Camping near Telegraph Cove

Experience untamed adventure among the rugged, remote wilderness and waters of Telegraph Cove.

96% (46 reviews)
96% (46 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Telegraph Cove

Under $50

Dog-friendly getaways

7 top campgrounds near Telegraph Cove

95%
(38)

Port Hardy RV Resort & Cabins

10 sites · Tents5 acres · Port Hardy, BC
Learn more about this land: Pitch a tent and take in the naturally gorgeous surroundings of the old-growth Cedar, Hemlock, Fir and Alder trees. Our Estuary front tenting sites are just a short walk away from the primary bathrooms, showers, laundry and BBQ facilities. We have 5 beautiful acres with so much to explore, the possibilities are endless! There are 10 tent campsites available. Campfires are permitted as long as there is no fire ban, pets are welcome.  Firewood is available to purchase for $7 as an extra. Please add this to your reservation at the time of booking. Located at the Northern tip of Vancouver Island, Port Hardy and the surrounding area is rich in tradition and deep-rooted in culture. Rich, rugged and resilient, Port Hardy is the gateway to an authentic, unspoiled, nature-driven adventure.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from 
CA$29
 / night
100%
(8)

Lazy Acres Farm Field

5 sites · RVs65 acres · Campbell River, BC
Nestled in a quiet corner of the desirable Sayward Valley, our property hosts over 65 acres of wandering trails, Mount H’kusam views, and private access to sandy beaches on the Salmon River.Sayward is a small coastal community on Kelsey Bay overlooking Johnstone Strait on the east coast of North Vancouver Island.This is an RV-only campsite. We can accommodate vehicles up to 40 ft in length and the site requires levelling.Delight your taste buds with farm-fresh eggs while savouring the time to unwind in a peaceful paradise. Relax in our cedar sauna, bathe in the river at three different beaches, take photos of the pristine wildlife. Potable water and wifi available on site.We love to host adventurers and those who want a disconnect from the day-to-day routines. Our outdoor spaces are shared for all of our guests to enjoy.Learn more about this land:Nestled in a quiet corner of the desirable Sayward Valley, our property hosts over 65 acres of wandering trails, Mount H’kusam views, and private access to sandy beaches on the Salmon River.Sayward is a small coastal community on Kelsey Bay overlooking Johnstone Strait on the east coast of North Vancouver Island.This is an RV-only campsite. We can accommodate vehicles up to 40 ft in length and the site requires levelling.Delight your taste buds with farm-fresh eggs while savouring the time to unwind in a peaceful paradise. Relax in our cedar sauna, bathe in the river at three different beaches, take photos of the pristine wildlife. Potable water and wifi available on site.We love to host adventurers and those who want a disconnect from the day-to-day routines. Our outdoor spaces are shared for all of our guests to enjoy.
Potable water
from 
CA$55
 / night

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 Telegraph Cove guide

Overview

Suspended on stilts with boardwalks joining the colorful local buildings, Telegraph Cove is a sight to behold in the northeast of Vancouver Island. The local population tops out around 20 people, but the area draws over 100,000 tourists in the peak of summer. Campsite reservations are a must—this remote location is ideal for backcountry camping and wildlife viewing (grizzly bears and orcas are common). RV sites and cabins are available, but tent campsites are most abundant in the area. Go island hopping at Alert Bay, or drive to the northernmost tip of the island to visit Cape Scott Provincial Park with sandy beaches and world-renowned hiking trails. Nearby Nimpkish Lake Provincial Park is a well-known windsurfing locale also offering swimming and fishing.

Where to go

Blinkhorn Trail & Peninsula

Starting in the village at Telegraph Cove Campground, the Blinkhorn Trail features a 7.7-kilometre round-trip loop with views of the Johnson Straight and surrounding forest. Twisted roots, mud, and fallen logs are commonplace, so durable hiking shoes are recommended. The trail continues down toward the Blinkhorn Peninsula, where campers should be careful of the changing tides—the peninsula becomes an island at certain points throughout the day. A gravel beach area features a few dog-friendly tent campsites outfitted with pit toilets, while private camping options also dot the area.

Cape Scott Provincial Park

Home to the iconic North Coast Trail and white sandy beaches, Cape Scott Provincial Park is a backpackers’ dream a little over 2 hours’ drive on logging road from Telegraph Cove. Most beaches here require a multi-day hiking trip (with beautiful tent campsites along the way), but the main San Josef Bay beach is easily accessible. The 2.5-kilometre trail is well maintained and kid-friendly. Pitch a tent on the beach and take in the old-growth rainforest, then head out to view the rocky sea stacks at low tide. Book a shuttle or water taxi ahead of time, and if driving, bring a map (there’s no cell phone service).

Alert Bay

On Cormorant Island, Alert Bay is rich in First Nation culture and home to the world's tallest totem pole (an astounding 52-metres tall). Drive 20 minutes north to Port McNeill, then take the 45-minute ferry across the Johnson Straight. Check the BC ferries’ website for scheduling and rates, and be aware they’re subject to weather cancellations. Stay top deck to catch a glimpse of breaching orca whales and dolphins. Head to the Ecological Park, which offers trails to view the local forest and is set near a small village-run campground with 22 tent campsites.

Nimpkish Lake Provincial Park

Nimpkish Lake Provincial Park is roughly a 30-minute drive from Telegraph Cove. The forested area is a hotspot for hunting, fishing, canoeing, and swimming, and it teems with old-growth trees, bears, cougars, and waterfowl. Wilderness tent camping is approved year-round with picnic tables and walk-in campsites. Visit in early August to watch the Nimpkish Speed Slalom Windsurfing weekend.

When to go

Part of a temperate rainforest, Telegraph Cove experiences dewey days all year. July, August, and September are safe bets for drier weather, but foggy mornings are common. The off-season runs from October until April with windy and even wetter weather. Temperatures warm up in May, and the daylight lingers longer, drawing crowds before the peak of summer (late June). For bear sightings and whale watching, July through October are the months to visit.

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