The best star host camping near Nanaimo

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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.

99% (1.6K)

Top-rated campgrounds near Nanaimo

1. Dashwood Meadows

98%
(238)
51km from Nanaimo · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
Welcome to Dashwood Meadows! We are located in Qualicum Beach on Vancouver Island. This is a hobby farm with sheep, mini goats, donkey, dog and cat. We grow berries, plums, cherries, nuts and wildflowers. Child-friendly and family friendly environment. You can walk the labyrinth of forest trails nearby. There is a beach 9 km from the farm. Lakes, rivers, waterfalls, provincial parks, caves, golf courses, children's playgrounds and country markets, all within less than an hour's drive. In Qualicum Beach, you will find amazing sandy beaches, picture-perfect views, world-class biking and hiking trails, salt-tinged ocean air, and the small town charm of our communities. Seeing goats on a roof, exploring underground caves, strolling endless beaches at low tide, and walking among ancient old-growth forests are just some of the experiences you’ll be able to tell your friends about back home.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
CA$54
 / night

2. Duck Creek Farm

96%
(25)
41km from Nanaimo · 3 sites · Tents, Lodging
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

3. Forest Hideaway

99%
(82)
43km from Nanaimo · 1 site · Tent, RV
Hi! We’re your hosts, Seth, Jodie, and Megan Williams. Recently we decided to share our property that we love and have enjoyed so much for two reasons: to give others the opportunity to enjoy it and to put money away for university. Our parents, Mark and Sarah, got behind the vision and are excited to be part of this project with us. We would describe our property as: home…and a really fun place to grow up! Our parents thought that wasn’t descriptive enough for Hipcamp so they’ve helped us describe it more. We live in a quiet neighbourhood in a forest that has been a source of peace, relaxation, and fun for us in our growing up years. We’ve noticed that people who visit here say they feel the same way. With plenty of space for kids to explore and adults to relax, our 3 acre forest is perfect for down time with a book in the hammock or a nature walk before dinner. Amenities and service: A single, tidy campsite with picnic table surrounded by mature and gently manicured forest, as well as a hammock, and a new construction outhouse. (Go dad!) We love hospitality, so though we won’t always be around when you’re here, if we are and you need something you can simply ask and we’ll do our best to provide what you need. To help you feel welcome we provide a fresh, cool jug of drinking water and large container of fresh potable water as well as access to an outside tap to fill water containers if needed (upon request) , power to charge devices (upon request), and a campfire ring with firewood (sorry about the frequent fire bans. Huge bummer. We will post current fire ban status while you’re here.) Surroundings and local attractions: Our property is situated in a low traffic rural residential area within ¬ 3 km to Sandy Pool Regional Park (5 min) A family favourite! ¬ 10 km to the Cowichan Valley Museum (Duncan Totem Tour) (13 min) ¬ 14 km to the Pacific Northwest Raptor Center (15 min) ¬ 19 km to the Hand of Man Museum (20 min) ¬ 20 km to Lake Cowichan (16 min) for swimming, boating, kayaking, paddle boarding, etc Note: Lake Cowichan is also home to ‘The Tube Shack’ where you can rent tubes to float down the Cowichan River and catch the Tube Shack Bus back to your car. We do it every summer! Fun fact! It’s a 10-minute bike ride from our house to the Cowichan Valley Bike Trail. *(All destinations calculated from our dining table by Google maps) There are multiple well known hikes within 20 minutes (we suggest googling Stoney Hill Trail, Mt Tzouhalem, and Mt. Prevost.)
Toilets
Campfires
Potable water
from 
CA$41
 / night

4. Wild Coast Parksville Campsite

99%
(84)
26km from Nanaimo · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
Learn more about this land: Wild Coast has 2 nightly campsites for you to enjoy. Site one is a large, flat open gravel base. And Site 2 is a large, flat grass based site. Please note you must have your own trailer or tent. We’re a 5-10 minute drive to Rathtrevor beach/Parksville, Englishman River. We are right in the middle of an extensive trail network perfect for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding.  Both sites have plenty of space for RVs and trailers - we can accommodate vehicles up to 45ft in length. 30 amp Electrical and potable water hookups are available on both sites. WI-FI onsite as well. There is a flush toilet and sink available in our farm store that is available for guest use. No shower yet, but we are working on it! The property is private yet close to all amenities. Local favorite Rocking Horse Pub is a quick walk next door and a must-stop for dinner and drinks!  Centrally located on Vancouver Island, it’s a perfect spot to set up the rig and day trip out to Rathtrevor, Little Qualicum, Parksville, Coombs, Port Alberni valley and Nanaimo, or go for an overnighter in Victoria, Tofino, Mount Washington and the Comox Valley. Campfires are permitted as long as there is no fire ban and we have dry firewood for sale onsite. If you would like firewood send us a message before you arrive. Pets are welcome, but please be responsible for them. There is a large open grass field for you to let them run and burn off that energy. PLEASE NOTE that this is a campsite and the trailers in the photos are not for rent.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
CA$50
 / night

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.

99% (1.6K)

Top-rated campgrounds near Nanaimo

1. Dashwood Meadows

98%
(238)
51km from Nanaimo · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
Welcome to Dashwood Meadows! We are located in Qualicum Beach on Vancouver Island. This is a hobby farm with sheep, mini goats, donkey, dog and cat. We grow berries, plums, cherries, nuts and wildflowers. Child-friendly and family friendly environment. You can walk the labyrinth of forest trails nearby. There is a beach 9 km from the farm. Lakes, rivers, waterfalls, provincial parks, caves, golf courses, children's playgrounds and country markets, all within less than an hour's drive. In Qualicum Beach, you will find amazing sandy beaches, picture-perfect views, world-class biking and hiking trails, salt-tinged ocean air, and the small town charm of our communities. Seeing goats on a roof, exploring underground caves, strolling endless beaches at low tide, and walking among ancient old-growth forests are just some of the experiences you’ll be able to tell your friends about back home.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
CA$54
 / night

2. Duck Creek Farm

96%
(25)
41km from Nanaimo · 3 sites · Tents, Lodging
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

3. Forest Hideaway

99%
(82)
43km from Nanaimo · 1 site · Tent, RV
Hi! We’re your hosts, Seth, Jodie, and Megan Williams. Recently we decided to share our property that we love and have enjoyed so much for two reasons: to give others the opportunity to enjoy it and to put money away for university. Our parents, Mark and Sarah, got behind the vision and are excited to be part of this project with us. We would describe our property as: home…and a really fun place to grow up! Our parents thought that wasn’t descriptive enough for Hipcamp so they’ve helped us describe it more. We live in a quiet neighbourhood in a forest that has been a source of peace, relaxation, and fun for us in our growing up years. We’ve noticed that people who visit here say they feel the same way. With plenty of space for kids to explore and adults to relax, our 3 acre forest is perfect for down time with a book in the hammock or a nature walk before dinner. Amenities and service: A single, tidy campsite with picnic table surrounded by mature and gently manicured forest, as well as a hammock, and a new construction outhouse. (Go dad!) We love hospitality, so though we won’t always be around when you’re here, if we are and you need something you can simply ask and we’ll do our best to provide what you need. To help you feel welcome we provide a fresh, cool jug of drinking water and large container of fresh potable water as well as access to an outside tap to fill water containers if needed (upon request) , power to charge devices (upon request), and a campfire ring with firewood (sorry about the frequent fire bans. Huge bummer. We will post current fire ban status while you’re here.) Surroundings and local attractions: Our property is situated in a low traffic rural residential area within ¬ 3 km to Sandy Pool Regional Park (5 min) A family favourite! ¬ 10 km to the Cowichan Valley Museum (Duncan Totem Tour) (13 min) ¬ 14 km to the Pacific Northwest Raptor Center (15 min) ¬ 19 km to the Hand of Man Museum (20 min) ¬ 20 km to Lake Cowichan (16 min) for swimming, boating, kayaking, paddle boarding, etc Note: Lake Cowichan is also home to ‘The Tube Shack’ where you can rent tubes to float down the Cowichan River and catch the Tube Shack Bus back to your car. We do it every summer! Fun fact! It’s a 10-minute bike ride from our house to the Cowichan Valley Bike Trail. *(All destinations calculated from our dining table by Google maps) There are multiple well known hikes within 20 minutes (we suggest googling Stoney Hill Trail, Mt Tzouhalem, and Mt. Prevost.)
Toilets
Campfires
Potable water
from 
CA$41
 / night

4. Wild Coast Parksville Campsite

99%
(84)
26km from Nanaimo · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
Learn more about this land: Wild Coast has 2 nightly campsites for you to enjoy. Site one is a large, flat open gravel base. And Site 2 is a large, flat grass based site. Please note you must have your own trailer or tent. We’re a 5-10 minute drive to Rathtrevor beach/Parksville, Englishman River. We are right in the middle of an extensive trail network perfect for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding.  Both sites have plenty of space for RVs and trailers - we can accommodate vehicles up to 45ft in length. 30 amp Electrical and potable water hookups are available on both sites. WI-FI onsite as well. There is a flush toilet and sink available in our farm store that is available for guest use. No shower yet, but we are working on it! The property is private yet close to all amenities. Local favorite Rocking Horse Pub is a quick walk next door and a must-stop for dinner and drinks!  Centrally located on Vancouver Island, it’s a perfect spot to set up the rig and day trip out to Rathtrevor, Little Qualicum, Parksville, Coombs, Port Alberni valley and Nanaimo, or go for an overnighter in Victoria, Tofino, Mount Washington and the Comox Valley. Campfires are permitted as long as there is no fire ban and we have dry firewood for sale onsite. If you would like firewood send us a message before you arrive. Pets are welcome, but please be responsible for them. There is a large open grass field for you to let them run and burn off that energy. PLEASE NOTE that this is a campsite and the trailers in the photos are not for rent.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
CA$50
 / night

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

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

The best star host camping 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.