Discover the best lakeside campgrounds in British Columbia with fishing

Canada
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British Columbia

91% (1659 reviews)

Popular camping styles for British Columbia

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12 top lakeside campgrounds in British Columbia with fishing

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Surrounded by Nature!

3 sites · RVs2 acres · Victoria, BC

Please note: we only accommodate RV's, no tents or roof top tents. You need to be fully self contained as there are no bathroom facilities and no nature pees! We are situated on 2 private acres completely surrounded by Elk Lake Regional Park. There are 3 generations of family living here as well as 2 dogs, a one-eyed cat, and chickens! Our campsite is in a beautiful location situated 20 minutes from the Swartz Bay Ferry terminal and downtown Victoria. Access to great hiking just out your door at Elk Lake Regional Park (a 5 min walk to the beach for a swim, paddle, or fish at the nearby fishing dock) and Bear Hill Regional Park (20 min hike through fir and arbutus trees with beautiful views of the peninsula from the top). 10 minutes to Butchart gardens, with Butterfly Garden on the way. Ideal spot for campers looking to stay 1-2 nights. Great as a stopover to Tofino. Perfect for couples or groups of two, with a maximum of 4 campers. There are many wonderful farms and stands, wineries, coffee shops, and restaurants close by. Your site is a semi-private flat gravel area surrounded by fir trees. Easy access and plenty of turnaround room.

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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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Back Forty Vineyards

3 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents40 acres · Peachland, BC

Come camp on a 40-acre parcel backing onto crown land mountains and wake up in front of 10 acres of vineyard and a view of Okanagan Lake! There is a small cabin and two camp sites to choose from. Outhouse on the property, which is just a pit toilet. It is a working farm so will likely have various equipment around at times as well as workers at certain times of the year. You’ll likely meet our very friendly and very energetic Bernedoodle, Bernie. If you prefer to keep him out of your campsite just let us know and we can keep him closer. Otherwise, he thinks he has the run of the place! Please check to see if campfires are allowed (live in a high-risk fire zone) and firewood is available with an extra charge. If you need anything to better enjoy your stay, just let us know! Our property is located in Peachland, BC. Positioned midway between Kelowna and Pentiction, it is the perfect location to draw from both population centres and is well-positioned to act as a hub for popular wine and other agri-tourism activities. Peachland is within easy reach of over 200 estate wineries and microbreweries.

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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Sunset Knoll Sites on Big Bar Lake

5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Thompson Nicola E, BC

10 acres of untouched beauty! Extremely private with 100’s of acres of crown land on one side & a neighbour with 10 acres on the other. The lake is Caribbean blueish green & clear as glass. There are miles of trails to hike, 4x4, wild forage, or hunt in season. There are a couple other lakes nearby as well as the Fraser River & the Big Bar Ferry. Highly recommend!! One of our favourites is the Jesmond Fire Lookout. It requires a 4x4 vehicle or physical ability to complete a couple hour hike! We are a bit biased but our place is a very special one of a kind spot!

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Lake Glamping with Beach and Sauna

4 sites · Lodging40 acres · Lillooet, BC

Discover a serene retreat on 120 off-grid acres, stretching from the idyllic banks of Anderson Lake to the majestic Cayoosh mountain range. Marvel at breathtaking wilderness views where rugged mountains overlook the clear waters of Anderson Lake. Escape to one of our cozy glamping yurts, 'The Sparrow's Nest,' or the 'Fox's Den' which both blend rustic charm with modern luxury. Ideal for couples or solo travelers, it offers the perfect sanctuary to unwind and reconnect with nature. While off-grid (no WiFi, solar-powered), enjoy seamless cell service. Perched on an elevated forest bench, our glamping yurts both feature a private kitchenette, propane stove, wood-fire stove with ample firewood, mountain spring-fed water, solar-powered amenities, propane fire-pit, and an eco-friendly composting toilet. This yurt, set 60 meters apart from another, shares an outdoor shower with hot pressurized water. A scenic 5-minute hike leads to your semi-private beach—ideal for sunbathing, swimming, or adventurous boat paddling. Indulge in an exclusive lakeside sauna experience for $85. Enjoy a three-hour private session with sauna and beach all to yourself. We provide the ambiance, wood, and ensure unparalleled relaxation. If you would like to enjoy an outdoor fire you can use our outdoor propane fire pit for an additional $20 for each stay. Secure parking for one vehicle completes your tranquil escape. Book 'The Sparrow's Nest' for a harmonious blend of nature, comfort, and seclusion. Although some of the photos on this listing posted by guests have kayaks and paddleboards, you will need to bring your own - they are not provided due to liability issues, we're sorry about that. Detailed instructions on how to access the place will be provided directly after booking - we are located remotely 4 hours from Vancouver and 2 hours from Whistler We look forward to hosting you!

Booked 7 times

Strongwater Camping and Cabins

10 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents7 acres · Egmont, BC

A magical experience awaits you on the majestic Sunshine Coast of British Columbia near the Village of Egmont. Nestle into our modern rustic cabins or set up camp beneath the towering evergreens. We, your hosts, and our yard-full of farm friends live just up the hill, but we sneak out often to welcome our guests. Strongwater Camping and Cabins offers bookings year-round. Choose from our 8 rustic cabins or 8 large campsites to accommodate your next relaxing get-away or refreshing retreat. Bookings are usually a 2-night minimum. 1-night may be available at the discretion of the Hosts. New to our accommodations are the SkookumBus and a Glamping Tent (summer only)! Our hand-built cabins provide a simply magical experience, with warm, comfy beds and bedside table, a fan for summer or a heater for winter. Nearly every cabin features a small table and chairs and a mini-fridge plus an outdoor fire pit and a picnic table. The cabins’ decks are surrounded by forest. Firewood is available for $30/wheelbarrow on site when available (unless we have a fire ban.) All campsites include the fire pit and picnic table. Everyone has easy access to the spa-like washrooms with coin-operated hot showers and flush toilets. Children 8 years old and under must be accompanied by an adult in the Wash house. There’s a dish washing station in the center of the Wash House where you can refill your water jugs and bottles or wash dishes. Please do not use for washing hair or laundry or tooth brushing. We ask that you conserve water and keep the Wash House clean. If a peaceful experience is what you seek, enjoy the restful, soothing atmosphere of the forest. Learn to really appreciate the simple things in life. Take in the mountain, ocean, and lake scenery. Fishing, canoeing, or just lying on a beach. Sitting on the deck of your cozy cabin, reading a book or soaking in the magic. If you are a thrill-seeker, then adventure awaits on the turbulent waters of Skookumchuk Narrows, the rapids for which our magical place is named. Skookumchuk is an old Chinook word meaning Strong Waters. There’s a timetable for you to consult to catch the tides at the best times. Follow the link below. Hit some rigorous trails on your mountain bike, hike through forests, up mountains, or at oceanside. Take a wild ride to untouched wilderness with our neighbouring Adventure Boat Tours.

Little Bear Ranch/ Ursa Minor

8 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents327 acres · Burns Lake, BC

Little Bear Ranch is a special spot homesteaded by Nathan’s Parents in 1957, it was originally intended to be a guest ranch but spent most of its life as a cattle ranch and is now finding a second life as a destination craft brewery and camping location. Located on Chief Louis Arm on Ootsa Lake in the traditional territory of the Cheslatta Carrier Nation, It gives you access to over 900 kilometres of shoreline on the huge Nechako Reservoir in the wild center of British Columbia. Tweedsmuir Park is 25 Km by boat. Opportunities for boating , wildlife viewing, hiking,fishing are right outside you door. Learn more about this land:Enjoy privacy and comfort in our very private lakeside cabin!It's a 5-minute walk to the tasting room at our Farmhouse Brewery.Nestled on private lakeside property, this cozy cabin is perfect for those looking to escape the city and embrace nature. With a country feel and campfire ambiance, this cabin offers a small kitchen, a cozy bedroom, and a pet-friendly setting. It comfortably sleeps 3 to 4 adults with solar-heated running water and electricity. This cabin is an excellent option for those looking for a rustic, cabin-style retreat.Campfires are permitted, pets are welcome.

Valhalla Pines Campground

18 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents7 acres · Vallican, BC

This is a quiet forested residential area in Sinixt territory. Recommended activities include floating down the river, canoeing the lake, hiking or climbing in Valhalla Park, soaking in Halfway Hot Springs or indulging in Nelson. We are surrounded by beautiful mountains and rivers. This valley has many outdoor activities and events and a very interesting history and culture including Sinixt, Doukhobor, Cannabis and Conscientious Objector. Nelson, Castlegar and Slocan Lake are all a half hour drive away. There are many other special places nearby such as the Goddess Pools and the Emerald Pools. Supplies and services are available nearby including firewood, toiletries, dog day care, massage, bike and canoe rentals, life jackets, rubber dingys and paddles etc. Let us know if you would like a referral to any of these services. There are many guides available for activities in the area including (water sports, climbing, skiing, hiking, artist tours, events, geology, mining, mushrooms, cannabis, garden tours and native history). There is a particularly valued native storyteller here that can also provide a walking tour to a nearby village site with a full scale replica of an aboriginal kekuli (earth house). Please call ahead for recommendations on booking guides or storytellers. You don't need one to get here, but its good to have a 4 wheel drive vehicle for some of the logging roads that are worth visiting. Roof and/or bike racks can also come in handy. The Vallican Whole community center also has events nearby.

Laid Back Manor Farm

1 site · RV, Tent7 acres · Ainsworth Hot Springs, BC

There was a dream......come visit to learn more!! Current update: Wildfires are no longer an immediate concern and the river is HIGH so diving boards and the wild beauty of August by the mighty Coopersippi are in FULL EFFECT!!! The site is quiet and private and you likely won't see another human unless you go wandering. The hiking on our 7 acres is brilliant fun, with trails all over - riverside and beyond with excellent trails 5 minutes to 40 or more away - enjoy solo or take guided tours with yours truly at reasonable, negotiable rates. I do have a 'day job' so you may not see much of me depending on when you book. Wander all morning and shoot longbow all afternoon on the target range. A day well spent!! There are so many options for outdoor fun here. Canoeing, hiking, swimming, fishing, and archery totally do-able if these are up your alley. My chef skills are at the disposal of guests as usual, upon request. With 12 years of industry experience as a 'back house line cook and chef de partie' I can provide an exceptional meal anytime you need to refuel. It's peaceful and 'laid back' beyond measure here in Summer - and there's always a cool dip in the river if guests feel like cooling off. Grayson (your host) has traveled the world many times over, in many countries, and is also a 4rth generation local in the Kaslo/Kootenay area - an Aussie Canadian and something of a paradox!! So conversation is never boring around here - especially when the mead comes out (made in house and seasonally available). SKOL!!! Now with some of the more year-round details and facts about the area... It's a 'laid back farm' because despite working the land every day, we try not to push too hard and take it easy enough to enjoy the place. There's prime wildlife viewing by the river and in 'Deerhaven' the forested area down there. The focus is on nature here, so please no quads or dirtbikes ripping around - the "Duncan Lake highway" is just up the road for that sort of thing!! Mosquitoes can be bad at certain peak dates (which change yearly according to conditions), but I'll have the bug tent set up by the river for escape if anyone needs it^^ The 'farm' aspect and focus is all on gardens, orchards, and landscaping, no livestock/animals except Mr.Finnegan the Aussie red heeler^^ Things keep changing, and bees are a long-term goal once the orchard is more developed. There is wildcrafting available with a variety of native flora and a free tour to describe what's in season if you'd like to pick your own. The river level is controlled by the Duncan Dam, and at a high level, there's a private diving board and deck space riverside which is also an amazing place to tan, do yoga, or just relax. At low water the fishing is good and there are good size bull trout in there!! There are trails through forested areas on the property and a new outhouse between the mill shed and river. The riverside area is a wildlife corridor so be prepared to see deer, bears, eagles, osprey, wild turkeys, kingfishers, cedar waxwings, mountain bluebirds, the odd rare coyote/cougar, and possibly elk among others!! Generally, it's pretty quiet, but there are days...... If bears are a concern and you'd rather not have the possibility, camp closer to the mill shed, no worries. All the animals stick close to the river. There's never been any drama with the wildlife and we live in harmony here. The odd grizzly bear shows up, and we keep a close eye on them and take logical precautions. Please be bear aware..... August and September are high alert for grizzly bears as the Kokanee (inland salmon) spawn in the river right here!! So schools of redfish will be swimming around down there - they don't eat while spawning and they're protected, but it's quite a sight to see. The grizzlies tend to head straight to the spawning channel upriver to gorge and we rarely see any here, but it is wise to be aware of the possibility. The river is perfect for swimming and diving in high water, but very cold (glacial runoff) which is amazingly refreshing, but don't count on being in it for hours. There's a ladder for a convenient exit from the water and the diving board is perfect!! There's loads of space for tents down by the river, and a glorious 'sacred grove' full of elderberry trees that's quite a breathtaking tent site. The mill shed has standpipes with clean running water from the well, and it's about the cleanest, freshest water on Earth. Glorious. If you need electricity for charging devices it's available at the cabin, as well as wifi. No wifi by the river, sorry, totally off-grid down there and will remain so. There's also a '9 hole' archery course if this is of interest, max.50# draw and longbows only, please. You're welcome to use the targets free of charge if you're staying the night. As a semi-retired chef, writer, musician, farmer, English teacher, entrepreneur and revolutionary, your host can offer impressive gourmet meals to feed body and soul - made with local organic ingredients and great conscious awareness at an agreed-upon price according to your needs. The garden is full of organic veggies, and there may be fresh venison or wild turkey if you're here in the fall. Please no hunting and no guns if you are a guest. There are amazing day and multi-day hikes within minutes or hours drive, and as a local of many years, your host can provide excellent advice and directions. Grayson and Finnegan look forward to meeting you and seeing to it that you're well situated and outfitted for a good time in the Canadian Outback!! Looking for a quiet, peaceful, private wilderness retreat? This place is rrreally beautiful and I'm looking forward to hosting for another glorious year of laid back wilderness camping. Cheers to all of you and HAPPY TRAILS!!

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Living Large on Chilliwack River

7 sites · Tents2 acres · Chilliwack, BC

Enjoy the beautiful acres right on the Chilliwack River! A wonderful family-friendly (including pets!) getaway with endless activities nearby. Our campsite is available in the spring and summer and is just 20 minutes from the city of Chilliwack, BC. We provide a fire pit and campfires are allowed as long as there is no fire ban. The sites are quite private but there will be other campers nearby. We try to keep a large amount of space between sites and some are separated by trees. We are a walk in tent only site- parking is very close, 30 second walk. We can also provide access to electricity so you can charge your phones or other devices if needed. There is no cell reception, but we do have wifi. Potable water is available. We supply natural spring water but you must bring your own jug. We live in an adventure playground! Activities nearby include hiking, white rapid river rafting, fishing, watching bald eagles, Cultus Lake water slides and adventure park, mountain biking, and more! The stargazing at night is beautiful as there is no light pollution here. We look forward to hosting you!

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Chilcotin Holidays Wilderness Experiences

24 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents30 acres · Gold Bridge, BC

Chilcotin Holidays has been guiding guests for over 30 years. We are a diverse 4-season guest ranch that focuses on providing a nature connection, personal development and nature conservation experience for every guest. From horseback riding, hiking, skiing, snowmobiling and mountain biking to camping, RV and cabin accommodation Chilcotin Holidays has everything you need to reconnect to nature and yourself.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Lakeside camping in British Columbia with fishing guide

Overview

It’s hard to describe British Columbia as anything other than wildly breathtaking—quite literally when you swim in one of the province’s many turquoise glacier lakes, ride a wave, or catch a glimpse of a bear in the forest. For camping experiences and road trips, BC offers privately operated campgrounds and RV parks; a major network of parks with reservable and first-come, first-served tent camping sites; yurts and cabins; and thousands of recreation sites and trails on beaches, lakes, mountains, and meadows. Thanks to the mild climate and some winter huts, camping is possible year-round.

West Coast

The Pacific Ocean runs along the length of BC, offering plenty of oceanside spots to explore. On Vancouver Island, Tofino and Pacific Rim National Park are famous for cold-water surfing, whale watching, and hot springs, while nearby Ucluelet is a fisher’s paradise. Further inland, campers can find riverside camping in Squamish; backcountry huts around the resort town of Whistler; and reservable tent pads overlooking the jewel-toned Joffre Lake. For a true off-the-grid experience, head to Haida Gwaii's Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve—set about 100 kilometres off the northern British Columbia coast, this area is only reachable by sea or air.

Northern British Columbia

The northern part of the province is all raw, rugged beauty, with unique culture and untouched natural beauty. Soak in Canada’s second-largest hot spring in Fort Nelson, watch salmon spawning in the many rivers, and peek at bears catching some themselves at Kleanza Creek Provincial Park in Terrace. Options for outdoor stays include vast wilderness resorts, remote cabins, and private beach, lakefront, or rainforest campsites—but note that cell service and WiFi are rare in these parts. Bonus: Given its far north location, it’s relatively easy to snag last-minute campsites that still offer peace and quiet.

Cariboo Chilcotin Coast

With a blend of history, wildlife, adventure, and expansive grasslands, the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast is true Canadian countryside. Campers come to this wild western spot to spend time in the Great Bear Rainforest and at alpine rivers (whitewater rafting is big here), but travelers usually also visit lakeside fishing lodges and historic Gold Rush towns such as Barkerville. Tweedsmuir Provincial Park is a prime spot for the chance to spot a grizzly bear.

Kootenay Rockies

Set in the province’s southeastern corner and part of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks World Heritage Site, the Kootenays are home to four national parks: Glacier, Kootenay, Mount Revelstoke, and Yoho. Here you’ll find unrivaled wildlife—think black bears, mountain goats, and elk—much of which can be spotted even from the highway. Throughout the region are glaciers, peaks, waterfalls, and quirky little towns such as Golden, Cranbrook, and Kimberley, the highest in Canada at 1,113 meters up. Camping and tenting is typically open between May and September, with limited winter options.