Campgrounds on Vancouver Island

This hot weather we have been having in April is sure a nice taste of what the Summer has in store for Vancouver Island. If you’re anything like me, you are getting excited to dust off the camping equipment and put it to use. Vancouver Island has so many amazing spots to set up camp so to help you decide here are some of the different campgrounds across the island.

Westcoast/Pacific Rim:

Wya Point Campground

This campground is located south of Pacific Rim National Reserve and is set back off the highway on a private beach for a truly serene experience. Visitors will find campsites that are sheltered by trees offering privacy and shade during those hot summer days. This campsite is pet friendly for a fee. This campground offers both vehicle accessible and walk-in sites as well as showers and toilets. Don’t worry about leaving Fido at home because Way Point is pet friendly for a fee. You can make reservations or just show up although reservations are recommended during the busy season.

Green Point Campground

This campground is only a short drive to Tofino and offers private sites that are surrounded by trees offering privacy and shade. While it is set back from the ocean it is still accessible for anyone wanting to walk along the beach or surf. This campground welcomes both RV’s and tents. If you do not want to cook dinner over a fire every night this is the campsite for you because you are only a walk to dining options. Reservations are recommended especially during busy season.

Pachena Bay Campground

This campground can be found a few kilometers from Bamfield and is a popular spot for people who are beginning or finishing the famous West Coast Trail; a multi day hike along Vancouver Islands rugged coast. RV’s and tents are welcome at Pachena. Campsites also offer water and power hookups and communal showers and toilets are also available.

Central Island:

Rathtrevor Provincial Park Campground

This campground can be found in Parksville on Vancouver Island east coast and is very family friendly. The beach provides users with warm shallow water to swim in during high tide and during low tide you can walk nearly a kilometer out. Campsites are large which is perfect for larger groups or families and the large pine trees offer shade from the sun. Rathtrevor offers vehicle accessible sites as well as walk in sites. Showers and toilets can be found around the campground. Due to the popularity of this campground, especially among families, reservations are recommended.

Living Forest Oceanside Campground and RV Resort

In Nanaimo you will find Living Forest Campground which is spread over 52 acres! This campground is unique because it offers both oceanfront, riverfront and forest sites. Furthermore, if you like to go on walks you will find kilometers of paved paths for you to enjoy. For the kids, volleyball courts and even a games room is available. For dinner you can take a short walk to town. This campground offers sewer, water, power connected.

South Island:

China Beach Campground

China beach is located at the south end of Vancouver Island along the Juan de Fuca Trail. This campground offers you a wild experience. The sites are not directly on the beach and instead are set back in the trees offering protection from the wind that comes off the coast. If you do not have time to camp for a few days, China beach is one of many beaches along the Renfrew loop and makes the perfect day trip.

Goldstream Provincial Park Campground

Compared to China Beach, Goldstream Campground is a little closer to Victoria. This campground allows you to be near some of the many hiking trails Victoria has to offer. The campground itself is set back from any roads which gives you the true camping feeling. Yet it is close enough to town if you wanted to go out for dinner or needed more chocolate for your smores.

French Beach Provincial Park Campground

For any families out there trying to find a good campground, French Beach is for you. This campground offers a playground, ocean views, a beach and walking trails. There is enough to keep you busy all day. Every site in this campground is vehicle accessible. This campground is open all year but during the peak season it is recommended to make reservations.

North Island:

Buttle Lake Campground

This campground is in Strathcona Provincial Park in North Central part of the Island. Due to its location this campground offers beautiful views of surrounding mountains and lake. This is the perfect home base for any avid hikers as the region offers endless hiking opportunities.

Raft Cove Campground

Camping here is for any diehard adventure enthusiasts. You must compete a challenging hike to the crescent shaped beach where most people set up camp on. This area is extremely susceptible to changing weather conditions, so it is important to pack rainproof and warm gear to ensure comfort. Due to its secluded location, wildlife is very prevalent in the area.