The best waterside campgrounds in Hornby Island

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% (1.2K)

Top-rated campgrounds

A map of our 10-acre property with our sites and amenities listed

1. Tiny Secrets Farm & Retreat

92%

(299)

18 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Halfmoon Bay, BC

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.

2. theDoighouse Earthship

99%

(268)

8 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Qualicum Bay, BC

Welcome to theDoighouse Earthship, an eco-retreat nestled in the forest, minutes from Qualicum Bay waterfront. Our location is a haven for adventurers and peace-seekers alike, offering easy access to the natural wonders of Vancouver Island. An hour north of Nanaimo, our property is an ideal base for day trips to Hornby, Denman, and Lasqueti Islands. Many of our guests stop here for a night or two on their way to and from the mainland to Ucluelet or Tofino for world-class surfing, or if skiing is your calling, Mount Washington is just a 45-minute drive away. Spend time discovering forest trails, a children's playground, and a bike park here in our neighbourhood. Lighthouse Country area teems with opportunities for exploration, from pristine beaches, including Sunny Beach and scenic Spider and Horne Lakes. Or if you climb, consider the Horne Lake Caves! If you're into hiking, use your All Trails App to discover the Lighthouse Country Trail (at our doorstep), including the Wilson Woodlot and Lost Runners Trails. Urban legend has it that the running shoes were lost, not the people wearing them! You can pitch your tent in our gardens, park your RV on the forest's edge, or stay in our cozy tiny cabins. Wander our gardens and check out a young permaculture food forest filled with fruit and hazelnut trees, berries, and good stuff! Have you ever imagined a house built from tires, dirt, pop cans and glass bottles? 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. Love for the planet and people and sharing of abundance make this project come alive, and why we don’t increase our rates for holidays and long weekends. Book a private Earthship tour where Tony will spend a couple of hours with you, sharing theDoighouse project and answering any and all questions you may have. On arrival, you will be greeted by Bentley (our standard poodle), Mabel (mouser extraordinaire) Come visit, tour, and stay. Susan and Tony Doig

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% (1.2K)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Tiny Secrets Farm & Retreat

92%

(299)

18 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Halfmoon Bay, BC

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.

2. theDoighouse Earthship

99%

(268)

8 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Qualicum Bay, BC

Welcome to theDoighouse Earthship, an eco-retreat nestled in the forest, minutes from Qualicum Bay waterfront. Our location is a haven for adventurers and peace-seekers alike, offering easy access to the natural wonders of Vancouver Island. An hour north of Nanaimo, our property is an ideal base for day trips to Hornby, Denman, and Lasqueti Islands. Many of our guests stop here for a night or two on their way to and from the mainland to Ucluelet or Tofino for world-class surfing, or if skiing is your calling, Mount Washington is just a 45-minute drive away. Spend time discovering forest trails, a children's playground, and a bike park here in our neighbourhood. Lighthouse Country area teems with opportunities for exploration, from pristine beaches, including Sunny Beach and scenic Spider and Horne Lakes. Or if you climb, consider the Horne Lake Caves! If you're into hiking, use your All Trails App to discover the Lighthouse Country Trail (at our doorstep), including the Wilson Woodlot and Lost Runners Trails. Urban legend has it that the running shoes were lost, not the people wearing them! You can pitch your tent in our gardens, park your RV on the forest's edge, or stay in our cozy tiny cabins. Wander our gardens and check out a young permaculture food forest filled with fruit and hazelnut trees, berries, and good stuff! Have you ever imagined a house built from tires, dirt, pop cans and glass bottles? 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. Love for the planet and people and sharing of abundance make this project come alive, and why we don’t increase our rates for holidays and long weekends. Book a private Earthship tour where Tony will spend a couple of hours with you, sharing theDoighouse project and answering any and all questions you may have. On arrival, you will be greeted by Bentley (our standard poodle), Mabel (mouser extraordinaire) Come visit, tour, and stay. Susan and Tony Doig

Stories from the community

K

Kyle

3 weeks ago

Weekend Trip to theDoighouse Earthship

Was great to get off the grid and see the Earthship!

Putting the final touches to the cabin garden.

k

kevin

November 2025

With pets

2 nights at theDoighouse Earthship

Both Susan and Tony were amazing hosts. They were always quick to answer any questions and were incredibly kind! We did end up booking a tour with them of their place which was truly spectacular and original. Me and my parter have already discussed when we will return next. We will be forever thinking about our conversations with them both sharing our love for the environment and dogs:) Looking forward to our next visit!

G

Gannon

October 2025

Tent

1 night at theDoighouse Earthship

Susan was an excellent host. When we first showed up we were a little lost and she guided us right to our campsite. We were camping on Thanksgiving and she invited us into her home and gave us a slice of homemade pumpkin pie (it was amazing). We left in a hurry but we would definitely go back again.

c

christopher

October 2025

Weekend Trip to theDoighouse Earthship

Maple Cabin was comfy and all I say about the Earthship is, “Wow”!! Completely off the grid, it's a unique and wonderful building. Thank you Tony and Susan for showing us around your amazing creation and well done. Bravo!!

P

Pierre

September 2025

1 night at theDoighouse Earthship

Great spot, very nice and welcoming hosts, cosy cabin 👍

S

Sean

August 2025

With pets

1 night at theDoighouse Earthship

An absolutely wonderful stay with Susan and Tony, amazing property just as advertised we had only a short one night stay but would highly recommend!

S

Stephanie

August 2025

16 ft campervan

With pets

Weekend Trip to theDoighouse Earthship

Great location, friendly and helpful hosts. 10/10 would recommend. We will be back!

J

Joshua

August 2025

1 night at theDoighouse Earthship

Loved the cabin. It was clean, quiet and had everything we needed for our stay. Thank u 😊

Mary-margret

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to theDoighouse Earthship

We had such a relaxing stay at the Doighouse. The campsite was perfect – everything we needed. The grounds are stunning, and everyone we met was incredibly welcoming and kind.

D

Diana

August 2025

Weekend Trip to theDoighouse Earthship

This was our second time staying at Susan and Tony’s precious off the grid cabin. It feels so good to stay in this lovely abode, which has everything one could need. We were greeted by their super friendly and well behaved poodle, Bentley in the morning before eating breakfast on the delightful front porch!

C

Conor

August 2025

16 ft car

With pets

1 night at theDoighouse Earthship

Loved the site, very friendly host. Will be back!

E

Emily

August 2025

Tent

With pets

1 night at theDoighouse Earthship

Adorable space! Fun decorations on this beautiful self sustaining land! Though our trip got cut short, Susan was very nice and informative

H

Holly

August 2025

3 nights at theDoighouse Earthship

I had an amazing time resting and decompressing in the off-grid cabin. It was everything I hoped it would be. I was surrounded by forest and lovely hiking trails, as well as kind and knowledgeable people working to create a space that respects and works with the land they care for. Walking to the beach each day was an added bonus!

N

Norm

July 2025

Tent

With kids

4 nights at theDoighouse Earthship

The campsite was quiet, clean, roomy, fairly private and entirely satisfactory. It’s truly in a garden with soil, plants, beds and paths. Very nice. The hosts were helpful, friendly and willing to share their knowledge. Thanks

O

Olivia

July 2025

Tent

1 night at theDoighouse Earthship

What a lovely spot to camp ! We were greeted by the owners who were super friendly (their dog Bentley too!). The campsite was perfect and spatioud and there was a beautiful walking trail a couple minutes away.

C

Chris

July 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to theDoighouse Earthship

It was a quiet and nice area.. hosts where very nice and informative.. made you feel at home!

B

Bruce

July 2025

Weekend Trip to theDoighouse Earthship

I love the nothingness no city noise no noise at all just quietness. That’s the best thing in the whole place has.

Julia

July 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to theDoighouse Earthship

Lovely, quiet place! Spiro was very sweet. Thank you for letting me stay at your farm.

Crystal

July 2025

2 nights at theDoighouse Earthship

The Maple Cabin was rustic, cozy, and had everything I needed for a peaceful off-grid stay. Set back from the highway on a hidden property, it felt private and quiet. The bed was comfortable, and the space was well-thought-out, though I would have appreciated curtains for privacy. The shared outhouse could use improvement, but the fresh water station with soap was a nice touch. The whole property feels like a work in progress, and it’ll be great to see how it all comes together. I really enjoyed my stay.

S

Stephanie

July 2025

1 night at theDoighouse Earthship

Tony and Susan were so welcoming, and provided such a cozy place for us to stay the night in the small cabin. We enjoyed the tour of the Earthship inspired house they are building, and the incredible gardens. It's such an incredible place they have created, and we look forward to staying there again in the future.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best waterside camping in Hornby Island 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.