The best camping near Potholes Provincial Park

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

Discover the geological marvels of Potholes Provincial Park.

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Community favorites near Potholes Provincial Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Potholes Provincial Park

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Surrounded by Nature!

3 sites · RVs2 acres · Victoria, BC

Please note: we only accommodate RV's, no tents or roof top tents. 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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(62)

Sea Change Farm and Nursery

2 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Shirley, BC

Enjoy the simple wild private campsites with gravel pads, on the edge of a creek ravine with second growth forest and the regeneration of the forest around you. A big beautiful pond hosts lots of wildlife and you will hear our chickens making their happy noises on the wind. And for your information—This year we have a quiet long term camper in the site next to the one you can reserve in a school bus and a tiny home is at the end of the road with no occupancy. There are large berms inbetween each site for privacy. Sheringham light house and Shirley Delicious Cafe are within walking or biking distance and The Stoked wood fire pizza is also just down the road beside French beach. No shortage of sights to take in here on the west Coast of Vancouver island. For more information look in our descriptions.♥️

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Prospect Lake View

1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Victoria, BC

The property is 1.5 acres in total set amidst rural surroundings. It is a very quiet and peaceful community set on the shores of the lake and surrounded by magnificent trees and greenery. There is limited bus service about a 20 minute walk away so a car is recommended. We are about a 25 minute drive away from Sidney, where most people will arrive by plane or ferry from the mainland, and also about 25 minutes away from downtown Victoria. The driveway from the street up to the front of our house is a paved sloped driveway and from there the access to the camping site is a sloped and curving dirt road. You don’t need a four-wheel-drive to get up it. We just want to be sure you are aware. The area itself is a level piece of ground to the side of our house. It is big enough for a small camper van and a tent. Please note it’s not a camping space like you would find in a provincial park. There’s no picnic bench or fire pit. In any case open flames are not allowed due to municipal regulations. Portable propane powered camping stoves are fine. We can supply a couple of plastic chairs and a small cocktail sized table. The facilities are comprised of a toilet in a small room in our basement and a utility sink just outside, accessed through the sunroom and down the back stairs. Pets are welcome, but must be on a leash or otherwise kept under control and not allowed to run loose. We have three cats ourselves, but they are 100% indoor cats and we do not let them into the sunroom when we have hip campers . There is no bath or shower available. You are advised to bring your own face and/or hand towels if needed. You also need to be prepared to take away your own recycling, garbage and organics.

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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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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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Beautiful Rainforest Camping Along the Cowichan River

28 sites · RVs, Tents50 acres · East Sahtlam, BC

In the heart of the Cowichan Valley and along the pristine Cowichan river this breathtaking acreage offers nothing short of an incredible experience. Explore our endless rainforest trails, with multiple beaches, tubing, fishing, hiking, biking, kayaking, canoeing, campfires, volleyball, swimming in the famous Robson pool and kicking back and enjoying nothing but the sound of water and birds.You may catch a glimpse of many of the local resident animals including semi-wild horses.We have 10 campsites available for tent campers. Amenities include a toilet, potable water and a picnic table.Campfires are permitted as long as there is no fire ban, pets are welcomeCowichan River Provincial Park is a 15-minute drive. If it’s outdoor recreation you’re after, Cowichan River is the place to go. Whether you want to go swimming, canoeing, white-water kayaking, tubing, camping, fishing or hiking, or just want to take it easy in the sun, you’re bound to find something to do in this “recreation corridor” south of Duncan.

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Woodlands Rd Campsite

1 site · Tent5 acres · Sooke, BC

This is a 5 acre property with multiple houses. I built a campsite that is about 200ft from the house, so it is close, but private. Sea to Sea regional park is one block away for amazing hiking and mountain biking opportunities. This site is a decent size, but a tight turn into it. We have gotten a tent trailer in there...it was a just tight! Black-Bears are on property year-round. www.bearwise.org please secure all attractants. Porta Potti Rental is STRONGLY ENCOURAGED. It's available for a flat 15$ fee. Please empty and clean it when finished. There is a sani dump at the back of the near-by RV. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f163Lei3-oA&t=152 Site contains a picnic table and fire pit (if no fire ban in effect). If needed, we can provide Electricity via extension cord. Drinking water tap on site . No loud music that can be heard outside the campsite, all garbage must be cleaned up and packed out on check out, fire must not be larger than fire ring and is subject to provincial fire bans. ONLY FRIENDLY PETS WELCOME! We have a couple of dogs and children free-ranging on our property.

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Decourcy Meadows

1 site · RV4 acres · Ladysmith, BC

Decourcy Meadows is a peaceful forested site within a short walking distance to a safe local swimming beach. We are an RV-only campsite. The site is level and can accommodate vehicles up to 40ft in length. Electrical, sewage, and potable water hookups included. Amenities include a picnic table, wifi and a fire ring and some fire wood supplied at no cost. If there is a campfire ban in effect we will provide a propane campfire. The property is about half natural forest and so it's not unusual to see local critters, large and small peeking out! There are several hiking trails in the area and local parks as well. There are 3 artisans on Decourcy Drive. The world-famous Crow and Gate pub is 4 km from here and the historic Wheat Sheaf Hotel (Pub) is about 5 km. Local restaurants and Cafes, Groceries, Pharmacy are 5 km. We are a quiet country getaway located 25 minutes from Nanaimo Departure Bay Ferry Terminal. Duke Point Terminal is about 20 minutes. Picturesque town of Ladysmith is about 25 minutes south and the very Unique town of Chemainus is 35 minutes and very worth seeing.

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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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Camas Creek Retreat

1 site · Lodging2 acres · Victoria, BC

Welcome to Camas Creek Retreat, a secluded nature getaway 40 minutes outside Victoria BC. We are steps from Sitting Lady Falls, birdwatching at Witty's Lagoon, and some of the best hiking in BC. Bring your bike and coast down the hill to the Galloping Goose bike trail, go swimming at Matheson Lake, plunge into the Sooke Potholes, or visit one of the many beautiful farm stands in Metchosin and of course....llamas! Our property sits on two acres of Douglas fir forest and Garry Oak meadow. Camas Creek runs under a little bridge as you enter our lane. Watch for woodpeckers, ravens and birds of all types here. Nature and tranquility is all around.

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McAllister Creek Farm

3 sites · Lodging5 acres · Ladysmith, BC

McAllister Creek Farm is pleased to offer a unique and rustic country stay in our 24’ Yurt, Log Cabin Bunkhouse and Gypsy Wagon overlooking the pond. The yurt sleeps 3-4 with a king sized bed and futon, the Log Cabin sleeps 3 with a bunk-bed that pulls out to a double on the bottom bunk. Accommodations include the use of the Gypsy Wagon that serves as the Kitchen with full-size fridge, convection/air fryer oven, 2 electric burners and all kitchen accessories. Outside is a bbq and propane firepit. The washroom building includes an outhouse and shower with a view of the pond. Please note if you book either the Yurt or the Log Cabin there is a chance the other is occupied by other guests and the Washroom Building and Gypsy Wagon Kitchen will be shared. It’s a wonderful space to drink in nature and create some well-deserved peace and tranquility. You are welcome to stroll on the path along the pond around the farm and hang out with the herd of friendly goats and visit with the Scottish Highland Coos. For a limited time only there are lots of baby goats to cuddle! Your neighbours in the adjoining pasture Stanley and Ollie the resident donkeys will be your wakeup call. Let us know if you'd like to participate in any of the daily activities and we'll be happy to have you come along with us. The Yellowpoint area has a lot of great parks and features, within a short drive you can check out Yellowpoint Park for a nice walk through the woods, and if you want to see the ocean, Roberts Memorial Park, Cable Bay Trail and Blue Heron Park are all quite spectacular. Blue Heron is great for swimming in the heat of the summer as well, quite rocky so take water shoes. Exploring a bit farther away will take you to the top of Mt Benson in Nanaimo (a 900m hike) or WildPlay Nanaimo has a fun filled day of adventure courses. Local farm stands and artisans are in abundance. The Cedar Market just a few kms away has a great farmers market on Sundays and Duncan has their Farmers Market on Saturdays. Nearby restaurants are the Wheatsheaf Pub a local favourite located 12 mins away by car in the neighbouring community of Cedar. The Cranberry Arms pub is a bit further down the road from the Wheatsheaf and is great for a casual bite. The Crow and Gate is a very short drive away and is famous for its English pub charm. The Mahle House in Cedar is a higher end restaurant and Coco's Cafe is a great spot for a coffee or lunch. Its important that you have a great experience here at McAllister Creek Farm and we'll do everything in our power to make that happen. Reconnect with nature, Revive your spirit and Rediscover yourself

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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.

The best camping near Potholes Provincial Park guide

Overview

About

Potholes Provincial Park is a day-use nature reserve that invites you to explore its unique glacial potholes and boreal forest. Traverse the 350-meter boardwalk, delve into the park's geological history through interpretive panels, and immerse yourself in birdwatching opportunities amid the lush greenery.

When to go

The ideal time to visit Potholes Provincial Park is between June 7 and September 2, when the park is open for day use. Outside of these dates, the park is closed, and the harsh Canadian winter can limit access and activities.

Know before you go

Be aware that Potholes is a day-use park only, with no overnight camping facilities available.
Remember, no campfires or open fires are permitted within the park at any time.
There is no potable water available on-site, so bring your own supply.
Check for any park advisories or boil water advisories before your visit.
The park is located at 47.958493 latitude and -84.26831 longitude, with parking available on-site.