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Where can I camp for free on Vancouver Island?
Are there campgrounds on Vancouver Island?
Are there free campsites in BC?
Where to camp in Vancouver?
Oct 22, 2023 · You can camp for free in several places on Vancouver Island. These are often referred to as “freedom camping” locations. Some tried and tested accessible camping locations on Vancouver Island include Tahsis, Oyster Bay Rest Area, Kennedy Lake Provincial Park, Nahmint Lake Recreation Site, Arden Creek Recreation Site, and Strathcona Dam ...
- Everything You Need to Know About Camping on Vancouver Island
- Planning A Camping Trip on Vancouver Island: Important Things to Know
- Official Campsites on Vancouver Island
- Unofficial Campsites on Vancouver Island
- Glamping on Vancouver Island
- Best Campgrounds on Vancouver Island: in Conclusion
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What is the best time for a camping trip to Vancouver Island?
When planning your camping trip on Vancouver Island, please note that while camping is possible year-round, the most popular (and therefore busiest) months are July and August. If you plan to go camping in summer, it’s best to book well in advance! Spring and autumn are excellent for Vancouver Island camping, the weather is generally quite nice and campgrounds aren’t that busy. Keep in mind that while winter camping on Vancouver Island is possible, most campgrounds are seasonal and only open...
How to get to Vancouver Island?
The only way to get to Vancouver Island with your car is by ferry. You can find the schedule and information about prices here. Alternatively, you can bring your camping gear and rent a car in Victoria. Alternatively, you can rent a campervan in Vancouver). In any case, we took the boat from Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay (near Victoria) and returned from Duke Point (near Nanaimo) to Tsawwassen. Another good option if you plan to drive the Sea to Sky highwayto Whistler after visiting Vancouver Isla...
How to find (free) places to camp on Vancouver Island?
We bought a red GMC Safari van, built a bed in it, bought some kitchen stuff and other camp gear and our little home on wheels was ready. We slept in our car most of the time and as we were traveling Canada on a budget, we tried to find free campsites for most nights. In general, it’s not difficult to find a free place to park for the night in Canada. However, sometimes you’ll see a sign saying ‘No overnight parking or camping’, obviously you shouldn’t stay there. It also goes without saying...
Goldstream Campground
Dean & Laynni from Routinely Nomadic: Goldstream Campground is one of the largest and best campgrounds in British Columbia. It’s located within Goldstream Provincial Park (one of the 120+ Provincial Parks found on Vancouver Island) and only a short drive (15 minutes) west of Victoria. This tranquil wilderness haven is conveniently close to the amenities and attractions of the city, making it a perfect stop on any Pacific Northwest road trip. Encompassing 1,200 acres of prime old-growth forest...
Sombrio Beach backcountry campsite
Campbell and Alya from Stingy Nomads:Sombrio Beach is the best beach camping on Vancouver Island and remains off the beaten track! It’s located on the south coast of Vancouver Island and is part of the spectacular Juan de Fuca Marine Trail. The beach, mostly covered in big round stones, is one of the most popular surf spots close to Victoria, and surfers often camp here for the weekend. Campsites are on the beach and are suitable for tents only. Sombrio Beach is also a popular stop for hikers...
Pacheedaht Campground
Taryn from Happiest Outdoors: the Pacheedaht Campground in Port Renfrew is one of the few campgrounds on Vancouver Island where you can camp right on the sandy beach. It’s located on Pacheedaht First Nation land just outside of Port Renfrew and about a two-hour drive from Victoria. The campground is on a beautiful stretch of sand where the Gordon River meets the ocean. You can surf right from your campsite, go hiking, or explore nearby Avatar Grove, home to Canada’s gnarliest tree. An overnig...
The Clipper Ferry parking lot, Victoria
It can be challenging to find overnight parking in Victoria as there are lots of no camping/overnight parking signs. However, the Clipper Ferry parking lot in downtown Victoria (254 Belleville Street) didn’t have any of those so we decided to give it a try. We paid $18 for 24-hour parking, which enabled us to explore Victoriaon foot, park our car in a safe place, and sleep in the city center! Since it’s not an official place to stay, I strongly recommend keeping a low profile (no cooking or r...
Jakes at the Lake parking lot, Lake Cowichan
We had dinner at Jakes at the Lake and after paying for our meal we asked the staff if we could park there for the night. They didn’t mind at all and we could roll straight from the patio into our bed. The next morning we woke up to the view pictured above, not bad at all!
French Creek Marine Pub parking lot, Parksville
We spent a very rainy afternoon at the French Creek Marine Pub in Parksville and asked the pub staff if we could park for the night. The manager said that was fine and directed us to a good spot. We paid $5 for a night (and we had a couple of drinks at the pub). During opening hours, you can use the washroom in the pub.
If you are visiting Vancouver Island but don’t want to go camping in a tent, car, van, or RV, there is an excellent alternative: glamping. Instead of setting up your own tent, you can stay at a comfortable yurt, a luxurious white canvas tent, or even a spherical treehouse!
I hope you have enjoyed this post about Vancouver Island campgrounds and camping tips. Feel free to ask any questions you may have, you can leave a comment below or send me a message. For more Vancouver Island travel tips, check these posts: 1. 10 best hotels in Victoria 2. 20 things to do in Campbell River 3. 20 things to do on Pender Island 4. 20...
Dec 14, 2023 · Free camping, also known as boondocking or dispersed camping, involves camping in areas not designated as formal campgrounds. On Vancouver Island, this can mean pitching your tent or parking your RV in areas managed by Crown land, where camping is permitted at no cost.
- Jonathan James
Jun 7, 2023 · Stella Lake Recreation Site, Vancouver Island. This area, north of Campbell River, has some of our favourite free campsites in BC. Free camping in British Columbia’s Recreational Sites. There are hundreds of free campgrounds all over British Columbia in the form of Recreational Sites.
- Apple Point Rec Site. Looking over Brewster Lake (Vancouver Island), the Apple Point Rec Site is a beautiful spot to enjoy this historic location. With only 5 free campsites, it’s certain to be a private getaway with access to a boat launch -those camped there can explore impressive canoe routes.
- Amor Lake Rec Site. Amor Lake is a popular free site for anglers and drive-in campers who are eager enough to endure the rough terrain travelling south along Blackwater Lake Road.
- Augier Lake Rec Site. Sitting on the North tip of Augier Lake, these 9 free campsites make the perfect spot to spend the weekend on an incredibly beautiful beach.
- Batnuni Lake East Rec Site. Located on an open grassy area and featuring 5 designated free campsites, the Batnuni Lake East Rec Site is a great spot to escape for a quick fishing or canoeing adventure.
Feb 27, 2024 · The view from the campfire at one of Vancouver Island’s many free Recreation Sites. Camping on Vancouver Island in summer (July, August) is most favourable to experience the warmest and driest weather. Finding camping is, however, more difficult and private campgrounds are more expensive. Campfires are more likely to be banned due to wildfire risk.
Mar 12, 2023 · Free camping on Vancouver Island. Wild camping is not typically allowed or encouraged in British Columbia. Sleeping in your car is tolerated as long as you’re considerate and keep nature intact, but what about free tent camping? Actually, it very well exists.
