- Waterfall Camping
The best waterfall camping near Nanaimo
93% (546) • 21 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Nanaimo
Island Gertie
1. Island Gertie
94%
(130)
12km from Nanaimo · 2 sites
The Gertie Bus is located a 5 min walk to a beautiful white sand beach (at low tide). There are walking trails all around and lots of beach access. Tucked into the front of our property in the quiet of Gabriola island you’ll find the converted Gertie bus with all the amenities you need.
The bus has a gas stovetop/oven, bar fridge and sink with grey water system. Equipped kitchen and sofa area to hang out.
The standard queen bed is great for sleeping in and relaxing with that second cup of coffee.
Mountain biking, hiking, swimming and whale watching are just steps away.
There is beach access across the street through a private park with picnic tables, a very old eagles nest and a private access to a rocky beach perfect for sunsets.
The home itself has a pottery studio on the main floor with a full time studio
Practice. Give Paige a ring if you’d like a tour, she’s usually working away.
Our family lives on the top floor.
Outside the bus is are lush veggie gardens, fruit trees and a nice private outdoor dining area. A BBQ and solar lights also help with evening hangouts.
Family friendly! Also we love animals but we ask that you clean up after your pet and keep any animals that aren’t so great with kids and other animals on leash. We have a dachshund on the property that is friendly and old ( barks at strangers but is all bark I assure you, he just wants to be friends)
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
CA$94
/ night
Tiny Secrets Farm & Retreat
2. Tiny Secrets Farm & Retreat
92%
(302)
44km from Nanaimo · 18 sites · Tents, Lodging
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
Toilets
Campfires
from
CA$34
/ night
theDoighouse Earthship
3. theDoighouse Earthship
99%
(272)
59km from Nanaimo · 8 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
🌲 Welcome to the Doighouse Earthship (Eco-Retreat)
Welcome to the Doighouse Earthship, a peaceful eco-retreat nestled in the forest just minutes from the Qualicum Bay waterfront on Vancouver Island.
📍 Great Location on Vancouver Island
Our spot is ideal for both adventurers and peace-seekers. Located about an hour north of Nanaimo, we’re a great stopover for guests traveling to or from the mainland, or heading to Ucluelet or Tofino for world-class surfing. Mount Washington is just a 45-minute drive if skiing is on your itinerary.
We’re also well-positioned for day trips to Hornby, Denman, and Lasqueti Islands.
🥾 Hiking, Beaches, and Outdoor Fun Nearby
Explore forest trails, a children’s playground, and a bike park right in our neighbourhood. The Lighthouse Country area offers endless outdoor adventures, including:
• Sunny Beach
• Spider and Horne Lakes
• Horne Lake Caves (great for climbers and explorers)
Hikers can use the AllTrails app to find the Lighthouse Country Trail at our doorstep, including the Wilson Woodlot and Lost Runners Trails. (Urban legend says the running shoes were lost—not the runners!)
⛺ Camping, RV Sites, and Cozy Tiny Cabins
Stay your way:
• Pitch a tent in our gardens
• Park your RV at the forest’s edge
• Relax in one of our cozy, tiny cabins
Wander the property and enjoy our young permaculture food forest, filled with fruit trees, hazelnuts, berries, and other good things growing with care.
🌎 Discover Our Off-Grid Earthship
Have you ever imagined a house built from tires, earth, pop cans, and glass bottles? Our Earthship - currently under construction - is an exploration of low-impact, off-grid living in an energy-efficient home built from recycled materials.
This project is rooted in a love for the planet, people, and sharing abundance—which is why we don’t raise our rates for holidays or long weekends.
🔍 Book a Private Earthship Tour (Optional)
Guests can book a private Earthship tour, where Tony will spend a couple of hours sharing the story behind the Doighouse project and answering all your questions.
🌿 Come Visit, Tour, and Stay
We look forward to hosting you.
Susan and Tony Doig
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
CA$34
/ night
Longleat House Old Growth Spirit
4. Longleat House Old Growth Spirit
85%
(23)
28km from Nanaimo · 48 sites · Tents, RVs
The owner of this property has passed away. Any existing bookings will be honored, but no future bookings will be accepted. A description of the property is below:
Six open sites-each private, possible power, house water(your own cables and some hose extensions), vehicles with trailers up to 35 ft maximum as 90 degree right turn past horse stable required immediately - bucolic 9 acres cleared with mature trees for shade, equestrian zone, loping ring, rare wood chip covered path and corral entrance to creek to THE GLEN. One night stay is fine, day visits to THE GLEN welcomed....entry to garage bathroom room, gate next to tool shed through garage personnel door at right of #3 bay garage. Bathroom on left side Bay # 1. Bring your flash light at night.
600 yard path through forest to running stream "the "Path" to "Whinny The Poo's "THE GLEN".....John Howard Society Members admitted free with Children wishing to view THE GLEN.
.....excellent biking , forest bike trails, one site with power site for large Motor Home, exterior bathroom facility. NO HOT TUB
Learn more about this land:
Bicycling "Old Growth" forest trails, walking path to flowing all seasons creek with respite sitting, paved road walks around large properties, Eagles, Plenty of foraging deer
Deer, ( Lynx, Cougars), Many Rabbits, Canada Geese, Trumpeter Swans, numerous bird species, Turkey vultures
No effluent connection, WiFi is good, iPhone service is ok , Longleat House is free range camping , dispersed camping sites with three designated sites. Only Site #1 and #3 may reach for power and water connection, washroom in garage for all guests. Is no hot tub for hipcampers .
Closest Sani-Dump is located at RATHTREVOR Provincial Park just 3 Km . Day visits to "THE GLEN" Ok.. No minimum number of nites. Registered overnight visitors welcome to explore Foot Path to "THE GLEN" OLD GROWTH FOREST.
MAXIMUM 35 FT Length tow trailer as 90 degree right turn next to horse corral required to enter camping zones, registration of all persons is mandatory at front door of home.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from
CA$50
/ night
93% (546) • 21 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Nanaimo
Island Gertie
1. Island Gertie
94%
(130)
12km from Nanaimo · 2 sites
The Gertie Bus is located a 5 min walk to a beautiful white sand beach (at low tide). There are walking trails all around and lots of beach access. Tucked into the front of our property in the quiet of Gabriola island you’ll find the converted Gertie bus with all the amenities you need.
The bus has a gas stovetop/oven, bar fridge and sink with grey water system. Equipped kitchen and sofa area to hang out.
The standard queen bed is great for sleeping in and relaxing with that second cup of coffee.
Mountain biking, hiking, swimming and whale watching are just steps away.
There is beach access across the street through a private park with picnic tables, a very old eagles nest and a private access to a rocky beach perfect for sunsets.
The home itself has a pottery studio on the main floor with a full time studio
Practice. Give Paige a ring if you’d like a tour, she’s usually working away.
Our family lives on the top floor.
Outside the bus is are lush veggie gardens, fruit trees and a nice private outdoor dining area. A BBQ and solar lights also help with evening hangouts.
Family friendly! Also we love animals but we ask that you clean up after your pet and keep any animals that aren’t so great with kids and other animals on leash. We have a dachshund on the property that is friendly and old ( barks at strangers but is all bark I assure you, he just wants to be friends)
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
CA$94
/ night
Tiny Secrets Farm & Retreat
2. Tiny Secrets Farm & Retreat
92%
(302)
44km from Nanaimo · 18 sites · Tents, Lodging
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
Toilets
Campfires
from
CA$34
/ night
theDoighouse Earthship
3. theDoighouse Earthship
99%
(272)
59km from Nanaimo · 8 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
🌲 Welcome to the Doighouse Earthship (Eco-Retreat)
Welcome to the Doighouse Earthship, a peaceful eco-retreat nestled in the forest just minutes from the Qualicum Bay waterfront on Vancouver Island.
📍 Great Location on Vancouver Island
Our spot is ideal for both adventurers and peace-seekers. Located about an hour north of Nanaimo, we’re a great stopover for guests traveling to or from the mainland, or heading to Ucluelet or Tofino for world-class surfing. Mount Washington is just a 45-minute drive if skiing is on your itinerary.
We’re also well-positioned for day trips to Hornby, Denman, and Lasqueti Islands.
🥾 Hiking, Beaches, and Outdoor Fun Nearby
Explore forest trails, a children’s playground, and a bike park right in our neighbourhood. The Lighthouse Country area offers endless outdoor adventures, including:
• Sunny Beach
• Spider and Horne Lakes
• Horne Lake Caves (great for climbers and explorers)
Hikers can use the AllTrails app to find the Lighthouse Country Trail at our doorstep, including the Wilson Woodlot and Lost Runners Trails. (Urban legend says the running shoes were lost—not the runners!)
⛺ Camping, RV Sites, and Cozy Tiny Cabins
Stay your way:
• Pitch a tent in our gardens
• Park your RV at the forest’s edge
• Relax in one of our cozy, tiny cabins
Wander the property and enjoy our young permaculture food forest, filled with fruit trees, hazelnuts, berries, and other good things growing with care.
🌎 Discover Our Off-Grid Earthship
Have you ever imagined a house built from tires, earth, pop cans, and glass bottles? Our Earthship - currently under construction - is an exploration of low-impact, off-grid living in an energy-efficient home built from recycled materials.
This project is rooted in a love for the planet, people, and sharing abundance—which is why we don’t raise our rates for holidays or long weekends.
🔍 Book a Private Earthship Tour (Optional)
Guests can book a private Earthship tour, where Tony will spend a couple of hours sharing the story behind the Doighouse project and answering all your questions.
🌿 Come Visit, Tour, and Stay
We look forward to hosting you.
Susan and Tony Doig
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
CA$34
/ night
Longleat House Old Growth Spirit
4. Longleat House Old Growth Spirit
85%
(23)
28km from Nanaimo · 48 sites · Tents, RVs
The owner of this property has passed away. Any existing bookings will be honored, but no future bookings will be accepted. A description of the property is below:
Six open sites-each private, possible power, house water(your own cables and some hose extensions), vehicles with trailers up to 35 ft maximum as 90 degree right turn past horse stable required immediately - bucolic 9 acres cleared with mature trees for shade, equestrian zone, loping ring, rare wood chip covered path and corral entrance to creek to THE GLEN. One night stay is fine, day visits to THE GLEN welcomed....entry to garage bathroom room, gate next to tool shed through garage personnel door at right of #3 bay garage. Bathroom on left side Bay # 1. Bring your flash light at night.
600 yard path through forest to running stream "the "Path" to "Whinny The Poo's "THE GLEN".....John Howard Society Members admitted free with Children wishing to view THE GLEN.
.....excellent biking , forest bike trails, one site with power site for large Motor Home, exterior bathroom facility. NO HOT TUB
Learn more about this land:
Bicycling "Old Growth" forest trails, walking path to flowing all seasons creek with respite sitting, paved road walks around large properties, Eagles, Plenty of foraging deer
Deer, ( Lynx, Cougars), Many Rabbits, Canada Geese, Trumpeter Swans, numerous bird species, Turkey vultures
No effluent connection, WiFi is good, iPhone service is ok , Longleat House is free range camping , dispersed camping sites with three designated sites. Only Site #1 and #3 may reach for power and water connection, washroom in garage for all guests. Is no hot tub for hipcampers .
Closest Sani-Dump is located at RATHTREVOR Provincial Park just 3 Km . Day visits to "THE GLEN" Ok.. No minimum number of nites. Registered overnight visitors welcome to explore Foot Path to "THE GLEN" OLD GROWTH FOREST.
MAXIMUM 35 FT Length tow trailer as 90 degree right turn next to horse corral required to enter camping zones, registration of all persons is mandatory at front door of home.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from
CA$50
/ night
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
P
Patchouli
1 week ago
21 ft Class C
With pets
The place was amazing! Susan was so welcoming and nice to talk to! She made us visit her earthship and it was beautiful! The camping spot was nice, there was a lot of extra thing she offered us. I really recommend this place.
See morea
aicha
1 week ago
16 ft Class B
The Earthship is incredible and Susan and Tony were most hospitable.
See more
R
Rick
February 2026
Weekend Trip to theDoighouse Earthship
The Doighouse is a beautiful site nestled in the trees. Listening to the rain on the cabins metal roof was heavenly. The hosts are incredibly considerate, welcoming and warm. I would highly recommend if you're looking for a nice spot to just get away from life for a few days!
See more
S
Stephanie
January 2026
With kids
We loved our stay in the micro cabin was so cozy with the small fireplace and was well laid out inside. The area was very peaceful, loved waking up to the frogs.
See more
C
Caleb
January 2026
Weekend Trip to theDoighouse Earthship
The cabin was cozy and the hosts were exceptional! We enjoyed our stay very much and will most likely return!
See more
Jasmine
January 2026
2 nights at Tiny Secrets Farm & Retreat
A lovely cabin on a lovely property. The hosts were communicative and we were very comfortable. Great way to ring in the new year!
See moreK
Kyle
November 2025
k
kevin
November 2025
With pets
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!
See moreK
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.
See more
G
Gannon
October 2025
Tent
Susan was an excellent host. When we first showed up we were a little lost and she guided us right to our campsite. We were camping on Thanksgiving and she invited us into her home and gave us a slice of homemade pumpkin pie (it was amazing). We left in a hurry but we would definitely go back again.
See moreS
Sean
October 2025
Weekend Trip to Tiny Secrets Farm & Retreat
Amazing! We don’t need a customer base. Beautiful
See morec
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!!
See moreP
Pierre
September 2025
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.
See moreW
Winnie
September 2025
With pets
cozy place ! easy accessibility and most importantly, pet friendly
See more
M
Mario
September 2025
With pets
My girlfriend and I stayed in the bus with our 2 pups and it was perfect. Lots of space and the attention to details made it quite cozy.
Very quiet street and real close to trails and the beaches!
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Christin
September 2025
Weekend Trip to Tiny Secrets Farm & Retreat
Staying in Karen & Kito's A-frame cabin was a super unique experience! With a solar-powered battery, a little propane heater a stove and BBQ, I had everything I needed to enjoy a lovely night at the Tiny Secrets Farm :) I was able to have the window wall open late into the night. There were no bugs!! It was fun to explore the property, visit the rabbits and chickens and chat with Dan, the caretaker, who was super friendly and made sure I had a great stay!
I really loved how quiet and peaceful it was! The shower is rustic but hot water is really all I needed ;)
See moreE
Esther
September 2025
With pets
I loved my 2 night stay here. It was so cozy at this little getaway. Loved the area as well where I could walk to the beach and lookouts with my dog.
I would absolutely stay here again and have been recommending this to others as well.
See more
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.
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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 ☺️
See more
