The best camping near Smelt Bay Provincial Park

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

Discover the natural charm of Smelt Bay Provincial Park.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Smelt Bay Provincial Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Smelt Bay Provincial Park

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Tyee Valley Farm

15 sites · RVs, Tents12 acres · Courtenay, BC

Join us on our family farm. Our third year hosting, 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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Dashwood Meadows

3 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Qualicum Beach, BC

Welcome to Dashwood Meadows! We are located in Qualicum Beach on Vancouver Island. This is a hobby farm with sheep, mini goats, donkey, dog and cat. We grow berries, plums, cherries, nuts and wildflowers. Child-friendly and family friendly environment. You can walk the labyrinth of forest trails nearby. There is a beach 9 km from the farm. Lakes, rivers, waterfalls, provincial parks, caves, golf courses, children's playgrounds and country markets, all within less than an hour's drive. In Qualicum Beach, you will find amazing sandy beaches, picture-perfect views, world-class biking and hiking trails, salt-tinged ocean air, and the small town charm of our communities. Seeing goats on a roof, exploring underground caves, strolling endless beaches at low tide, and walking among ancient old-growth forests are just some of the experiences you’ll be able to tell your friends about back home.

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theDoighouse Earthship

8 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Qualicum Bay, BC

Welcome to theDoighouse Earthship, an eco-retreat nestled in the forest, 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. An hour north of Nanaimo, our property is an ideal base for day trips to Hornby, Denman, and Lasqueti Islands. Many of our guests stop here for a night or two on their way 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. Spend time discovering forest trails, a children's playground, and a bike park here in our neighbourhood. Lighthouse Country area teems with opportunities for exploration, from pristine beaches, including Sunny Beach and scenic Spider and Horne Lakes. Or if you climb, consider the Horne Lake Caves! If you're into hiking, use your All Trails App to discover the Lighthouse Country Trail (at our doorstep), including the Wilson Woodlot and Lost Runners Trails. Urban legend has it that the running shoes were lost, not the people wearing them! You can pitch your tent in our gardens, park your RV on the forest's edge, or stay in our cozy tiny cabins. Wander our gardens and check out a young permaculture food forest filled with fruit and hazelnut trees, berries, and good stuff! Have you ever imagined a house built from tires, dirt, pop cans and glass bottles? 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. Love for the planet and people and sharing of abundance make this project come alive, and why we don’t increase our rates for holidays and long weekends. Book a private Earthship 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/ On arrival, you will be greeted by Bentley (our standard poodle), Mabel (mouser extraordinaire) Come visit, tour, and stay. Susan and Tony Doig

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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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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 an Italian kitchen restaurant . 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 have an outhouse, electrical plug-in at post and water hose close to house. This place is best suited for self-contained campers who can park in the open field or under fir trees. 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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Nile Point - Oceanfront Camping

5 sites · Lodging, Tents20 acres · Sunshine Coast, BC

Hi, my name is Dave. My family and I would like to welcome you to Nile Point, a secluded campsite located on 20 acres of privately owned, oceanfront property on Nelson Island, BC. I consider it the closest thing to paradise. The first you'll need to know about this property is that it's only accessible by boat. This is what makes the campsite so secluded and peaceful. Transportation to and from the island is included with your stay. The stunning 15 minute boat ride to and from Nile Point is one of the many things that makes this a truly unique experience. The second thing you'll need to know is that we offer TWO SITES on the property, a 10x16 TENT PLATFORM and a OCEANFRONT CANVAS TENT WITH ENSUITE (NEW!) with king size bed, in-tent ensuite bathroom and fully stocked outdoor kitchen with potable water, bar fridge and BBQ We have one canoe, one one-person kayak, and a paddleboard. Bring your own water exploring devices if you wish. Our beach is rocky (it ain't a sandy beach!), so bring your good water/rock shoes! This is a great place to stay and explore if you love the wild. It's off the grid, so if you want to unplug from devices and do nothing but relax or play in the ocean and explore the forest, it's perfect. That said, there is cell reception should you need it and a solar charger if you need to charge your devices. There's free parking at the pickup/drop off location in Egmont. Egmont offers a pub, a fancy restaurant, and a charming convenience store with wi-fi. We can take you in to town during your stay for an additional charge. Feel free to reach out with any questions you might have about the property. We hope to see you this summer! Dave

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weed canary farm

1 site · RV, Tent5 acres · Courtenay, BC

6.6 acre property that is a small farm, still lots of trees, a small seasonal creek in the back, a duck pond with a boat to paddle around with or just float around. we raise layer hens so there are fresh free range eggs available. we also raise pork and broiler chickens periodically throughout the year. there is easy access to logging road for mountain biking or hiking. this property is a small piece of wilderness yet only 4km to town. The camp sites surround the pond and there is a choice of lots of sun and light or shaded under the trees. The sites can be used by R.V or tent. there is an outhouse onsite for your convenience.

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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!

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. Boat access only! Sonora island does not have a ferry. There are water taxi companies that can boat you from Campbell River to Owen bay. Once on the island it is a 2-3km walk down the main road (which is usually muddy if there was recent rain) to the cabin. No service and no wifi. Make sure you arrange your pick up before being dropped off. Guests need to be fit to hike up to the cabin. This is a unique fully remote and off grid escape that is not for everyone! Please reach out if you have any questions! 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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Comox's Little River Bay Hip Camp

1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Comox, BC

Little river rd Hip Camp is walking distance to Little River Bay... where there are opportunities for beach hikes, kayaking, swimming, windsurfing and kiteboarding. Stroll to Kin Beach Provincial Park or the Griffin Pub. Bike to 40 Knot Winery or Little River Ferry terminal. we can accommodate a self contained RV or Van up to 30 ft. A quiet lush site nestled amongst the trees on the lower part of our 3/4 acre lot. Please note that you must have waste disposal as there are no Rest Rooms at this site. Agricultural land (and a blueberry farm) across the street all the way to the ocean.

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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.

The best camping near Smelt Bay Provincial Park guide

Overview

About

Nestled on Cortes Island's southern peninsula, Smelt Bay Provincial Park is a haven for marine life enthusiasts and campers alike. With 22 spacious campsites amid the woods and a shoreline ripe for exploration, this park offers a serene escape. Venture into the wild, where the capelin fish spawn and the beach beckons for low-tide discoveries.

Notable campgrounds

Smelt Bay Campground: A forested retreat offering 24 vehicle-accessible sites with stunning bay views.

Tips for snagging a campsite

Book early using the BC Parks reservations system to secure your spot.
Keep an eye on reservation openings, as they can fill up quickly during peak season.
Consider visiting during shoulder seasons for better availability.
Explore nearby camping options if Smelt Bay is fully booked.

When to go

The prime time to visit Smelt Bay Provincial Park is between May 9 and September 30, when the park is fully operational. Off-season visits are possible, but services like tap water may be unavailable, and the campground is closed.