Camping in Vancouver Island

Mountains, beaches, and forests—Vancouver Island camping offers access to it all.

93% (154 reviews)
93% (154 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Vancouver Island

3 top campgrounds in Vancouver Island

100%
(8)

Coastal Mountain Retreat

4 sites · Lodging, Tents160 acres · Tofino, BC
🌊✨ Embark on an Unforgettable Journey to the Wilderness of Vancouver Island! ✨🌲 Imagine stepping away from the noise of everyday life and into a realm where nature reigns supreme—this is not just a camping trip; it's a transformative experience amidst the untouched beauty of Vancouver Island's coastal waters! As you make your way to this sacred land, you’ll discover that the journey is just as enchanting as the destination. Board a boat or float plane and feel the thrill of adventure as you glide through the stunning channels of the Clayoquot district, heading toward the serene Sydney Inlet Provincial Park. With each wave, you’ll sense the wild heart of nature calling you closer to tranquility. Once you arrive, you’ll find yourself surrounded by an unspoiled paradise. Take in the majestic views from ancient old-growth forests, where towering trees stand as guardians of the land. Bask in the thrill of adventure with invigorating activities like hiking, bushcraft skills, and yoga sessions that connect your spirit with nature’s rhythms. Dive into the vibrant waters for a chance to catch fresh salmon or witness the awe-inspiring splendor of whales breaching in the distance. When the day draws to a close, unwind in the luxurious embrace of the Hotsprings Cove, where the warm waters cradle you while the stars twinkle overhead, reminding you of the magic all around. Here, we embrace sustainable living, honoring the gifts of the land while reveling in breathtaking views of the sweeping mountain ranges and the endless ocean. This unique location is more than just a camping site; it’s a family-run sanctuary—one that we are eager to share with adventurers like you! I’m Ron, the Steward of this spectacular land, and it fills my heart with joy to invite you to come explore our backyard. Together, we will create cherished memories that will last a lifetime. Whether it’s through guided adventures or simply sharing a meal around the campfire, you’ll leave with a deeper connection to nature and a renewed sense of wonder. So pack your bags and join us on this extraordinary journey! Discover a place where every moment is a celebration of the wild, where nature becomes your playground and serenity your companion. This is more than a getaway; this is an adventure waiting to unfold! 🌲🛶🌌
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CA$68
 / night
100%
(27)

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.
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CA$20
 / night
84%
(222)

JX Campground (Tofino-Ucluelet JCT)

18 sites · RVs, Tents2 acres · Tofino, BC
Welcome to JX Surf Shop and Campground! We are located just 10 minutes outside of beautiful Ucluelet and only 5 minutes away from the Pacific Rim National Park. We have 30amp-powered sites with water hookups as well as tenting sites. We also offer overnight parking for those sleeping in their cars. We share property with other great businesses! -JX Surf Shop has rentals and can also book surf lessons for you! -TickinT-Bird rents E-bikes so you can bike to all the beaches in the Pacific Rim National Park. 9am-4pm -Puna Food Truck offers apres-surf pocket food & coffee. South American style empanadas in veggie, chicken, and ground beef options. Rolled and baked in the house with organic flours. 8am-5pm - Tommy's Pizza offers unforgettable Neapolitan-style pizzas. Skip the dishes while camping and be delighted! 3pm-9pm Wednesday to Monday - SunRay Food rtuck has smoothies, baked goodies and variety food like Tacos, Falafel, Quinoa bowls, Sandwiches, Wraps, Hot Dogs and much more for everyone. 9am-3pm Thursday to Monday - Kikan Food Truck is a modern eatery serving Asian soul food from 12pm-4pm Wednesday to Sunday Camp Surf Dine and Ride at JX Campground **Please note that JX Campground is for short term camping only. Vehicles, tents, trailers must leave the property after a maximum stay of one week. Thank you for your understanding.
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CA$30
 / night
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 in Vancouver Island guide

Overview

Vancouver island campers will find some of western Canada’s best natural beauty right outside their tent flap, all set in a compact-enough size for an action-packed trip with Victoria serving as a convenient city hub. Options range from rugged wilderness campsites set amid remote beaches to family-friendly camping spots surrounded by ancient rainforest, and no matter when you set out, temperatures are generally mild enough for year-round camping. Outdoor activities on the island are seemingly endless too—think hiking, fishing, kayaking, and keeping an eye out for wildlife such as bears, whales, and elk. Explore this wild part of British Columbia with a tent campsite, RV stay, or a glamping getaway.

Where to go

Greater Victoria

Yes, summer afternoons in Victoria can be a bit of a mob scene with cruise ship tourists scurrying to score their bucket list experiences, such as high tea at the Empress Hotel and wandering Butchart Gardens. But there’s so much more to the South Island (as locals call it), with dozens of provincial and regional parks to explore and unwind in. Can’t-miss adventures include the flat and smooth Lochside and Galloping Goose bike routes, the Sooke Potholes swimming hole, and the endless Pacific Ocean vistas along Highway 14 to Port Renfrew. Two provincial park campgrounds and numerous private RV parks sit within an hour of downtown.

Tofino and the Pacific Rim

How can a town that’s literally at the edge of North America (truly the end of the road) be so cool? In Tofino, explore the bold First Nations artwork of the Vickers Gallery, then rent surfboards at any of the funky surf shacks lining Highway 4 into town. Campers need reservations at Pacific Rim National Park in the summer months, yet there are a half-dozen private campgrounds that handle the overflow. Regardless of the weather, hikers will want to see Ucluelet's Wild Pacific Trail, and if you're looking to splurge on your next camping trip, book a whale watching excursion (with guaranteed sightings!), a zodiac trip to Hot Springs Cove, or an aerial floatplane tour around the Tofino.

Gulf Islands National Park

The dozens of Gulf Islands are like Vancouver Island in miniature—they’re rugged, picturesque places with quiet country roads and hidden camping gems. Visit farmer’s markets, dine at nautically-themed pubs and restaurants, and walk among the tangled arbutus trees that stand sentinel over precipitous limestone cliffs.

Mid-Vancouver Island

Two-and-a-half hours north of Victoria, Nanaimo is a major port of arrival and departure for BC Ferries’ routes connecting Vancouver city to Vancouver Island. This mid-Island region extends north to Comox and Courtenay along the island's sheltered, sunny eastern coastline, providing campers every possible kind of adventure. Sea kayaking, canoeing, sand-castle building, mountain biking, golf, and, of course, hiking and biking can be enjoyed on an almost year-round basis. Meanwhile, small ferries chug over to tiny west coast island communities. Watch for breaching and spy hopping orcas, plus bald eagles soaring overhead.

North Island

Continuing north of Campbell River (the "salmon fishing capital of the world"), forestry roads leading into the wilderness should be treated with caution, as massive logging trucks are still active in the area. The rewards for the journey, however, are well worth it, as North Island camping on remote mountain lakes means you’re unlikely to find anyone else around. Campers making the lengthy trip to Cape Scott Provincial Park at the western tip of Vancouver Island can set up their tent right on the beach for ocean views (stock up on supplies at Port Hardy or Port McNeill). To extend your adventure, ferries for Alaska via the Inside Passage depart from Port Hardy, the largest town in the region.

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