The best camping in Hornby Island with snow sports

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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.

97% (531) 16 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in Hornby Island

theDoighouse Earthship

1. theDoighouse Earthship

99%
(273)
Qualicum Bay, BC · 5 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
🌲 Welcome to the Doighouse Earthship (Eco-Retreat) Welcome to the Doighouse Earthship, a peaceful eco-retreat nestled in the forest just minutes from the Qualicum Bay waterfront on Vancouver Island. 📍 Great Location on Vancouver Island Our spot is ideal for both adventurers and peace-seekers. Located about an hour north of Nanaimo, we’re a great stopover for guests traveling to or from the mainland, or heading to Ucluelet or Tofino for world-class surfing. Mount Washington is just a 45-minute drive if skiing is on your itinerary. We’re also well-positioned for day trips to Hornby, Denman, and Lasqueti Islands. 🥾 Hiking, Beaches, and Outdoor Fun Nearby Explore forest trails, a children’s playground, and a bike park right in our neighbourhood. The Lighthouse Country area offers endless outdoor adventures, including: • Sunny Beach • Spider and Horne Lakes • Horne Lake Caves (great for climbers and explorers) Hikers can use the AllTrails app to find the Lighthouse Country Trail at our doorstep, including the Wilson Woodlot and Lost Runners Trails. (Urban legend says the running shoes were lost—not the runners!) ⛺ Camping, RV Sites, and Cozy Tiny Cabins Stay your way: • Pitch a tent in our gardens • Park your RV at the forest’s edge • Relax in one of our cozy, tiny cabins Wander the property and enjoy our young permaculture food forest, filled with fruit trees, hazelnuts, berries, and other good things growing with care. 🌎 Discover Our Off-Grid Earthship Have you ever imagined a house built from tires, earth, pop cans, and glass bottles? Our Earthship - currently under construction - is an exploration of low-impact, off-grid living in an energy-efficient home built from recycled materials. This project is rooted in a love for the planet, people, and sharing abundance—which is why we don’t raise our rates for holidays or long weekends. 🔍 Book a Private Earthship Tour (Optional) Guests can book a private Earthship tour, where Tony will spend a couple of hours sharing the story behind the Doighouse project and answering all your questions. 🌿 Come Visit, Tour, and Stay We look forward to hosting you. Susan and Tony Doig
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
CA$35
 / night
Tiny Secrets Farm & Retreat

2. Tiny Secrets Farm & Retreat

92%
(302)
Halfmoon Bay, BC · 11 sites · Tents, Lodging
Tiny Secrets Farm & Retreat is an Award-winning Glamping Nature Retreat. 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 intriguing tiny homes and glamping tents. We have everything from a converted schoolie with a woodstove and an ocean view, furnished RV's with large decks, to gorgeous, furnished campsites in the woods. Check out our micro cabins, RV's, and assortment of glamping tents. Our property is a nature oasis away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Just 20 minutes north of Sechelt, we're close to beaches and lakes. Enjoy our recreation area with a large pond (much smaller in the summertime), our small playground for young kids, and our small orchard with several small ponds. Explore our walking trails, 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 13 years. If you come during campfire season, please bring your firewood. You're also welcome to scavenge for dead dry wood on the property, but we no longer have firewood for purchase. Typically, gas stations and some grocery stores have some for sale.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
CA$34
 / night
Sunshine Coast Green Zone

3. Sunshine Coast Green Zone

98%
(65)
Gibsons, BC · 2 sites · Tents, Lodging
This property was purchased nearly half a century ago. For the majority of this time the forest section you will be camping in was left undeveloped, apart from a few mountain bike trails. Recently, as a family, we have seen a large increase in the people traveling to the Sunshine Coast to escape the city limits. Unable to rock up to a campsite and pick our spot like we used to, it was easy to see a growing demand. We have taken everything we love about camping and done our best to give you a sense of what life on the Coast is really about. Please note: By entering onto the property you release all liabilities towards us as hosts. You are choosing to camp in a forested area that contains many hazards as well as potential threats. These include but are not limited to; Wild life (bears, bob cats, cougars etc), Fire is a serious threat to this region during summer months strict no smoking policy is in effect. Care should be taken walking around uneven surfaces. All campers are required to stay within camp boundaries fail to follow these protocols will result in being asked to leave. Please respect this piece of land as much as we do. ~Hope you enjoy your time on the Sunshine Coast
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
CA$54
 / night
Alpine View Full Service RV PAD

4. Alpine View Full Service RV PAD

Parksville, BC · 1 site
Welcome to our Fully Serviced RV Pad with breathtaking Mountain Views! Escape the city and enjoy nature. Amenities include water, 30 amp power, septic, and Wi-Fi. With ample parking available for an extra vehicle, you'll have no trouble bringing along everything you need for your adventure. Prepare to be captivated by the awe-inspiring panoramic mountain views that surround our tranquil and idyllic new-acreage community. 15 mins to Qualicum, 8 mins to Cameron Lake, and Little Qualicum Falls, 25 mins to Port Alberni! Book now for a memorable stay! (Sorry, no tent camping as we have no bathroom)
Pets
Full hookups
from 
CA$36
 / night
weed canary farm

5. weed canary farm

100%
(54)
Courtenay, BC · 1 site · Tent, RV
6.6 acre property that is a small farm, still lots of trees, a small seasonal creek in the back, a duck pond with a boat to paddle around with or just float around. we raise layer hens so there are fresh free range eggs available. we also raise pork and broiler chickens periodically throughout the year. there is easy access to logging road for mountain biking or hiking. this property is a small piece of wilderness yet only 4km to town. The camp sites surround the pond and there is a choice of lots of sun and light or shaded under the trees. The sites can be used by R.V or tent. there is an outhouse onsite for your convenience.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
CA$59
 / night
NGG Half-Acre Homestead Farm Stay

6. NGG Half-Acre Homestead Farm Stay

Courtenay, BC · 1 site
Welcome to our half-acre homestead in the beautiful Comox Valley on Vancouver Island. We are conveniently located along the main highway, making our property a great basecamp for exploring everything the Comox Valley has to offer — including walking trails, beaches, rivers, lakes, hiking trails, and Mount Washington Alpine Resort, all within a short drive or bike ride. Many trails and outdoor areas are close by and easy to access from our property. We offer a simple RV parking spot for fully self-contained RVs with access to electricity and water if needed. Please note there is no sani-dump or bathroom, so your RV must be fully self-contained. This is a simple homestead RV stay rather than a full-service campground. Our property is a small working homestead and farm stay with a large garden, chickens, rabbits, and a seasonal farm stand where we sell herbal teas, artisan jams and jellies, and farm-fresh goods grown and made right here on the property. Guests are welcome to walk through the garden, visit the animals, and shop at the farm stand during open hours. If you are looking for a convenient location to stay while exploring the Comox Valley and enjoy a casual small farm setting, this is a great spot to park and stay for a few nights. In addition to the RV stay, we also host Wild Edible Plant Walks, garden tours, and seasonal herbal workshops on the property and around the Comox Valley. These are separate bookable experiences that Hipcamp guests are welcome to join if dates align with their stay. Please inquire when booking if you are interested in adding a plant walk or workshop to your visit. The Comox Valley is made up of the City of Courtenay, the Town of Comox, the Village of Cumberland, and the surrounding communities of Royston, Union Bay, Fanny Bay, Black Creek, Merville, Denman Island, and Hornby Island. The Courtenay Riverway Heritage Walk is right across the road and runs along the ocean, through forested areas, around the Courtenay Airpark, and along the Courtenay River, connecting all the way to our downtown core and Simms Park. From our farm stand to Simms Park is just over a one-hour walk or about a 20-minute bike ride. We look forward to sharing our small homestead and the beautiful Comox Valley with you.
Pets
from 
CA$50
 / night

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.

97% (531) 16 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in Hornby Island

theDoighouse Earthship

1. theDoighouse Earthship

99%
(273)
Qualicum Bay, BC · 5 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
🌲 Welcome to the Doighouse Earthship (Eco-Retreat) Welcome to the Doighouse Earthship, a peaceful eco-retreat nestled in the forest just minutes from the Qualicum Bay waterfront on Vancouver Island. 📍 Great Location on Vancouver Island Our spot is ideal for both adventurers and peace-seekers. Located about an hour north of Nanaimo, we’re a great stopover for guests traveling to or from the mainland, or heading to Ucluelet or Tofino for world-class surfing. Mount Washington is just a 45-minute drive if skiing is on your itinerary. We’re also well-positioned for day trips to Hornby, Denman, and Lasqueti Islands. 🥾 Hiking, Beaches, and Outdoor Fun Nearby Explore forest trails, a children’s playground, and a bike park right in our neighbourhood. The Lighthouse Country area offers endless outdoor adventures, including: • Sunny Beach • Spider and Horne Lakes • Horne Lake Caves (great for climbers and explorers) Hikers can use the AllTrails app to find the Lighthouse Country Trail at our doorstep, including the Wilson Woodlot and Lost Runners Trails. (Urban legend says the running shoes were lost—not the runners!) ⛺ Camping, RV Sites, and Cozy Tiny Cabins Stay your way: • Pitch a tent in our gardens • Park your RV at the forest’s edge • Relax in one of our cozy, tiny cabins Wander the property and enjoy our young permaculture food forest, filled with fruit trees, hazelnuts, berries, and other good things growing with care. 🌎 Discover Our Off-Grid Earthship Have you ever imagined a house built from tires, earth, pop cans, and glass bottles? Our Earthship - currently under construction - is an exploration of low-impact, off-grid living in an energy-efficient home built from recycled materials. This project is rooted in a love for the planet, people, and sharing abundance—which is why we don’t raise our rates for holidays or long weekends. 🔍 Book a Private Earthship Tour (Optional) Guests can book a private Earthship tour, where Tony will spend a couple of hours sharing the story behind the Doighouse project and answering all your questions. 🌿 Come Visit, Tour, and Stay We look forward to hosting you. Susan and Tony Doig
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
CA$35
 / night
Tiny Secrets Farm & Retreat

2. Tiny Secrets Farm & Retreat

92%
(302)
Halfmoon Bay, BC · 11 sites · Tents, Lodging
Tiny Secrets Farm & Retreat is an Award-winning Glamping Nature Retreat. 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 intriguing tiny homes and glamping tents. We have everything from a converted schoolie with a woodstove and an ocean view, furnished RV's with large decks, to gorgeous, furnished campsites in the woods. Check out our micro cabins, RV's, and assortment of glamping tents. Our property is a nature oasis away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Just 20 minutes north of Sechelt, we're close to beaches and lakes. Enjoy our recreation area with a large pond (much smaller in the summertime), our small playground for young kids, and our small orchard with several small ponds. Explore our walking trails, 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 13 years. If you come during campfire season, please bring your firewood. You're also welcome to scavenge for dead dry wood on the property, but we no longer have firewood for purchase. Typically, gas stations and some grocery stores have some for sale.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
CA$34
 / night
Sunshine Coast Green Zone

3. Sunshine Coast Green Zone

98%
(65)
Gibsons, BC · 2 sites · Tents, Lodging
This property was purchased nearly half a century ago. For the majority of this time the forest section you will be camping in was left undeveloped, apart from a few mountain bike trails. Recently, as a family, we have seen a large increase in the people traveling to the Sunshine Coast to escape the city limits. Unable to rock up to a campsite and pick our spot like we used to, it was easy to see a growing demand. We have taken everything we love about camping and done our best to give you a sense of what life on the Coast is really about. Please note: By entering onto the property you release all liabilities towards us as hosts. You are choosing to camp in a forested area that contains many hazards as well as potential threats. These include but are not limited to; Wild life (bears, bob cats, cougars etc), Fire is a serious threat to this region during summer months strict no smoking policy is in effect. Care should be taken walking around uneven surfaces. All campers are required to stay within camp boundaries fail to follow these protocols will result in being asked to leave. Please respect this piece of land as much as we do. ~Hope you enjoy your time on the Sunshine Coast
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
CA$54
 / night
Alpine View Full Service RV PAD

4. Alpine View Full Service RV PAD

Parksville, BC · 1 site
Welcome to our Fully Serviced RV Pad with breathtaking Mountain Views! Escape the city and enjoy nature. Amenities include water, 30 amp power, septic, and Wi-Fi. With ample parking available for an extra vehicle, you'll have no trouble bringing along everything you need for your adventure. Prepare to be captivated by the awe-inspiring panoramic mountain views that surround our tranquil and idyllic new-acreage community. 15 mins to Qualicum, 8 mins to Cameron Lake, and Little Qualicum Falls, 25 mins to Port Alberni! Book now for a memorable stay! (Sorry, no tent camping as we have no bathroom)
Pets
Full hookups
from 
CA$36
 / night
weed canary farm

5. weed canary farm

100%
(54)
Courtenay, BC · 1 site · Tent, RV
6.6 acre property that is a small farm, still lots of trees, a small seasonal creek in the back, a duck pond with a boat to paddle around with or just float around. we raise layer hens so there are fresh free range eggs available. we also raise pork and broiler chickens periodically throughout the year. there is easy access to logging road for mountain biking or hiking. this property is a small piece of wilderness yet only 4km to town. The camp sites surround the pond and there is a choice of lots of sun and light or shaded under the trees. The sites can be used by R.V or tent. there is an outhouse onsite for your convenience.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
CA$59
 / night
NGG Half-Acre Homestead Farm Stay

6. NGG Half-Acre Homestead Farm Stay

Courtenay, BC · 1 site
Welcome to our half-acre homestead in the beautiful Comox Valley on Vancouver Island. We are conveniently located along the main highway, making our property a great basecamp for exploring everything the Comox Valley has to offer — including walking trails, beaches, rivers, lakes, hiking trails, and Mount Washington Alpine Resort, all within a short drive or bike ride. Many trails and outdoor areas are close by and easy to access from our property. We offer a simple RV parking spot for fully self-contained RVs with access to electricity and water if needed. Please note there is no sani-dump or bathroom, so your RV must be fully self-contained. This is a simple homestead RV stay rather than a full-service campground. Our property is a small working homestead and farm stay with a large garden, chickens, rabbits, and a seasonal farm stand where we sell herbal teas, artisan jams and jellies, and farm-fresh goods grown and made right here on the property. Guests are welcome to walk through the garden, visit the animals, and shop at the farm stand during open hours. If you are looking for a convenient location to stay while exploring the Comox Valley and enjoy a casual small farm setting, this is a great spot to park and stay for a few nights. In addition to the RV stay, we also host Wild Edible Plant Walks, garden tours, and seasonal herbal workshops on the property and around the Comox Valley. These are separate bookable experiences that Hipcamp guests are welcome to join if dates align with their stay. Please inquire when booking if you are interested in adding a plant walk or workshop to your visit. The Comox Valley is made up of the City of Courtenay, the Town of Comox, the Village of Cumberland, and the surrounding communities of Royston, Union Bay, Fanny Bay, Black Creek, Merville, Denman Island, and Hornby Island. The Courtenay Riverway Heritage Walk is right across the road and runs along the ocean, through forested areas, around the Courtenay Airpark, and along the Courtenay River, connecting all the way to our downtown core and Simms Park. From our farm stand to Simms Park is just over a one-hour walk or about a 20-minute bike ride. We look forward to sharing our small homestead and the beautiful Comox Valley with you.
Pets
from 
CA$50
 / night

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Hornby Island camping guide

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.

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