The best lakeside camping near Nanaimo

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Welcome to Hipcamp, your go-to website for camping in Canada! With over 275 options near Nanaimo, British Columbia, you'll find the perfect campsite to satisfy your lake-loving desires. Whether you're looking to fish, hike, or try your hand at whitewater paddling, these campsites have got you covered. Check out some of our top picks with rave reviews: sol duc rainforest retreat (232 reviews), Fern Gully (193 reviews), and North Wind House -Historic Cascadia (155 reviews). With facilities like potable water, pet-friendly spaces, and toilets, you can have a comfortable camping experience. Plus, the average price per night is £55, with options as low as £25. Get ready to pitch your tent and enjoy the beauty of nature in Nanaimo, British Columbia!

97% (642)

Top-rated campgrounds

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

1. 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.
Pets
Electrical Hookup
Toilets
from 
CA$34
 / night
Along the driveway as you get close.

2. theDoighouse Earthship

99%
(268)
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
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
CA$35
 / night
All set up!

3. Surrounded by Nature!

95%
(136)
77km from Nanaimo · 3 sites · RVs · Victoria, BC
**Important Note:** This site is **for fully self-contained RVs only**. We cannot accommodate tents, rooftop tents, campervans without onboard washrooms, or car camping. There are **no toilet facilities** available, and **outdoor/nature pees are not permitted**. Thanks for respecting this! --- Nestled on two private acres surrounded entirely by Elk Lake Regional Park, our peaceful RV site offers the perfect stopover between Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal and downtown Victoria—just 20 minutes from each. This is a multi-generational family property, also home to two friendly dogs, a one-eyed cat, and a lively bunch of chickens. You’ll be tucked away in a semi-private, flat gravel site bordered by fir trees, with easy access and plenty of turnaround space. Enjoy scenic walks right from your site—only 5 minutes to Elk Lake Beach for swimming, paddling, or casting a line, or head to Bear Hill Regional Park for a rewarding 20-minute hike through fir and arbutus forest with stunning views from the top. You’re also just 10 minutes from world-famous Butchart Gardens and the charming Butterfly Gardens along the way. Ideal for **1–2 night stays**, especially for couples or small groups (up to 4 people total) looking for a restful, nature-connected stop en route to Tofino or around the Island. You'll also find local farms, wineries, coffee shops, and restaurants nearby to round out your Vancouver Island adventure.
Pets
from 
CA$35
 / night
Strongwater Camping and Cabins

5. Strongwater Camping and Cabins

97%
(29)
67km from Nanaimo · 10 sites · Lodging · Egmont, BC
A magical experience awaits you on the majestic Sunshine Coast of British Columbia near the Village of Egmont. Nestle into our modern rustic cabins or set up camp beneath the towering evergreens. We, your hosts, and our yard-full of farm friends live just up the hill, but we sneak out often to welcome our guests. Strongwater Camping and Cabins offers bookings year-round. Choose from our 8 rustic cabins or 8 large campsites to accommodate your next relaxing get-away or refreshing retreat. Bookings are usually a 2-night minimum. 1-night may be available at the discretion of the Hosts. New to our accommodations are the SkookumBus and a Glamping Tent (summer only)! Our hand-built cabins provide a simply magical experience, with warm, comfy beds and bedside table, a fan for summer or a heater for winter. Nearly every cabin features a small table and chairs and a mini-fridge plus an outdoor fire pit and a picnic table. The cabins’ decks are surrounded by forest. Firewood is available for $30/wheelbarrow on site when available (unless we have a fire ban.) All campsites include the fire pit and picnic table. Everyone has easy access to the spa-like washrooms with coin-operated hot showers and flush toilets. Children 8 years old and under must be accompanied by an adult in the Wash house. There’s a dish washing station in the center of the Wash House where you can refill your water jugs and bottles or wash dishes. Please do not use for washing hair or laundry or tooth brushing. We ask that you conserve water and keep the Wash House clean. If a peaceful experience is what you seek, enjoy the restful, soothing atmosphere of the forest. Learn to really appreciate the simple things in life. Take in the mountain, ocean, and lake scenery. Fishing, canoeing, or just lying on a beach. Sitting on the deck of your cozy cabin, reading a book or soaking in the magic. If you are a thrill-seeker, then adventure awaits on the turbulent waters of Skookumchuk Narrows, the rapids for which our magical place is named. Skookumchuk is an old Chinook word meaning Strong Waters. There’s a timetable for you to consult to catch the tides at the best times. Follow the link below. Hit some rigorous trails on your mountain bike, hike through forests, up mountains, or at oceanside. Take a wild ride to untouched wilderness with our neighbouring Adventure Boat Tours.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
CA$148
 / night
Deck

6. Portal Retreat

98%
(55)
73km from Nanaimo · 1 site · Lodging · Port Alberni, BC
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. 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, and that you please not leave your pet unattended. The Portal has no internet and reception is spotty. There is one outlet for charging, etc. Parking is on-site. Local 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, such as Sproat Lake Landing, or bring a picnic to enjoy. Additional Extras: Canoe $40.00 per day $200 deposit. Please bring your own PFD and any personal protective gear you may require. Very Important: BYO ice, cooler, pots, pans, stove, and all cooking utensils. Subject to availability, Ice can be supplied and is $5/bag We supply plates, cutlery, & cups. We have recycling garbage. Additionally, a full campfire ban is always on the property. We understand that life happens, but please try to arrive no later than 8:30 p.m. for check-in. We do need our beauty sleep.
Pets
Toilets
Wifi
from 
CA$145
 / night
Lakeside Timbers

7. Lakeside Timbers

100%
(4)
75km from Nanaimo · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Malahat, BC
We are located on the edge of the wilderness just 30 minutes north of Victoria. Our camping area is very quiet and private. We are next to a spring fed lake that contains trout and small mouth bass and it is great for swimming during the summer months. There are no motor boats permitted on the lake, however it is perfect for paddle boards, floaties and kayaks. There are several walking trails throughout our 10 acre property and the Trans Canada Trail is just minutes away. We have a large lawn for playing frisbee or bocce ball and a corn hole pitch (also known as beanbag toss). There is a fire pit, pinic table, 2 patios with tables, chairs and umbrellas and a pit toilet. A sink and potable water are also available. We are situated in forested land on the edge of the wilderness. There is deer, bear, cougar, beaver, martins and an abundance of birds in the area. This is a great location for those hiking or biking the Trans-Canada Trail. Adults and small dogs only. Currently our sites are only available on weekdays and is unavailable from November to the end of April.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
CA$50
 / night
main camping area

9. Duck Creek Farm

96%
(25)
41km from Nanaimo · 3 sites · Tents, Lodging · Salt Spring Island, BC
Duck Creek Farm stands as a family-operated organic farm nestled on Salt Spring Island. Spanning over an acre, our grounds boast a thriving market garden comprising three greenhouses and a 65-ft hoop house, along with 75 fruit trees, a yoga platform, a refreshing swimming pond, and a charming vintage farmhouse. This idyllic retreat offers a serene oasis where nature flourishes. Wildlife enthusiasts will delight in frequent sightings of eagles, owls, herons, otters, beavers, salmon, and more. The meandering Duck Creek traverses the property, creating a natural habitat for an array of creatures. Operating as a high-production garden, our dedicated staff is on-site Monday through Friday. Despite our productivity, we employ manual methods, ensuring a tranquil ambiance for our guests. In addition to our agricultural pursuits, Duck Creek Farm is an ideal venue for weddings and various events. For a comprehensive overview, please visit our website. Discover the perfect blend of nature, sustainability, and rustic charm at Duck Creek Farm! Parking for the tipi is 80 - 100' from the tipi. An outdoor sink is about 45' from the tipi, the outhouse is a 2-3 minute walk through the meadow.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
CA$45
 / night

Welcome to Hipcamp, your go-to website for camping in Canada! With over 275 options near Nanaimo, British Columbia, you'll find the perfect campsite to satisfy your lake-loving desires. Whether you're looking to fish, hike, or try your hand at whitewater paddling, these campsites have got you covered. Check out some of our top picks with rave reviews: sol duc rainforest retreat (232 reviews), Fern Gully (193 reviews), and North Wind House -Historic Cascadia (155 reviews). With facilities like potable water, pet-friendly spaces, and toilets, you can have a comfortable camping experience. Plus, the average price per night is £55, with options as low as £25. Get ready to pitch your tent and enjoy the beauty of nature in Nanaimo, British Columbia!

97% (642)

Top-rated campgrounds

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

1. 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.
Pets
Electrical Hookup
Toilets
from 
CA$34
 / night
Along the driveway as you get close.

2. theDoighouse Earthship

99%
(268)
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
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
CA$35
 / night
All set up!

3. Surrounded by Nature!

95%
(136)
77km from Nanaimo · 3 sites · RVs · Victoria, BC
**Important Note:** This site is **for fully self-contained RVs only**. We cannot accommodate tents, rooftop tents, campervans without onboard washrooms, or car camping. There are **no toilet facilities** available, and **outdoor/nature pees are not permitted**. Thanks for respecting this! --- Nestled on two private acres surrounded entirely by Elk Lake Regional Park, our peaceful RV site offers the perfect stopover between Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal and downtown Victoria—just 20 minutes from each. This is a multi-generational family property, also home to two friendly dogs, a one-eyed cat, and a lively bunch of chickens. You’ll be tucked away in a semi-private, flat gravel site bordered by fir trees, with easy access and plenty of turnaround space. Enjoy scenic walks right from your site—only 5 minutes to Elk Lake Beach for swimming, paddling, or casting a line, or head to Bear Hill Regional Park for a rewarding 20-minute hike through fir and arbutus forest with stunning views from the top. You’re also just 10 minutes from world-famous Butchart Gardens and the charming Butterfly Gardens along the way. Ideal for **1–2 night stays**, especially for couples or small groups (up to 4 people total) looking for a restful, nature-connected stop en route to Tofino or around the Island. You'll also find local farms, wineries, coffee shops, and restaurants nearby to round out your Vancouver Island adventure.
Pets
from 
CA$35
 / night
Strongwater Camping and Cabins

5. Strongwater Camping and Cabins

97%
(29)
67km from Nanaimo · 10 sites · Lodging · Egmont, BC
A magical experience awaits you on the majestic Sunshine Coast of British Columbia near the Village of Egmont. Nestle into our modern rustic cabins or set up camp beneath the towering evergreens. We, your hosts, and our yard-full of farm friends live just up the hill, but we sneak out often to welcome our guests. Strongwater Camping and Cabins offers bookings year-round. Choose from our 8 rustic cabins or 8 large campsites to accommodate your next relaxing get-away or refreshing retreat. Bookings are usually a 2-night minimum. 1-night may be available at the discretion of the Hosts. New to our accommodations are the SkookumBus and a Glamping Tent (summer only)! Our hand-built cabins provide a simply magical experience, with warm, comfy beds and bedside table, a fan for summer or a heater for winter. Nearly every cabin features a small table and chairs and a mini-fridge plus an outdoor fire pit and a picnic table. The cabins’ decks are surrounded by forest. Firewood is available for $30/wheelbarrow on site when available (unless we have a fire ban.) All campsites include the fire pit and picnic table. Everyone has easy access to the spa-like washrooms with coin-operated hot showers and flush toilets. Children 8 years old and under must be accompanied by an adult in the Wash house. There’s a dish washing station in the center of the Wash House where you can refill your water jugs and bottles or wash dishes. Please do not use for washing hair or laundry or tooth brushing. We ask that you conserve water and keep the Wash House clean. If a peaceful experience is what you seek, enjoy the restful, soothing atmosphere of the forest. Learn to really appreciate the simple things in life. Take in the mountain, ocean, and lake scenery. Fishing, canoeing, or just lying on a beach. Sitting on the deck of your cozy cabin, reading a book or soaking in the magic. If you are a thrill-seeker, then adventure awaits on the turbulent waters of Skookumchuk Narrows, the rapids for which our magical place is named. Skookumchuk is an old Chinook word meaning Strong Waters. There’s a timetable for you to consult to catch the tides at the best times. Follow the link below. Hit some rigorous trails on your mountain bike, hike through forests, up mountains, or at oceanside. Take a wild ride to untouched wilderness with our neighbouring Adventure Boat Tours.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
CA$148
 / night
Deck

6. Portal Retreat

98%
(55)
73km from Nanaimo · 1 site · Lodging · Port Alberni, BC
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. 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, and that you please not leave your pet unattended. The Portal has no internet and reception is spotty. There is one outlet for charging, etc. Parking is on-site. Local 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, such as Sproat Lake Landing, or bring a picnic to enjoy. Additional Extras: Canoe $40.00 per day $200 deposit. Please bring your own PFD and any personal protective gear you may require. Very Important: BYO ice, cooler, pots, pans, stove, and all cooking utensils. Subject to availability, Ice can be supplied and is $5/bag We supply plates, cutlery, & cups. We have recycling garbage. Additionally, a full campfire ban is always on the property. We understand that life happens, but please try to arrive no later than 8:30 p.m. for check-in. We do need our beauty sleep.
Pets
Toilets
Wifi
from 
CA$145
 / night
Lakeside Timbers

7. Lakeside Timbers

100%
(4)
75km from Nanaimo · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Malahat, BC
We are located on the edge of the wilderness just 30 minutes north of Victoria. Our camping area is very quiet and private. We are next to a spring fed lake that contains trout and small mouth bass and it is great for swimming during the summer months. There are no motor boats permitted on the lake, however it is perfect for paddle boards, floaties and kayaks. There are several walking trails throughout our 10 acre property and the Trans Canada Trail is just minutes away. We have a large lawn for playing frisbee or bocce ball and a corn hole pitch (also known as beanbag toss). There is a fire pit, pinic table, 2 patios with tables, chairs and umbrellas and a pit toilet. A sink and potable water are also available. We are situated in forested land on the edge of the wilderness. There is deer, bear, cougar, beaver, martins and an abundance of birds in the area. This is a great location for those hiking or biking the Trans-Canada Trail. Adults and small dogs only. Currently our sites are only available on weekdays and is unavailable from November to the end of April.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
CA$50
 / night
main camping area

9. Duck Creek Farm

96%
(25)
41km from Nanaimo · 3 sites · Tents, Lodging · Salt Spring Island, BC
Duck Creek Farm stands as a family-operated organic farm nestled on Salt Spring Island. Spanning over an acre, our grounds boast a thriving market garden comprising three greenhouses and a 65-ft hoop house, along with 75 fruit trees, a yoga platform, a refreshing swimming pond, and a charming vintage farmhouse. This idyllic retreat offers a serene oasis where nature flourishes. Wildlife enthusiasts will delight in frequent sightings of eagles, owls, herons, otters, beavers, salmon, and more. The meandering Duck Creek traverses the property, creating a natural habitat for an array of creatures. Operating as a high-production garden, our dedicated staff is on-site Monday through Friday. Despite our productivity, we employ manual methods, ensuring a tranquil ambiance for our guests. In addition to our agricultural pursuits, Duck Creek Farm is an ideal venue for weddings and various events. For a comprehensive overview, please visit our website. Discover the perfect blend of nature, sustainability, and rustic charm at Duck Creek Farm! Parking for the tipi is 80 - 100' from the tipi. An outdoor sink is about 45' from the tipi, the outhouse is a 2-3 minute walk through the meadow.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
CA$45
 / night

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