Camping in Hornby Island, British Columbia: Best Hornby Island Campgrounds 2023

Canada
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British Columbia
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Hornby Island

95% (14156 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Hornby Island

Under $50

12 top campgrounds in Hornby Island

99%

(114)

theDoighouse Earthship

6 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Qualicum Bay, Nanaimo

In your wildest dreams can you imagine a house built from tires, dirt, pop cans and concrete? Welcome to theDoighouse Earthship nestled in the forest just a 5 minute walk from Qualicum Bay. We are centrally located mid Vancouver Island, 20 minutes to the Old Country Market - Goats on the Roof, less than 30 minutes from Horne Lake Caves, or a 2.5 hr drive to Tofino and world class surfing. Into skiing? We're just a 45 minute drive to Mount Washington. There are lots of activities in our area, including beaches, lakes and hiking. You can pitch a tent in our gardens, park your RV on the edge of the forest, or stay in our tiny cabin. You can wander in the gardens and check out a young permaculture food forest filled with fruit and hazelnut trees, berries, and all that good stuff! Join us on Wednesdays in July and August for a drop-in gentle, mindful, and restorative yoga session in our beautiful gardens. Led by our wonderful yogi Lindsay, a true embodiment of grace. No prior experience, you are perfect just as you are. Come and unwind in nature. We also offer workshops and other onsite activities. For more info check out our website www.thedoighouse.com/events. On arrival you will be greeted by Bentley (our standard poodle), Mabel (mouser extraordinaire) and the 'hens' who generously gift fresh eggs daily. 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. It is love for the planet, people and sharing of abundance that makes this project come alive. Come visit, tour, and stay.

100%

(13)

Portal Retreat

1 site · Lodging1 acre · Port Alberni, Alberni Clayoquot

The "Portal Retreat" is here: Unplug, relax, and unwind! Bonus: A 3-minute walk to the lake! Come and explore the glamping " Portal" style. We offer a unique experience just steps away from beautiful Sproat Lake. This is a retreat-type space and is specifically set up to help you get away from your busy life. There are books, games, hummingbirds, deer, and all that nature has to offer including the Lake, a stone's throw away for a quick dip to rejuvenate the mind and body. The Portal is 18 feet long and 8 feet wide and is your very own private space. Featuring a beautiful deck for relaxation, reading, star gazing, yoga, or alfresco dining, with the interior offering a queen bed, sofa, and artisanal water - Oh so cozy and romantic. There is a fancy new outhouse that flushes water and is equipped with a sink. This space is best suited for a single, a couple, and possibly a fur baby and/or little one. We are located on a quiet residential street 20 minutes from Port Alberni and en route to Tofino or Ucluelet. We have walking and mountain biking trails minutes from the house. The Portal has limited internet and spotty phone service. There is an outlet for charging, etc. There is no fridge, but we can provide a cooler on request. Private parking is on-site. We can provide a camp stove if required. Please bring your own white gas. Outside food options include the "The Fish & Duck Pub" which is just a short walk away. Call Doordash to deliver a meal from one of our local restaurants or bring a picnic to enjoy. If you are bringing a fur baby, please let us know. It must be on a leash at all times. Please bring your fur baby's favorite blanket or bed to sleep on. We can also provide a comfy hound bed in the room at your request. We kindly ask that you keep your fur baby off the furniture and bed. Additional Extras: Kayak rental $40.00 per day ($200) Canoe $40.00 per day ($200 deposit) Please bring your own PFD, helmet, and any personal protective gear you may require You will have to sign a waiver and leave the above deposit for the equipment. Provided on request: Towels, Cooler, Coleman Camping stove BYO Ice. white gas for cooking, pots & pans, and utensils. We understand that life happens, but please try to arrive no later than 8:00 p.m. for check-in. We do need our beauty sleep.

Comox's Little River Bay Hip Camp

1 site · RV1 acre · Comox, Comox Valley

LRB Hip Camp is walking distance to Little River Bay... where there are opportunities for beach hikes, kayaking, swimming, windsurfing and kiteboarding. Stroll to Kin Beach Provincial Park or the Griffin Pub. Bike to 40 Knot Winery or Little River Ferry terminal. A quiet site nestled amongst the trees on the lower part of our 3/4 acre lot. Please note that you must have waste disposal as there are no Rest Rooms at this site. Agricultural land (and a blueberry farm) across the street all the way to the ocean.

3 sisters ranch

4 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres · Parksville, Nanaimo

Close to all the amenities the Oceanside area of Vancouver Island has offered. Quick access to Parksville, Qualicum, Coombs, The amazing beaches of. Qualicum. Parksville and Rathtrevor 15 and 10 minutes away. 1:45 minutes to Tofino and our amazingly rugged and world renowned West Coast experience surfing amazing scenery. Epic Mountain biking at your doorstep. DH At Hamerfest is a 10 minute drive or a 45 minute pedal away cross country. Fine dining and all amenities including urgent care after riding is only 10 minutes away. Great hub to experience Vancouver Island from. While the fire ban is on, it is generated towards open fires. Propane fire pits and cook stoves are always welcome.

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Island Gertie

2 sites · Lodging1 acre · Gabriola Island Trust Area, Nanaimo

The Gertie Bus is located a 5 min walk to a beautiful white sand beach (at low tide). There are walking trails all around and lots of beach access. Tucked into the front of our property in the quiet of Gabriola island you’ll find the converted Gertie bus with all the amenities you need. The bus has a gas stovetop/oven, bar fridge and sink with grey water system. Equipped kitchen and sofa area to hang out. The standard queen bed is great for sleeping in and relaxing with that second cup of coffee. Mountain biking, hiking, swimming and whale watching are just steps away. There is beach access across the street through a private park with picnic tables, a very old eagles nest and a private access to a rocky beach perfect for sunsets. The home itself has a pottery studio on the main floor with a full time studio Practice. Give Paige a ring if you’d like a tour, she’s usually working away. Our family lives on the top floor. Outside the bus is are lush veggie gardens, fruit trees and a nice private outdoor dining area. A BBQ and solar lights also help with evening hangouts. Family friendly! Also we love animals but we ask that you clean up after your pet and keep any animals that aren’t so great with kids and other animals on leash. We have a dachshund on the property that is friendly and old ( barks at strangers but is all bark I assure you, he just wants to be friends)

Moon Gate Farms

5 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Roberts Creek, Sunshine Coast

Moon Gate Farms offers a traditional camping experience with eco campsites in Roberts Creek, BC. You can bring your own camping gear or relax in a pre-set tent. Either way, you will find yourself surrounded by unspoiled wilderness. While located in a remote part of Roberts Creek, the campground is just a 10-minute drive from beaches, restaurants, and hiking trails. Moon Gate farms is an ideal getaway for family holidays, mountain walkers, cyclists, birdwatchers, or couples looking to escape into the wilderness. Communal outdoor kitchen with camp stove, prep tables, toaster, microwave, are provided. Friend canine campers are also invited. We have two resident Bernese mountain x golden retriever dogs who love to bark when campers arrive! They are friendly and settle quickly when told to sit and chill. Best way to get directions is to use Google Maps and put in Moon Gate Farms in Roberts Creek. We are pinned to the map and on the East Wilson Forest Service rd.

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Forest Sanctuary Cabin

1 site · Lodging10 acres · Roberts Creek, Sunshine Coast

Experience a cute little off grid cabin in the beautiful forest setting of Forest Sanctuary Campground in Roberts Creek on the Sunshine Coast, BC. This 350 sq ft simple cabin has a private camping kitchen, wood stove, a futon bed for 2, a couch, small dining table and ambient night time solar lighting. The cabin is situated in the midst of a beautifully landscaped forest setting. Please note that there may be tent campers within the campground in the vicinity. The cabin is situated near a communal pavilion, kitchen, lounge and fire pit that is available for you and all campers to use. Your bathroom is an open air outhouse nearby. Solar showers are provided in a private forest setting. Bring a cooler for your food as there is no refrigerator. Please note I am 1.8 kms up a private road. It is gravel and well maintained. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions.

Tyee Valley Farm

14 sites · RVs, Tents12 acres · Comox Valley

Join us on our family farm. Fall is approaching and our first three sites will close Sunday Sept 17th. For self contained vehicles looking for an off season stay, please message us and we can see how we can provide a spot. We have begun work on our next expansion, and next spring will be happy to open our additional campsites for ten total sites. Bookings are open for stays beginning May 1st, 2024, weather permitting. In the meantime, we have our first few sites open to let you join us and relax in the forest. Site 1 and 2 are drive-in sites. Site 3 is a tent-only site. These sites will welcome you to recharge in nature. Dark night skies will open you to all the majesty of our solar system. Each standard campsite has a flat gravel surface suitable for tents, smaller RV's, shorter travel trailers, truck campers, rooftop tents, camper vans and similar. We have a tent pad site as well for cyclists or motorbikes. Small trailers up to 16 feet may be usable, but access may be tight. Please note, that while there is a campfire ban, camp stoves and propane fire pits are permitted. Easy access to Mt Washington and Strathcona Park, local beaches, rivers and more. We are open for camping till September 30th and will close until April 1st, 2024.

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Dashwood Meadows

3 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Qualicum Beach, Nanaimo

Welcome to Dashwood Meadows! We are located in Qualicum Beach on Vancouver Island.This is a hobby farm with sheep, mini goats, chickens, donkeys, dogs and cats. We grow berries, plums, cherries, nuts and wildflowers. Child-friendly and family-friendly environment. You can walk the labyrinth of forest trails nearby. There is a beach 9 km from the farm. Lakes, rivers, waterfalls, provincial parks, caves, golf courses, children's playgrounds and country markets, all within less than an hour's drive.In Qualicum Beach, you will find amazing sandy beaches, picture-perfect views, world-class biking and hiking trails, salt-tinged ocean air, and the small-town charm of our communities. Seeing goats on a roof, exploring underground caves, strolling endless beaches at low tide, and walking among ancient old-growth forests are just some of the experiences you’ll be able to tell your friends about back home.

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Flower Beds Farm

5 sites · RVs, Tents18 acres · Qualicum Beach, Nanaimo

Come enjoy a stay at our funky little farm near Qualicum Beach, BC. Enjoy full hook-ups and a durable blue chip gravel-capped pad with access to flushing toilets, hot showers, wifi and paid laundry. Immerse yourself in a beautiful natural surrounding on our seasonal flower farm. Our sweet ducks and chickens provide eggs for purchase. Close highway access and minutes from Spider & Horne Lakes make day trips a breeze. Book now for a peaceful or adventurous vacation.

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(87)

Tiny Secrets Farm & Retreat

12 sites · Lodging10 acres · Halfmoon Bay, Sunshine Coast

We are centrally located on the Sunshine Coast, only a 40-minute ferry ride from Horseshoe Bay, on a spectacular 10-acre ocean-view property. We run a small, organic farm and host guests in a wide assortment of intriguing tiny homes. We have everything from a converted schoolie with a woodstove and an ocean view to gorgeous, furnished campsites in the woods. Check out our micro cabin, glamping tent, and new additions, like our luxury tent trailer, bell tent, and furnished campsites in the forest. Our property is an oasis away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Enjoy our recreation area with a large pond, our new small playground for young kids, and our small orchard with several small ponds. Explore our walking trails on our property, visit our chickens, or sit near our seasonal waterfall. There are many spots on the property to sit and chill. We've also been Airbnb hosts for over 10 years.

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Valinore Glamping

3 sites · RVs, Tents4 acres · Parksville, Nanaimo

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.

Dog-friendly getaways

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Island Gertie

2 sites · Lodging1 acre · Gabriola Island Trust Area, Nanaimo

The Gertie Bus is located a 5 min walk to a beautiful white sand beach (at low tide). There are walking trails all around and lots of beach access. Tucked into the front of our property in the quiet of Gabriola island you’ll find the converted Gertie bus with all the amenities you need. The bus has a gas stovetop/oven, bar fridge and sink with grey water system. Equipped kitchen and sofa area to hang out. The standard queen bed is great for sleeping in and relaxing with that second cup of coffee. Mountain biking, hiking, swimming and whale watching are just steps away. There is beach access across the street through a private park with picnic tables, a very old eagles nest and a private access to a rocky beach perfect for sunsets. The home itself has a pottery studio on the main floor with a full time studio Practice. Give Paige a ring if you’d like a tour, she’s usually working away. Our family lives on the top floor. Outside the bus is are lush veggie gardens, fruit trees and a nice private outdoor dining area. A BBQ and solar lights also help with evening hangouts. Family friendly! Also we love animals but we ask that you clean up after your pet and keep any animals that aren’t so great with kids and other animals on leash. We have a dachshund on the property that is friendly and old ( barks at strangers but is all bark I assure you, he just wants to be friends)

Portal Retreat

1 site · Lodging1 acre · Port Alberni, Alberni Clayoquot

The "Portal Retreat" is here: Unplug, relax, and unwind! Bonus: A 3-minute walk to the lake! Come and explore the glamping " Portal" style. We offer a unique experience just steps away from beautiful Sproat Lake. This is a retreat-type space and is specifically set up to help you get away from your busy life. There are books, games, hummingbirds, deer, and all that nature has to offer including the Lake, a stone's throw away for a quick dip to rejuvenate the mind and body. The Portal is 18 feet long and 8 feet wide and is your very own private space. Featuring a beautiful deck for relaxation, reading, star gazing, yoga, or alfresco dining, with the interior offering a queen bed, sofa, and artisanal water - Oh so cozy and romantic. There is a fancy new outhouse that flushes water and is equipped with a sink. This space is best suited for a single, a couple, and possibly a fur baby and/or little one. We are located on a quiet residential street 20 minutes from Port Alberni and en route to Tofino or Ucluelet. We have walking and mountain biking trails minutes from the house. The Portal has limited internet and spotty phone service. There is an outlet for charging, etc. There is no fridge, but we can provide a cooler on request. Private parking is on-site. We can provide a camp stove if required. Please bring your own white gas. Outside food options include the "The Fish & Duck Pub" which is just a short walk away. Call Doordash to deliver a meal from one of our local restaurants or bring a picnic to enjoy. If you are bringing a fur baby, please let us know. It must be on a leash at all times. Please bring your fur baby's favorite blanket or bed to sleep on. We can also provide a comfy hound bed in the room at your request. We kindly ask that you keep your fur baby off the furniture and bed. Additional Extras: Kayak rental $40.00 per day ($200) Canoe $40.00 per day ($200 deposit) Please bring your own PFD, helmet, and any personal protective gear you may require You will have to sign a waiver and leave the above deposit for the equipment. Provided on request: Towels, Cooler, Coleman Camping stove BYO Ice. white gas for cooking, pots & pans, and utensils. We understand that life happens, but please try to arrive no later than 8:00 p.m. for check-in. We do need our beauty sleep.

Comox's Little River Bay Hip Camp

1 site · RV1 acre · Comox, Comox Valley

LRB Hip Camp is walking distance to Little River Bay... where there are opportunities for beach hikes, kayaking, swimming, windsurfing and kiteboarding. Stroll to Kin Beach Provincial Park or the Griffin Pub. Bike to 40 Knot Winery or Little River Ferry terminal. A quiet site nestled amongst the trees on the lower part of our 3/4 acre lot. Please note that you must have waste disposal as there are no Rest Rooms at this site. Agricultural land (and a blueberry farm) across the street all the way to the ocean.

3 sisters ranch

4 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres · Parksville, Nanaimo

Close to all the amenities the Oceanside area of Vancouver Island has offered. Quick access to Parksville, Qualicum, Coombs, The amazing beaches of. Qualicum. Parksville and Rathtrevor 15 and 10 minutes away. 1:45 minutes to Tofino and our amazingly rugged and world renowned West Coast experience surfing amazing scenery. Epic Mountain biking at your doorstep. DH At Hamerfest is a 10 minute drive or a 45 minute pedal away cross country. Fine dining and all amenities including urgent care after riding is only 10 minutes away. Great hub to experience Vancouver Island from. While the fire ban is on, it is generated towards open fires. Propane fire pits and cook stoves are always welcome.

theDoighouse Earthship

6 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Qualicum Bay, Nanaimo

In your wildest dreams can you imagine a house built from tires, dirt, pop cans and concrete? Welcome to theDoighouse Earthship nestled in the forest just a 5 minute walk from Qualicum Bay. We are centrally located mid Vancouver Island, 20 minutes to the Old Country Market - Goats on the Roof, less than 30 minutes from Horne Lake Caves, or a 2.5 hr drive to Tofino and world class surfing. Into skiing? We're just a 45 minute drive to Mount Washington. There are lots of activities in our area, including beaches, lakes and hiking. You can pitch a tent in our gardens, park your RV on the edge of the forest, or stay in our tiny cabin. You can wander in the gardens and check out a young permaculture food forest filled with fruit and hazelnut trees, berries, and all that good stuff! Join us on Wednesdays in July and August for a drop-in gentle, mindful, and restorative yoga session in our beautiful gardens. Led by our wonderful yogi Lindsay, a true embodiment of grace. No prior experience, you are perfect just as you are. Come and unwind in nature. We also offer workshops and other onsite activities. For more info check out our website www.thedoighouse.com/events. On arrival you will be greeted by Bentley (our standard poodle), Mabel (mouser extraordinaire) and the 'hens' who generously gift fresh eggs daily. 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. It is love for the planet, people and sharing of abundance that makes this project come alive. Come visit, tour, and stay.

Available this weekend

99%

(34)

3 sisters ranch

4 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres · Parksville, Nanaimo

Close to all the amenities the Oceanside area of Vancouver Island has offered. Quick access to Parksville, Qualicum, Coombs, The amazing beaches of. Qualicum. Parksville and Rathtrevor 15 and 10 minutes away. 1:45 minutes to Tofino and our amazingly rugged and world renowned West Coast experience surfing amazing scenery. Epic Mountain biking at your doorstep. DH At Hamerfest is a 10 minute drive or a 45 minute pedal away cross country. Fine dining and all amenities including urgent care after riding is only 10 minutes away. Great hub to experience Vancouver Island from. While the fire ban is on, it is generated towards open fires. Propane fire pits and cook stoves are always welcome.

Comox's Little River Bay Hip Camp

1 site · RV1 acre · Comox, Comox Valley

LRB Hip Camp is walking distance to Little River Bay... where there are opportunities for beach hikes, kayaking, swimming, windsurfing and kiteboarding. Stroll to Kin Beach Provincial Park or the Griffin Pub. Bike to 40 Knot Winery or Little River Ferry terminal. A quiet site nestled amongst the trees on the lower part of our 3/4 acre lot. Please note that you must have waste disposal as there are no Rest Rooms at this site. Agricultural land (and a blueberry farm) across the street all the way to the ocean.

Portal Retreat

1 site · Lodging1 acre · Port Alberni, Alberni Clayoquot

The "Portal Retreat" is here: Unplug, relax, and unwind! Bonus: A 3-minute walk to the lake! Come and explore the glamping " Portal" style. We offer a unique experience just steps away from beautiful Sproat Lake. This is a retreat-type space and is specifically set up to help you get away from your busy life. There are books, games, hummingbirds, deer, and all that nature has to offer including the Lake, a stone's throw away for a quick dip to rejuvenate the mind and body. The Portal is 18 feet long and 8 feet wide and is your very own private space. Featuring a beautiful deck for relaxation, reading, star gazing, yoga, or alfresco dining, with the interior offering a queen bed, sofa, and artisanal water - Oh so cozy and romantic. There is a fancy new outhouse that flushes water and is equipped with a sink. This space is best suited for a single, a couple, and possibly a fur baby and/or little one. We are located on a quiet residential street 20 minutes from Port Alberni and en route to Tofino or Ucluelet. We have walking and mountain biking trails minutes from the house. The Portal has limited internet and spotty phone service. There is an outlet for charging, etc. There is no fridge, but we can provide a cooler on request. Private parking is on-site. We can provide a camp stove if required. Please bring your own white gas. Outside food options include the "The Fish & Duck Pub" which is just a short walk away. Call Doordash to deliver a meal from one of our local restaurants or bring a picnic to enjoy. If you are bringing a fur baby, please let us know. It must be on a leash at all times. Please bring your fur baby's favorite blanket or bed to sleep on. We can also provide a comfy hound bed in the room at your request. We kindly ask that you keep your fur baby off the furniture and bed. Additional Extras: Kayak rental $40.00 per day ($200) Canoe $40.00 per day ($200 deposit) Please bring your own PFD, helmet, and any personal protective gear you may require You will have to sign a waiver and leave the above deposit for the equipment. Provided on request: Towels, Cooler, Coleman Camping stove BYO Ice. white gas for cooking, pots & pans, and utensils. We understand that life happens, but please try to arrive no later than 8:00 p.m. for check-in. We do need our beauty sleep.

theDoighouse Earthship

6 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Qualicum Bay, Nanaimo

In your wildest dreams can you imagine a house built from tires, dirt, pop cans and concrete? Welcome to theDoighouse Earthship nestled in the forest just a 5 minute walk from Qualicum Bay. We are centrally located mid Vancouver Island, 20 minutes to the Old Country Market - Goats on the Roof, less than 30 minutes from Horne Lake Caves, or a 2.5 hr drive to Tofino and world class surfing. Into skiing? We're just a 45 minute drive to Mount Washington. There are lots of activities in our area, including beaches, lakes and hiking. You can pitch a tent in our gardens, park your RV on the edge of the forest, or stay in our tiny cabin. You can wander in the gardens and check out a young permaculture food forest filled with fruit and hazelnut trees, berries, and all that good stuff! Join us on Wednesdays in July and August for a drop-in gentle, mindful, and restorative yoga session in our beautiful gardens. Led by our wonderful yogi Lindsay, a true embodiment of grace. No prior experience, you are perfect just as you are. Come and unwind in nature. We also offer workshops and other onsite activities. For more info check out our website www.thedoighouse.com/events. On arrival you will be greeted by Bentley (our standard poodle), Mabel (mouser extraordinaire) and the 'hens' who generously gift fresh eggs daily. 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. It is love for the planet, people and sharing of abundance that makes this project come alive. Come visit, tour, and stay.

Tyee Valley Farm

14 sites · RVs, Tents12 acres · Comox Valley

Join us on our family farm. Fall is approaching and our first three sites will close Sunday Sept 17th. For self contained vehicles looking for an off season stay, please message us and we can see how we can provide a spot. We have begun work on our next expansion, and next spring will be happy to open our additional campsites for ten total sites. Bookings are open for stays beginning May 1st, 2024, weather permitting. In the meantime, we have our first few sites open to let you join us and relax in the forest. Site 1 and 2 are drive-in sites. Site 3 is a tent-only site. These sites will welcome you to recharge in nature. Dark night skies will open you to all the majesty of our solar system. Each standard campsite has a flat gravel surface suitable for tents, smaller RV's, shorter travel trailers, truck campers, rooftop tents, camper vans and similar. We have a tent pad site as well for cyclists or motorbikes. Small trailers up to 16 feet may be usable, but access may be tight. Please note, that while there is a campfire ban, camp stoves and propane fire pits are permitted. Easy access to Mt Washington and Strathcona Park, local beaches, rivers and more. We are open for camping till September 30th and will close until April 1st, 2024.

Camping in Hornby Island guide

Hornby Island, the northernmost of the Gulf Islands between the British Columbia mainland and Vancouver Island, is a quirky piece of Earth. You’ll find funky touches, like water tank art installations and the community hall reminiscent of a giant mushroom—anywhere you look, the population of counterculture creative types is evident. The island comes alive in July and August with festivals and a market, while winters and shoulder season weekdays (from mid-May to June, plus September) are much quieter. Getting to Hornby is part of the adventure, with a ferry running from Buckley Bay (30 minutes south of Comox) on Vancouver Island to Denman Island, then a quick drive across Denman, where you can catch the Hornby Island ferry.

Where to Go

Tribune Bay Provincial Park

Home to the sandy beach and warm water of Tribune Bay, this provincial park is one of the most popular spots on Hornby Island. There are a few camping options within walking distance of the park, including the largest campground on the island, Tribune Bay Campground. Make sure you book a Tribune Bay campsite in advance, as it gets very busy in summer. An outdoor adventure centre also entertains families with tent camping. Just remember: Don’t confuse family-friendly Tribune Bay Beach with Little Tribune Bay Beach—the “little” one is clothing-optional.

Helliwell Provincial Park

At the southeast tip of the island is Helliwell Provincial Park. There is no camping within the park, but on a small island such as this, the campgrounds near Tribune Bay are also close to Helliwell. The park is popular for birding and wildlife watching, canoeing, and even scuba diving, as well as hiking along the bluffs for stunning bay views. Head north to Whaling Station Bay for a swim—it’s one of the most popular beaches on the island.

Ford's Cove and Mount Geoffrey Escarpment Park

On the west side of the island, Ford’s Cove has a small campground, a marina, and a shop. The beach is known for strange rock formations, which campers check out before heading onto the water for fishing or kayaking from Ford’s Cove. You can also stay on land to take the short walk to Mount Geoffrey Provincial Park. Here, you can hike, bike, or horseback ride on the three trails, and take in the views from the rocky cliffs.