The best camping near Strathcona Provincial Park

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

An immense park with glacier-capped mountains, forests, lakes, and waterfalls.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Strathcona Provincial Park

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Top-rated campgrounds near Strathcona Provincial Park

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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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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.

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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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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.

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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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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Portal Retreat

1 site · Lodging1 acre · Port Alberni, BC

The "Portal Retreat" is here: Unplug, relax, and unwind! Bonus: A 3-minute walk to the lake! Come and explore the glamping " Portal" style. We offer a unique experience just steps away from beautiful Sproat Lake. This is a retreat-type space and is specifically set up to help you get away from your busy life. There are books, games, hummingbirds, deer, and all that nature has to offer including the Lake, a stone's throw away for a quick dip to rejuvenate the mind and body. The Portal is 18 feet long and 8 feet wide and is your very own private space. Featuring a beautiful deck for relaxation, reading, star gazing, yoga, or alfresco dining, with the interior offering a queen bed, sofa, and artisanal water - Oh so cozy and romantic. There is a fancy new outhouse that flushes water and is equipped with a sink. This space is best suited for a single, a couple, and possibly a fur baby and/or little one. We are located on a quiet residential street 20 minutes from Port Alberni and en route to Tofino or Ucluelet. We have walking and mountain biking trails minutes from the house. If you are bringing a fur baby, please let us know. It must be on a leash at all times. Please bring your fur baby's favorite blanket or bed to sleep on. We can also provide a comfy hound bed in the room at your request. We kindly ask that you keep your fur baby off the furniture and bed, and that you please not leave your pet unattended. The Portal has no internet and reception is spotty. There is one outlet for charging, etc. Parking is on-site. Local food options include the "The Fish & Duck Pub" which is just a short walk away. Call Doordash to deliver a meal from one of our local restaurants, such as Sproat Lake Landing, or bring a picnic to enjoy. Additional Extras: Canoe $40.00 per day $200 deposit. Please bring your own PFD and any personal protective gear you may require. Very Important: BYO your own ice, cooler, pots, pans, stove, and all cooking utensils. Subject to availability, Ice can be supplied and is $5/bag We supply plates, cutlery, & cups. We have recycling & garbage. Additionally, there is a full campfire ban in effect at all times on the property. We understand that life happens, but please try to arrive no later than 8:30 p.m. for check-in. We do need our beauty sleep.

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Tranquility By The Lake

2 sites · Lodging, RVs1 acre · Port Alberni, BC

Surrounded by tall trees on Vancouver Island this property is scenic, quiet and near to endless outdoor adventures. Located on 1 acre, fully fenced. Its a 200 metre walk to a community dock and boat launch (room to park your toys in our driveway). 500 metres from endless forest trails for hiking and biking. 10 minutes to/from the highway to Tofino (1hr30)/Parksville (1hr). A few minutes’ walk to warm and welcoming Sproat Lake. Enjoy your own outdoor space among the trees. Free Blackberries!

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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.

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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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Foot Forward Farm

2 sites · Lodging40 acres · Campbell River, BC

Nestle in to our walk-in private 'Pond Cabin' located on our 40 acre Regenerative mixed farm on beautiful Quadra Island. This idyllic 160 square foot, wood stove heated, cabin overlooks the largest pond on our property. The private site boast a glorious on-demand hot water outdoor shower and covered outdoor kitchen. Walk beside our grazing sheep, goats and chickens and visit our forest raised pigs on your way to the cabin. As Foot Forward is a Permaculture inspired Regenerative farm, no fossil fuels are used in pasture/grounds maintenance. Sheep and goats are used to graze all of the grass including the grass around the pond and cabin. There is a chance, depending on which paddock the sheep are working in, that you may have some 4 legged grounds keepers in and around your space. Contact us to book a farm tour and regenerative agriculture introduction. Farm fresh eggs, and a variety of other products from the farm are available including (assuming they aren't sold out) our famous sausages. Solar power provides you with all the lighting, shower-water pressure and technology charging you will need for your stay. There is no refrigeration onsite at the moment but access to a farm fridge can be arranged. Quadra Island was recently rated by Forbes Magazine as #5 on its most up and coming travel locations in the world. Perhapse it was beccaue of its natural beauty or the fact that it is a nearly mosquito free outdoor paradise. Quadra is the largest island in the Salish Sea. Endless recreational opportunities abound on the island. Hundreds of kilometres of hiking and mountain biking trails crisscross the island. Several guiding companies give provide access to the world class kayaking and scuba diving off of Quadra's shores. Do all that... or simply grab a book and curl up beside the pond or read a book in the hammock. *** Winter Comment*** The cabin is winterized. The stove is actually to hot for the size of the cabin. It requires a little practice timing your fire and opening windows to keep it at the best temperature. Since we are all 'Hip" here... it just adds to the adventure. :) Oh yeah... bring boots. :) About once a year a rainstorm intense enough to overflow the stream you need to cross to the cabin overflows. In that case it is a bit of challenge getting there.

The best camping near Strathcona Provincial Park guide

Overview

About

Hikers, mountaineers, climbers, anglers and wildlife watchers are drawn to the rugged mountain wilderness in Strathcona Provincial Park, which stretches more than 250,000 hectares and includes four of the five highest peaks on Vancouver Island. Hiking trails range from barrier-free, interpretive trails to challenging multi-day hikes that crisscross the undeveloped backcountry and are served by over 100 backcountry, hike-in campsites. Frontcountry camping is found in two spots on Buttle Lake and offer basic pit toilets and running water, and three group campsites are also available. Strathcona Provincial Park is located on the traditional territory of the Mowachaht and Muchalaht people.

Notable campgrounds

Best for families: Buttle Lake has an adventure playground, a sandy beach, and an interpretive trail.
Best for adventurers: Ralph River is the ideal base for exploring Buttle Lake by boat and for day hikes in the park.
Best for groups: A 1.5-hour hike will take you to the Croteau Lake wilderness group site. It has 12 tent pads, a large yurt, composting toilet facilities, and bear caches all set on a quiet lake.

Tips for snagging a campsite

Reservations are recommended from mid-May to September and must be booked through BC Parks’ Discover Camping website.
If visiting on weekends or holidays (Canada Day, BC Day, or Labour Day) try to secure a spot as far in advance of your trip as possible.
You may be able to score one of the 65 first-come, first-served spots (of 161), especially mid-week, if you show up right after check-out time at 11am.
Backcountry spots need permits but not reservations. These can be purchased through the Discover Camping.

When to go

Strathcona Provincial Park is open for camping from April 1 to October 31. The best weather for exploring (and seeing the views) is from the beginning of June to the end of September. This is also the busy season, as summer vacation starts at the end of June. Those seeking a quieter experience will find it less crowded on weekdays when schools are in session, during May, June, and September.

Know before you go

This is a remote wilderness area, and visitors should be self-sufficient and prepared for changing weather conditions.
The nearest town to the Buttle Lake campground is Campbell River, a 45-minute drive away.
Ralph River Campground has barrier-free campsites, toilets and trails.
There are two boat launches and several wilderness boat-in campsites on Buttle Lake.
Canoe and kayak rentals are available at nearby Strathcona Park Lodge, which also organizes a variety of tours.
Mount Washington Resort is open in summer for mountain biking, scenic chairlift rides, and ziplining.