Lakeside camping near Duncan with campfires
This small-but-mighty city is steeped in history and surrounded by pristine lakes, rivers, and forests.
92% (680 reviews)
- Duncan
92% (680 reviews)
Popular camping styles for Duncan
Dog-friendly getaways
6 top lakeside campgrounds near Duncan with campfires
60%
(5)
Sensational de paradisio
2 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Duncan, BC
Learn more about this land:
Hello we have 1 new cabin available for stays which we just added at 125.00 per night 6 rv spaces and a large tenting area
Come and enjoy a quiet camping experience near Cowichan River. A perfect getaway from Nanaimo (45-minute drive) or Victoria (1-hour drive). We are pleased to offer cabin and tenting sites as well. The cabin is 140.00 per night. We offer 24 extremely private campsites that can accommodate 35 people and are easily accessible by car. While camping with us you’ll have access to a fire pit, firewood, cedar gazebo koi pond and the tranquil sound of our west coast frogs at night. and a picnic table to comfortably enjoy your meals. We also have a wood bbq and basic cooking utensils for your stay.
We’re a family-friendly camping experience and have plenty of activities on our property including hiking, swimming, mountain biking and more. Nearby you can explore the world-famous Cowichan River and Lake Cowichan. Within a short drive, you’ll find even more hiking and biking trails and tubing and swimming options.
Other amenities we offer include: a shower and toilet, access to electricity for charging phones and other devices.
Come and stay with us for an unforgettable camping getaway.
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Potable water
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Showers
Trash
from
CA$65
/ night
95%
(58)
Surrounded by Nature!
3 sites · RVs2 acres · Victoria, BC
We live on 2 private acres completely surrounded by Elk Lake Regional Park. There are 3 generations of family living here as well as 2 dogs, a one-eyed cat, and 19 chickens!Our campsite is in a beautiful location situated 20 minutes from the Swartz Bay Ferry terminal and downtown Victoria. PLEASE NOTE: we are an RV-only campsite! NO tent campers as there are no bathroom facilities on site.Access to great hiking just out your door at Elk Lake Regional Park (a 5 min walk to the beach for a swim, paddle, or fish at the nearby fishing dock) and Bear Hill Regional Park (20 min hike through fir and arbutus trees with beautiful views of the peninsula from the top). 10 minutes to Butchart gardens, with Butterfly Garden on the way. Ideal spot for campers looking to stay 1-2 nights. Great as a stopover to Tofino. Perfect for couples or groups of two, with a maximum of 4 campers.There are many wonderful farms and stands, wineries, coffee shops, and restaurants close by. Your site is a semi-private flat gravel area surrounded by fir trees. Easy access and plenty of turnaround room.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Showers
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from
CA$30
/ night
98%
(115)
Pacific Ranch
5 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Victoria, BC
On a hillside property in the heart of Vancouver Island’s west coast, Pacific Ranch offers amazing views, stream-side forest walks, and private tranquillity. Driving in along the winding and steep driveway, you will arrive on our unique property and find rocky, moss-covered bluffs, and fern-carpeted forests. Across these settings are two private campsites for one to choose from.There is a lot to do in the area for outdoor adventurers, including walks along the Galloping Goose Trail, many local beaches, as well as biking and hiking trails right off of the ranch. You can visit picturesque local villages close by, as well as head to one of the local lakes for a day of swimming.Bring your own tents and van/truck campers. We can accommodate vehicles under 26 feet (water hookup available). You will be parking on loose gravel and the site requires levelling. Campfires are permitted as long as there is no fire ban. Pets are welcome!
Pets
Potable water
Trash
from
CA$50
/ night
100%
(1)
Lakeside Timbers
1 site · RV, Tent10 acres · Malahat, BC
We are located on the edge of the wilderness just 30 minutes north of Victoria. Our camping area is very quiet and private. We are next to a spring fed lake that contains trout and small mouth bass and it is great for swimming during the summer months. There are no motor boats permitted on the lake, however it is perfect for paddle boards, floaties and kayaks. There are several walking trails throughout our 10 acre property and the Trans Canada Trail is just minutes away.
We have a large lawn for playing frisbee or bocce ball and a corn hole pitch (also known as beanbag toss). There is a fire pit, pinic table, 2 patios with tables, chairs and umbrellas and a pit toilet. A sink and potable water are also available.
We are situated in forested land on the edge of the wilderness. There is deer, bear, cougar, beaver, martins and an abundance of birds in the area.
This is a great location for those hiking or biking the Trans-Canada Trail.
Adults and small dogs only.
Currently our sites are only available on weekdays and is unavailable from November to the end of April.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
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CA$50
/ night
100%
(3)
Lot4.Caycuse
1 site · Lodging5 acres · Youbou, BC
***This site is currently being upgraded to a larger tent and adding more amenities for our guests. We will reopen on April 15th this year***
Welcome to our magical property nestled in a semi-remote temperate rainforest on Vancouver island. The 5 acre property is filled with wonderful trails to explore, a nearby lake, and a custom Sauna & Ice Plunge to take the stress of the day away.
You'll wake up to the calmness of the forest, the sounds of the birds, and the sun shining through the moss covered trees.
Pets
Potable water
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from
CA$165
/ night
100%
(3)
"Island on an Island" Billy Goat#4
1 site · Lodging4 acres · Nanaimo, BC
Tenting/Done Amazing one of a kind private Island in the heart of Youbou, BC, minutes away from amenities Including a pub, grocery and liquor store. The island is completely private, yet it is only 250 meters from the mainland. There are a couple of kayaks you can use and the waters are teaming with fish! It truly is a piece of paradise! And needs to be shared…. We are building two more domes and a 24 foot yurt this spring /summer… But for now we have one 16 foot dome with a wood stove. As well as two platforms set up for tenting. It is probably one of the most beautiful places you will see on Lake Cowichan. There is a double bed and three fold out foam bed cushions in the dome. We ask that you bring your own bedding and towels. We provide a bbq and Blackstone cooking grill and an outhouse (we are working making improvements and should be ready by June 1st). I guarantee you will make life long memories, it is a very special place.
We are not set up to provide transportation to and from the Island yet, but we are working on a solution for this summer. We do have a large dock for your boat, as well as there are plenty of places to simply put your boat on shore.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Showers
Trash
from
CA$200
/ night
Under $50
Available this weekend
Lakeside camping near Duncan with campfires guide
Overview
Known as the City of Totems (thanks to the world's largest collection of outdoor totem poles), Duncan is on the traditional lands of the Cowichan First Nation and is one of Vancouver Island’s most historically important centres. Just off the Trans-Canada Highway, halfway between Victoria and Nanaimo, the city boasts heritage buildings, gastropubs featuring local produce, and galleries showcasing First Nations artists. Located on the Cowichan River, in the heart of the Cowichan Valley, Duncan’s fishing, hiking and canoeing opportunities are endless. Camping options are just as plentiful, covering everything from riverside RVing to tent camping in nearby provincial parks.
When to go
With its temperate climate, Vancouver Island has the warmest year-round weather in all of Canada, but it also gets the most rainfall. To avoid the wettest months (October to April), plan your camping trip to Duncan and the Cowichan Valley between May and September. July and August are the busiest months, so make sure you book ahead if possible. If you’re seeking the two sweet-spot months for camping, opt for June or September.
Know before you go
- Public transit is limited outside of Duncan’s downtown area, so if you want to explore the greater Cowichan Valley, having your own vehicle is key.
- There are a number of shopping centres along the Trans-Canada Highway and in Duncan, but once you venture off onto smaller roads, supplies become limited. Stock up where you can.
- Bears and cougars live all over Vancouver Island, so follow park food-storage guidelines and wildlife protocols.
- Even during the summer months, the rain can roll in, so be sure to pack appropriate waterproof clothes and gear to keep you warm and dry.
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