The best camping near Desolation Sound Marine Provincial Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Desolation Sound Marine Provincial Park adventure.

Discover Desolation Sound's pristine waters and lush landscapes.

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Community favorites near Desolation Sound Marine Provincial Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Desolation Sound Marine Provincial Park

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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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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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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.

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.

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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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Pearl Of The Oyster

4 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres · Black Creek, BC

Welcome to our little slice of Heaven on the Oyster River in Black Creek, Vancouver Island. This is a unique and private camping experience! We're excited to announce the addition of a rustic, off-grid, one-room log cabin with bunkie, available for your 2-night minimum stay. Nestled in a forested area of our property, the cabin offers unlimited access to sandy riverside beaches, swimming and fishing holes, stunning views, and endless hiking/biking trails. Equipped with limited electricity, the cabin includes basic cooking tools, cutlery, a Coleman cooker, and a charcoal BBQ. Upon request, we provide full linen and pillows. For chilly nights, cozy up by the wood stove. Outside, you'll find a private fire pit with two chairs. The cabin is serviced by a new, clean pit toilet and outdoor shower. In the loft, there's one queen-sized bed and one twin mattress. Rates - April 1st to June 15th: $80 per night (2-night min) $10 linen cleaning fee $10 for outdoor firewood $5 a dozen for farm fresh eggs 3-night min for May long weekend No pets allowed High season - June 16th to September 2nd: $100 per night (2-night min) 3-night min for July, August, September long weekends $5 for Linen Additionally, we offer two (working on more) tent pad sites overlooking the river. Each site accommodates up to a 6-man tent .A large flat area is available for double or group tent sites along with additional tent spots for large groups. Nearby amenities include a communal fire-pit picnic area, clean pit toilet, and outdoor shower. Rates - April 1 to June 15th: $35 per night (2-night min) Double site - $60 per night based on 6 people or less (2-night min) For large groups $10 per day for additional campers up to 20 people. 3-night min for May long weekend June 16 to September 2nd: $45 per night Firewood is available for $10 per bundle, or you're welcome to bring your own. Pets are not allowed. During your stay, enjoy a variety of activities such as breathing clean air, birdwatching, stargazing, mushroom foraging, rock and fossil collecting, gold panning, fishing, swimming, kayaking, berry picking, hiking, biking, and beachside campfires with Jacknife Pizza (limited days). Nearby attractions include beautiful ocean beaches, mini-golf, ice cream shops, Saratoga Speedway, Saratoga and Miracle Beach, Bear Creek Nature Park, Pinecrest Skills Bike Park, golfing, and Mount Washington. Please note that rates change after June 15th. Payment via e-transfer is due upon booking, and a full refund is available with one week's notice.

Sonora Island Cabin

1 site · Lodging3 acres · Campbell River, BC

3 bed Cabin built on a bluff among the maples. Cabin includes 3 double beds. One is a private room and two up in the loft. Pack in your own bedding/ sleeping bags. 5 minute walk to our private gravel beach over looking the ‘Hole in the Wall’ rapids. Our water reservoir that collects from a near by creek, feeds the house. Boiling before drinking advised. Also included in the cabin is two wood stoves, Propane stove for cooking, hot water on demand and solar power make this get away completely off the grid.

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The Field Of Dreams

6 sites · RVs, Tents9 acres · Courtenay, BC

You will cross the bridge of troubled waters and enter your dream space for simple relaxation. Experience the beauty of a wide open field, mountain and forest glimpses, and the peace of mind that comes with being so removed. Yet, this property is only 10 minutes from town, has a general store within 500m and only 5 minutes from Kitty Coleman Park, Seal Bay Forest Trails and the Tsolum River!

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Quadra Vista Mountainside Farmstay

1 site · Lodging10 acres · Quathiaski Cove, BC

Escape to Quadra Island, away from crowds. Enjoy endless vistas and exclusive access to the calming embrace of the ocean and a short drive to pristine lakes, with nearby deer and human-made trails guiding you through untouched beauty. Experience the charm of a free-range farm where our feathered friends eagerly interact with guests. Committed to a serene atmosphere, our property is alcohol, drug, smoking, vaping, and nudity free.

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Ruby Lake Resort

7 sites · Lodging85 acres · Powell River, BC

Our property is an outdoor enthusiasts haven, surrounded by walking, hiking & cycling trails on the side of one of BC's most beautiful swimming lakes. We offer onsite boat and paddleboard rentals as well as a private dock, seasonal onsite yoga classes. Our property also features a large lagoon that doubles as a natural wildlife and bird sanctuary and the property is home to hundreds of birds, both wild and tame. You'll also see beavers, otters, deer, raccoons, squirrels, and more! Our renowned onsite restaurant, La Trattoria Italiana, offers authentic Northern Italian cuisine, with both indoor lakeview dining as well as outdoor seating on our covered waterfront patio.

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Lake Farm Gardens

4 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Denman Island, BC

Campsite on 140 year old farm. Water and electricity and outhouse. Room for vans and rv. Bring your own tents and bedding. Explore Denman Island, and its natural beauty. Mostly undiscovered because of its more popular neighbour Hornby. Denman has it all, cafes, beaches, forests, lakes, hiking and biking. Go fishing in the nearby Chickadee Lake.

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Salmon Point on Nature Trail

2 sites · RVs, Tents2 acres · Campbell River, BC

This is a natural rustic west coast experience of peaceful wilderness where there are possible sightings of deer, bears, seals, herons, eagles, swans, geese, ducks and many songbirds depending on the seasons. The property is located at Salmon Point between Campbell River and Comox/Courtenay, BC. This is your gateway to everything that makes Vancouver Island the ultimate destination if you love the outdoors. Saltwater and beach fishing, kayaking, boating, golfing, and hiking are just minutes away. There is a resort and marina across the road and a new restaurant and pub opening soon. Shelter Point Distillery is adjacent to the property. The trail goes along the ocean, through old-growth forests and along the river ending at a grocery, liquor store, coffee and pizza place, medical clinic and a small pharmacy. The property does include an outhouse, electrical plug-in at post and water hose. Tents, smaller travel trailers and camper vans can be accommodated. In the early 1900s, a hotel was on the property that serviced the ships heading north in the straight and those travelling between Campbell River and Courtney. The area is within 2 km of two large sand beaches, a Chinese restaurant, and a Spa. Between Salmon Point and Courtney, you will find farm land with local fruits, vegetables, eggs and meat for sale and wineries.

The best camping near Desolation Sound Marine Provincial Park guide

Overview

About

Embark on a journey to Desolation Sound Marine Provincial Park, where the call of adventure beckons from every tranquil cove and forested trail. Here, kayakers glide through crystal-clear waters, spotting curious seals and vibrant starfish below. Hikers revel in the lush, green paths, and campers find solace under the stars. Whether you're seeking a serene retreat or an active exploration, this park offers an array of activities to immerse yourself in the wild beauty of British Columbia.

When to go

The ideal time to visit Desolation Sound Marine Provincial Park is during the warm summer months, from June to September. During this period, the weather is most conducive for kayaking, snorkeling, and enjoying the park's abundant wildlife. Winter visits can be challenging due to heavy rainfall and limited accessibility, making some areas less hospitable for outdoor activities.

Know before you go

Ensure you have the necessary safety gear and knowledge for boating or kayaking amid the park's waters.
Check for seasonal closures or restricted areas before planning your visit.
Accessibility may vary across different regions of the park; some areas may not be suitable for all visitors.
Local amenities include basic facilities; plan to bring essential supplies with you.
Respect the natural habitat by following Leave No Trace principles and disposing of trash responsibly.