The best lakeside camping near Esquimalt

·
94% (3.5K)

Top-rated campgrounds

All set up!

2. Surrounded by Nature!

95%
(135)
12km from Esquimalt · 3 sites · RVs · Victoria, BC
**Important Note:** This site is **for fully self-contained RVs only**. We cannot accommodate tents, rooftop tents, campervans without onboard washrooms, or car camping. There are **no toilet facilities** available, and **outdoor/nature pees are not permitted**. Thanks for respecting this! --- Nestled on two private acres surrounded entirely by Elk Lake Regional Park, our peaceful RV site offers the perfect stopover between Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal and downtown Victoria—just 20 minutes from each. This is a multi-generational family property, also home to two friendly dogs, a one-eyed cat, and a lively bunch of chickens. You’ll be tucked away in a semi-private, flat gravel site bordered by fir trees, with easy access and plenty of turnaround space. Enjoy scenic walks right from your site—only 5 minutes to Elk Lake Beach for swimming, paddling, or casting a line, or head to Bear Hill Regional Park for a rewarding 20-minute hike through fir and arbutus forest with stunning views from the top. You’re also just 10 minutes from world-famous Butchart Gardens and the charming Butterfly Gardens along the way. Ideal for **1–2 night stays**, especially for couples or small groups (up to 4 people total) looking for a restful, nature-connected stop en route to Tofino or around the Island. You'll also find local farms, wineries, coffee shops, and restaurants nearby to round out your Vancouver Island adventure.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
CA$35
 / night
Lakeside Timbers

3. Lakeside Timbers

100%
(4)
15km from Esquimalt · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · 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
from 
CA$50
 / night
main camping area

4. Duck Creek Farm

96%
(25)
51km from Esquimalt · 3 sites · Tents, Lodging · Salt Spring Island, BC
Duck Creek Farm stands as a family-operated organic farm nestled on Salt Spring Island. Spanning over an acre, our grounds boast a thriving market garden comprising three greenhouses and a 65-ft hoop house, along with 75 fruit trees, a yoga platform, a refreshing swimming pond, and a charming vintage farmhouse. This idyllic retreat offers a serene oasis where nature flourishes. Wildlife enthusiasts will delight in frequent sightings of eagles, owls, herons, otters, beavers, salmon, and more. The meandering Duck Creek traverses the property, creating a natural habitat for an array of creatures. Operating as a high-production garden, our dedicated staff is on-site Monday through Friday. Despite our productivity, we employ manual methods, ensuring a tranquil ambiance for our guests. In addition to our agricultural pursuits, Duck Creek Farm is an ideal venue for weddings and various events. For a comprehensive overview, please visit our website. Discover the perfect blend of nature, sustainability, and rustic charm at Duck Creek Farm! Parking for the tipi is 80 - 100' from the tipi. An outdoor sink is about 45' from the tipi, the outhouse is a 2-3 minute walk through the meadow.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
CA$45
 / night
Breakfast coming along.

5. Pacific Ranch

97%
(119)
14km from Esquimalt · 5 sites · Tents, RVs · 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
Campfires
from 
CA$50
 / night
94% (3.5K)

Top-rated campgrounds

All set up!

2. Surrounded by Nature!

95%
(135)
12km from Esquimalt · 3 sites · RVs · Victoria, BC
**Important Note:** This site is **for fully self-contained RVs only**. We cannot accommodate tents, rooftop tents, campervans without onboard washrooms, or car camping. There are **no toilet facilities** available, and **outdoor/nature pees are not permitted**. Thanks for respecting this! --- Nestled on two private acres surrounded entirely by Elk Lake Regional Park, our peaceful RV site offers the perfect stopover between Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal and downtown Victoria—just 20 minutes from each. This is a multi-generational family property, also home to two friendly dogs, a one-eyed cat, and a lively bunch of chickens. You’ll be tucked away in a semi-private, flat gravel site bordered by fir trees, with easy access and plenty of turnaround space. Enjoy scenic walks right from your site—only 5 minutes to Elk Lake Beach for swimming, paddling, or casting a line, or head to Bear Hill Regional Park for a rewarding 20-minute hike through fir and arbutus forest with stunning views from the top. You’re also just 10 minutes from world-famous Butchart Gardens and the charming Butterfly Gardens along the way. Ideal for **1–2 night stays**, especially for couples or small groups (up to 4 people total) looking for a restful, nature-connected stop en route to Tofino or around the Island. You'll also find local farms, wineries, coffee shops, and restaurants nearby to round out your Vancouver Island adventure.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
CA$35
 / night
Lakeside Timbers

3. Lakeside Timbers

100%
(4)
15km from Esquimalt · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · 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
from 
CA$50
 / night
main camping area

4. Duck Creek Farm

96%
(25)
51km from Esquimalt · 3 sites · Tents, Lodging · Salt Spring Island, BC
Duck Creek Farm stands as a family-operated organic farm nestled on Salt Spring Island. Spanning over an acre, our grounds boast a thriving market garden comprising three greenhouses and a 65-ft hoop house, along with 75 fruit trees, a yoga platform, a refreshing swimming pond, and a charming vintage farmhouse. This idyllic retreat offers a serene oasis where nature flourishes. Wildlife enthusiasts will delight in frequent sightings of eagles, owls, herons, otters, beavers, salmon, and more. The meandering Duck Creek traverses the property, creating a natural habitat for an array of creatures. Operating as a high-production garden, our dedicated staff is on-site Monday through Friday. Despite our productivity, we employ manual methods, ensuring a tranquil ambiance for our guests. In addition to our agricultural pursuits, Duck Creek Farm is an ideal venue for weddings and various events. For a comprehensive overview, please visit our website. Discover the perfect blend of nature, sustainability, and rustic charm at Duck Creek Farm! Parking for the tipi is 80 - 100' from the tipi. An outdoor sink is about 45' from the tipi, the outhouse is a 2-3 minute walk through the meadow.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
CA$45
 / night
Breakfast coming along.

5. Pacific Ranch

97%
(119)
14km from Esquimalt · 5 sites · Tents, RVs · 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
Campfires
from 
CA$50
 / night

Stories from the community

Value Prop
Value Prop
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field