Best Places to Camp in Vancouver Island – A Complete Camper’s Guide
If you’re itching to swap traffic noise for the sound of ocean waves or a crackling campfire, let me tell you—Vancouver Island is where you want to pitch your tent. I’ve spent more weekends than I can count snoozing under cedar trees, dodging raccoons with a taste for marshmallows, and waking up to misty mountain views that look like they’ve been copy-pasted from a travel magazine.
So buckle up, fellow camper! Whether you’re a seasoned backcountry explorer or the kind of camper whose tent is more “glamping-chic,” this guide covers all the best places to camp in Vancouver Island—from coastal gems to alpine escapes.
Why Vancouver Island is a Camper’s Paradise
Vancouver Island is basically Canada’s version of a camping buffet. You’ve got:
- Rugged beaches with crashing surf,
- Lush, mossy forests straight out of a fantasy novel,
- Hidden alpine lakes perfect for a cold dip (read: very cold),
- And enough wildlife to make you triple-check your food storage every night.
The best camping season runs from May through September, though shoulder seasons offer quieter trails and fewer mosquitoes (a win-win).
Green Point Campground – Pacific Rim National Park Reserve
Ah, Green Point. If camping had a luxury category (minus the hotel robe), this would be it. Perched right between the rainforests of Pacific Rim and the legendary Long Beach, Green Point offers forested campsites with access to the ocean in flip-flop distance.
- Best for: Families, surfers, beach lovers
- Facilities: Flush toilets, showers, fire pits
- Tip: Book early. Like, 6-months-ahead early. This place sells out faster than concert tickets.
You’ll fall asleep to the sound of the Pacific Ocean and wake up with the beach fog curling around your tent like a sleepy ghost. Pure West Coast magic.
Bella Pacifica Campground – Tofino
Want to wake up with your tent five steps from the beach? Bella Pacifica delivers.
This private campground is nestled along MacKenzie Beach and is the go-to for campers who love ocean views, sunsets, and a short drive to Tofino’s surf shops and fish tacos.
- Best for: Tent campers who want a front-row seat to the sea
- Facilities: Full-service RV spots, tent sites, washrooms, coin showers
- Bonus: You can literally watch surfers do backflips while boiling your morning coffee.
Buttle Lake Campground – Strathcona Provincial Park
Time to trade the ocean for mountains. Strathcona is like the Swiss Alps…if they had fewer chalets and more marmots. Buttle Lake Campground is tucked beside a turquoise lake, surrounded by craggy peaks.
- Best for: Kayaking, fishing, hikers
- Facilities: Picnic tables, fire rings, boat launch
- Don’t miss: Myra Falls nearby—it’s a waterfall you can actually swim under.
It’s ideal for families or first-timers looking to dip their toes into wild beauty without needing to hike 20 km to get there.
Ralph River Campground – Also Strathcona, but Sleepier
If Buttle Lake feels a bit busy, head a little deeper into the forest and you’ll find Ralph River Campground—peaceful, remote, and full of wildlife. One evening I counted four deer, a bear (from a safe distance), and two raccoons auditioning for Cirque du Soleil in my garbage bin.
- Best for: Serenity seekers, stargazers
- Facilities: Basic but beautiful
- Warning: No cell service—so your boss can’t find you. You’re welcome.
Sombrio Beach – Juan de Fuca Trail
Here’s where things get a little wild—in the best way. Sombrio Beach isn’t your classic campground. It’s more like “set up your tent between driftwood and tidepools” type of deal.
- Best for: Free spirits, surfers, and anyone who’s okay with sand in weird places
- Facilities: Pit toilets, that’s it
- Bonus: Hidden waterfall alert! Hike inland from the beach and discover a secret waterfall in a mossy canyon. Thank me later.
Bring everything you need, pack it in, pack it out, and definitely bring a waterproof tent. This is the west coast, after all.
China Beach Campground
If you like the idea of Sombrio but want things a bit more civilized, China Beach is for you. It’s tucked in a forest just off the Juan de Fuca Highway, with a lovely short walk to a quiet beach.
- Best for: Families, beginner campers
- Facilities: Toilets, water, tent pads
- Nearby: Tons of amazing hikes—Botanical Beach, Mystic Beach, and the full Juan de Fuca Trail.
Cape Scott Provincial Park – Northern Vancouver Island
You haven’t really camped on the Island until you’ve trekked out to Cape Scott. It’s a multi-day hike with wet boots, giant trees, and pristine white sand beaches that look like they belong in the Caribbean (minus the warm water).
- Best for: Hardcore hikers, wilderness lovers
- Facilities: Wilderness camping only (bring bear spray and strong knees)
- Top Spots: Nels Bight, Guise Bay, and San Josef Bay (easier, family-friendly version)
It’s remote, wild, and utterly unforgettable. Just don’t forget the blister tape.
Gordon Bay Campground – Lake Cowichan
Switching gears to the sunny, warm heart of the Island, Gordon Bay is the place to go if you want to float in warm lake water and eat five s’mores before dinner.
- Best for: Families, swimming, paddleboarding
- Facilities: Well-maintained with flush toilets and showers
- Bonus: Super kid-friendly and close to the town of Lake Cowichan.
It gets hot here in summer. Like actual summer weather. In Canada. I know, shocking.
Living Forest Oceanside Campground – Nanaimo
Want the amenities of an RV resort with the beauty of the outdoors? Living Forest is a gem. Think: full hookups, ocean views, laundry, and even an espresso bar. (Yes, you can camp and get a cappuccino. What a time to be alive.)
- Best for: RVers, vanlifers, digital nomads
- Facilities: Full-service + tent sites, Wi-Fi, trails, kayak rentals
- Pro Tip: Snag an oceanside site—you’ll get sunset views and seals waving hello.
Bonus: Backcountry Favourites
If you’re a backcountry purist who thinks carrying a 40-pound pack uphill builds character, check these out:
- Della Falls Trail – One of Canada’s highest waterfalls, in the remote heart of Strathcona.
- Forbidden Plateau – Stunning alpine lakes and ridgelines.
- West Coast Trail – The Everest of Island hikes. Requires permits, training, and possibly a chiropractor.
Final Tips from a Happy Camper
- Reservations: BC Parks campsites can be reserved online via the BC Parks site.
- Weather: Bring rain gear. Even if it looks sunny. It’s a trap.
- Wildlife: Store food safely. Raccoons are cute little criminals.
- Fires: Check for fire bans! Dry summers mean high wildfire risks.
Wrap Up
Camping on Vancouver Island isn’t just about “getting away”—it’s about rediscovering the joy of waking up to crashing surf or alpine silence, eating questionably burnt hot dogs, and sharing ghost stories under a billion stars.
Whether you’re chasing waterfalls in Strathcona, surfing by day and sleeping on a beach in Tofino, or sipping campground espresso in Nanaimo (hey, no judgment), you’re in for an unforgettable experience.
Just remember: leave it better than you found it, take lots of photos, and maybe… keep an eye on your marshmallows. The raccoons here are professionals.
