The best private sites RV campgrounds near Duncan, British Columbia

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.

98% (50)

Top-rated campgrounds

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.

98% (50)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Rejeanne's Forest on Salt Spring

98%

(114)

19km from Duncan · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · BC

Gorgeous forested 5 acre property at the top of Eagle Ridge with a rugged walking trail throughout our land. See ocean glimpses from our trail, walk to Long Harbour in 20 minutes, drive to Ganges in 4 minutes, or cycle to town in 10 minutes. Enjoy all Salt Spring has to offer, by car, by bike or by bus. Come stay with us!

2. Valinore Glamping

97%

(30)

74km from Duncan · 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. Sea Change Farm and Nursery

97%

(90)

45km from Duncan · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Shirley, BC

💚💜Enjoy the simple wild private campsites with gravel pads, on the edge of a creek ravine with second growth forest, and the regeneration of the forest around you. A big beautiful pond hosts lots of wildlife and you will hear our ducks and chickens making their happy noises on the wind. And for your information—This year we have a quiet long term camper at the end of the road. There are large berms full of greenery between each site for privacy. Sheringham light house and Shirley Delicious Cafe are within walking or biking distance and The Stoked wood fire pizza is also just down the road beside French beach. No shortage of sights to take in here on the west Coast of Vancouver island. For more information look in our descriptions.♥️

4. Camping Historic Kinsol Trestle

99%

(62)

11km from Duncan · 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!

5. Maple Heart Ranch - Homestead

89%

(119)

25km from Duncan · 5 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Shawnigan Lake, BC

Are you looking for a secluded camping experience with a lot of privacy? Bring your tent and stay at one of our wilderness campsites. Our basic Campsites have picnic tables, fire pits and an outhouse close by. And if you want, you can explore the farm and all our animals or one of the many hiking trails close by. Firewood is available for a charge.Our property is located in Shawnigan Lake, BC on Vancouver Island. The area is renowned for its rugged beauty and its 7-kilometre long lake that provides the opportunity for fishing, swimming and sunbathing in the summer.Nearby is the recently restored Kinsol Trestle named for the short-lived “King Solomon Mine”. Restored in 2011, it is an engineering feat, even by today’s standards and remains one of the loftiest wooden railway trestles in the world.We look forward to hosting you!

Stories from the community

Some of the ducks enjoying their pond; sadly a bit skittish.

M

Melissa

October 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Sea Change Farm and Nursery

The two sites at the farm are very private. There was so much to look at - ravens, rabbits, deer, and ducks on the pond. We fit two cars and two tents comfortably at elderberry. The hosts were great and very responsive to our questions. We can't wait to visit again!

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.

S

Sherri

September 2025

17 ft campervan

1 night at Rejeanne's Forest on Salt Spring

Great experience in Salt Spring Island. Perfect spot to park the van for the night. Worked perfect with our early ferry departure from Long Harbour.

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 !

R

Robyn

September 2025

20 ft campervan

With pets

1 night at Rejeanne's Forest on Salt Spring

Beautiful little clearing in the woods. Beside the road, but very minimal traffic. Outhouse is clean, fresh and well-maintained. I've stayed multiple times this summer and really enjoyed the location.

M

Mykola

August 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Sea Change Farm and Nursery

Great place, great host, great communication! Highly recommend

H

Heike

August 2025

15 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Sea Change Farm and Nursery

Great rustic farm camping with few campers and super nice hosts. Close to pizza, coffee, lighthouse and beaches but nicely tucked away.

N

Nathan

August 2025

Tent

With kids

1 night at Sea Change Farm and Nursery

Great location, great host and clean charming camp site

P

Penny

August 2025

20 ft campervan

1 night at Sea Change Farm and Nursery

Very quiet site. Very close to the beaches along hwy 14 Excellent composting toilet. Navit is a delightful host.

The main barn, you'd see when you drive in

J

Jan

August 2025

Tent

2 nights at Maple Heart Ranch - Homestead

Exactly communication. A nice beautiful farm in the woods with a private camp site

P

Project

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Maple Heart Ranch - Homestead

It’s a nice peaceful spot with privacy and nature.

M

Marcia

August 2025

25 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to Camping Historic Kinsol Trestle

Very quiet and tranquil setting. Loud of space and privacy.

J

Jennifer

August 2025

16 ft car

Weekend Trip to Sea Change Farm and Nursery

Salmon Berry was the perfect spot for us! Amazing property and a great location for exploring along the west coast! Navit is so welcoming and helpful too!

M

Myrna

August 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Sea Change Farm and Nursery

We had an amazing experience and my kids totally loved this campsite. Navit was also very accommodating and provided great service. She gave us a nice tour of the property and answered all of our gardening questions. We got to pet baby rabbits and the dogs were super friendly! Would definitely recommend and will plan to come back again!

Ieva

August 2025

16 ft car

Weekend Trip to Camping Historic Kinsol Trestle

Such a serene, beautiful and quite camp spot! The hosts were very welcoming and lovely and I enjoyed my stay. Thank you so much!

S

Serena

August 2025

Tent

2 nights at Maple Heart Ranch - Homestead

Our campsite was private and nestled in nature. We had so much fun interacting with the horses, they were very friendly and sweet. The surrounding property was spacious, beautiful, and beaming with wildlife.

A

Annie

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Camping Historic Kinsol Trestle

The space was lovely and very peaceful! Would definitely return. The hosts were kind (and helped us jumpstart our car when we left!), the garden was beautiful, the turkeys were cute, and all-in-all we had a great weekend.

R

Rhonda

August 2025

25 ft campervan

5 nights at Camping Historic Kinsol Trestle

Beautiful and peaceful. Well water is crystal clear. Would stay again.

Hahn

August 2025

Tent

With kids

1 night at Maple Heart Ranch - Homestead

A very comfortable camping environment, with horses, sheep, and other animals keeping you company — a great choice. The pit toilet was clean and odor-free, definitely worth a thumbs-up. Suggestion: It would be even better if the toilet door could close properly and if there were running water

K

Kelsey

August 2025

24 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to Camping Historic Kinsol Trestle

Had a great time at this spot! The host, Loretta, was friendly and showed us the lay of the land upon arrival. The outhouse was clean and it was a nice perk having access to well water and a sink. The site is close to the Kinsol Trestle (walk or bike) and Cowichan Bay to explore (by vehicle). Nice and quiet at night. Would stay again!

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best private sites RV camping near Duncan guide

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.