The best camping near Strathcona Provincial Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Strathcona Provincial Park adventure.

An immense park with glacier-capped mountains, forests, lakes, and waterfalls.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Strathcona Provincial Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Strathcona Provincial Park

Booked 1 time

Pearl Of The Oyster

4 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres · Black Creek, BC

Welcome to our little slice of Heaven on the Oyster River in Black Creek, Vancouver Island. This is a unique and private camping experience! We're excited to announce the addition of a rustic, off-grid, one-room log cabin with bunkie, available for your 2-night minimum stay. Nestled in a forested area of our property, the cabin offers unlimited access to sandy riverside beaches, swimming and fishing holes, stunning views, and endless hiking/biking trails. Equipped with limited electricity, the cabin includes basic cooking tools, cutlery, a Coleman cooker, and a charcoal BBQ. Upon request, we provide full linen and pillows. For chilly nights, cozy up by the wood stove. Outside, you'll find a private fire pit with two chairs. The cabin is serviced by a new, clean pit toilet and outdoor shower. In the loft, there's one queen-sized bed and one twin mattress. Rates - April 1st to June 15th: $80 per night (2-night min) $5 linen cleaning fee $10 for outdoor firewood 3-night min for May long weekend No pets allowed High season - June 16th to September 2nd: $100 per night (2-night min) 3-night min for July, August, September long weekends $5 for Linen Additionally, we offer two (working on more) tent pad sites overlooking the river. Each site accommodates up to a 6-man tent or 8 edge-to-edge. A large flat area is available for double or group tent sites. Nearby amenities include a communal fire-pit picnic area, clean pit toilet, and outdoor shower. Rates - April 1 to June 15th: $35 per night (2-night min) Double site - $60 per night based on 6 people or less (2-night min) 3-night min for May long weekend June 16 to September 2nd: $45 per night Firewood is available for $10 per bundle, or you're welcome to bring your own. Pets are not allowed. During your stay, enjoy a variety of activities such as breathing clean air, birdwatching, stargazing, mushroom foraging, rock and fossil collecting, gold panning, fishing, swimming, kayaking, berry picking, hiking, biking, and beachside campfires with Jacknife Pizza (limited days). Nearby attractions include beautiful ocean beaches, mini-golf, ice cream shops, Saratoga Speedway, Bear Creek Nature Park, Pinecrest Skills Bike Park, golfing, and Mount Washington. Please note that rates change after June 15th. Payment via e-transfer is due upon booking, and a full refund is available with one week's notice.

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Tyee Valley Farm

14 sites · RVs, Tents12 acres · BC

Join us on our family farm. Fall is approaching and our first three sites will close Sunday Sept 17th. For self contained vehicles looking for an off season stay, please message us and we can see how we can provide a spot. We have begun work on our next expansion, and next spring will be happy to open our additional campsites for ten total sites. Bookings are open for stays beginning May 1st, 2024, weather permitting. In the meantime, we have our first few sites open to let you join us and relax in the forest. Site 1 and 2 are drive-in sites. Site 3 is a tent-only site. These sites will welcome you to recharge in nature. Dark night skies will open you to all the majesty of our solar system. Each standard campsite has a flat gravel surface suitable for tents, smaller RV's, shorter travel trailers, truck campers, rooftop tents, camper vans and similar. We have a tent pad site as well for cyclists or motorbikes. Small trailers up to 16 feet may be usable, but access may be tight. Please note, that while there is a campfire ban, camp stoves and propane fire pits are permitted. Easy access to Mt Washington and Strathcona Park, local beaches, rivers and more. We are open for camping till September 30th and will close until April 1st, 2024.

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Peacock Camping (Vancouver Island)

1 site · RV, Tent5 acres · Black Creek, BC

Learn more about this land:We are located on a beautiful farm with lots of animals to see! Our property is in Black Creek, BC. We have one private site available for tent and RV/trailer campers. The site is level and grassy and it can accommodate vehicles up to 30ft in length. We provide a picnic table, wifi, and potable water. Campfires are permitted when there is no fire ban.Black Creek is a small town located on the eastern shore of North Central Vancouver Island, home to stunning beaches and outdoor recreation. At nearby Saratoga Beach, the tide goes out for over a quarter of a mile, creating a hard-packed oceanfront playground perfect for children to safely explore. Miracle Provincial Park is close by with a picnic area overlooking the water and a series of lovely trails winding through lush forest. You can visit the Oyster River Hatchery, check out the seals and sea lions in Seal Bay Regional Park, do some saltwater fishing for salmon, or even rent a go-cart and race around the Saratoga Speedway, or just watch others do it.

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Field Sites & Secluded Tent Sites

11 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Campbell River, BC

A beautiful campsite located in Campbell River, BC. Pastoral open field for RVs & tents. Easy access from the road and private secluded sites for single vehicles & tenters. We can accommodate vehicles up to 40ft in length. No services/utilities this year. Only a 2-minute walk to the beach and several trails. Shelter Point Distillery is just next door. Other activities near include wandering along oceanside trails, fishing for salmon, swimming, or simply sitting back, relaxing and enjoying nature. The region is a mecca for outdoor and marine enthusiasts as it boasts 5 Provincial Parks, several marine parks, golf courses, wildlife viewing opportunities, and fishing hotspots galore. Explore the wilds of Strathcona Provincial Park, paddle the calm waters of the estuary, get out on the water for a thrilling whale-watching excursion and so much more. Pets welcome, campfires permitted according to BC Forest fire ban limits.

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Comox's Little River Bay Hip Camp

1 site · RV1 acre · Comox, BC

LRB Hip Camp is walking distance to Little River Bay... where there are opportunities for beach hikes, kayaking, swimming, windsurfing and kiteboarding. Stroll to Kin Beach Provincial Park or the Griffin Pub. Bike to 40 Knot Winery or Little River Ferry terminal. A quiet site nestled amongst the trees on the lower part of our 3/4 acre lot. Please note that you must have waste disposal as there are no Rest Rooms at this site. Agricultural land (and a blueberry farm) across the street all the way to the ocean.

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Salmon Point on Nature Trail

2 sites · RVs, Tents2 acres · Campbell River, BC

This is a natural rustic west coast experience of peaceful wilderness where there are possible sightings of deer, bears, seals, herons, eagles, swans, geese, ducks and many songbirds depending on the seasons. The property is located at Salmon Point between Campbell River and Comox/Courtenay, BC. This is your gateway to everything that makes Vancouver Island the ultimate destination if you love the outdoors. Saltwater and beach fishing, kayaking, boating, golfing, and hiking are just minutes away. There is a resort and marina across the road and a new restaurant and pub opening soon. Shelter Point Distillery is adjacent to the property. The trail goes along the ocean, through old-growth forests and along the river ending at a grocery, liquor store, coffee and pizza place, medical clinic and a small pharmacy. The property does include an outhouse, electrical plug-in at post and water hose. Tents, smaller travel trailers and camper vans can be accommodated. In the early 1900s, a hotel was on the property that serviced the ships heading north in the straight and those travelling between Campbell River and Courtney. The area is within 2 km of two large sand beaches, a Chinese restaurant, and a Spa. Between Salmon Point and Courtney, you will find farm land with local fruits, vegetables, eggs and meat for sale and wineries.

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The Field Of Dreams

6 sites · RVs, Tents9 acres · Courtenay, BC

You will cross the bridge of troubled waters and enter your dream space for simple relaxation. Experience the beauty of a wide open field, mountain and forest glimpses, and the peace of mind that comes with being so removed. Yet, this property is only 10 minutes from town, has a general store within 500m and only 5 minutes from Kitty Coleman Park, Seal Bay Forest Trails and the Tsolum River!

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weed canary farm

1 site · RV, Tent5 acres · Courtenay, BC

6.6 acre property that is a small farm, still lots of trees, a small seasonal creek in the back, a duck pond with a boat to paddle around with or just float around. we raise layer hens so there are fresh free range eggs available. we also raise pork and broiler chickens periodically throughout the year. there is easy access to logging road for mountain biking or hiking. this property is a small piece of wilderness yet only 4km to town. The camp sites surround the pond and there is a choice of lots of sun and light or shaded under the trees. The sites can be used by R.V or tent. there is an outhouse onsite for your convenience.

StoneCreek

1 site · RV, Tent16 acres · Courtenay, BC

We are offering a small secluded campsite with power and water for RV's up to 30 ft and/or tenting. We are near lots of walking trails and close to beaches. Access to Mount Washington is nearby for summer and winter activities. This site is located 1 and 1/2 km to corner store with gas station. We are located approx 1/2 way between Courtenay and Campbell River, with great salt water and fresh water boating and fishing. There are many golf courses in the area.

Field Of Dreams Glamping

1 site · Lodging9 acres · Courtenay, BC

Enjoy the beauty of a sun drenched resting field, with all of its flowers, open skies and mountain views. The privacy alone brings wonder and excitement to the mind as you walk and smile and then lay under the stars in delight. This is a place to dream, to meditate, to be restored and to heal. Take on the pace of the quiet pasture, and let natures rhythm bring a much needed reset to your soul.

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Lazy Acres Farm Field

4 sites · RVs65 acres · Campbell River, BC

Nestled in a quiet corner of the desirable Sayward Valley, our property hosts over 65 acres of wandering trails, Mount H’kusam views, and private access to sandy beaches on the Salmon River.Sayward is a small coastal community on Kelsey Bay overlooking Johnstone Strait on the east coast of North Vancouver Island.This is an RV-only campsite. We can accommodate vehicles up to 40 ft in length and the site requires levelling.Delight your taste buds with farm-fresh eggs while savouring the time to unwind in a peaceful paradise. Relax in our cedar sauna, bathe in the river at three different beaches, take photos of the pristine wildlife. Potable water and wifi available on site.We love to host adventurers and those who want a disconnect from the day-to-day routines. Our outdoor spaces are shared for all of our guests to enjoy.Learn more about this land:Nestled in a quiet corner of the desirable Sayward Valley, our property hosts over 65 acres of wandering trails, Mount H’kusam views, and private access to sandy beaches on the Salmon River.Sayward is a small coastal community on Kelsey Bay overlooking Johnstone Strait on the east coast of North Vancouver Island.This is an RV-only campsite. We can accommodate vehicles up to 40 ft in length and the site requires levelling.Delight your taste buds with farm-fresh eggs while savouring the time to unwind in a peaceful paradise. Relax in our cedar sauna, bathe in the river at three different beaches, take photos of the pristine wildlife. Potable water and wifi available on site.We love to host adventurers and those who want a disconnect from the day-to-day routines. Our outdoor spaces are shared for all of our guests to enjoy.

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Harbourview Cottage

1 site · Lodging4 acres · Campbell River, BC

We are on Quadra Island, with 4 acres of privacy, only 10 min. from the ferry. The cabin, rented by the week Saturday to Saturday, is on the tide line, over looking Gowlland Island. Watch the otters play and the Eagles soar from your deck. Only rent Sat. to Sat. 750$ Quadra Island has biking and hiking trails. Also kayaking is very popular

The best camping near Strathcona Provincial Park guide

Overview

About

Hikers, mountaineers, climbers, anglers and wildlife watchers are drawn to the rugged mountain wilderness in Strathcona Provincial Park, which stretches more than 250,000 hectares and includes four of the five highest peaks on Vancouver Island. Hiking trails range from barrier-free, interpretive trails to challenging multi-day hikes that crisscross the undeveloped backcountry and are served by over 100 backcountry, hike-in campsites. Frontcountry camping is found in two spots on Buttle Lake and offer basic pit toilets and running water, and three group campsites are also available. Strathcona Provincial Park is located on the traditional territory of the Mowachaht and Muchalaht people.

Notable campgrounds

Best for families: Buttle Lake has an adventure playground, a sandy beach, and an interpretive trail.
Best for adventurers: Ralph River is the ideal base for exploring Buttle Lake by boat and for day hikes in the park.
Best for groups: A 1.5-hour hike will take you to the Croteau Lake wilderness group site. It has 12 tent pads, a large yurt, composting toilet facilities, and bear caches all set on a quiet lake.

Tips for snagging a campsite

Reservations are recommended from mid-May to September and must be booked through BC Parks’ Discover Camping website.
If visiting on weekends or holidays (Canada Day, BC Day, or Labour Day) try to secure a spot as far in advance of your trip as possible.
You may be able to score one of the 65 first-come, first-served spots (of 161), especially mid-week, if you show up right after check-out time at 11am.
Backcountry spots need permits but not reservations. These can be purchased through the Discover Camping.

When to go

Strathcona Provincial Park is open for camping from April 1 to October 31. The best weather for exploring (and seeing the views) is from the beginning of June to the end of September. This is also the busy season, as summer vacation starts at the end of June. Those seeking a quieter experience will find it less crowded on weekdays when schools are in session, during May, June, and September.

Know before you go

This is a remote wilderness area, and visitors should be self-sufficient and prepared for changing weather conditions.
The nearest town to the Buttle Lake campground is Campbell River, a 45-minute drive away.
Ralph River Campground has barrier-free campsites, toilets and trails.
There are two boat launches and several wilderness boat-in campsites on Buttle Lake.
Canoe and kayak rentals are available at nearby Strathcona Park Lodge, which also organizes a variety of tours.
Mount Washington Resort is open in summer for mountain biking, scenic chairlift rides, and ziplining.