The best campgrounds in Cowichan Valley with climbing

In Cowichan Valley, climbers have over 180 camping options tailored to vertical adventures. This area draws those who know their way around crags and boulders, with plenty of sites tucked close to climbing routes and granite faces. Average nights run about $47, but you’ll find places for as little as $30 if you book early. Campsites like Wandering Joy Campground (447 reviews), LOCKE HAVEN TENTS & Camper Vans. (158 reviews), and Elwha RV Park (68 reviews) get high marks from climbers and outdoor types. Most sites offer toilets, hot showers, and allow campfires—good news after a long day on the rock. Besides climbing, you’ll spot eagles or chase trout if you fancy a break from the wall. Don’t expect luxury, but you can count on practical comforts and a spot to chalk up tomorrow’s route.

95% (919)

Top-rated campgrounds near Cowichan Valley

In Cowichan Valley, climbers have over 180 camping options tailored to vertical adventures. This area draws those who know their way around crags and boulders, with plenty of sites tucked close to climbing routes and granite faces. Average nights run about $47, but you’ll find places for as little as $30 if you book early. Campsites like Wandering Joy Campground (447 reviews), LOCKE HAVEN TENTS & Camper Vans. (158 reviews), and Elwha RV Park (68 reviews) get high marks from climbers and outdoor types. Most sites offer toilets, hot showers, and allow campfires—good news after a long day on the rock. Besides climbing, you’ll spot eagles or chase trout if you fancy a break from the wall. Don’t expect luxury, but you can count on practical comforts and a spot to chalk up tomorrow’s route.

95% (919)

Top-rated campgrounds near Cowichan Valley

1. Wandering Joy Campground

98%

(859)

14 sites · Tents · Port Angeles, WA

Located less than 10 minutes from Lake Crescent, directly across US-101 from Lake Sutherland, and 20 minutes west of downtown Port Angeles, Wandering Joy Campground is the perfect homebase for your Olympic National Park adventures! Wander the property trails to discover giant moss-covered boulders, aged big leaf maple, towering grand fir, and western red cedar. Heavily forested with mixed conifer species, dense alder stands, and a rich understory, you'll enjoy a vibrant habitat for wildlife, especially birds. We are committed to protecting the health and wellness of this magical forest and kindly ask that you pack out all trash, exercise extreme caution with campfires, be a respectful neighbor to fellow campers, and leave only good vibes behind! PLEASE NOTE: * We are primarily a tenting campground. Not all sites are suitable for car-camping/rooftop tents as the parking may not be level and/or large enough for your rig. Please send us a message PRIOR to booking and we’d be happy to recommend any available sites that may fit your need. *All of our sites have their own shape, size, and characteristics, no two are alike! Please refer to the site descriptions and pictures to assist you in choosing a site for your adventure. If in doubt, just send a message and we’ll help steer you in the right direction. Your experience is important to us! *We are a small, private campground. As such, our site limits are set to 2 ppl, 1 vehicle, 1 tent. You can select to add up to 2 more ppl on select sites, for an additional charge. Our sites are simply not large enough to be considered group sites. For your comfort, we recommended that you book multiple sites if you have a larger party. As always, we can help you choose the best site for your party, so don’t hesitate to reach out! * 4WD/AWD drive recommended for Sites 9-11 due to the steady uphill gravel access road. Especially recommended for vans and heavier vehicles.

2. Elwha RV Park

96%

(135)

25 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Port Angeles, WA

Our RV Park & Campground has sites for RVs, van life, and tenting alike whether full hookups, partial hook ups or just dry camping. We have our dry camping and tenting sites listed through Hipcamp. Please inquire with us directly at www. elwhadamrvpark .com for sites with hook-ups and for RVs larger than 20' long. We will need the specs of your tent or RV, your preferences as far as power, or privacy, as well as the number of people, so we can check availability easier. Our Elwha campground property has a peaceful healing vibe, with majesty all around: surrounded by forest with natural springs and the Elwha River just a walk down the trail. We have mountain peaks stand in the distance; with lakes, waterfalls, and ocean experience 5 minutes away, as well as biking and hiking trails starting right from our property. We include amenities of Wi-Fi, garden, laundry and showers, games, and more. We usually fit people to the best site available according to their preferences. You'll find this park conveniently located just off of Scenic Highway 112, by the beautiful Elwha River Canyon and the former Lower Elwha Dam site. ***PLEASE NOTE: Our site number assignments are subject to change at any time. We do not have designated RV site assignments in advance of your reservation date. WE CANNOT PROMISE SPECIFIC SITE NUMBERS, although we can guarantee that you will be accommodated in the site class you have booked and we will do our best to accommodate any request for a specific area.***

3. LOCKE HAVEN TENTS & Camper Vans.

98%

(186)

11 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Port Angeles, WA

Property is in a central location for ALL sorts of outdoor recreation. Has a Handicap porta Potty. Surfing, Hiking trails, Horseback riding, 4 Wheeling. Property is surrounded by TALL trees to provide shade and Privacy. Wild flowers and Blackberry bushes are a plenty as well. Come listen to the birds and enjoy the sounds of nature. The night sky provides a plethora of stars for optimal star gazing. SORRY NO TRAILERS OR Motor Homes. ONLY Camper Vans and Tents. Available Electric for; our Cabin TENT and site 3 &4 Only. Camper Vans. No Charging Electric VEHICLES. As of 8/08/2023 we also have a Propane Fire pit to use at the central fire pit area when the Burn Ban is on. Please operate safely and at your own Risk.

4. Olympic National Forest

95%

(56)

417 sites · Port Angeles, Washington

Visit the beach, the mountains and the forest—all in one day, at the most beautiful place anywhere.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

5. Olympic National Park

96%

(472)

910 sites · Port Angeles, Washington

Explore glaciers, hot springs, and rainforest in the jewel of Western Washington.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

6. Valinore Glamping

97%

(30)

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.

7. Prospect Lake View

90%

(39)

1 site · Tent, RV · Victoria, BC

We are situated on a 1.5 acre plot, set amidst rural surroundings. It is a very quiet and peaceful community set on the shores of the lake and surrounded by magnificent trees and greenery. There is limited bus service about a 20 minute walk away so a car is recommended. We are about a 25 minute drive away from Sidney, where most people will arrive by plane or ferry from the mainland, and also about 25 minutes away from downtown Victoria. The driveway from the street up to the front of our house is a paved sloped driveway and from there the access to the camping site is a sloped and curving dirt road. You don’t need a four-wheel-drive to get up it. We just want to be sure you are aware. The area itself is a level piece of ground to the side of our house. It is approximately 30 ' X 30 ', big enough for a small camper van and a tent. Please note it’s not a camping space like you would find in a provincial park. There’s no picnic bench or fire pit. In any case open flames are not allowed. Portable propane powered camping stoves are fine. We can supply a couple of plastic chairs and a small cocktail sized table. The facilities are comprised of a toilet in a small room in our basement and a utility sink just outside, accessed through the sunroom and down the back stairs. Pets are welcome, but must be on a leash or otherwise kept under control and not allowed to run loose. We have three cats ourselves, and they have access to the sunroom. We are just letting you know in case you are allergic. Also, we might occasionally sit in the sunroom ourselves and we don't mind you passing through on your way to and from the facilities, if you don't mind us being in there on occasion. There is no bath or shower available. You are advised to bring your own face and/or hand towels if needed. You also need to be prepared to take away your own recycling, garbage and organics.

8. Camping Historic Kinsol Trestle

99%

(62)

3 sites · Tents, RVs · Duncan, BC

Learn more about this land:Enjoy camping on our quiet and peaceful campsite located in Cowichan Valley BC on Vancouver Island! We welcome campers with tents or camper vans (maximum vehicle length= 25ft). Much of the property is treed with second-growth cedar, hemlock and some fir trees. Our property is designed for you to unwind and relax. We have an outhouse available for campers to use as well as a hand pump for water. Nature lovers will find plenty to explore; Kinsol Trestle is close to our property. Hikers will love the proximity to the Mount Tzouhalem Kaspa Trailhead, and mountain bikers will find this a great location for their sport. For those looking for a more relaxing vacation, unwind in the surrounding gardens and take in the beautiful views.  We are 15 minutes to the closest town where you can stock up on all essentials! Great for families looking to get outside and enjoy nature at its finest. We look forward to hosting you!

9. the Rhizosphere

100%

(9)

5 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Port Angeles, WA

The Rhizosphere is tucked into the mature woods of the Pacific Northwest's crown jewel, the Olympic Peninsula. We steward our land with permaculture principles. The orchard is surrounded by maturing legacy forest of Fir, Cedar, Maple, Hemlock and Alder as well as two old growth Fir trees. Walk or bike right from our property to various outdoor activities including: The Olympic Adventure Trail, Rock climbing overlooking the Elwha River, Swimming in the Elwha River, Kelly Peak hike/bike, The Colville trails and more! Our site is less than 15 minutes drive to drive to various Olympic National Park trail heads. Please see the list of links at the bottom of the description for more info! Our land is kid friendly. We ask that kids (and adults) refrain from harming any trees or vegetation. We encourage aww of the natural environment! Our resident owl might even visit your camp fire! Our land is dog friendly. We ask that your dog remain on a leash and that you bag and trash your poo at all spots visited in the great wild olympics! Our property is not fenced and we are on a road corner. We have a 16' aluminum Canoe for rent with lifejackets and paddles. We love paddling on Lake Sutherland or Crescent Lake! Both of these spots are about a 20 minutes drive from our place (Canoe rental is $50/day) Here are some link to superb local attractions! Olympic Adventure Trail: https://olympicdiscoverytrail.org/explore/olympic-adventure-route/ Elwha Crag: https://olympicpeninsulaclimbers.wordpress.com/crags/ Kelly Peak: https://www.trailforks.com/trails/kp-access-439383/ Colville Trails: https://www.facebook.com/groups/colvilletrailsmtbpark/ The best local Guild! http://experienceolympic.com/ National Park Trail in Port Angeles! https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/peabody-creek-trail

10. The Rad Shack

92%

(12)

1 site · Lodging · Jordan River, BC

Aloha, Brah's, Wahine's and all those in betweeny's! The Rad Shack is a most excellent west coast cabana. Surrounded by incredible forests, spend your day surfing, exploring the Juan de Fuca trails, hiking along the local beaches or just chillin in The Rad Shack. We are within walking distance of Jordan River and China Beach. The immediate environment is a beautiful, lush, west coast forest with a creek, a froggy habited lagoon, and all kinds of birds, raccoons, salamanders, and bears, oh my!

Camper favorites in and near Cowichan Valley

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Valinore Glamping

97%

(30)

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.

Prospect Lake View

90%

(39)

1 site · Tent, RV · Victoria, BC

We are situated on a 1.5 acre plot, set amidst rural surroundings. It is a very quiet and peaceful community set on the shores of the lake and surrounded by magnificent trees and greenery. There is limited bus service about a 20 minute walk away so a car is recommended. We are about a 25 minute drive away from Sidney, where most people will arrive by plane or ferry from the mainland, and also about 25 minutes away from downtown Victoria. The driveway from the street up to the front of our house is a paved sloped driveway and from there the access to the camping site is a sloped and curving dirt road. You don’t need a four-wheel-drive to get up it. We just want to be sure you are aware. The area itself is a level piece of ground to the side of our house. It is approximately 30 ' X 30 ', big enough for a small camper van and a tent. Please note it’s not a camping space like you would find in a provincial park. There’s no picnic bench or fire pit. In any case open flames are not allowed. Portable propane powered camping stoves are fine. We can supply a couple of plastic chairs and a small cocktail sized table. The facilities are comprised of a toilet in a small room in our basement and a utility sink just outside, accessed through the sunroom and down the back stairs. Pets are welcome, but must be on a leash or otherwise kept under control and not allowed to run loose. We have three cats ourselves, and they have access to the sunroom. We are just letting you know in case you are allergic. Also, we might occasionally sit in the sunroom ourselves and we don't mind you passing through on your way to and from the facilities, if you don't mind us being in there on occasion. There is no bath or shower available. You are advised to bring your own face and/or hand towels if needed. You also need to be prepared to take away your own recycling, garbage and organics.

Camping Historic Kinsol Trestle

99%

(62)

3 sites · Tents, RVs · Duncan, BC

Learn more about this land:Enjoy camping on our quiet and peaceful campsite located in Cowichan Valley BC on Vancouver Island! We welcome campers with tents or camper vans (maximum vehicle length= 25ft). Much of the property is treed with second-growth cedar, hemlock and some fir trees. Our property is designed for you to unwind and relax. We have an outhouse available for campers to use as well as a hand pump for water. Nature lovers will find plenty to explore; Kinsol Trestle is close to our property. Hikers will love the proximity to the Mount Tzouhalem Kaspa Trailhead, and mountain bikers will find this a great location for their sport. For those looking for a more relaxing vacation, unwind in the surrounding gardens and take in the beautiful views.  We are 15 minutes to the closest town where you can stock up on all essentials! Great for families looking to get outside and enjoy nature at its finest. We look forward to hosting you!

the Rhizosphere

100%

(9)

5 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Port Angeles, WA

The Rhizosphere is tucked into the mature woods of the Pacific Northwest's crown jewel, the Olympic Peninsula. We steward our land with permaculture principles. The orchard is surrounded by maturing legacy forest of Fir, Cedar, Maple, Hemlock and Alder as well as two old growth Fir trees. Walk or bike right from our property to various outdoor activities including: The Olympic Adventure Trail, Rock climbing overlooking the Elwha River, Swimming in the Elwha River, Kelly Peak hike/bike, The Colville trails and more! Our site is less than 15 minutes drive to drive to various Olympic National Park trail heads. Please see the list of links at the bottom of the description for more info! Our land is kid friendly. We ask that kids (and adults) refrain from harming any trees or vegetation. We encourage aww of the natural environment! Our resident owl might even visit your camp fire! Our land is dog friendly. We ask that your dog remain on a leash and that you bag and trash your poo at all spots visited in the great wild olympics! Our property is not fenced and we are on a road corner. We have a 16' aluminum Canoe for rent with lifejackets and paddles. We love paddling on Lake Sutherland or Crescent Lake! Both of these spots are about a 20 minutes drive from our place (Canoe rental is $50/day) Here are some link to superb local attractions! Olympic Adventure Trail: https://olympicdiscoverytrail.org/explore/olympic-adventure-route/ Elwha Crag: https://olympicpeninsulaclimbers.wordpress.com/crags/ Kelly Peak: https://www.trailforks.com/trails/kp-access-439383/ Colville Trails: https://www.facebook.com/groups/colvilletrailsmtbpark/ The best local Guild! http://experienceolympic.com/ National Park Trail in Port Angeles! https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/peabody-creek-trail

The Rad Shack

92%

(12)

1 site · Lodging · Jordan River, BC

Aloha, Brah's, Wahine's and all those in betweeny's! The Rad Shack is a most excellent west coast cabana. Surrounded by incredible forests, spend your day surfing, exploring the Juan de Fuca trails, hiking along the local beaches or just chillin in The Rad Shack. We are within walking distance of Jordan River and China Beach. The immediate environment is a beautiful, lush, west coast forest with a creek, a froggy habited lagoon, and all kinds of birds, raccoons, salamanders, and bears, oh my!

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

12'x25' parking for RV, van or car campers. Site has slight grade and is gravel. Communal outside kitchen and bathroom are about 500' from this area, via wooded path.

F

Frederick

2 weeks ago

20 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to the Rhizosphere

Very peaceful sanctuary in the forest. The sounds of the forest so alive and happy. .Tyson was very helpful and friendly. The outhouse is so cool and unique. Everything is creatively done in natural ways and integrated into the flow of the space, which I love. It felt like my journey needed that kind of rest stop. Top Of my list for when I’m back.

D

David

November 2025

16 ft car

Weekend Trip to the Rhizosphere

After a few nights of camping in the rain Tyson’s Hipcamp was just the reprieve we were looking for! The property was easy to access, had plenty of amenities, and Tyson even had a fire going for us when we got there! Tyson was super helpful and easy to communicate with. We would absolutely stay here again!

H

Heather

October 2025

Tent

2 nights at Elwha RV Park

Van camping in the Nook at Elwha was quiet and peaceful! The hosts were super accommodating of my last minute vehicle change and helped me find a place that would fit a large campervan. The bathroom was warm, which was perfect for showering after a week on the road, but also a bit far from my campsite (an oversight on my part). I’m not sure if this is normal, but both porta-jons near me were locked- didn’t have a chance to ask the hosts about it since I was mostly away during operating hours. Having WiFi was a nice surprise, which helped me stay in the loop about events planned at the fungi festival. Overall, Very nice amenities and hosts!

A

Amber

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Elwha RV Park

We tent camped on site T18. The signage was amazing and we never felt lost, unlike at some other HipCamps we have been to. The facilities were clean, showers hot. Plus, our car battery died and the owners came out and helped us at 6 in the morning, which just shows what good people are running this place. 10/10 would recommend and definitely plan on coming back next year!

S

Scott

September 2025

20 ft campervan

2 nights at Elwha RV Park

This was a lovely stay. Nice facilities and kind, helpful folks running the place.

J

Jude

September 2025

2 nights at The Rad Shack

We had the most wonderful time at the Rad Shack. Such a cute place which has clearly been made with a lot of love. Madeline was a very responsive host and we enjoyed the guide book inside of the nearby area. It is very remote and private, with its own trail down to a completely quiet beach which is fantastic for a sunset. Outdoor shower is very fun!

C

Chelsea

September 2025

Tent

With pets

4 nights at Wandering Joy Campground

We stayed at Wandering Joy for 4 nights, and I am so glad we did! Erin was so nice, came and chatted with us and shared information about the land. The campground was easy to find, and very close to Lake Crescent. The campsites are cozy and just the right size for 2 people. The porta potties were spotless, and the campground was quiet and peaceful. We saw little critters and stargazed, followed a trail in camp through an old growth forest, and thoroughly enjoyed our stay. Thank you Erin!

Julia

September 2025

1 night at Valinore Glamping

Oh my god, what a lovely experience! As a LOTR nerd, I was delighted at the theme. :) The site was peaceful and quiet, the doggies were so friendly and welcoming, and every detail was thoughtfully designed. For me, this was capital G glamping. There was a very clean flushing toilet outhouse with all amenities you’d need, the shower was so amazing - think, steamy cedar, cool island air, fresh fluffy towels. The outdoor kitchen with organic coffee, spearmint tea, and yummy cookies in the morning was truly next level fancy shmancy. The tent was amazing: clean, cozy, and warm, beautifully designed in art nouveau fashion. We slept like logs! 100% worth it, and a great value! I sure hope to be back one day for longer!

Julia

September 2025

Tent

1 night at Wandering Joy Campground

This was my third time camping at Site 0 and I look forward to camping there again. Wandering Joy puts so much care and love into the property- from the condition of the picnic tables to the shelter to the porta-potties, everything is beautifully maintained.

An overview of the established site, showing the amount of space.

M

Melissa

September 2025

14 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to Camping Historic Kinsol Trestle

We stayed for the weekend in site 1. It was the furthest from the house , so nice and private and quiet. We did a wine tour on our e bikes and went swimming at the River . It was a lovely stay, and the hosts were great and even left fresh tomatoes . I would definitely recommend !

G

Garrick

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Wandering Joy Campground

Clean camp, good facilities, absolutely fantastic spot if you plan to ride the Olympic Adventure Trail.

D

Danica

September 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Wandering Joy Campground

It’s absolutely perfect. The in a beautiful area, clean campgrounds, and the cleanest porta potty’s I’ve ever used ! It’s about 10 mins from the absolutely amazing and beautiful Crescent Lake and about 30 mins from town if you need any last minute supplies, but there is also a General store directly next to the campground. The sites are perfect, wonderful area for your tent(s) and equipped with a picnic table and fire pit!! I absolutely cannot wait to stay here again.

E

Emily

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Wandering Joy Campground

Loved tent camping here! The location and site were easy to find, very spacious and clean, large site, with new gravel and wood chipping. The portapotties were a short walk and the cleanest I’ve ever seen. Beautiful ferns and trees surrounded our camp. Great location for Olympic NP.

D

Danielle

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Wandering Joy Campground

I love this camp ground because it is so close to Lake Crescent, they have the CLEANEST porta potties I have ever experienced, and each campground is well maintained and nicely set up! Will definitely be staying here again in the future

T

Timothy

September 2025

Tent

3 nights at Wandering Joy Campground

Sites 0 and 1 are great! Site 0 has a covered wood tent platform. Site 1 is the largest site, with room for 2 tents. The wood shaving tent pads are terrific. The porta potties are immaculate. There is a small market just past the entry to Wandering Joy from 101. We enjoyed the proximity to Lake Crecent and swam there every afternoon The only downsides to Wandering Joy are: No potable water and noise from nearby hwy 101.

C

Christian

September 2025

Tent

1 night at Wandering Joy Campground

Very cleanly and conveniently located campsite. Well maintained, decently secluded and an overall great experience!

A

Ashley

September 2025

Tent

1 night at Wandering Joy Campground

The campsite was secluded and gorgeous and the host who visited is was so friendly, even after our late arrival. She pointed out some great little trails to check out and even dropped off a gift. It was nice and close to the lake and near a general store, making everything super convenient.

N

Nate

September 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to the Rhizosphere

Tyson was an excellent host and went out of his way to accommodate us. The property and site were in great condition, and the communal cooking area was enjoyable to use. The composting toilet setup was one of the nicest I’ve used. Overall I’d definitely recommend this site!

Communal outside kitchen area complete with drinking water, gravity feed water for two pan sink, 3 burner propane stove, picnic table and food prep table.

E

Ernesta

September 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to the Rhizosphere

We had a wonderful time camping at Tyson’s! The site has a communal kitchen, picnic table, and fire ring. Even with another party camping, it was easy to share the amenities without any issues. The kitchen is well equipped with a sink, a gas stove and a Blackstone, though you’ll want to bring your own pots and pans. We were pleasantly surprised by the shower—the hot water and water pressure were excellent. Everything was clean and well maintained, and there’s both potable and non-potable water available.

A

Anna

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Wandering Joy Campground

We had a fantastic stay at site 6 and would love to come back! Erin was so welcoming and friendly and puts sooo much love and care into the campsites and forest. The porta potties were also the cleanest I've every used! The sites all have beautiful thick foliage around them so feel private. I was a tiny bit concerned that the sites looked close to the main road on the map but the sites are set back enough and really feel in the woods that we didn't notice traffic noise at all. We loved our stay so much and highly recommend Wandering Joy!