The best luxury RV campgrounds near Courtenay, British Columbia

With the Pacific Ocean to the east, Puntledge River to the north, and Comox Lake to the west, Courtenay is swimming in summertime watersport options. Paddle along the shoreline to spot seals and orcas, float down the river in a tubing flotilla with your friends, or try your luck in a lake teeming with trout. And in Courtenay the fun doesn’t stop when summer does—as the weather cools, skiers and snowboarders head just out of town to the slopes of Mount Washington, Vancouver Island’s largest year-round alpine resort.

98% (251)

Top-rated campgrounds

With the Pacific Ocean to the east, Puntledge River to the north, and Comox Lake to the west, Courtenay is swimming in summertime watersport options. Paddle along the shoreline to spot seals and orcas, float down the river in a tubing flotilla with your friends, or try your luck in a lake teeming with trout. And in Courtenay the fun doesn’t stop when summer does—as the weather cools, skiers and snowboarders head just out of town to the slopes of Mount Washington, Vancouver Island’s largest year-round alpine resort.

98% (251)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. theDoighouse Earthship

99%

(267)

40km from Courtenay · 8 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Qualicum Bay, BC

Welcome to theDoighouse Earthship, an eco-retreat nestled in the forest, minutes from Qualicum Bay waterfront. Our location is a haven for adventurers and peace-seekers alike, offering easy access to the natural wonders of Vancouver Island. An hour north of Nanaimo, our property is an ideal base for day trips to Hornby, Denman, and Lasqueti Islands. Many of our guests stop here for a night or two on their way to and from the mainland to Ucluelet or Tofino for world-class surfing, or if skiing is your calling, Mount Washington is just a 45-minute drive away. Spend time discovering forest trails, a children's playground, and a bike park here in our neighbourhood. Lighthouse Country area teems with opportunities for exploration, from pristine beaches, including Sunny Beach and scenic Spider and Horne Lakes. Or if you climb, consider the Horne Lake Caves! If you're into hiking, use your All Trails App to discover the Lighthouse Country Trail (at our doorstep), including the Wilson Woodlot and Lost Runners Trails. Urban legend has it that the running shoes were lost, not the people wearing them! You can pitch your tent in our gardens, park your RV on the forest's edge, or stay in our cozy tiny cabins. Wander our gardens and check out a young permaculture food forest filled with fruit and hazelnut trees, berries, and good stuff! Have you ever imagined a house built from tires, dirt, pop cans and glass bottles? Our Earthship, currently under construction, is all about exploring a low-impact lifestyle, off-grid living in an energy-efficient dwelling built from recycled materials. Love for the planet and people and sharing of abundance make this project come alive, and why we don’t increase our rates for holidays and long weekends. Book a private Earthship tour where Tony will spend a couple of hours with you, sharing theDoighouse project and answering any and all questions you may have. On arrival, you will be greeted by Bentley (our standard poodle), Mabel (mouser extraordinaire) Come visit, tour, and stay. Susan and Tony Doig

2. Valinore Glamping

97%

(30)

64km from Courtenay · 6 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Parksville, BC

Valinore is a beautifully forested 4 acre property. Tucked away and private, but close enough to adventure such as beaches, rivers, lakes as well as markets, restaurants and much more. Our yurts are comfortable and cozy. The site is rustic but contains everything you need for a relaxing and refreshing stay. The location is a few kilometres off of Alberni Hwy and a short drive away from beaches, rivers, lakes, waterfalls, Goats on the Roof, and many hiking and biking trails. The site is also within biking distance to some trails. The Errington Farmers market is a walk or bike ride away. And only a short car ride away are several other nearby markets including Goats on the Roof and the Qualicum Beach Farmers Market.

3. Garden Bay Hideaway Glamping & RV

100%

(4)

71km from Courtenay · 4 sites · RVs, Lodging · Garden Bay, BC

Just a 40-minute ferry ride from Horseshoe Bay, North Vancouver brings you to the Sechelt Peninsula, and just an hour's travel North up the coast is the Pender Harbour district. With beautiful scenery, hiking, kayaking, fishing, lakes and beaches, it's no wonder it's referred to as the Venice of the North. Choose your glamping experience: bunkie cabins, 38' 2 bedroom park model trailer, 14 x 24 offered safari tent, or bring your RV and set up at one of our serviced RV sites.

4. BLACK POINT ESCAPE

45km from Courtenay · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Powell River, BC

Camp or stay at our place! Five minute walk to a private beach. Steps away from a local convenience store. On the route to the ferry. Private lot. Hammocks, fire pit, yard games. Hiking trails in the back yard and a beach a short walk away. Close to a number of local farmstands . Flat rv space with electricity hookup. Indoor kitchen and bathroom facility for use. Outdoor camp spots for tents available Fire pit Yard games Open sky view Whale watching

5. Tranquility by the Lake

94%

(9)

47km from Courtenay · 2 sites · RVs, Lodging · Port Alberni, BC

Surrounded by tall trees on Vancouver Island this property is scenic, quiet and near to endless outdoor adventures. Located on 1 acre, fully fenced. Its a 200 metre walk to a community dock and boat launch (room to park your toys in our driveway). 500 metres from endless forest trails for hiking and biking. 10 minutes to/from the highway to Tofino (1hr30)/Parksville (1hr). A few minutes’ walk to warm and welcoming Sproat Lake. Enjoy your own outdoor space among the trees. Free Blackberries!

Stories from the community

S

Sandeep

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Valinore Glamping

Great location; I loved it. Will go again. The communication from the host was clear and helpful.

B

Ben

August 2025

38 ft travel trailer

2 nights at Garden Bay Hideaway Glamping & RV

Garden Bay is an absolutely beautiful place. Michelle was an excellent host and the location of the camp is just right.

K

Kirsten

August 2025

26 ft travel trailer

14 nights at Garden Bay Hideaway Glamping & RV

We absolutely loved the peace and quiet at this place. It's walking distance to Provincial Park which was just lovely being able to take our puppers on evening strolls to watch the sunset on the water. The hosts are lovely people! And have done such an amazing job developing the property. It's a bit steep, we were happy to have 4WD.

S

Stephanie

August 2025

16 ft campervan

With pets

Weekend Trip to theDoighouse Earthship

Great location, friendly and helpful hosts. 10/10 would recommend. We will be back!

Beautiful view of scenic wetland from left right side of unit (if backed in)

h

hannah

August 2025

19 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to Tranquility by the Lake

Easy, efficient and great communication with Jenn. We loved how welcoming she is with her space and being able to go for a quick walk down to the private dock at the lake. Perfect for a stop-by if you have a self sufficient van or camper.

C

Conor

August 2025

16 ft car

With pets

1 night at theDoighouse Earthship

Loved the site, very friendly host. Will be back!

A

Alana

July 2025

14 ft travel trailer

2 nights at theDoighouse Earthship

Friendly hosts, beautiful & interesting property.

C

Caty

July 2025

17 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to theDoighouse Earthship

We loved our stay at the Doighouse Earthship. The location is great, right by the beach and close by to so many trails. What a beautiful spot! It really felt like something special. We didn’t have time to tour the earthship but would love to next time we are over that way. We didn’t meet Susan but a lovely guy called Jeremy greeted us when we arrived and showed us around. The outhouse was very clean.

J

Joanna

July 2025

21 ft pop-up camper

With pets

3 nights at Tranquility by the Lake

Very nice and cozy place, very close to lake with a private dock. Amazing friendly owners, we had a very good time!

M

Michelle

July 2025

22 ft campervan

2 nights at theDoighouse Earthship

We loved staying at the RV site at Doighouse. There was ample room for our truck camper and motorcycle. The site was relatively level and nestled nicely in the trees. We really appreciated the walk through orchard (?) and of course Bentley (the dog) was a welcome visitor. Our hosts were very welcoming and we'd definitely come back.

L

Lucy

June 2025

13 ft Class B

1 night at theDoighouse Earthship

Beautiful place to camp! Susan’s earthship project is really interesting to learn about. She has a gorgeous orchard next to the camp spots and easy access to clean compost toilet. Recommend the trails that pass through her land.

E

Erin

April 2025

13 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to theDoighouse Earthship

Such a lovely, quiet place! Very peaceful. Thanks so much Susan and Tony for being great host! I will be back for sure!

j

jrbushman27

February 2025

22 ft campervan

1 night at theDoighouse Earthship

Great site! Amazing hosts and and incredible earthship to tour. We will be back.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best luxury RV camping near Courtenay guide

Where to go

Horne Lake Cave Park

Less than an hour south of Courtenay on Highway 19 waits one of the coolest (and largely undiscovered) underground experiences you’ll ever have— exploring the caves at Horne Lake Caves Provincial Park. While these are wild, untouched caves without walkways, lights, or handrails, expert guides lead the way through echoing chambers and tight fissures.

Hornby Island

Known as the Gulf Island with the most spectacular white-sand beaches, warmest swimming spots, and colourful locals, Hornby Island may be off the beaten track but it’s a track worth taking. To get there, drive 20 minutes south along Highway 19 to Buckley Bay and take two short ferry rides. Visit the Hornby Island Co-op for supplies and a slice of island life with food stalls, artisan markets, and live music happening throughout the year.

Cumberland

Just a 10-minute drive from downtown Courtenay, tucked down in the foothills of the Beaufort Mountains, Cumberland is the spot for mountain biking. With more than 80 kilometres of well-maintained single-track trails, bike enthusiasts are rewarded for their efforts with pristine forests and epic mountain vistas. This vibrant community is home to a wave of new businesses opening up along the charming historic streets to serve outdoor lovers.

When to go

Summers are short, warm, and sometimes quite cloudy, while winters are long, cold, and wet. The best time to enjoy warm-weather pursuits in Courtenay and the Comox Valley is mid-July to mid-August, while snow-focussed alpine activities are doable from December to early April. The area is the island’s epicentre for skiing and mountain biking, meaning school holidays are very busy.

Know before you go

Courtenay is a 2.5-hour drive from Victoria, on the southern tip of Vancouver Island. It’s just over an hour’s drive from Nanaimo, the island’s second-largest city.
Ferries from the mainland (Vancouver) service Nanaimo (Departure Bay) and Victoria (Swartz Bay). There is also a ferry route to Courtenay from Powell River on the Sunshine Coast.
Main highways are well maintained, but many of the secondary roads can be rough. Make sure your vehicle is up to the challenge.