The best campgrounds in Strathcona with swimming

Strathcona’s lakes and rivers aren’t just for looking at—this is prime swimming territory, with 17 tent camping options made for anyone who’d rather dive in than sit on the shore. Expect thick forest, cold water, and the kind of quiet you only get this far from the highway. Most sites land around $42 a night, and you’ll spot a few as low as $35. Want specifics? Field Sites & Secluded Tent Sites (123 reviews) puts you near deep, swimmable water and solid trails. Peacock Camping (Vancouver Island) (63 reviews) is a favourite for families—kids tumble straight from tent to lake. If you’re after something quieter, Natures Hideaway! (3 reviews) is tucked away and rarely crowded. Most campgrounds offer toilets, showers, and allow pets. Between swims, you’ll find climbing and wildlife-watching are solid ways to round out the day.

96% (263)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Natures Hideaway!

83%

(3)

2 sites · Tents, RVs · BC

We have taken some time to improve our location and now offer 1 full serviced site and 1 tenting site. Sayward has such a variety of outdoor gems to explore. Fishing, kayaking, hiking, exploring waterfalls, lakes and river oasis’s. You are truly immersed in nature no matter which direction you choose. Having your base here you come back at the end of your day still immersed in the beauty of the surrounding land. We do have a ton of wildlife so please be aware of this. Elk are frequent visitors (and not fans of dogs). Cougar, wolves and bear have also been around these parts for centuries and still continue to visit. Please contain garbage to decrease chances of human/wildlife conflict.

2. Quadra Vista Mountainside Farmstay

100%

(5)

1 site · Lodging · Quathiaski Cove, BC

Escape to Quadra Island, away from crowds. Enjoy endless vistas and exclusive access to the calming embrace of the ocean and a short drive to pristine lakes, with nearby deer and human-made trails guiding you through untouched beauty. Experience the charm of a free-range farm where our feathered friends eagerly interact with guests. Committed to a serene atmosphere, our property is alcohol, drug, smoking, vaping, and nudity-free. In addition across of the yurt we offer an RV pad. Please note: We are located in a truly natural setting, where the forest is alive and thriving. Bugs and mosquitoes are not sprayed, and creatures like mice and harmless, non-poisonous snakes are simply part of the forest’s circle of life. Very occasionally, nature might find its way into the yurt—it is, after all, a well-equipped and cozy “luxury tent.” We do our best to keep curious visitors outside, but staying here is very much an immersive nature experience.

Strathcona’s lakes and rivers aren’t just for looking at—this is prime swimming territory, with 17 tent camping options made for anyone who’d rather dive in than sit on the shore. Expect thick forest, cold water, and the kind of quiet you only get this far from the highway. Most sites land around $42 a night, and you’ll spot a few as low as $35. Want specifics? Field Sites & Secluded Tent Sites (123 reviews) puts you near deep, swimmable water and solid trails. Peacock Camping (Vancouver Island) (63 reviews) is a favourite for families—kids tumble straight from tent to lake. If you’re after something quieter, Natures Hideaway! (3 reviews) is tucked away and rarely crowded. Most campgrounds offer toilets, showers, and allow pets. Between swims, you’ll find climbing and wildlife-watching are solid ways to round out the day.

96% (263)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Natures Hideaway!

83%

(3)

2 sites · Tents, RVs · BC

We have taken some time to improve our location and now offer 1 full serviced site and 1 tenting site. Sayward has such a variety of outdoor gems to explore. Fishing, kayaking, hiking, exploring waterfalls, lakes and river oasis’s. You are truly immersed in nature no matter which direction you choose. Having your base here you come back at the end of your day still immersed in the beauty of the surrounding land. We do have a ton of wildlife so please be aware of this. Elk are frequent visitors (and not fans of dogs). Cougar, wolves and bear have also been around these parts for centuries and still continue to visit. Please contain garbage to decrease chances of human/wildlife conflict.

2. Quadra Vista Mountainside Farmstay

100%

(5)

1 site · Lodging · Quathiaski Cove, BC

Escape to Quadra Island, away from crowds. Enjoy endless vistas and exclusive access to the calming embrace of the ocean and a short drive to pristine lakes, with nearby deer and human-made trails guiding you through untouched beauty. Experience the charm of a free-range farm where our feathered friends eagerly interact with guests. Committed to a serene atmosphere, our property is alcohol, drug, smoking, vaping, and nudity-free. In addition across of the yurt we offer an RV pad. Please note: We are located in a truly natural setting, where the forest is alive and thriving. Bugs and mosquitoes are not sprayed, and creatures like mice and harmless, non-poisonous snakes are simply part of the forest’s circle of life. Very occasionally, nature might find its way into the yurt—it is, after all, a well-equipped and cozy “luxury tent.” We do our best to keep curious visitors outside, but staying here is very much an immersive nature experience.

Stories from the community

M

MIkhayla

August 2025

With pets

3 nights at Quadra Vista Mountainside Farmstay

I really enjoyed my time at this place. The Yurt is lovely and really well built. It is comfortable and the shower is so cute! There is a toaster oven, coffee maker with coffee and sugar, plus cutlery and plates. There is water and a sink outside that has hot and cold. The wifi is pretty good, but cell service isn't. The driveway is very steep and rocky, so keep in mind when driving there. The bathroom is a walk from the Yurt on gravel. They are pet-friendly which is the best part! The owners were very friendly and kind. Overall, I really enjoyed staying here and would again!

K

Krista

July 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Quadra Vista Mountainside Farmstay

Had a lovely weekend at Krista's yurt. They were very welcoming and responsive. They even gave us eggs from their free range happy chickens. The yurt was cozy and we had a great stay. Thank you Krista and family!