Camping near Port Alberni

In the centre of Vancouver Island, this town is the gateway to the far-west coast and surrounded by water adventures.

96% (1385 reviews)
96% (1385 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Port Alberni

Star Hosts in Port Alberni

Under $50

12 top campgrounds near Port Alberni

93%
(174)

Tiny Secrets Farm & Retreat

16 sites · Lodging, Tents10 acres · Halfmoon Bay, BC
Tiny Secrets Farm & Retreat is an Award-winning Glamping Nature Retreat. We are centrally located on the Sunshine Coast (only a 40-minute ferry ride from Horseshoe Bay) on a spectacular 10-acre ocean-view property. We run a small, organic farm and host guests in intriguing tiny homes and glamping tents. We have everything from a converted schoolie with a woodstove and an ocean view, furnished RV's with large decks, to gorgeous, furnished campsites in the woods. Check out our micro cabins, RV's, and assortment of glamping tents. Our property is a nature oasis away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Just 20 minutes north of Sechelt, we're close to beaches and lakes. Enjoy our recreation area with a large pond (much smaller in the summertime), our small playground for young kids, and our small orchard with several small ponds. Explore our walking trails, visit our chickens, or sit near our seasonal waterfall. There are many spots on the property to sit and chill. We've also been Airbnb hosts for over 13 years.
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CA$34
 / night
98%
(207)

theDoighouse Earthship

8 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Qualicum Bay, BC
Have you ever imagined a house built from tires, dirt, pop cans, and concrete? Welcome to theDoighouse Earthship, an eco-retreat nestled in the forest, mere minutes from Qualicum Bay waterfront. Our location is a haven for adventurers and peace-seekers alike, offering easy access to the natural wonders of Vancouver Island. Just an hour north of Nanaimo, our property serves as an ideal base for day trips to Hornby, Denman, and Lasqueti Islands. Or don’t leave the island and spend the afternoon eating delicious fresh-made doughnuts at the famous Old Country Market in Coombs, home to the iconic goats on the roof, it’s only a 20-minute drive from our doorstep. Or 10 minutes to the waterfront and delicious ice cream at the Cone Zone. Stay local and discover forest trails, a children's playground, and a bike park right in our neighbourhood. Lighthouse Country area teems with opportunities for exploration, from pristine beaches including Sunny Beach and scenic Spider and Horne Lakes to an array of hiking paths, or if you climb, consider the Horne Lake Caves! Use your All Trails App to discover the Wilson Woodlot and Lost Runners Trails. Urban legend has it that it was the running shoes that were lost, not the people wearing them! Or stop here for a night en route to and from the mainland to Ucluelet or Tofino for world-class surfing, or if skiing is your calling, Mount Washington is just a 45-minute drive away. You can pitch your tent in our gardens, park your RV on the edge of the forest, or stay in our cozy tiny cabin. You can wander in the gardens and check out a young permaculture food forest filled with fruit and hazelnut trees, berries, and all that good stuff! Our Earthship, currently under construction, is all about exploring a low-impact lifestyle, off-grid living in an energy-efficient dwelling built from recycled materials. It is love for the planet, and people and sharing of abundance that makes this project come alive. Attend a group tour, or arrange for your own private tour where Tony will spend a couple of hours with you, sharing theDoighouse project, and answering any and all questions you may have. We also offer workshops and other onsite activities. For more info check out our website www.thedoighouse.com/events. On arrival, you will be greeted by Bentley (our standard poodle), Mabel (mouser extraordinaire) and the 'hens' who generously gift fresh eggs daily. Come visit, tour, and stay. Susan and Tony Doig
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CA$35
 / night
94%
(90)

Island Gertie

2 sites · Lodging1 acre · Gabriola Island Trust Area, BC
The Gertie Bus is located a 5 min walk to a beautiful white sand beach (at low tide). There are walking trails all around and lots of beach access. Tucked into the front of our property in the quiet of Gabriola island you’ll find the converted Gertie bus with all the amenities you need. The bus has a gas stovetop/oven, bar fridge and sink with grey water system. Equipped kitchen and sofa area to hang out. The standard queen bed is great for sleeping in and relaxing with that second cup of coffee. Mountain biking, hiking, swimming and whale watching are just steps away. There is beach access across the street through a private park with picnic tables, a very old eagles nest and a private access to a rocky beach perfect for sunsets. The home itself has a pottery studio on the main floor with a full time studio Practice. Give Paige a ring if you’d like a tour, she’s usually working away. Our family lives on the top floor. Outside the bus is are lush veggie gardens, fruit trees and a nice private outdoor dining area. A BBQ and solar lights also help with evening hangouts. Family friendly! Also we love animals but we ask that you clean up after your pet and keep any animals that aren’t so great with kids and other animals on leash. We have a dachshund on the property that is friendly and old ( barks at strangers but is all bark I assure you, he just wants to be friends)
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CA$83.30
 / night
90%
(5)

Mountainaire Campground and RV Park

86 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents40 acres · Nanaimo, BC
Nestled on a beautiful 40-acre park, our Campground and RV Park provides a relaxed, natural atmosphere perfect for family fun. Conveniently located in the heart of Vancouver Island, just beside the Nanaimo airport (a 5-minute drive) and approximately 20 minutes by car from both ferry terminals connecting to Vancouver. Featuring 30 and 50 amp fully or partial-serviced sites, ample green spaces, and cozy on-site RV Glamping units and cabins tucked away in the woods, Mountainaire is your ideal starting point or departure spot for a Vancouver Island vacation. Enjoy our newly renovated bathrooms, warm showers, and on-site laundromat, along with the added convenience of an onsite store. Take a short hike through the rainforest to the breathtaking Crystal Bowl for activities like river swimming, cliff diving, kayaking, or even crayfish catching with your little ones. Young campers can bike down ramps, play in the playground, and witness the fascinating transformation of tadpoles into western toads (a species at risk). Don’t miss our renowned special events and unwind with a Friday night movie accompanied by free popcorn. PARK AMENITIES: Lots of mature trees, green space and ramps. Bring your bikes. Outdoor playground with loads of fun Convenience store and Arcade Washroom and showers Laundry room Rainforest trail to the Crystal Bowl of Nanaimo River Pond Horseshoe pits Beach volleyball court Outdoor stage
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CA$37
 / night
99%
(54)

Decourcy Meadows

1 site · RV4 acres · Ladysmith, BC
Decourcy Meadows is a peaceful forested site within a short walking distance to a safe local swimming beach. We are an RV-only campsite. The site is level and can accommodate vehicles up to 40ft in length. Electrical, sewage, and potable water hookups included. Amenities include a picnic table, wifi and a fire ring and some fire wood supplied at no cost. If there is a campfire ban in effect we will provide a propane campfire. The property is about half natural forest and so it's not unusual to see local critters, large and small peeking out! There are several hiking trails in the area and local parks as well. There are 3 artisans on Decourcy Drive. The world-famous Crow and Gate pub is 4 km from here and the historic Wheat Sheaf Hotel (Pub) is about 5 km. Local restaurants and Cafes, Groceries, Pharmacy are 5 km. We are a quiet country getaway located 25 minutes from Nanaimo Departure Bay Ferry Terminal. Duke Point Terminal is about 20 minutes. Picturesque town of Ladysmith is about 25 minutes south and the very Unique town of Chemainus is 35 minutes and very worth seeing.
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CA$20
 / night
97%
(74)

Peacock Camping (Vancouver Island)

1 site · RV, Tent5 acres · Black Creek, BC
Learn more about this land:We are located on a beautiful farm with lots of animals to see! Our property is in Black Creek, BC. We have one private site available for tent and RV/trailer campers. The site is level and grassy and it can accommodate vehicles up to 30ft in length. We provide a picnic table, wifi, and potable water. Campfires are permitted when there is no fire ban.Black Creek is a small town located on the eastern shore of North Central Vancouver Island, home to stunning beaches and outdoor recreation. At nearby Saratoga Beach, the tide goes out for over a quarter of a mile, creating a hard-packed oceanfront playground perfect for children to safely explore. Miracle Provincial Park is close by with a picnic area overlooking the water and a series of lovely trails winding through lush forest. You can visit the Oyster River Hatchery, check out the seals and sea lions in Seal Bay Regional Park, do some saltwater fishing for salmon, or even rent a go-cart and race around the Saratoga Speedway, or just watch others do it.
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CA$40
 / night
100%
(49)

Tyee Valley Farm

15 sites · RVs, Tents12 acres · Courtenay, BC
Join us on our family farm. We are happy to provide winter camping for self contained units at our site. Located a quick 30 minute drive from Mt Washington Alpine Resort and Strathcona Park, let us be your winter stay location. Our second season, we continue to enjoy hosting travelers from all over. Come join us and relax in the forest. Site 1 and 2 are drive-in sites. Site 3 is a tent-only site. Our newest Site 4 is a bit more open also for vans, campers, and tents, and we have a last-minute available Site 5 for vehicle camping. These sites will welcome you to recharge in nature. Dark night skies will open you to all the majesty of our solar system. Each standard campsite has a flat gravel surface suitable for tents, smaller RV's, shorter travel trailers, truck campers, rooftop tents, camper vans, and similar. Site 3 has a tent pad, well suited for cyclists or motorbikes. Small trailers up to 20 feet may be usable, but access may be tight. Please note, that while there is a campfire ban, camp stoves and propane fire pits are permitted. Easy access to Mt Washington and Strathcona Park, local beaches, rivers and more.
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CA$25
 / night
95%
(149)

Field Sites & Secluded Tent Sites

11 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Campbell River, BC
A beautiful campsite located in Campbell River, BC. Pastoral open field for RVs & tents. Easy access from the road and private secluded sites for single vehicles & tenters. We can accommodate vehicles up to 40ft in length. No services/utilities this year. Only a 2-minute walk to the beach and several trails. Shelter Point Distillery is just next door. Other activities near include wandering along oceanside trails, fishing for salmon, swimming, or simply sitting back, relaxing and enjoying nature. The region is a mecca for outdoor and marine enthusiasts as it boasts 5 Provincial Parks, several marine parks, golf courses, wildlife viewing opportunities, and fishing hotspots galore. Explore the wilds of Strathcona Provincial Park, paddle the calm waters of the estuary, get out on the water for a thrilling whale-watching excursion and so much more. Pets welcome, campfires permitted according to BC Forest fire ban limits.
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CA$40
 / night
71%
(21)

Mermaids Marsh

3 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents2 acres · Gabriola, BC
Beautiful secluded hideaway right in the heart of magical Gabriola Island. Minutes walk through boardwalks and community gardens to our little village. The public property next to mine known as ‘ the commons, often hosts many outdoor music and community events. Mermaid Marsh is Bordering on 700 acres of picturesque walking trails. Close to many breathtaking beaches. You’ll be surrounded by gardens, marshland, nature & forest. The property is under construction to be a hipcamp dream. Wanted to get bookings available for summer! There is space to set up your own tent or I have a Glamping site which will be furnished including a queen bed in a 10 by 14 canvas wall tent. There will be composting toilets. An outdoor clawfoot tub, and coming soon a traditional Finnish sauna. Also offerings for island adventures such as paddling or foraging hikes, yoga and reiki. There is a 10pm noise bylaw on island so being respectful of that and other campers with no excessive noise after 10 is appreciated.
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CA$31.20
 / night
100%
(20)

Poplar Grove Family Farm

1 site · RV, Tent10 acres · Qualicum Beach, BC
Welcome to our secluded and peaceful camping spot nestled on our 10-acre family property, formerly a Poplar Plantation. Located just 1 minute from Alberni Highway in Qualicum Beach, our site offers over 1 km of trails to explore, with the opportunity to wander through lavender or sunflower fields depending on the season. Bring the kids to explore and find more than 40 fairy houses along the trails. Dogs are free to roam off leash. We provide 50 amp and separate 30 amp hookups, filtered potable water, and a grey water dump (no black water) along with Wi-Fi access. Your trailer or RV can enjoy a spacious 50 x 15 area, with room for one additional vehicle and multiple tents on grass. We also provide a picnic table for your convenience. Additional options include: Propane fire pit or full-size BBQ rental ($5 per day including propane) Porta-potty rental for tenting ($5 per day) SUP or kayak rental with deposit (please inquire) Mountain bike rental with deposit (please inquire) PMBIA certified instructor available for guiding at Hammerfest or Cumberland trails (please inquire) Enjoy the convenience of being just 10 minutes away from the ocean in beautiful Qualicum Beach, as well as 10 minutes from Little Qualicum Provincial Park or Cameron Lake. Additionally, you're only 5 minutes away from the world-famous Goats on the Roof in Coombs. Our location also serves as a great stopping point on your trip to Tofino, just 1 minute off the Alberni Hwy.
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CA$40
 / night

Dog-friendly getaways

Available this weekend

Value Prop
Value Prop
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Camping near Port Alberni guide

Overview

Set in a wild landscape of lakes and rivers, the historic lumber-and-sawmill town of Port Alberni has a natural playground spanning towering trees to deep caves. Whether mountain biking and hiking in the rainforest or paddling and swimming on two coasts, there’s a mix of adventure found at the head of the rich salmon fishing grounds of the Alberni inlet. Known as the Salmon Fishing Capital of BC, it’s home to year-round camping possibilities.

When to go

Vancouver Island’s mild climate means outdoor adventures like caving can take place year-round, but summer is best (and most crowded) for camping and taking full advantage of the lakes and rivers for water sports. Late summer and early fall is the annual salmon run, during which you can spot the scarlet-hued fish swimming upstream to spawn.

Know before you go

  • Most provincial parks take site reservations in advance (recommended throughout the high season of summer) and give an early priority booking window to BC residents.
  • Getting to Vancouver Island by car from the mainland requires ferry travel, which becomes extremely busy on weekends and holidays, so reserve a spot in advance to avoid long wait times.
  • Central Vancouver Island is rugged, so being mindful and respectful of wildlife is essential, including using bear bags while camping.

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