The best mountainous campgrounds near Campbell River, British Columbia

On Vancouver Island’s northeast coast, Campbell River is known for fishing and logging, but for outdoor adventurers, it’s a base camp to explore the island’s remote regions. Head for the hiking trails and campgrounds in vast Strathcona Provincial Park or several other BC parks, or go boating around the northern Gulf Islands. From Campbell River, you can taste your way through the farms and wineries of the Comox Valley, or learn about the area’s Indigenous communities. Campers have lots of options near Campbell River, including Miracle Beach (with a sandy beach on the ocean), Elk Falls, Loveland Bay, Morton Lake, and Strathcona Provincial Parks, as well as private RV parks and campgrounds with full services, from hookups to washrooms to wifi.

94% (13)

Top-rated campgrounds

On Vancouver Island’s northeast coast, Campbell River is known for fishing and logging, but for outdoor adventurers, it’s a base camp to explore the island’s remote regions. Head for the hiking trails and campgrounds in vast Strathcona Provincial Park or several other BC parks, or go boating around the northern Gulf Islands. From Campbell River, you can taste your way through the farms and wineries of the Comox Valley, or learn about the area’s Indigenous communities. Campers have lots of options near Campbell River, including Miracle Beach (with a sandy beach on the ocean), Elk Falls, Loveland Bay, Morton Lake, and Strathcona Provincial Parks, as well as private RV parks and campgrounds with full services, from hookups to washrooms to wifi.

94% (13)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Sonora Island Cabin

32km from Campbell River · 1 site · Lodging · Campbell River, BC

3 bed Cabin built on a bluff among the maples. Cabin includes 3 double beds. One is a private room and two up in the loft. Boat access only! Sonora island does not have a ferry. We are currently only accepting booking from folks who have access to a private boat. Once on the island it is a 3-4km walk down the main road (which is usually muddy if there was recent rain) to the cabin. No service and no wifi. Make sure you arrange your pick up before being dropped off. Guests need to be fit to hike up to the cabin. This is a unique fully remote and off grid escape that is not for everyone! Please reach out if you have any questions! Pack in your own bedding/ sleeping bags. 5 minute walk to our private gravel beach over looking the ‘Hole in the Wall’ rapids. Our water reservoir that collects from a near by creek, feeds the house. Boiling before drinking advised. Also included in the cabin is two wood stoves, Propane stove for cooking, hot water on demand and solar power make this get away completely off the grid.

2. Rad Red Barn RV Glamping Experience

100%

(9)

21km from Campbell River · 3 sites · Lodging · Black Creek, BC

We are located on a beautiful forested acreage! Our property is in the heart of Black Creek, BC. We have two RVs turned into an enclosed space available for campers. Either those who are passing by or would love to explore our little community. We are a small walk away to Saratoga Speedway and the mini gulf course. We are a short distance away from two amazing beaches; one is pristine sandy beach and the other is Miracle Beach Provincial Campground. At low tide it is the perfect place to explore. When your done from your days journey, you can walk our beautiful farm trails. Our community and property is perfect for children to explore. On our property we even have a small playground and a pond to explore. Don’t forget to feed the chickens your leftovers :) Our home away from home offers every you need. Just bring you, family or friends. We have bedding, towels, shampoo, conditioner and more!

3. Quadra Vista Mountainside Farmstay

100%

(5)

19km from Campbell River · 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.

4. Quadra Vista Farmstay- RV pad

19km from Campbell River · 2 sites · RVs, Lodging · Campbell River, BC

Fully serviced, all-included RV pad. (electricity, water, sewage, wifi) Pets are allowed but must be leashed at all times outside the RV/camper, as chickens roam freely on the property. Also, included is a spacious shed for storage. 22FT maximum size trailer. 4wheel-all-wheel drive is a must-have. The pad is spacious to accommodate an exterior relaxing space for a table and chairs, lounge chairs, etc In addition, across from the RV pad, we offer a spacious Yurt with amenities and a queen-size bed (please see the listing for pricing).

5. Natures Hideaway!

83%

(3)

59km from Campbell River · 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.

Stories from the community

Our dog loves chickens so she was happy to make new chicken friends.

Lisa

September 2025

With pets

2 nights at Rad Red Barn RV Glamping Experience

Danielle has thought of every detail that made our glamping vacation easy, comfortable and full of memories! Highlights were: coffee on the patio, feeding the chickens, picking blackberries and taking our dog for walks on the property. Our hosts were so friendly and responsive to any questions we had. A great place to unplug and unwind!

C

Cheryll

August 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Rad Red Barn RV Glamping Experience

This was our second time booking Whimsical Red Barn and it was just as wonderful as the first! Danielle, Warren and their family are such warm and welcoming hosts—they put so much heart into this space, and it really shows. Their place is cozy, charming, and full of thoughtful touches that make it feel special. It’s just one of those places that makes you feel good just to be there- relaxing and uplifting. Just what we needed before school starts for our kids. We loved everything about this place. Way better than a hotel.

M

Madison

August 2025

Weekend Trip to Rad Red Barn RV Glamping Experience

Absolutely adorable, cozy and practical setup. I dream of hosting a party here. Two completely separate living spaces, separated by a comfy covered seating area full of arts & crafts and boardgames. The owners are beyond lovely people. Would return in a heartbeat.

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!

J

August 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Rad Red Barn RV Glamping Experience

This place was absolutely amazing. My family of 7 stayed here and had the greatest time. With easy access to beaches and lots of things to do at the site we were always busy Danielle did an amazing job at making the trip feel like a home away from home. Plus the chickens, the kids loved the chickens!! If your debating on a place to stay on Vancouver island that can check all the boxes on your list, this is it! Highly, Highly recommend!

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!

K

Kyleigh

July 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Rad Red Barn RV Glamping Experience

This space is the perfect mix of nature and the comforts of home. From morning coffee surrounded by trees, watching hummingbirds to cozy comfy movie nights inside with the family. A perfect little spot with incredible hosts.

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Diana

July 2025

Group trip

2 nights at Rad Red Barn RV Glamping Experience

Our glamping experience at Danielle’s whimsical place was nothing short of magical. From the moment we arrived, we felt so welcomed and cared for. Danielle and her husband were incredibly responsive and attentive—any minor issues were addressed promptly and with genuine kindness. One of the sweetest surprises was the homemade banana bread Danielle shared with us—it was delicious and such a thoughtful touch that made us feel at home right away. We were celebrating my son’s 19th birthday during our stay, and Danielle went above and beyond to make it truly special. Before we even stepped inside, we were greeted with festive birthday decorations that made the camper feel so warm and personal. That extra effort meant the world to us and made the celebration even more memorable. The camper itself was cozy, charming, and fully stocked with everything we could possibly need. All we had to bring was ourselves. The attention to detail, comfort, and whimsical touches throughout the space made it feel like a little hidden gem in nature. My kids couldn’t stop saying how much they preferred this to any hotel stay—“wayyy better” was the unanimous vote! Thank you so much, Danielle and family, for sharing your beautiful space with us. We made such special memories, and we’re already looking forward to our next stay. You’ve created something truly unique and welcoming—we absolutely loved every moment of it!

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Cheryll

July 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Rad Red Barn RV Glamping Experience

This family-run glamping site is beyond our family’s expectaions- warm, inviting, and exceptionally comfortable. Danielle’s personal touch is in everything. Book with them right away because spots like this, with such thoughtful amenities, are rare to come by. Danielle, Warren, and their lovely daughters are some of the kindest, most down-to-earth people you’ll ever meet. Their location is right in the heart of the Comox Valley, Their site is a stone’s throw away to Miracle Beach Provincial Park and swimming holes in the Comox Valley. Let us support this amazing local family business. You won’t regret it!

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best mountainous camping near Campbell River guide

Where to go

Strathcona Provincial Park

In British Columbia’s oldest provincial park, you can go hiking, canoeing, fishing, climbing, backpacking, and camping in both frontcountry and wilderness areas. Most of the vehicle-accessible campgrounds, reservable through BC Parks Discover Camping site, are open from April or May through September or October. The park stays open year-round for winter camping in the backcountry.

Quadra and Cortes Islands

Accessible by ferry from Campbell River, these two islands offer more options for campers, including RV parks, backcountry sites, and marine access camping areas that you can reach only by water.

The Comox Valley

The towns of Courtenay, Comox, and Cumberland are located in the agricultural Comox Valley, where you can buy produce fresh from the farms and sample the fruits of the growing craft beer and local wine scene. Be sure to poke around Cumberland, a fun little town with cool cafés and shops.

When to go

and early fall. The weather can stay comfortable through October, although you can have more rain. From April through June, in the more volatile spring, there are mild days, too, as winter rains abate and flowers begin to bloom. Expect winter snow at higher elevations. Trails in Strathcona Provincial Park can be snow-covered from late October through June.

Know before you go

The most direct route from mainland British Columbia to Campbell River is to take BC Ferries’ car ferry from Horseshoe Bay (near Vancouver) to Nanaimo’s Departure Bay, then drive 90 minutes north to Campbell River. Make advance ferry reservations for cars or RVs in summer, or on holidays and weekends year-round.
An alternate scenic route between Vancouver and Campbell River takes you through BC’s Sunshine Coast, with three ferry hops that eventually bring you to Comox on Vancouver Island.
Pick up supplies in Campbell River, the largest commercial center in this part of Vancouver Island, if you’re heading for Strathcona Provincial Park, for Quadra or Cortes Islands, or for any of the north island’s farther-flung communities.