Camping Near Vancouver, BC, Growing up in Vancouver, camping has been a cherished part of my life since childhood. Over the years, I’ve explored numerous campgrounds near Vancouver, and in this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to plan the perfect camping trip close to home. Whether you’re seeking a quick weekend getaway or a longer adventure, there’s something for everyone within a three-hour drive of Vancouver.
The Top Camping Sites Near Vancouver, BC
Camping near Sea to Sky Region, Vancouver
Porteau Cove Provincial Park
At Porteau Cove, you’ll find campsites right by the ocean! Imagine waking up to the sound of waves crashing and seagulls singing. You can even rent cozy log cabins if you want a break from tent camping. Plus, there are clean bathrooms with showers so you can stay fresh.
Location: Porteau Cove, Howe Sound
Features: Stunning oceanfront sites, log cabins for rent, flush toilets, showers
Reservation: Required
Stawamus Chief Provincial Park
If you love hiking and climbing, Stawamus Chief is the place for you! It’s like a giant playground for adventurers. You can camp under the stars and explore the trails during the day. Don’t worry about booking in advance; just show up and find a spot.
Location: Squamish
Features: Basecamp for hikers and rock climbers, walk-in sites, covered picnic shelters, pit toilets
Availability: First-come, first-served
Alice Lake Provincial Park
Alice Lake is perfect for families! There are sandy beaches where you can build sandcastles and swim in the lake. You can even rent kayaks or stand-up paddleboards to explore the water. And when it’s time to rest, there are nice bathrooms with showers.
Location: Squamish
Features: Family-friendly, sandy beaches, swimming docks, kayak/SUP rentals, flush toilets, showers
Reservation: Required
Cat Lake Recreation Site
Cat Lake is a hidden gem for camping! You can walk to your campsite and then jump into the warm lake for a swim. It’s a great place to relax and enjoy nature. Just remember to bring your own toilet paper because there are only pit toilets.
Location: North of Squamish
Features: Popular walk-in sites, warm lake for swimming, pit toilets
Availability: First-come, first-served
Squamish Valley Recreation Sites
If you’re looking for a rustic camping experience, Squamish Valley has you covered. You can set up your tent right by the Squamish River and fall asleep to the sound of rushing water. There are no fancy facilities here, but that’s all part of the adventure!
Location: Squamish River Valley
Features: Rustic camping on Squamish River, accessible by 2WD cars, no facilities
Availability: First-come, first-served
Cal-Cheak Recreation Site
Cal-Cheak offers camping right by the river! Imagine roasting marshmallows over a campfire while listening to the gentle flow of the water. It’s a peaceful place to disconnect from the world and enjoy the beauty of nature.
Location: South of Whistler
Features: Three camping areas, riverside sites, rustic experience, pit toilets
Availability: First-come, first-served
Nairn Falls Provincial Park
Nairn Falls is all about breathtaking views! You can hike to a stunning waterfall and then cool off with a swim at One Mile Lake. Just be sure to bring some snacks and water for the journey, and don’t forget to take lots of pictures!
Location: North of Whistler
Features: Scenic waterfall hike, nearby swimming at One Mile Lake, pit toilets, water pump
Reservation: Required
Camping near North Fraser Valley, Vancouver
Golden Ears Provincial Park
Golden Ears is like a paradise for outdoor lovers! With three campgrounds to choose from, you’ll have plenty of options for where to set up your tent. You can spend your days swimming in Alouette Lake or hiking through the forest. And when it’s time to rest, there are nice bathrooms and showers to freshen up.
Location: Maple Ridge
Features: Three campgrounds on Alouette Lake, beach access, hiking trails, showers, flush toilets
Reservation: Required
Rolley Lake Provincial Park
Rolley Lake is a cozy little spot for camping! The lake is perfect for a refreshing swim, and there’s even a waterfall nearby to explore. After a day of outdoor adventures, you can relax in the campground and enjoy the modern amenities like flush toilets and showers.
Location: Stave Falls, between Maple Ridge and Mission
Features: Small warm lake, waterfall hike, flush toilets, showers
Reservation: Required
Stave Lake Recreation Sites
Stave Lake offers lakeside camping with beautiful views! You can pitch your tent right by the water and spend your days fishing or paddling. Just keep in mind that there are no facilities here, so you’ll need to bring your own supplies and be prepared to rough it a bit.
Location: Near Stave Lake
Features: Various lakeside sites, pit toilets, no water source
Availability: First-come, first-served
Kilby Park Campground
Kilby Park is a historic gem nestled between two rivers! You can learn about the area’s rich history at the nearby museum before heading back to your campsite to enjoy the peaceful river views. And with pit toilets and water taps available, you’ll have everything you need for a comfortable stay.
Location: Harrison Mills
Features: Historic museum nearby, views of Fraser and Harrison Rivers, pit toilets, water taps
Availability: Both reservable and first-come, first-served
Harrison Lake Rec Sites
Harrison Lake is a rugged wilderness getaway! The roads might be rough, but the views are worth it. You can camp right by the lake and spend your days swimming and exploring. Just remember to pack everything you need, including plenty of camping food and water.
Location: West side of Harrison Lake
Features: Rustic lakeside camping, rough roads, pit toilets
Availability: Both reservable and first-come, first-served
Sasquatch Provincial Park
Sasquatch Park is a haven for nature lovers! With three campgrounds to choose from, you can find the perfect spot to pitch your tent. Spend your days swimming in the warm lakes or hiking through the forests. And with pit toilets and water taps available, you’ll have everything you need for a great camping trip.
Location: Near Harrison Hot Springs
Features: Three campgrounds on Hicks and Deer Lakes, warm swimming, pit toilets, water taps
Availability: Both reservable and first-come, first-served
Camping near South Fraser Valley, Vancouver
Fort Camping
Fort Camping offers a unique island camping experience! Located on Brae Island, it’s close to the village of Fort Langley. You can enjoy modern amenities like flush toilets, showers, and even laundry facilities. Plus, there’s plenty to do nearby, including exploring the historic village and taking in the beautiful scenery.
Location: Brae Island Regional Park, Fort Langley
Features: Island camping, close to village, flush toilets, showers, laundry
Reservation: Required
Sunnyside Campground
Sunnyside Campground is the perfect spot for a family getaway! With beach access and amenities like playgrounds and boat rentals, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. And when you’re ready to relax, you can kick back in the campground and take advantage of the showers and other facilities.
Location: Cultus Lake, Chilliwack
Features: Family-friendly, beach access, amenities include playgrounds, boat rentals, showers
Reservation: Required
Cultus Lake Provincial Park
Cultus Lake Provincial Park is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts! With four campgrounds to choose from, you can find the perfect spot to set up camp. Spend your days swimming in the lake or exploring the surrounding area, and then return to the campground for a hot shower and a good night’s sleep.
Location: Cultus Lake
Features: Four campgrounds, beach access, flush toilets, showers
Reservation: Required
Chilliwack River Recreation Sites
Chilliwack River Recreation Sites offer off-the-grid camping in a beautiful natural setting! While there are no facilities here, you’ll be surrounded by stunning scenery and plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventure. Just remember to pack everything you need and leave no trace behind.
Location: Chilliwack River Valley
Features: Off-the-grid camping, pit toilets, no water source
Availability: Both reservable and first-come, first-served
Chilliwack Lake Provincial Park
Chilliwack Lake Provincial Park is a peaceful retreat surrounded by nature! With quiet beach access and forested campsites, it’s the perfect place to relax and unwind. Spend your days hiking or fishing, and then return to the campground to cook up a delicious meal over the fire.
Location: Chilliwack Lake
Features: Quiet beach access, forested sites, hiking trails, pit toilets, water taps
Availability: Both reservable and first-come, first-served
Jones Lake Recreation Area
Jones Lake Recreation Area offers mountain lake camping at its best! While the road might be rough, the stunning views make it all worth it. Pitch your tent by the lake and spend your days fishing or exploring the surrounding trails. Just be sure to bring plenty of supplies, as there are no facilities here.
Location: Between Chilliwack and Hope
Features: Mountain lake camping, rough road access, pit toilets
Availability: First-come, first-served
Camping Near Hope, Vancouver
Silver Lake Provincial Park:
Silver Lake Provincial Park is a hidden gem for fishing and swimming! With its quiet atmosphere and beautiful scenery, it’s the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Spend your days relaxing by the water and soaking in the peaceful surroundings.
Location: Silver-Skagit Road
Features: Fishing and swimming, quiet atmosphere, pit toilets, water pumps
Availability: Both reservable and first-come, first-served
E.C. Manning Provincial Park
E.C. Manning Provincial Park is a true wilderness paradise! With its warm and scenic landscape, it’s the perfect place for outdoor adventure. Spend your days hiking the trails or paddling on Lightning Lake, and then return to your campsite for a cozy night under the stars.
Location: Over mountain pass from Hope
Features: Warm and scenic, beach at Lightning Lake, hiking trails, various campgrounds
Availability: Both reservable and first-come, first-served
Coquihalla Campground
Coquihalla Campground offers riverside camping in the heart of downtown Hope! With amenities like showers, a playground, and a BBQ shelter, it’s the perfect spot for a family getaway. Spend your days exploring the nearby attractions or simply relaxing by the river.
Location: Coquihalla River, downtown Hope
Features: Riverside camping, amenities include showers, playground, BBQ shelter
Reservation: Required
Emory Creek Provincial Park
Emory Creek Provincial Park is a peaceful riverside retreat! With its quiet setting and beautiful scenery, it’s the perfect place to unwind and reconnect with nature. Spend your days fishing or exploring the nearby best hiking trails, and then return to your campsite for a peaceful night’s sleep.
Location: North of Hope on Fraser River
Features: Riverside fishing, quiet setting, flush toilets, water taps
Availability: First-come, first-served
Camping near Sunshine Coast, Gulf Islands, and Vancouver Island, Vancouver
Roberts Creek Provincial Park
Roberts Creek Provincial Park is nestled between the charming towns of Gibsons and Sechelt. With its beach access, it’s the perfect spot for a seaside getaway. Enjoy swimming, beachcombing, and soaking up the sun, all within reach of the park’s pit toilets and water taps.
Location: Roberts Creek
Features: Close to towns of Gibsons and Sechelt, beach access, pit toilets, water taps
Availability: First-come, first-served
Porpoise Bay Provincial Park
Porpoise Bay Provincial Park in Sechelt offers calm waters and a sandy beach, ideal for a relaxing coastal escape. Located close to Sechelt, the park provides flush toilets and showers for added convenience. Spend your days swimming, kayaking, or simply enjoying the scenic views.
Location: Sechelt
Features: Calm waters, sandy beach, close to Sechelt, flush toilets, showers
Reservation: Required
Montague Harbour Marine Provincial Park
Montague Harbour Marine Provincial Park on Galiano Island offers waterfront camping with a beautiful swimming beach. Pit toilets and water taps are available, and you can explore the island’s trails and enjoy stunning sunsets over the water during your stay.
Location: Galiano Island
Features: Swimming beach, waterfront sites, pit toilets, water taps
Availability: Both reservable and first-come, first-served
Prior Centennial Campground
Prior Centennial Campground on Pender Island offers a forested setting and serves as a great base for exploring the island. With pit toilets and water taps provided, you can enjoy the tranquility of nature while still having essential amenities nearby.
Location: Pender Island
Features: Forested setting, base for island exploration, pit toilets, water taps
Reservation: Required
Ruckle Provincial Park
Ruckle Provincial Park on Salt Spring Island boasts oceanview campsites and access to nearby hiking trails. You’ll find water taps and pit toilets available, allowing you to immerse yourself in the island’s natural beauty while camping in comfort.
Location: Salt Spring Island
Features: Oceanview sites, nearby hiking trails, water taps, pit toilets
Availability: Both reservable and first-come, first-served
SMONEĆTEN (McDonald) Campground
SMONEĆTEN (McDonald) Campground on the Saanich Peninsula of Vancouver Island offers forested sites within biking distance of Sidney. With pit toilets and water taps provided, you can explore the area’s natural wonders and enjoy a peaceful camping experience.
Location: Saanich Peninsula, Vancouver Island
Features: Forested sites, biking distance to Sidney, pit toilets, water taps
Availability: Both reservable and first-come, first-served
Goldstream Provincial Park
Goldstream Provincial Park near Victoria provides access to hiking trails and a beach, making it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts. With flush toilets and showers available, you can enjoy the park’s amenities while exploring the surrounding nature.
Location: Victoria, Vancouver Island
Features: Hiking trails, beach access, flush toilets, showers
Availability: Both reservable and first-come, first-served
Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park
Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park in Parksville features an expansive beach and family-friendly amenities. With flush toilets and showers provided, you can enjoy beach activities and relax in comfort during your stay.
Location: Parksville, Vancouver Island
Features: Expansive beach, family-friendly, flush toilets, showers
Reservation: Required
Englishman River Falls Provincial Park
Englishman River Falls Provincial Park, located north of Parksville, offers waterfall hikes and river swimming in a picturesque forest setting. With pit toilets and water taps available, you can experience the park’s natural beauty while camping in a tranquil environment.
Location: North of Parksville
Features: Waterfall hikes, river swimming, forested sites, pit toilets, water taps
Reservation: Required
Finally, With so many diverse camping options near Vancouver, BC, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. These camping locations offer a range of experiences for nature lovers of all ages. Remember to plan ahead, book your reservations early, and always respect the natural environment by following Leave No Trace principles. Apart from camping, there are many things to do in Vancouver. So, get ready for your next outdoor adventure in the breathtaking wilderness surrounding Vancouver, BC!