The best family-friendly glamping near Nanaimo, British Columbia

On Vancouver Island’s east coast, Nanaimo is a hub for adventures across the island. Based in this waterfront city set 113 kilometres from British Columbia’s capital of Victoria, you can check out wineries, beaches, and old-growth forests. It’s also the most convenient ferry port for continuing west to Tofino and the Pacific Coast. Surrounding Nanaimo are campgrounds by the ocean or along inland lakes, including Living Forest Oceanside Campground & RV Park, Westwood Lake Campgrounds, RV Resort on the Lake, Brannen Lake RV Park & Campsite, and Jinglepot RV Park & Campgrounds. You can camp at several islands or provincial parks nearby, too.

A short 15-minute ferry ride from downtown Nanaimo, this island is the traditional territory of the Snuneymuxw First Nation and has a small tent camping area with washrooms and showers. You can lounge on one of the pebbly beaches or wander 23 kilometres of walking trails.

A 30- to 40-minute drive north of Nanaimo, the coastal communities of Parksville and Qualicum Beach are popular with campers. A number of RV resorts and private campgrounds welcome families, or you can camp in several provincial parks. A favorite is Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park, where the tenting spots and RV sites are near a sandy beach.

South of Nanaimo and between the towns of Duncan and Cobble Hill, Vancouver Island’s wine country offers family-run wineries, cider makers, and distillers. You’ll find several campgrounds in this area, with more camping options to the west along Cowichan Lake.

Most of the campgrounds near British Columbia’s waterfront capital are north or west of the city. The forested Malahat Mountain Meadows RV Park is near the summit of Malahat Drive with views over the Gulf Islands. Hike among massive firs and western red cedars in Goldstream Provincial Park, or camp by the water at Island View Regional Park on the Saanich Peninsula.

82% (377)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Oceans Edge Eagle Retreat

76%

(249)

62km from Nanaimo · 27 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Tsawwassen, BC

Welcome to Oceans Edge Eagle Retreat. “Imagine if you will, the setting sun, orange, huge, resting atop the Gulf Islands. The breeze is blowing inland today, bringing along scents of salt air, and all is well. A bald eagle glides overhead, nearly close enough to catch you up to soaring heights. Even before the sun falls out of the sky the luminescent moon rises opposite. Prepare to embark on a remarkable journey where nature and luxury seamlessly intertwine to create an unforgettable experience. Oceans Edge Eagle Retreat is located in sc̓əwaθən məsteyəxʷ Tsawwassen First Nation Traditional Territory. Conveniently located just minutes from the BC Ferries, easily accessible for travellers seeking a unique stopover. Directly behind Oceans Edge Eagle Retreat are Splashdown Water Slides, Tsawwassen Springs Golf Course, and Tsawwassen Mills Mall, one of the largest malls in Canada. Tsawwassen is surrounded by 6 beaches, one of which you can windsurf. There are many other amenities nearby for your added convivence. Bordered by the Fraser River to the north; Boundary Bay, Roberts Bank and the United States border to the south; and the Salish Sea to the west. Oceans Edge Eagle Retreat is a private intimate retreat situated on oceanfront property, to gather with friends, family, and groups, or a beautiful quiet getaway by yourself to recharge. Oceans Edge Eagle Retreat also offers space for *Retreats *Weddings *Festivals *Birthdays* Holiday Parties* Corporate Parties* Receptions* Business Meetings* Bridal Showers *Family Events * Engagement Parties * Anniversary (inquire for more details, pricing etc.) The Glamping Tents are located on a large wooden deck, you'll find a sanctuary of opulence, wood-burning fireplaces, plush bedding, and carefully selected decor to create an ambience of tranquillity. Each tent has a private fire pit on the back of the tent. You can unwind and reconnect with nature while indulging in the modern amenities and conveniences we've thoughtfully incorporated into every aspect of your stay. We offer luxury glamping tents, that are nestled in nature underneath an eagle’s nest, that you can view from the luxury and privacy of your own glamping tent. There is a nearby wooden boardwalk that takes you to the beautiful beachfront where you can have picnics, bike rides, paddle boarding, bird watching, nature photography, and some breathtaking sunsets. Book your stay with us today and embark on a remarkable retreat that will leave you refreshed, renewed, and forever transformed. Welcome to Oceans Edge Eagle Retreat, your gateway to tranquillity and personal growth.

2. Tiny Secrets Farm & Retreat

92%

(299)

44km from Nanaimo · 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.

On Vancouver Island’s east coast, Nanaimo is a hub for adventures across the island. Based in this waterfront city set 113 kilometres from British Columbia’s capital of Victoria, you can check out wineries, beaches, and old-growth forests. It’s also the most convenient ferry port for continuing west to Tofino and the Pacific Coast. Surrounding Nanaimo are campgrounds by the ocean or along inland lakes, including Living Forest Oceanside Campground & RV Park, Westwood Lake Campgrounds, RV Resort on the Lake, Brannen Lake RV Park & Campsite, and Jinglepot RV Park & Campgrounds. You can camp at several islands or provincial parks nearby, too.

A short 15-minute ferry ride from downtown Nanaimo, this island is the traditional territory of the Snuneymuxw First Nation and has a small tent camping area with washrooms and showers. You can lounge on one of the pebbly beaches or wander 23 kilometres of walking trails.

A 30- to 40-minute drive north of Nanaimo, the coastal communities of Parksville and Qualicum Beach are popular with campers. A number of RV resorts and private campgrounds welcome families, or you can camp in several provincial parks. A favorite is Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park, where the tenting spots and RV sites are near a sandy beach.

South of Nanaimo and between the towns of Duncan and Cobble Hill, Vancouver Island’s wine country offers family-run wineries, cider makers, and distillers. You’ll find several campgrounds in this area, with more camping options to the west along Cowichan Lake.

Most of the campgrounds near British Columbia’s waterfront capital are north or west of the city. The forested Malahat Mountain Meadows RV Park is near the summit of Malahat Drive with views over the Gulf Islands. Hike among massive firs and western red cedars in Goldstream Provincial Park, or camp by the water at Island View Regional Park on the Saanich Peninsula.

82% (377)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Oceans Edge Eagle Retreat

76%

(249)

62km from Nanaimo · 27 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Tsawwassen, BC

Welcome to Oceans Edge Eagle Retreat. “Imagine if you will, the setting sun, orange, huge, resting atop the Gulf Islands. The breeze is blowing inland today, bringing along scents of salt air, and all is well. A bald eagle glides overhead, nearly close enough to catch you up to soaring heights. Even before the sun falls out of the sky the luminescent moon rises opposite. Prepare to embark on a remarkable journey where nature and luxury seamlessly intertwine to create an unforgettable experience. Oceans Edge Eagle Retreat is located in sc̓əwaθən məsteyəxʷ Tsawwassen First Nation Traditional Territory. Conveniently located just minutes from the BC Ferries, easily accessible for travellers seeking a unique stopover. Directly behind Oceans Edge Eagle Retreat are Splashdown Water Slides, Tsawwassen Springs Golf Course, and Tsawwassen Mills Mall, one of the largest malls in Canada. Tsawwassen is surrounded by 6 beaches, one of which you can windsurf. There are many other amenities nearby for your added convivence. Bordered by the Fraser River to the north; Boundary Bay, Roberts Bank and the United States border to the south; and the Salish Sea to the west. Oceans Edge Eagle Retreat is a private intimate retreat situated on oceanfront property, to gather with friends, family, and groups, or a beautiful quiet getaway by yourself to recharge. Oceans Edge Eagle Retreat also offers space for *Retreats *Weddings *Festivals *Birthdays* Holiday Parties* Corporate Parties* Receptions* Business Meetings* Bridal Showers *Family Events * Engagement Parties * Anniversary (inquire for more details, pricing etc.) The Glamping Tents are located on a large wooden deck, you'll find a sanctuary of opulence, wood-burning fireplaces, plush bedding, and carefully selected decor to create an ambience of tranquillity. Each tent has a private fire pit on the back of the tent. You can unwind and reconnect with nature while indulging in the modern amenities and conveniences we've thoughtfully incorporated into every aspect of your stay. We offer luxury glamping tents, that are nestled in nature underneath an eagle’s nest, that you can view from the luxury and privacy of your own glamping tent. There is a nearby wooden boardwalk that takes you to the beautiful beachfront where you can have picnics, bike rides, paddle boarding, bird watching, nature photography, and some breathtaking sunsets. Book your stay with us today and embark on a remarkable retreat that will leave you refreshed, renewed, and forever transformed. Welcome to Oceans Edge Eagle Retreat, your gateway to tranquillity and personal growth.

2. Tiny Secrets Farm & Retreat

92%

(299)

44km from Nanaimo · 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.

Stories from the community

Guests enjoying the outdoor fire pit in the Spring

K

Katrina

November 2025

2 nights at Tiny Secrets Farm & Retreat

Love the micro-cabin. It is very compact and thoughtfully designed. We enjoyed the firepit and kitchen. Kito was very healpful and even provided us with extra heater. The water in the outdoor shower is very cold so it could be improved. But im sure that Kito will immediately fix it if you message him. We didnt need to use it during that time so it wasnt a problem for us. Overall, it is a nice place and very private. We also enjoyed the trail.

S

Sean

October 2025

Weekend Trip to Tiny Secrets Farm & Retreat

Amazing! We don’t need a customer base. Beautiful

J

Jammers

September 2025

2 nights at Tiny Secrets Farm & Retreat

I would recommend for my low maintenance friends as the pee toilet in the cabin is a separate room with a seat, however is a 20gallon paint bucket that you do have to clean. This didn’t bother me, but may bother some. I didn’t shower when I stayed because the shower was very dirty and full of garbage from previous guests. The compost toilet is clean and right around the corner from the cabin. There are workers/helpers/younger (quiet) crew who live on site and are very helpful and wonderful. I loved staying here and will be back. My only concern was the lack of cleanliness of the shower. I’ve posted an updated photo.

R

Rose

September 2025

Group trip

2 nights at Oceans Edge Eagle Retreat

Quiet, getaway with the view of stars each night. Open fire pits and cosy log burner in the tent for the cooler nights. The beds were super comfortable with high grade thread sheets. It was a wonderful experience and we would do it again.

W

Winnie

September 2025

With pets

4 nights at Tiny Secrets Farm & Retreat

cozy place ! easy accessibility and most importantly, pet friendly

There's lot of room around the cabin to play and enjoy.

Christin

September 2025

Weekend Trip to Tiny Secrets Farm & Retreat

Staying in Karen & Kito's A-frame cabin was a super unique experience! With a solar-powered battery, a little propane heater a stove and BBQ, I had everything I needed to enjoy a lovely night at the Tiny Secrets Farm :) I was able to have the window wall open late into the night. There were no bugs!! It was fun to explore the property, visit the rabbits and chickens and chat with Dan, the caretaker, who was super friendly and made sure I had a great stay! I really loved how quiet and peaceful it was! The shower is rustic but hot water is really all I needed ;)

H

Hailey

September 2025

Weekend Trip to Tiny Secrets Farm & Retreat

We loved staying in the micro cabin! It was cozy, comfortable and had everything we needed. The property is beautiful and incredibly quiet. The groundskeeper (Dan) always made sure we had what we needed and we had some great chats with him. If you’re someone who enjoys being outside, you’ll love this spot.

G

Gillian

September 2025

3 nights at Tiny Secrets Farm & Retreat

Love this little micro cabin! It was well stocked with everything one could need and oh so cozy. The loft is so fun (gets a little warm at times) and the multi directional windows are great for letting a breeze through. The compost toilet isn’t my favourite but I am grateful for a warm shower (it’s a little inconsistent but it’s not cold!) Dan the groundskeeper and Kito and Karen are all lovely and leave you to relax but are readily available should you need anything. Very kind and receptive hosts. Looking forward to returning one day ☺️

Campsite in the woods with everything that you need, including solar lights lol

L

Laura

September 2025

Weekend Trip to Tiny Secrets Farm & Retreat

The property is beautiful and a great setup with so much equipment! Made our experience much easier and more pleasant. We also loved visiting the chickens and rabbits on site. The on-sight staff, Dan, was a joy and made us feel so welcome.

A

Alexander

August 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Oceans Edge Eagle Retreat

The place was nice and clean, the stay was very pleasant. However, the Fox Den was the only tent without an electric light (all the other tents did have a light). So, if you need light inside the tent book one of the other tents.

P

Phoebe

August 2025

With kids

2 nights at Tiny Secrets Farm & Retreat

Well maintained and managed site! Highly recommended.

The side of the bus reflecting the evening light

C

Cheryl

August 2025

With pets

2 nights at Tiny Secrets Farm & Retreat

Our toddler LOVED the School Bus. She never wanted to leave. There was also a small park that was great for kids.

M

Melissa

August 2025

Weekend Trip to Tiny Secrets Farm & Retreat

Adorable, private, cozy little cabin. I loved my stay. Many details show the hosts really care. The cabin was ready with fresh towels, drinking water, ice pack in cooler and propane for the stovetop. It was the perfect place for me to unwind, I look forward to staying here again.

Taptap

August 2025

Weekend Trip to Tiny Secrets Farm & Retreat

Had a great experience staying here for the weekend. The campsite was very clean, peaceful, and quiet - perfect for relaxing. Definitely recommend!

J

Jack and Danika

August 2025

3 nights at Tiny Secrets Farm & Retreat

Lovely place. We stayed in the converted school bus. It was really nice and homie. Only downside is it got really hot during the day and cold during the night but that was easily fixable by opening the windows and doors, and using plenty of blankets at night. Very quiet property and was amazing to see the stars at night as it was also very dark/no light pollution :)

S

Sara

August 2025

2 nights at Tiny Secrets Farm & Retreat

Absolutely fabulous location! The site was very clean and quiet. The tent was so big, and the airbeds were comfy and easy to inflate when needed. We'll definitely be back to check out the cabins and trailers! (:

k

kylee

August 2025

3 nights at Tiny Secrets Farm & Retreat

Stayed in the converted school bus for a few days and we loved! It was a great place to come back to after exploring Halfmoon Bay and Sechelt during the day. Super cozy and comfy bed, nice hosts, really easy check in and check out.

C

Cindy

August 2025

1 night at Oceans Edge Eagle Retreat

Such a great tent! My son loved the area! Close to some great restaurants.

Inside the tent is a large air mattress with a foam topper - so comfy!

J

Jer

August 2025

Weekend Trip to Tiny Secrets Farm & Retreat

We had a lovely stay here. The site was quiet and peaceful and had everything you need for camping so we didn't have to pack much. Neighbors are close by but everyone respected the quiet hours. The bell tent was roomy and the campsite kitchen amenities were a nice addition. Parking was limited so we did have to park near the entrance once. We also noticed someone took one of our potable water containers without notifying us, which was a bit strange. We also had a wild animal rummage through our belongings the last night. Despite that, we would recommend this site to anyone who wants to pack light and enjoy a peaceful getaway near Sechelt.

We've renovated! New tarp cover provides storage on the sides of the deck for firewood, seat cushions, etc.

E

Emily

August 2025

With pets

5 nights at Tiny Secrets Farm & Retreat

We had a great first glamping experience at the wall tent at Tiny Secrets. Everything was well appointed and the hosts' directions were very clear. The tent is very spacious and the deck is lovely. Everything is shielded from view of the little driveway road and the other sites, which makes it feel very private. The white string lights make it feel very cozy at night, though we often turned them off to enjoy the amazing stars!

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best family-friendly glamping near Nanaimo guide

When to go

The busiest season in Nanaimo and across Vancouver Island is late May through mid-October, particularly during the sunny summer months of July and August and on Canadian holiday long weekends. With a temperate rainforest climate, this coastal region receives very little snow, but you should prepare for rain and chilly temperatures between November and April. While spring can still be rainy, it’s also relatively quiet with flowers in bloom March through May.

Know before you go

BC Ferries can take you to Nanaimo from Horseshoe Bay, just outside of Vancouver,. Pedestrians and cyclists can walk onto the ferries, but if you’re taking your car, make a reservation in advance, particularly between late May and mid-October.
Many of the campgrounds close to Nanaimo are designed for RVs, with full-service sites catering to big rigs. Tent campers may prefer the provincial parks or more secluded Gulf Island camping areas.
Cafes and pubs cluster along the narrow streets of Nanaimo’s historic downtown. Larger groceries and big-box stores line the highways sprawling out from the center.