Campgrounds on Vancouver Island BC: South Island, British Columbia, Canada

Gordon Bay Provincial Park on the Cowichan Lake east of Duncan is a large park with 130 vehicle/tent sites. Reservations are recommended in July and August, when the sun shines brightest on this southern exposure. The lay of the land here traps heat, and daytime temperatures are hot by coastal standards. The rewards for being here in April and May in advance of the summer crowds include having your choice of campsites and witnessing the spectacular display of wildflowers that begin blooming in April.

Bamberton Provincial Park is located just south of the Mill Bay ferry terminal beside Hwy 1. The 47 vehicle/tent sites are located just beside Johns Creek on the hillside above Sechelt Inlet. Reservations are a necessity in summer, unless you are at the park entrance at noon when a number of first-come spaces may be available, depending on turnover. The one-two punch of a superb view and a sandy beach makes this park a knockout for lucky visitors.

Ivy Green Park and Campground in Ladysmith was formerly a provincial park and is now run by the Chemainus First Nations. The campground enjoys a beautiful location on Ladysmith Harbour, with a beach and shoreline nature trails.

There are five Forest Service recreation sites located on Cowichan Lake and along the Nitinat Main Logging Road. Two small sites - Spring Beach and Bald Mountain - are located on the north side of the lake across from Gordon Bay Park and are limited to those campers who arrive by boat, kayak or on foot. You could launch at Gordon Bay or hike in from the Marble Bay entrance to the park. Two spacious sites - Pine Point and Maple Grove - are situated on the north shore of the lake, west of the town of Youbou, while a third is located at Nixon Creek on the southwest side of the lake. All are easily reached by following either the North or South Shore Roads west of the community of Lake Cowichan.

The Forest Service recreation site at Nitinat Lake has the international cachet that you'd also find in select places such as the Gorge in Oregon or the Squamish Spit. Vans and trucks carrying board sailors from around the world, and decked out with roof racks for windsurfing equipment, occupy many of the rustic campsites beside the lake. You don't have to brave the winds; just driving the logging roads west of Cowichan Lake qualifies you to stay here. This campsite is busy almost year-round. If it's not the windsurfers, it's the visitors to nearby Carmanah Walbran Provincial Park.

Campsites are limited along the Sooke Basin section of the coast, in part because of the rugged terrain, but also because of its location. French Beach Provincial Park (69 vehicle/tent sites) is the place many visitors head for camping. It's conveniently close to Sooke and a good place to stage explorations to a number of beaches farther north along Hwy 14. Campsites are well spaced and sheltered by a thick rainforest canopy, as well as dense salal thickets above the beach.

Fairy Lake Forest recreation site is located a short drive north of Port Renfrew on the Harris Creek Mainline Logging Road. Numerous rough sites have been used for decades at Fairy Lake by holidaying forestry workers and fishers. Weekdays are usually fine, but summer weekends often get a little noisy if the rowdy crowds arrive. If you're reluctant to take a chance, check out the Pacheedaht First Nations Campground on the shores of nearby San Juan Beach. The campground is located in Port Renfrew next to a wide swath of log-covered beach. West Coast Trail hikers overnight here before catching a ride to the trailhead.



	Broughton Archipelago Paddler's Inn, Broughton Archipelago	Listing Details
	Sea Kayak in comfort based from our ocean-side, or float-house accommodations in the wilderness of the Broughton Archipelago, a kayak paradise. Enjoy sumptuous catered meals, or cook for yourself. Guided kayak tours, lessons and rentals are available, as well as charter boat tours and kayak transport. We also offer Acupressure massage on-site. Surround yourself with ocean, beaches, trails, an inland lake, and quiet beauty.

	Canadian Adventure Rentals, Vancouver	Listing Details
	Self-Drive Camping Vacations in British Columbia. Canadian Adventure Rentals will help you create the ultimate outdoor adventure. All packages include a luxury sports utility vehicle (unlimited mileage) fully equipped with camping gear for one to four persons. We also provide mountain bikes, kayaks and canoes, and will reserve campsites across BC for you.

	Cedar Beach Resort, Salt Spring Island	Listing Details
	Cedar Beach Resort is located on beautiful St. Mary Lake on Salt Spring Island. Our 5 acre resort ofers 17 cabins and suites as well as 23 fully-serviced RV/camping sites. We have our own private, sandy beach right on the lake. Our heated, outdoor swimming pool (open mid-May to mid-September) and hot tub offer fabulous lake views. All cabins and suites are fully furnished with cooking facilities, and the adjoining Beach House offers indoor and outdoor recreation space. An exceptional venue for family reunions, gatherings, and small group weddings.

	Duck Creek Farm, Saltspring Island	Listing Details
	Duck Creek Farm is a 13-acre farm with vegetable gardens, fruit trees, greenhouses, sheep, ponds, and five acres of forested land. The farm offers bicycle campsites and a farmstay caravan. Campers can pitch their tents in the grassy open on the edge of the woods, in the middle of farm, or in the forest. Located minutes from the Crofton/Vesuvius ferry terminal and a few kilometers from the centre of Ganges.

	Heriot Bay Inn & Marina, Quadra Island	Listing Details
	The Heriot Bay Inn is Quadra Island's adventure resort. Adventure: Kayak, whale or grizzly watch. Dine: Casual seaside fare in Herons, HBI Pub with live music Fridays. Stay: accommodations range from hotel rooms to ocean-view housekeeping cottages. Also onsite: marina, RV & tent campsites with full service hook-ups, wireless internet.

	Island West Fishing Resort, Ucluelet	Listing Details
	With decades of experience fishing the pristine waters of Barkley Sound and Clayoquot Sound, our team of locally experienced, professional guides provide the highest quality fishing excursion. Packages include lodging and an eight-hour fishing trip each morning. Also Flightseeing Tours, Canoe and Kayak trips, Whale Watching, Winter Storm Watching, and Hiking. Waterfront or water view camping sites. Moorage for short or long term visits.

	Malahat Mountain Meadows RV Park, Malahat	Listing Details
	Malahat Mountain Meadows RV Park and Campground is located 26 kms north of Victoria near the summit of the Malahat Drive. Our quiet and natural resort offers 63 spacious, fully-serviced RV sites nestled amongst giant cedars and seasonal creeks, private and scenic campsites, heated pool, clean washrooms with hot showers, and much much more.

	Moutcha Bay Resort, Nootka Sound	Listing Details
	Moutcha Bay Resort is located at the mouth of the Conuma River, just 40 minutes west of Gold River, in beautiful, sheltered Nootka Sound. Moutcha Bay offers world-class fishing in sheltered, deep waters, abundant wildlife and adventure just outside our door. Inquire about our resort, chalet and yurt accommodations, as well as RV and tent camping sites, and featuring Nootka Sound�s best restaurant. Newly constructed for the 2011 season, Moutcha Bay Resort provides unique products and services not otherwise available in this wilderness area.

	Pacific Playgrounds International, Black Creek	Listing Details
	The Pacific Playgrounds Resort, RV Park, Campground and Marina is located at Saratoga Beach, midway between Campbell River and the Comox Valley, nestled in the trees along the bank of the peaceful Oyster River just as it flows into the Georgia Strait. This truly beautiful setting offers fresh air, clear water and acres of park for your enjoyment. Year-round RV Park, Cabin and Marina facilities second to none at your gateway to Vancouver Island recreation. Enjoy golf, world-class skiing, hiking, biking, camping, and fishing.

	Page's Resort and Marina, Gabriola Island	Listing Details
	Secluded fully-equipped seaside COTTAGES, pristine CAMPGROUND nestled in the woods, full service MARINA with fuel dock, showers and laundromat, BOOKSTORE featuring local authors, mountain bike and scooter RENTALS. Located on five acres overlooking Silva Bay, minutes from golf and restaurants, Page�s offers kayaking, fishing, diving, hiking, cycling and simply relaxing.

	Pioneer Inn & Riverside RV, Port Hardy	Listing Details
	Closest accommodation to the ferry terminal. The quiet, park-like setting across from Quatse River offers suites, rooms, and large two room kitchen units. Services include free local calls, complimentary in-room coffee, cable TV, and licenced dining room. The 25 RV sites offer full hookups, hydro, water, sewer, and cable. A laundry and dry room are available.

	Quatse River Campground, Port Hardy	Listing Details
	Feel at home in this Beautifully mature treed campground. 41 Hook-up and 21 non-hook-up sites. Sani-station, washrooms, showers, fire pits and wood. Revenue generated benefits the Salmon Enchancement Activities. Quatse River Campground is a Regional Park...it is situated on the banks of the Quatse River near downtown Port Hardy and the B.C. Ferry Terminal.

	RainforestNorth, Nanaimo	Listing Details
	RainforestNorth specializes in renting Camping Equipment Packages which provide all of the camping equipment for you and your family or group. All equipment for cooking, sleeping, and to set up camp is included in one neat and organized package. RainforestNorth is perfect for travellers and tourists, or anyone who has the desire to camp, but doesn't have any camping equipment. Go camping and leave the packing to us!

	Sea Kayak in Desolation Sound, Powell River	Listing Details
	Powell River Sea Kayak is the premier sea kayak company for Desolation Sound. Located adjacent to Desolation Sound Marine Park, PR Sea Kayak offers guided day tours, snorkeling, all-inclusive multi-day tours, and a well stocked rental fleet. Launch kayaks from PR Sea Kayak�s waterfront site on Okeover Inlet, once home to the �Cougar Lady�, and explore Desolation Sound Marine Park. For even more destinations, another option is to launch from PR Sea Kayak�s second location in Lund.

	Strathcona Park Lodge, Campbell River	Listing Details
	Guests are drawn from around the world by the lifestyle at Strathcona Park Lodge and the irresistible scenery, wildlife, and opportunities for adventure that begin on our doorstep. We have comfortable, rustic accommodation, delicious buffet meals, kayaks and canoes for rent, and lots of friendly, knowledgeable instructors. We offer guiding in rock climbing, canoeing, whitewater and sea kayaking. Enjoy our backcountry adventures in beautiful Strathcona Provincial Park; alpine hiking, backpacking, mountaineering and camping.

	Tsa-Kwa-Luten Lodge & RV Park, Quadra Island	Listing Details
	This unique resort is designed to renew your soul, located within an 1,100-acre forest on the southern tip of Quadra Island. The Lodge features Pacific Coast Kwagiulth architecture and traditional and contemporary native art. All accommodations feature ocean views of Discovery Passage, including the dining room, lounge, meeting rooms, sauna and outdoor hot tub. Spectacular Oceanside RV sites are within walking distance of the Main Lodge.

	Ucluelet Campground, Ucluelet	Listing Details
	Ucluelet Campground is located in the historical fishing village of Ucluelet, at the southern edge of the Pacific Rim National Park. The private campground offers 125 sites for tents, trailers and RVs, some with beautiful harbour and mountain views. Amenities include full-service, partial-hookup and no-service sites, clean shower and washroom facilities, fire rings, picnic tables, and water stations.

	West Coast Edge ATV Adventures, Port Alberni	Listing Details
	West Coast Edge ATV Adventures provides professionally guided ATV and UTV Tours in and around the Alberni Valley on central Vancouver Island. Let our experienced guides take you on the ultimate Westcoast ATV adventure of a lifetime to experience the edge of the west coast like never before. Explore Mt. Arrowsmith and enjoy the beauty of Vancouver Island's backwoods, meadows, lakes, waterfalls, and wildlife. Custom Tours include hiking, trout fishing, swimming, and overnight camping tours.

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