The best river, stream, or creek glamping near Nanaimo, British Columbia

Looking for a camping experience that's a little more luxurious? Look no further than glamping! With over 400 options available in the Nanaimo area of British Columbia, Hipcamp has got you covered. Whether you're looking to relax by the river or go for a paddle, there's a glamping site perfect for you. Prices average around $75 per night, but with options as low as $25, there's something for every budget. Check out top campsites like Sunset Retreat Port Townsend (178 reviews), Chuckanut Hills Farm & Camp (137 reviews), and Guemes North Homestead (133 reviews). Popular amenities include showers, cooking equipment, and potable water, while activities like swimming, wildlife watching, and wind sports are sure to keep you entertained.

93% (490)

Top-rated campgrounds

Looking for a camping experience that's a little more luxurious? Look no further than glamping! With over 400 options available in the Nanaimo area of British Columbia, Hipcamp has got you covered. Whether you're looking to relax by the river or go for a paddle, there's a glamping site perfect for you. Prices average around $75 per night, but with options as low as $25, there's something for every budget. Check out top campsites like Sunset Retreat Port Townsend (178 reviews), Chuckanut Hills Farm & Camp (137 reviews), and Guemes North Homestead (133 reviews). Popular amenities include showers, cooking equipment, and potable water, while activities like swimming, wildlife watching, and wind sports are sure to keep you entertained.

93% (490)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. theDoighouse Earthship

99%

(267)

59km from Nanaimo · 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

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.

3. Secluded Forest Oasis, Maple Bay BC

100%

(3)

43km from Nanaimo · 1 site · Lodging · Duncan, BC

We affectionately call this place “The Tardis” because its transformation from an RV, gutted into a modern cozy hi tech space with a cozy county feel, an outdoor kitchen / living / dining / hot tub areas in a forest setting. It’s got super high speed Internet, 2 TVs, a faux fireplace. Inside a live edge old growth cedar counter with Italian tile, modern connected features, fireplace, heat pump, flooring and great feel. Private inside a 5 acre estate with grounds and a private forest. Everyone loves this space. Tech wise there is super fast ethernet straight to the unit at around 600 download for zoom calls. There is also a super fast wifi for exclusive mobility, 2 flat screen TVs, Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney Plus. The space is really idea for 2 people however there are 2 bunk beds in a smaller space that could accomidate smaller children or other smaller stature adults that don't mind a small bunk bed sleeping area. A lot of remote worker like this place. It's faster and quieter than home surrounded by nature. We've focused on the outdoor area covered and private decks outside giving it the feel of an outdoor living, complete with a new BBQ, outdoor living room / seating area / kitchen. There is a private soft tub for comfy soaks.

4. Tobegreen In A Creek Side Farm

24km from Nanaimo · 1 site · Lodging · Parksville, BC

You come and stay in our 5th Wheel RV . Outside the RV is a small deck with a table and 2 chairs that you can be used. Most of the area is protected and therefore you cannot camp inside the protected area. A minute walk will allow you access a creek. The creek subdivides our property into 2 halves. Beyond the Cree, Some areas are very steep and challenging to climb.

5. Jordan River's Little Airstream

100%

(3)

80km from Nanaimo · 1 site · Lodging · Jordan River, BC

Welcome to JR’s Little Airstream! This space is small but mighty, and designed to provide guests with a cozy and memorable stay on Southern Vancouver Island, close to surf, beaches, and hiking trails! A private rustic outdoor shower, covered outdoor patio area, and bbq expand on the classic airstream interior with warm and comfortable touches. Your Airstream dream awaits!

6. Mountainaire Campground and RV Park

83%

(27)

8.9km from Nanaimo · 86 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Nanaimo, BC

Nestled on a beautiful 40-acre park, our Campground and RV Park provides a relaxed, natural atmosphere perfect for family fun. Conveniently located in the heart of Vancouver Island, just beside the Nanaimo airport (a 5-minute drive) and approximately 20 minutes by car from both ferry terminals connecting to Vancouver. Featuring 30 and 50 amp fully or partial-serviced sites, ample green spaces, and cozy on-site RV Glamping units and cabins tucked away in the woods, Mountainaire is your ideal starting point or departure spot for a Vancouver Island vacation. Enjoy our newly renovated bathrooms, warm showers, and on-site laundromat, along with the added convenience of an onsite store. Take a short hike through the rainforest to the breathtaking Crystal Bowl for activities like river swimming, cliff diving, kayaking, or even crayfish catching with your little ones. Young campers can bike down ramps, play in the playground, and witness the fascinating transformation of tadpoles into western toads (a species at risk). Don’t miss our renowned special events and unwind with a Friday night movie accompanied by free popcorn. PARK AMENITIES: Lots of mature trees, green space and ramps. Bring your bikes. Outdoor playground with loads of fun Convenience store and Arcade Washroom and showers Laundry room Rainforest trail to the Crystal Bowl of Nanaimo River Pond Horseshoe pits Beach volleyball court Outdoor stage Secure property, gate locked at 10:00pm

7. Woodland at The Shamba

67%

(12)

49km from Nanaimo · 1 site · Lodging · Saltspring Island, BC

In a cedar grove, nestled among the ferns, a lotus belle tent awaits you. A unique bed and breakfast in an off-grid tent. Inside the belle tent there is a comfortable double bed with clean sheets, plump pillows, and a warm Pendelton blanket. A 'west coast homestead basket' with granola, fruit ,and farm eggs is provided for a nutritious breakfast. A Berkey water filter provides delicious water from our mountain well. Inside the tent, a comfortable chair looks out over the mossy forest toward the creek. There is room to stretch, and a couple of yoga mats to use. A stretch is especially nice after exploring the nearby trails through Mount Maxwell forest. The trails take through a varied and fascinating forest. Along the way are mossy knolls with vistas of the valley, ocean, and Vancouver Island. One trail leads all the way to Burgyone Bay. The belle is an off-grid seasonal tent with electric candles for lighting and a composting toilet. At night there are solar string lights--should you want them--which illuminate the path to the tent. On clear nights, turn the lights off to star-gaze through the branches.

8. Coastline Wanderer Getaway

100%

(2)

39km from Nanaimo · 1 site · Lodging · Roberts Creek, BC

Enjoy the sounds of nature on forested acreage in Roberts Creek. Unwind with the abundant wildlife and the sounds of creeks in the forest. Stay in our thoughtfully furnished renovated private camper on a secluded grassy meadow with ponds and a towering cedar forest on six acres. This is a rural property in a small horse ranch community. In the spring to fall, you will likely come across owls in the trees, frogs, crayfish, ducks and a turtle in the creeks and ponds, deer, coyotes, cougars, and bears, who will walk through the land on a daily basis. Please be aware, keep your distance from all wildlife and use your bear smarts. This really is a wonderful coastal experience with a balance of comfort and rural. 15 mins from the Ferry, close to Gibsons boasting cideries, breweries, restaurants, art galleries, and shops. This is a rural property with extensive wildlife. Please expect to come across bears, deer, and coyotes with the occasional cougar sighting. Please keep your space clean and make your presence known.

9. Sleep By The Creek

100%

(1)

38km from Nanaimo · 1 site · Lodging · Roberts Creek, BC

Escape to a serene tent by a stunning creek on a 5-acre property of old growth forest. Fall asleep to the soothing sounds of the water and wake up surrounded by nature. Enjoy a cozy fire pit, and an outdoor picnic area. Explore hiking trails or simply relax in this hidden gem. Just a short walk to the beautiful beaches, our retreat offers the perfect getaway for nature lovers. Reconnect with the tranquility of the wilderness. Full washroom is available inside the house just a short walk away.

Camper favorites near Nanaimo

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Tobegreen In A Creek Side Farm

24km from Nanaimo · 1 site · Lodging · Parksville, BC

You come and stay in our 5th Wheel RV . Outside the RV is a small deck with a table and 2 chairs that you can be used. Most of the area is protected and therefore you cannot camp inside the protected area. A minute walk will allow you access a creek. The creek subdivides our property into 2 halves. Beyond the Cree, Some areas are very steep and challenging to climb.

Jordan River's Little Airstream

100%

(3)

80km from Nanaimo · 1 site · Lodging · Jordan River, BC

Welcome to JR’s Little Airstream! This space is small but mighty, and designed to provide guests with a cozy and memorable stay on Southern Vancouver Island, close to surf, beaches, and hiking trails! A private rustic outdoor shower, covered outdoor patio area, and bbq expand on the classic airstream interior with warm and comfortable touches. Your Airstream dream awaits!

Mountainaire Campground and RV Park

83%

(27)

8.9km from Nanaimo · 86 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Nanaimo, BC

Nestled on a beautiful 40-acre park, our Campground and RV Park provides a relaxed, natural atmosphere perfect for family fun. Conveniently located in the heart of Vancouver Island, just beside the Nanaimo airport (a 5-minute drive) and approximately 20 minutes by car from both ferry terminals connecting to Vancouver. Featuring 30 and 50 amp fully or partial-serviced sites, ample green spaces, and cozy on-site RV Glamping units and cabins tucked away in the woods, Mountainaire is your ideal starting point or departure spot for a Vancouver Island vacation. Enjoy our newly renovated bathrooms, warm showers, and on-site laundromat, along with the added convenience of an onsite store. Take a short hike through the rainforest to the breathtaking Crystal Bowl for activities like river swimming, cliff diving, kayaking, or even crayfish catching with your little ones. Young campers can bike down ramps, play in the playground, and witness the fascinating transformation of tadpoles into western toads (a species at risk). Don’t miss our renowned special events and unwind with a Friday night movie accompanied by free popcorn. PARK AMENITIES: Lots of mature trees, green space and ramps. Bring your bikes. Outdoor playground with loads of fun Convenience store and Arcade Washroom and showers Laundry room Rainforest trail to the Crystal Bowl of Nanaimo River Pond Horseshoe pits Beach volleyball court Outdoor stage Secure property, gate locked at 10:00pm

Woodland at The Shamba

67%

(12)

49km from Nanaimo · 1 site · Lodging · Saltspring Island, BC

In a cedar grove, nestled among the ferns, a lotus belle tent awaits you. A unique bed and breakfast in an off-grid tent. Inside the belle tent there is a comfortable double bed with clean sheets, plump pillows, and a warm Pendelton blanket. A 'west coast homestead basket' with granola, fruit ,and farm eggs is provided for a nutritious breakfast. A Berkey water filter provides delicious water from our mountain well. Inside the tent, a comfortable chair looks out over the mossy forest toward the creek. There is room to stretch, and a couple of yoga mats to use. A stretch is especially nice after exploring the nearby trails through Mount Maxwell forest. The trails take through a varied and fascinating forest. Along the way are mossy knolls with vistas of the valley, ocean, and Vancouver Island. One trail leads all the way to Burgyone Bay. The belle is an off-grid seasonal tent with electric candles for lighting and a composting toilet. At night there are solar string lights--should you want them--which illuminate the path to the tent. On clear nights, turn the lights off to star-gaze through the branches.

Coastline Wanderer Getaway

100%

(2)

39km from Nanaimo · 1 site · Lodging · Roberts Creek, BC

Enjoy the sounds of nature on forested acreage in Roberts Creek. Unwind with the abundant wildlife and the sounds of creeks in the forest. Stay in our thoughtfully furnished renovated private camper on a secluded grassy meadow with ponds and a towering cedar forest on six acres. This is a rural property in a small horse ranch community. In the spring to fall, you will likely come across owls in the trees, frogs, crayfish, ducks and a turtle in the creeks and ponds, deer, coyotes, cougars, and bears, who will walk through the land on a daily basis. Please be aware, keep your distance from all wildlife and use your bear smarts. This really is a wonderful coastal experience with a balance of comfort and rural. 15 mins from the Ferry, close to Gibsons boasting cideries, breweries, restaurants, art galleries, and shops. This is a rural property with extensive wildlife. Please expect to come across bears, deer, and coyotes with the occasional cougar sighting. Please keep your space clean and make your presence known.

Sleep By The Creek

100%

(1)

38km from Nanaimo · 1 site · Lodging · Roberts Creek, BC

Escape to a serene tent by a stunning creek on a 5-acre property of old growth forest. Fall asleep to the soothing sounds of the water and wake up surrounded by nature. Enjoy a cozy fire pit, and an outdoor picnic area. Explore hiking trails or simply relax in this hidden gem. Just a short walk to the beautiful beaches, our retreat offers the perfect getaway for nature lovers. Reconnect with the tranquility of the wilderness. Full washroom is available inside the house just a short walk away.

Stories from the community

Putting the final touches to the cabin garden.

k

kevin

2 weeks ago

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!

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

Z

Zach

October 2025

3 nights at Secluded Forest Oasis, Maple Bay BC

Great time, great property and a great host. I’d highly recommend this to anyone looking for a beautiful secluded place to stay. Very convenient location that is close to lots of mountain biking and good restaurants, breweries and wineries. Steven, the host is a very nice guy and super helpful and easy to work with.

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 👍

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.

W

Winnie

September 2025

With pets

4 nights at Tiny Secrets Farm & Retreat

cozy place ! easy accessibility and most importantly, pet friendly

T

Tbrawlen

September 2025

Weekend Trip to Jordan River's Little Airstream

My girlfriend and I loved this place! It was quiet and clean, the vibe was so lovely we had a hard time leaving. Lots of hikes close by and the best little coffee shop at the bottom of the hill. Robyn was super helpful and kind! 10/10, 5 stars! Will be back!

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.

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

2 nights at Jordan River's Little Airstream

I’m 2-0 with my first 2 HipCamp experiences on this trip. This spot and the adorable Airstream were exactly as advertised and so great. Robyn was super responsive. The location is private but still a short drive away from many great spots. Everything was super clean and comfortable, don’t let the size fool you, everything you need is there. A hammock or somewhere to lounge on the patio with a book would make it perfection.

S

Samantha

August 2025

Weekend Trip to Woodland at The Shamba

This property felt very private for us! There’s a 2 minute walk down the trail to the tent area, pretty easy to get your stuff there if you’re used to trail walking. Lots of fresh fruit and granola bars provided for us! The toilet is very simple but clean and fine for a couple nights. We brought all the necessary camping equipment minus a tent and sleeping bags. You will need outdoor chairs, a stove, cooler and other camping essentials. This was pretty obvious given the description and reviews so don’t be shocked when it’s just a bed and table! Overall we really liked the area and the tent and bedding were clean and very comfortable, had a great stay!

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!

L

Louise

August 2025

With pets

3 nights at Coastline Wanderer Getaway

We absolutely love staying at Tyla's property. It's so peaceful and quiet and has everything you need for a very comfortable, relaxed stay. We appreciate how dog friendly it is, but also how impeccably clean it is, as some places that advertise being dog friendly can have some unpleasant tell tale signs! The camper is always spotless and you can see the love that has been put into every detail. The bed is sooooo comfortable. We always sleep incredibly well here. Nice comfy cotton linens as well. Tyla is also incredibly responsive if you need to ask her anything. Thanks so much again for having us. We will be back again!

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! (: