.
The two major airports on the Island are:
- Victoria International Airport
- Nanaimo Airport
The major airlines to fly here:
- Air Canada
- Alaska Airlines
- United Airlines
- Pacific Coastal Airlines
- Orca Airways
- Island Express Air
Reach Vancouver Island Via Ferry
There is an option to take the ferry from Vancouver on mainland British Columbia to Nanaimo and Victoria, both offering spectacular scenery.
The three main routes are as follows:
- Approx 1 hour, 35 minutes – Vancouver to Victoria
- 2 hours approx – Vancouver to Nanaimo
- Up to 1 hour, 35 minutes – West Vancouver to Nanaimo
Highlighting the best sites for camping on Vancouver island
Wya Point Campground
Wya Point Campground is the place to visit, for scenery and solitude in one of Vancouver Island’s most popular sites for camping in Vancouver island. Located south of the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve near Tofino, Via Point is situated on a secluded and beautiful beach. The surrounding black rock coastline and offshore islands add to the scene. This campground is located well below a dirt road well off the main road, and the sites are set in a forest area that offers much privacy. As well as, most sites are offering vehicle access, but the seaside sites require you to park and walk a short distance to the sites. However, it is worth it for the views.
Best time to visit: booking start in Jan for a visit June to Mid- September
Cost: 75$ per night
Facility: Fire pit, Picnic table, flushing toilets & hot showers, Swimming holes, Potable water
China Beach Campground
If you are looking for a quiet and peaceful area to camp, where you can go hiking along the beach and enjoy, the China Beach Campground is the perfect place. And Located at the southern end of Vancouver Island’s.
China Beach is the southern terminus of the Juan de Fuca Trail. And, as a result, offers some hiking nearby. The beach itself is a large stretch of pebbles and soft sand, backed by huge trees. This Vancouver Island Campsites is set a short distance from the beach by the highway and is in the forest, not along the ocean.
Best time to visit: Middle of May to Mid- September. Reservations and first-come-first-serve sites are also available.
Cost: 20$ per night per campsite
Facility: Campfires, drinking water, Picnic Areas, Pit or Flush Toilets, Vehicle Accessible Camping.
Rathtrevor Provincial Park Campground
Situated on a wide swath of sand. The Rathtrevor Provincial Park Campground in Parksville attracts families, who come to enjoy the seemingly endless coastline. When the tide is at its lowest point, the sea tilts back about one kilometer, and when the tide comes, the water is warm and shallow. Campsites are sheltered among tall pines and are sufficient to accommodate families with excessive amounts of gear.
It is an extremely popular campground in summer, and all the sites are reservable during this time frame, but first-served, first-served sites are available in the shoulder season. Most of the sites are accessible by vehicles, but there are also 25 walk-in sites, although these are only a short distance from the park area.
Best time to visit: Opens throughout the year. But services are limited from mid-October to mid-March
Cost: 120$ per night as well as for group site. And 5$/ adult for additional person
Facility: Campfires, Drinking Water, shower stalls, flush toilets, beach access, many walking trails, and parking stalls
Goldstream Provincial Park Campground
Camping in Vancouver island at Goldstream Provincial Park is a wonderful campground for a weekend or midweek getaway. That is located just minutes from Victoria. Home to some of the best hiking sites around Victoria, you’ll find plenty of ways to fill your days before relaxing around the campfire in the evening. Although it is not far from the city, this campground is in the woods and away from the highway. So you feel like you are camping away from the forest and the city. If you have forgotten groceries or other essentials? Then, there is an additional comfort to get the items within driving distance of the shops.
However, there are up to 159 campsites are available inside the park. As well as, Campsite reservations are also accepted and first-come, first-served sites are also available. Multiple trails are there all over the park with totaling a distance of approximately 16 km. such as- Arbutus Loop, Niagara Falls, Gold Mine, Lower Goldstream, etc.
Best time to visit: Open across the year, but services available for a limited time period from March to October. And visit in winter without services, from Nov to March
Cost: 120$ per night as well as for group site
Facility: Cold water taps, Pit and flush toilets, hot showers, picnic area, picnic tables, and a parking lot
Living Forest Oceanside Campground and RV Resort
This large campground in Nanaimo has up to 300 sites of waterfalls and forest estates spread over 53 acres. The sites vary widely and range from oceanfront and riverfront to forest, with varying degrees of sun or shade. If you prefer to walk, the resort has several kilometers of paths that make their way around the property. There are also beach volleyball, bocce balls, and a sports room. The resort is located just a few drives from the city of Nanaimo, and the shops are only a five-minute walk away. This is a full-service resort with all the facilities including- 30 and 50 amp service, sewer and water, and showers. Special Sections are also there for Tenters.
Camping on Vancouver island for a fun outing. Here is one of the top things to do in Nanaimo is a whale watching tour. It is the perfect destination for this type of activity because the water in the Salish Sea between the mainland and Vancouver Island is usually quite calm, and the Orcas frequent the area.
Best time to visit: Advance booking is also available. Opens from Mid June to late January
Cost: Price Range is from 31$ to 63$ per night. According to the type of facilities you prefer.
Facility: Electric hookups, Sani-dump, Wi-Fi, TV lounge, Self-serve laundry, Swimming beach, etc.
All Vancouver island camping sites will help you to find out one of the best campgrounds on Vancouver Island to spend your precious time with your family. And hopefully, you have a great time exploring nature in a little slice of heaven — Vancouver Island.
Campgrounds on Vancouver Island are created for people who appreciate nature and want to preserve the environment for the next generations to come. These places are great to go with your family and friends and spend a great time between Nature’s beauty.
