The best camping near Cowichan River Provincial Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Cowichan River Provincial Park adventure.

Riverside camping with warm water swimming and easy Trans-Canada Trail access.

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Community favorites near Cowichan River Provincial Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Cowichan River Provincial Park

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Oceans Edge Eagle Retreat

25 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents3 acres · Tsawwassen, BC

Welcome to Oceans Edge Eagle Retreat. “Imagine if you will, the setting sun, orange, huge, resting atop the Gulf Islands. The breeze is blowing inland today, bringing along scents of salt air, and all is well. A bald eagle glides overhead, nearly close enough to catch you up to soaring heights. Even before the sun falls out of the sky the luminescent moon rises opposite. Prepare to embark on a remarkable journey where nature and luxury seamlessly intertwine to create an unforgettable experience. Oceans Edge Eagle Retreat is located in sc̓əwaθən məsteyəxʷ Tsawwassen First Nation Traditional Territory. Conveniently located just minutes from the BC Ferries, easily accessible for travellers seeking a unique stopover. Directly behind Oceans Edge Eagle Retreat are Splashdown Water Slides, Tsawwassen Springs Golf Course, and Tsawwassen Mills Mall, one of the largest malls in Canada. Tsawwassen is surrounded by 6 beaches, one of which you can windsurf. There are many other amenities nearby for your added convivence. Bordered by the Fraser River to the north; Boundary Bay, Roberts Bank and the United States border to the south; and the Salish Sea to the west. Oceans Edge Eagle Retreat is a private intimate retreat situated on oceanfront property, to gather with friends, family, and groups, or a beautiful quiet getaway by yourself to recharge. Oceans Edge Eagle Retreat also offers space for *Retreats *Weddings *Festivals *Birthdays* Holiday Parties* Corporate Parties* Receptions* Business Meetings* Bridal Showers *Family Events * Engagement Parties * Anniversary (inquire for more details, pricing etc.) The Glamping Tents are located on a large wooden deck, you'll find a sanctuary of opulence, wood-burning fireplaces, plush bedding, and carefully selected decor to create an ambience of tranquillity. Each tent has a private fire pit on the back of the tent. You can unwind and reconnect with nature while indulging in the modern amenities and conveniences we've thoughtfully incorporated into every aspect of your stay. We offer luxury glamping tents, that are nestled in nature underneath an eagle’s nest, that you can view from the luxury and privacy of your own glamping tent. There is a nearby wooden boardwalk that takes you to the beautiful beachfront where you can have picnics, bike rides, paddle boarding, bird watching, nature photography, and some breathtaking sunsets. Book your stay with us today and embark on a remarkable retreat that will leave you refreshed, renewed, and forever transformed. Welcome to Oceans Edge Eagle Retreat, your gateway to tranquillity and personal growth.

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Surrounded by Nature!

3 sites · RVs2 acres · Victoria, BC

Please note: we can only accommodate RV's, no tents, roof top tents, or car camping. 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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Forest Sanctuary Cabin

1 site · Lodging10 acres · Roberts Creek, BC

Experience a cute little off grid cabin in the beautiful forest setting of Forest Sanctuary Campground in Roberts Creek on the Sunshine Coast, BC. This 350 sq ft simple cabin has a private camping kitchen, wood stove, a futon bed for 2, a couch, small dining table and ambient night time solar lighting. The cabin is situated in the midst of a beautifully landscaped forest setting. The cabin is off grid and does not have electricity. I provide free firewood for the wood stove. Lighting at night is by mellow solar lighting and candlelights. Your bathroom is an open air outhouse nearby. Solar showers are provided in a private forest setting. There may be tent campers in the campground in the vicinity. Please note I am 1.8 kms up a well maintained private gravel road. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions.

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Moon Gate Farms

7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Roberts Creek, BC

Moon Gate Farms offers an unique glamping and camping experience in Roberts Creek, BC. Please note we have strict quiet times from 9pm to 8am. The property is just a 10-minute drive from beaches, restaurants, and hiking trails. Moon Gate farms is an ideal getaway for a nature experience and perfect for mountain walkers, cyclists, birdwatchers, or couples looking to escape into the wilderness. Communal outdoor kitchen with camp stove, prep tables, toaster, microwave, are provided. Hot outdoor showers and flushing toilets. Friendly canine campers are also invited. We have two resident Bernese mountain x black retriever dogs who love to bark when campers arrive! They are friendly and settle quickly when told to sit and chill. The best way to get directions is to use Google Maps and follow directions to Moon Gate Farms in Roberts Creek. We are pinned on the map on East Wilson Forest Service Rd.

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3 sisters ranch

4 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres · Parksville, BC

Close to all the amenities the Oceanside area of Vancouver Island has offered. Quick access to Parksville, Qualicum, Coombs, The amazing beaches of. Qualicum. Parksville and Rathtrevor 15 and 10 minutes away. 1:45 minutes to Tofino and our amazingly rugged and world renowned West Coast experience surfing amazing scenery. Epic Mountain biking at your doorstep. DH At Hamerfest is a 10 minute drive or a 45 minute pedal away cross country. Fine dining and all amenities including urgent care after riding is only 10 minutes away. Great hub to experience Vancouver Island from. While the fire ban is on, it is generated towards open fires. Propane fire pits and cook stoves are always welcome.

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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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Forest Hideaway

1 site · RV, Tent3 acres · Duncan, BC

Hi! We’re your hosts, Seth, Jodie, and Megan Williams. Recently we decided to share our property that we love and have enjoyed so much for two reasons: to give others the opportunity to enjoy it and to put money away for university. Our parents, Mark and Sarah, got behind the vision and are excited to be part of this project with us. We would describe our property as: home…and a really fun place to grow up! Our parents thought that wasn’t descriptive enough for Hipcamp so they’ve helped us describe it more. We live in a quiet neighbourhood in a forest that has been a source of peace, relaxation, and fun for us in our growing up years. We’ve noticed that people who visit here say they feel the same way. With plenty of space for kids to explore and adults to relax, our 3 acre forest is perfect for down time with a book in the hammock or a nature walk before dinner. Amenities and service: A single, tidy campsite with picnic table surrounded by mature and gently manicured forest, as well as a hammock, and a new construction outhouse. (Go dad!) We love hospitality, so though we won’t always be around when you’re here, if we are and you need something you can simply ask and we’ll do our best to provide what you need. To help you feel welcome we provide a fresh, cool jug of drinking water and large container of fresh potable water as well as access to an outside tap to fill water containers if needed (upon request) , power to charge devices (upon request), and a campfire ring with firewood (sorry about the frequent fire bans. Huge bummer. We will post current fire ban status while you’re here.) Surroundings and local attractions: Our property is situated in a low traffic rural residential area within ¬ 3 km to Sandy Pool Regional Park (5 min) A family favourite! ¬ 10 km to the Cowichan Valley Museum (Duncan Totem Tour) (13 min) ¬ 14 km to the Pacific Northwest Raptor Center (15 min) ¬ 19 km to the Hand of Man Museum (20 min) ¬ 20 km to Lake Cowichan (16 min) for swimming, boating, kayaking, paddle boarding, etc Note: Lake Cowichan is also home to ‘The Tube Shack’ where you can rent tubes to float down the Cowichan River and catch the Tube Shack Bus back to your car. We do it every summer! Fun fact! It’s a 10-minute bike ride from our house to the Cowichan Valley Bike Trail. *(All destinations calculated from our dining table by Google maps) There are multiple well known hikes within 20 minutes (we suggest googling Stoney Hill Trail, Mt Tzouhalem, and Mt. Prevost.)

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Red Bell Farm

7 sites · RVs, Tents3 acres · Duncan, BC

Access the Cowichan Valley Trail system right from our back yard! Easy access to either enjoy a leisurely walk, hike, bicycle, or horse ride along the trail to many destinations including Lake Cowichan, Shawinigan Lake, Duncan & more... or simply take in the beauty of the private pond area and picnic for the day with access to our Kitchenette with many extras! This is peaceful enjoyable tenting at its finest We have 4 pond tent sites, 1 RV site is situated away from the pond, and 1 camper-van site within a few steps to the pond for visiting your tenting friends; there is a shared bathroom, municipal water, fire-pit, and kitchenette a relaxing sitting area. Enjoy seeing what’s available at our small working hobby farm which includes eggs, chickens, and fresh berries, fruits, vegetables. 15min. to Lake Cowichan or travel 5min. to Duncan, Saturday is Farmers Market all year round and entertainment. Check out the "Duncan Showroom" or other venues for nightly live entertainment! Explore the many side streets for unique stores & food that is unique to Duncan. Did you know Duncan has 40 totem poles to find throughout the town? Visit local wineries, breweries, distilleries, Raptors bird Sanctuary, Hand of Man Museum, or many other sights! We’re also an easy drive away from Ladysmith, Cowichan Bay, Maple Bay (warmest ocean water on the island), or look for one of the largest Trestle bridges in North America... Just provide us with an idea of what you'd like to see and we can help with your adventure! Only 1hr from Victoria or Nanaimo.

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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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Maple Heart Ranch - Homestead

5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents40 acres · Shawnigan Lake, BC

Are you looking for a secluded camping experience with a lot of privacy? Bring your tent and stay at one of our wilderness campsites. Our basic Campsites have picnic tables, fire pits and an outhouse close by. And if you want, you can explore the farm and all our animals or one of the many hiking trails close by. Firewood is available for a charge.Our property is located in Shawnigan Lake, BC on Vancouver Island. The area is renowned for its rugged beauty and its 7-kilometre long lake that provides the opportunity for fishing, swimming and sunbathing in the summer.Nearby is the recently restored Kinsol Trestle named for the short-lived “King Solomon Mine”. Restored in 2011, it is an engineering feat, even by today’s standards and remains one of the loftiest wooden railway trestles in the world.We look forward to hosting you!

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Rejeanne's Forest on Salt Spring

3 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · BC

Gorgeous forested 5 acre property at the top of Eagle Ridge with a rugged walking trail throughout our land. See ocean glimpses from our trail, walk to Long Harbour in 20 minutes, drive to Ganges in 4 minutes, or cycle to town in 10 minutes. Enjoy all Salt Spring has to offer, by car, by bike or by bus. Come stay with us!

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City Blueberry Ranch

1 site · RV20 acres · Richmond, BC

A blueberry farm close to downtown Vancouver, with views of the mountains, easy access to the highway. We have been farming since the 1970's and take pride in producing and harvesting some of the best blueberries you will find in BC. Take advantage of our gravel area situated on on one side of our blueberry farm to set up your camper/RV. Enjoy the access to local parks, grocery stores, coffee shops and restaurants that are just a 2 minute drive away from our ranch. We are also 15 minutes away from Steveston Village - a cute waterside village with small businesses, bike paths and parks. 25 minutes away from downtown Vancouver & 15 minutes away from the Vancouver International Airport.

from

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The best camping near Cowichan River Provincial Park guide

Overview

About

Located on a linear 1,414-hectare park, Cowichan River Provincial Park is home to a portion of the Great Trail of Canada, which winds through the parkland, following the Cowichan River to Cowichan Lake. Families are drawn to the river’s warm waters, which are also popular among popular kayakers and tubers, and offer excellent fishing with abundant salmon, steelhead, and trout. Cowichan River Provincial Park lies within the territory of the Quw’utsun (Cowichan) people.

Notable campgrounds

Best for big groups: The Horseshoe Bend group site is known for its serene location and large picnic shelter with wood stoves and sinks.
Best for Great Trail of Canada hikers: The 43-site Stoltz Pool Campground has four walk-in campsites.

Tips for snagging a campsite

Reservations are recommended and available through BC Parks’ Discover Camping website for bookings between May 15 and September (and for groups from March to October).
If visiting weekends or holidays (Canada Day, BC Day, or Labour Day), secure a spot as far in advance of your trip as possible.
Your best chance at scoring one of the 18 first-come, first-served spots is by showing up right at 11am checkout.
If you can’t get a spot, try Gordon Bay Provincial Park on nearby Lake Cowichan.

When to go

Cowichan River Provincial Park is open for camping year-round, though some services are unavailable outside of the May to October season. For the warmest water, think about booking in July or August (though this will also be the busiest time in the park). The fall salmon run is easy to view at Marie Canyon.

Know before you go

The Trans-Canada Trail runs through the park over the nearby disused rail bed and takes hikers over the restored 66-Mile and Holt Creek railway trestles.
The nearby communities of Duncan and Lake Cowichan offer a variety of museums, shops, and restaurants.