Discover the best campgrounds near Nanaimo, British Columbia with surfing

Canada
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British Columbia
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Nanaimo

90% (290 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Nanaimo

Dog-friendly getaways

8 top campgrounds near Nanaimo with surfing

98%

(209)

theDoighouse Earthship

8 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Qualicum Bay, BC

Have you ever imagined a house built from tires, dirt, pop cans, and concrete? Welcome to theDoighouse Earthship, an eco-retreat nestled in the forest, mere 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. Just an hour north of Nanaimo, our property serves as an ideal base for day trips to Hornby, Denman, and Lasqueti Islands. Or don’t leave the island and spend the afternoon eating delicious fresh-made doughnuts at the famous Old Country Market in Coombs, home to the iconic goats on the roof, it’s only a 20-minute drive from our doorstep. Or 10 minutes to the waterfront and delicious ice cream at the Cone Zone. Stay local and discover forest trails, a children's playground, and a bike park right in our neighbourhood. Lighthouse Country area teems with opportunities for exploration, from pristine beaches including Sunny Beach and scenic Spider and Horne Lakes to an array of hiking paths, or if you climb, consider the Horne Lake Caves! Use your All Trails App to discover the Wilson Woodlot and Lost Runners Trails. Urban legend has it that it was the running shoes that were lost, not the people wearing them! Or stop here for a night en route 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. You can pitch your tent in our gardens, park your RV on the edge of the forest, or stay in our cozy tiny cabin. You can wander in the gardens and check out a young permaculture food forest filled with fruit and hazelnut trees, berries, and all that good stuff! 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. It is love for the planet, and people and sharing of abundance that makes this project come alive. Attend a group tour, or arrange for your own private tour where Tony will spend a couple of hours with you, sharing theDoighouse project, and answering any and all questions you may have. We also offer workshops and other onsite activities. For more info check out our website www.thedoighouse.com/events. On arrival, you will be greeted by Bentley (our standard poodle), Mabel (mouser extraordinaire) and the 'hens' who generously gift fresh eggs daily. Come visit, tour, and stay. Susan and Tony Doig

Wild Coast Parksville Campsite

1 site · RV, Tent8 acres · Nanoose Bay, BC

Learn more about this land: We have a clean, open, level and private CAMP SITE ready to go! You must have your own trailer or tent. We’re a 5-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. There is 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. WI-FI onsite as well. Private site yet close to all amenities. Local favourite Rocking Horse Pub is a quick walk 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, 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 and pets are welcome. PLEASE NOTE that this is a campsite and the trailers in the photos are not for rent.

97%

(79)

3 sisters ranch

4 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres · Parksville, BC

Close to all the amenities the Oceanside area of Vancouver Island has offered. Quick access to Parksville, Qualicum, Coombs, The amazing beaches of. Qualicum. Parksville and Rathtrevor 15 and 10 minutes away. 1:45 minutes to Tofino and our amazingly rugged and world renowned West Coast experience surfing amazing scenery. Epic Mountain biking at your doorstep. DH At Hamerfest is a 10 minute drive or a 45 minute pedal away cross country. Fine dining and all amenities including urgent care after riding is only 10 minutes away. Great hub to experience Vancouver Island from. While the fire ban is on, it is generated towards open fires. Propane fire pits and cook stoves are always welcome.

Sensational de paradisio

2 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Duncan, BC

Learn more about this land: Hello we have 1 new cabin available for stays which we just added at 125.00 per night 6 rv spaces and a large tenting area Come and enjoy a quiet camping experience near Cowichan River. A perfect getaway from Nanaimo (45-minute drive) or Victoria (1-hour drive). We are pleased to offer cabin and tenting sites as well. The cabin is 140.00 per night. We offer 24 extremely private campsites that can accommodate 35 people and are easily accessible by car. While camping with us you’ll have access to a fire pit, firewood, cedar gazebo koi pond and the tranquil sound of our west coast frogs at night. and a picnic table to comfortably enjoy your meals. We also have a wood bbq and basic cooking utensils for your stay. We’re a family-friendly camping experience and have plenty of activities on our property including hiking, swimming, mountain biking and more. Nearby you can explore the world-famous Cowichan River and Lake Cowichan. Within a short drive, you’ll find even more hiking and biking trails and tubing and swimming options. Other amenities we offer include: a shower and toilet, access to electricity for charging phones and other devices. Come and stay with us for an unforgettable camping getaway.

Strongwater Camping and Cabins

10 sites · Lodging7 acres · 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.

Alpine View Full Service RV PAD

1 site · RV3 acres · Parksville, BC

Welcome to our Fully Serviced RV Pad with breathtaking Mountain Views! Escape the city and enjoy nature. Amenities include water, 30 amp power, septic, and Wi-Fi. With ample parking available for an extra vehicle, you'll have no trouble bringing along everything you need for your adventure. Prepare to be captivated by the awe-inspiring panoramic mountain views that surround our tranquil and idyllic new-acreage community. 15 mins to Qualicum, 8 mins to Cameron Lake, and Little Qualicum Falls, 25 mins to Port Alberni! Book now for a memorable stay! (Sorry, no tent camping as we have no bathroom)

100%

(3)

Lot4.Caycuse

1 site · Lodging5 acres · Youbou, BC

***This site is currently being upgraded to a larger tent and adding more amenities for our guests. We will reopen on April 15th this year*** Welcome to our magical property nestled in a semi-remote temperate rainforest on Vancouver island. The 5 acre property is filled with wonderful trails to explore, a nearby lake, and a custom Sauna & Ice Plunge to take the stress of the day away. You'll wake up to the calmness of the forest, the sounds of the birds, and the sun shining through the moss covered trees.

100%

(3)

Bunkie Glamping in Cowichan Valley

2 sites · Lodging6 acres · Duncan, BC

Welcome to Glamping in Glenora. Discover one of the sweetest secrets in the Cowichan Valley: the perfect place to unplug and unwind. Re-wild yourself in nature by exploring the region's rivers, lakes, trails, vineyards, cideries and farms. The Glamping Bunkies are nestled within our 6 acre property amongst, Dogwoods, Maples, and wildflowers. Marvel at the stars while frogs serenade you, enjoy a drink next to the fire pit, listen to the river flowing below, or simply cozy up inside your bunkie.

Under $50

99%

(56)

Wild Coast Parksville Campsite

1 site · RV, Tent8 acres · Nanoose Bay, BC

Learn more about this land: We have a clean, open, level and private CAMP SITE ready to go! You must have your own trailer or tent. We’re a 5-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. There is 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. WI-FI onsite as well. Private site yet close to all amenities. Local favourite Rocking Horse Pub is a quick walk 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, 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 and pets are welcome. PLEASE NOTE that this is a campsite and the trailers in the photos are not for rent.

Alpine View Full Service RV PAD

1 site · RV3 acres · Parksville, BC

Welcome to our Fully Serviced RV Pad with breathtaking Mountain Views! Escape the city and enjoy nature. Amenities include water, 30 amp power, septic, and Wi-Fi. With ample parking available for an extra vehicle, you'll have no trouble bringing along everything you need for your adventure. Prepare to be captivated by the awe-inspiring panoramic mountain views that surround our tranquil and idyllic new-acreage community. 15 mins to Qualicum, 8 mins to Cameron Lake, and Little Qualicum Falls, 25 mins to Port Alberni! Book now for a memorable stay! (Sorry, no tent camping as we have no bathroom)

theDoighouse Earthship

8 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Qualicum Bay, BC

Have you ever imagined a house built from tires, dirt, pop cans, and concrete? Welcome to theDoighouse Earthship, an eco-retreat nestled in the forest, mere 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. Just an hour north of Nanaimo, our property serves as an ideal base for day trips to Hornby, Denman, and Lasqueti Islands. Or don’t leave the island and spend the afternoon eating delicious fresh-made doughnuts at the famous Old Country Market in Coombs, home to the iconic goats on the roof, it’s only a 20-minute drive from our doorstep. Or 10 minutes to the waterfront and delicious ice cream at the Cone Zone. Stay local and discover forest trails, a children's playground, and a bike park right in our neighbourhood. Lighthouse Country area teems with opportunities for exploration, from pristine beaches including Sunny Beach and scenic Spider and Horne Lakes to an array of hiking paths, or if you climb, consider the Horne Lake Caves! Use your All Trails App to discover the Wilson Woodlot and Lost Runners Trails. Urban legend has it that it was the running shoes that were lost, not the people wearing them! Or stop here for a night en route 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. You can pitch your tent in our gardens, park your RV on the edge of the forest, or stay in our cozy tiny cabin. You can wander in the gardens and check out a young permaculture food forest filled with fruit and hazelnut trees, berries, and all that good stuff! 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. It is love for the planet, and people and sharing of abundance that makes this project come alive. Attend a group tour, or arrange for your own private tour where Tony will spend a couple of hours with you, sharing theDoighouse project, and answering any and all questions you may have. We also offer workshops and other onsite activities. For more info check out our website www.thedoighouse.com/events. On arrival, you will be greeted by Bentley (our standard poodle), Mabel (mouser extraordinaire) and the 'hens' who generously gift fresh eggs daily. Come visit, tour, and stay. Susan and Tony Doig

Available this weekend

98%

(209)

theDoighouse Earthship

8 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Qualicum Bay, BC

Have you ever imagined a house built from tires, dirt, pop cans, and concrete? Welcome to theDoighouse Earthship, an eco-retreat nestled in the forest, mere 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. Just an hour north of Nanaimo, our property serves as an ideal base for day trips to Hornby, Denman, and Lasqueti Islands. Or don’t leave the island and spend the afternoon eating delicious fresh-made doughnuts at the famous Old Country Market in Coombs, home to the iconic goats on the roof, it’s only a 20-minute drive from our doorstep. Or 10 minutes to the waterfront and delicious ice cream at the Cone Zone. Stay local and discover forest trails, a children's playground, and a bike park right in our neighbourhood. Lighthouse Country area teems with opportunities for exploration, from pristine beaches including Sunny Beach and scenic Spider and Horne Lakes to an array of hiking paths, or if you climb, consider the Horne Lake Caves! Use your All Trails App to discover the Wilson Woodlot and Lost Runners Trails. Urban legend has it that it was the running shoes that were lost, not the people wearing them! Or stop here for a night en route 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. You can pitch your tent in our gardens, park your RV on the edge of the forest, or stay in our cozy tiny cabin. You can wander in the gardens and check out a young permaculture food forest filled with fruit and hazelnut trees, berries, and all that good stuff! 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. It is love for the planet, and people and sharing of abundance that makes this project come alive. Attend a group tour, or arrange for your own private tour where Tony will spend a couple of hours with you, sharing theDoighouse project, and answering any and all questions you may have. We also offer workshops and other onsite activities. For more info check out our website www.thedoighouse.com/events. On arrival, you will be greeted by Bentley (our standard poodle), Mabel (mouser extraordinaire) and the 'hens' who generously gift fresh eggs daily. Come visit, tour, and stay. Susan and Tony Doig

Sensational de paradisio

2 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Duncan, BC

Learn more about this land: Hello we have 1 new cabin available for stays which we just added at 125.00 per night 6 rv spaces and a large tenting area Come and enjoy a quiet camping experience near Cowichan River. A perfect getaway from Nanaimo (45-minute drive) or Victoria (1-hour drive). We are pleased to offer cabin and tenting sites as well. The cabin is 140.00 per night. We offer 24 extremely private campsites that can accommodate 35 people and are easily accessible by car. While camping with us you’ll have access to a fire pit, firewood, cedar gazebo koi pond and the tranquil sound of our west coast frogs at night. and a picnic table to comfortably enjoy your meals. We also have a wood bbq and basic cooking utensils for your stay. We’re a family-friendly camping experience and have plenty of activities on our property including hiking, swimming, mountain biking and more. Nearby you can explore the world-famous Cowichan River and Lake Cowichan. Within a short drive, you’ll find even more hiking and biking trails and tubing and swimming options. Other amenities we offer include: a shower and toilet, access to electricity for charging phones and other devices. Come and stay with us for an unforgettable camping getaway.

Strongwater Camping and Cabins

10 sites · Lodging7 acres · 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.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Camping near Nanaimo with surfing guide

Overview

If you're looking to combine your love for surfing with the great outdoors, look no further than Shangri La Push (690 reviews), Dawleys SolDuc River Campground (165 reviews), and Ranger Creek Campground (136 reviews) for some inspiration. And with popular facilities like pet-friendly policies, campfires, and potable water, you'll have everything you need for a memorable camping experience. Plus, with prices starting as low as $25 per night and an average price of £55 per night, you'll be able to enjoy the surf without breaking the bank. Happy camping!