🌝 2024 Solar eclipse: Book now for 4/8

Camping near Parksville

Camp with the family in this beach holiday town on the east coast of Canada’s Vancouver Island.

94% (896 reviews)
94% (896 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Parksville

Under $50

Star Hosts in Parksville

12 top campgrounds near Parksville

99%
(35)

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.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Trash
from 
CA$35
 / night
98%
(65)

Goats and Boats

2 sites ¡ RVs, Tents40 acres ¡ Parksville, BC
Welcome to Goats and Boats, 40 acres of poplar trees planted in straight(ish) rows about 25 years ago. Since then the alders and the evergreens have started to join the party in a big way. The property is a work in progress with a little more space opened up each year. We don't have a lot for amenities, but we have quiet space in nature and animals to visit on your way to/from the outhouse. If you are wanting quiet spaces in nature, that is what we have. We have some grassy areas for tents and RVs. Pets are welcome, but they need to be leashed in respect for the goats' peace and freedom. We are on a gravel road about 2 km from the popular Coombs market (with goats on the roof!). We are a young-ish professional couple with an ever increasing number of very friendly Nigerian dwarf goats, some rabbits, some ducks and two pigs. The number of animals is subject to vary without notice! So ask us before booking if it's important to you. But there are always goats roaming the yard, rabbits running about daily. Deer show up occasionally. As you can see in the photos, our property is more wild. It is not a manicured park but we do try to take good care of it and we hope you will too. There are a lot of activities in the area including go-karts, hiking in provincial parks (Englishman River Falls Parks, Qualicum River Falls Park). Mt Arrowsmith is a challenging hike about 30 minutes drive away. Cathedral Grove is about 20 minutes away. There is lovely swimming and great beaches at Parksville and Qualicum, and much more.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
from 
CA$40
 / night
99%
(117)

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, or Lasqueti Islands. Or don’t leave the island and spend the afternoon eating delicious fresh-made doughnuts at the famous Coombs Old Country Market, 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. Join us on Wednesdays in July and August for a drop-in gentle, mindful, and restorative yoga session in our beautiful gardens. Led by a wonderful yogi, a true embodiment of grace. No prior experience, you are perfect just as you are. Come and unwind in nature. 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
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from 
CA$30
 / night
100%
(32)

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.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Trash
from 
CA$50
 / night
95%
(37)

Riverside Mini Goat & Pony Farm

2 sites ¡ RVs20 acres ¡ Parksville, BC
Enjoy the tranquillity of our 20-acre farm, surrounded by the Little Qualicum River and old-growth forest. We have 2 riverfront campsites that feature their own beach, the remaining 2 sites are along a stunning tree line of old growth forest. These sites offer more shade than our river front sites and are a short walk to the river. Several of our sites can accommodate up to a 40 foot trailer. We are an RV site only as we currently do not offer rest room facilities. They are under construction currently. We will soon be able to offer an our door shower and flush toilets! The farm is a 5-minute walk to the beach, a 5-minute drive to town, as well as 5 minutes to the local golf course. The river has many wonderful places to float along, as well as some incredible swimming holes. It is a favourite place for river fishing during the fishing season. Our farm has mini goats, lambs, pigs, ducks, chickens, cows, turkeys and rabbits. we are happy to take you on a tour upon request. Our farm is on a natural breeding ground for bald eagles so it is near certain that you will see several of them each day. Our campground is for those who appreciate nature, enjoy private campsites, and support local farmers.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Trash
from 
CA$49
 / night
99%
(52)

Alpaca Haven

3 sites ¡ RVs, Tents10 acres ¡ Parksville, BC
Recently moved to property to begin our new journey, this property holds an immense sense of peace and wellness, grazed by lamas and alpacas for past 2 decades &10acre farm property completely fenced in and void from predators, general public, and unwanted guests. Pockets of old cedars, ponds, forest trail and privacy. Feel at one with surrounding nature. Gated and fenced in access points for use coordinating with grazing animals. Learn more about this land: Our property is located in between Qualicum Beach and Parksville on Vancouver Island! We have a friendly, small alpaca herd and 6 blissfully friendly goats. You have the option to interact with them if you'd like! We are minutes from beautiful ocean beaches, river access, lush green trails, or the amenities of the Parksville/Qualicum Oceanside region.  Parksville is one of Canada's most popular summer destinations for families. Everyone loves Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park, with its beaches, tidal flats and pools, and wildlife. Quiet nights with moonlight, stars, crickets singing and owls hooting. Qualicum Airport and restaurants nearby. You'll have access to potable water from the well if needed. Pets are welcome at the discretion of property owners. Campers can expect a peaceful retreat closely located to some of Vancouver Islands' most sought off adventures, experiences, and memories.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Trash
from 
CA$60
 / night
75%
(10)

Longleat House Spirit Return

8 sites ¡ RVs, Tents8 acres ¡ Nanoose Bay, BC
Three open sites-each private, possible power, house water,vehicles with trailers up to 35 ft maximum as 90 degree turn past horse stable required - bucolic 8 acres cleared acres with mature trees for shade, equestrian zones, rare wood chip covered path to creek-THE GLEN. One night stay is fine, day visits to THE GLEN welcomed....entry to garage wash room next to tool shed. 1000 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, ( rarely Bears, 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 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 30 FT Length tow trailer as 90 degree right turn next to horse corral required to enter camping zones, registration of all persons is manditory at front door.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Trash
from 
CA$50
 / night
98%
(167)

Dashwood Meadows

3 sites ¡ RVs, Tents5 acres ¡ Qualicum Beach, BC
Welcome to Dashwood Meadows! We are located in Qualicum Beach on Vancouver Island.This is a hobby farm with sheep, mini goats, chickens, donkeys, dogs and cats. 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
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Trash
from 
CA$45
 / night
94%
(88)

Tiny Secrets Farm & Retreat

12 sites ¡ Lodging10 acres ¡ Halfmoon Bay, BC
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 a wide assortment of intriguing tiny homes. We have everything from a converted schoolie with a woodstove and an ocean view to gorgeous, furnished campsites in the woods. Check out our micro cabin, glamping tent, and new additions, like our luxury tent trailer, bell tent, and furnished campsites in the forest. Our property is an oasis away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Enjoy our recreation area with a large pond, our new small playground for young kids, and our small orchard with several small ponds. Explore our walking trails on our property, 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 10 years.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from 
CA$50
 / night
92%
(44)

Island Gertie

2 sites ¡ Lodging1 acre ¡ Gabriola Island Trust Area, BC
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
Potable water
Toilets
Showers
Trash
from 
CA$98
 / night
100%
(80)

Moon Gate Farms

7 sites ¡ Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres ¡ Roberts Creek, BC
We are temporarily closed for renovations. Moon Gate Farms offers a traditional camping experience with eco campsites in Roberts Creek, BC. Located in a remote part of Roberts Creek, the campground is just a 10-minute drive from beaches, restaurants, and hiking trails. Moon Gate farms is an ideal getaway for family holidays, mountain walkers, cyclists, birdwatchers, or couples looking to escape into the wilderness. Communal outdoor kitchen with camp stove, prep tables, toaster, microwave, are provided. Friend canine campers are also invited. We have two resident Bernese mountain x golden retriever dogs who love to bark when campers arrive! They are friendly and settle quickly when told to sit and chill. Best way to get directions is to use Google Maps and put in Moon Gate Farms in Roberts Creek. We are pinned to the map and on the East Wilson Forest Service rd.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from 
CA$55
 / night
Booked 2 times

Island Serenity Camp & Forest Walk

1 site ¡ RV, Tent3 acres ¡ Parksville, BC
**Kids camp free and don't need to be added to the booking total!** Small acreage with direct access to adjacent crown land forest and hiking walk trails joining Enos Lake. A short walk or drive to the ocean at Moorecroft Park (less than 1km). Camp fire area with free fire wood, dark at night for star gazing, surrounded by forest, large lawn play area for kids, timber swing set, usually hear sealions and owls at night, chickens/fresh eggs. Private camping area. Deep bedrock well water available, Tent, camper, small trailer or van. Owner lives in main house on property. Guest washroom / hot shower available just inside door of main home on ground floor is available. Dogs must be on leash while on property. Off leash is fine in adjacent crown land forest and trails. Free camp fire wood on site for the fire pit. Schooner Cove Marina is just down the road and offers a fishing boat launch. Several kayak launching spots close by. This is one private site being offered, best for one family/couple at a time in order to ensure privacy for you and me as well.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from 
CA$80
 / night

Dog-friendly getaways

Available this weekend

Value Prop
Value Prop

Camping near Parksville guide

Overview

For a campers’ getaway to the beach on Vancouver Island’s eastern shore, Parksville, British Columbia, Canada, is popular with families. Broad, sandy Parksville Beach seems to stretch for miles, while Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park has hiking trails along the ocean and through the forest, plus a 275-site campground a short walk from the beach. Other Parksville camping options include riverside, lakeside, and oceanfront campgrounds and RV parks, most with full or partial hook-ups, washrooms, hot showers, and wi-fi. Parksville isn’t the most secluded place for campers, but all the services you need are nearby, and the beaches are undeniably beautiful.

Where to go

Qualicum Beach

Parksville’s “sister town,” this community of about 9,000 has art galleries, cafes, and independent shops. Yes, there’s a beach here, too.

Cathedral Grove

Some of Vancouver Island’s biggest trees grow toward the sky in MacMillan Provincial Park. Highway 4, 30 kilometres west of Parksville, runs directly through the park, and you can follow short hiking trails beneath the giant firs.

Denman Island

For an easy island escape, catch the 10-minute ferry to this expanse of dense forests, rocky beaches, and small local shops. The ferry to Denman Island departs from Buckley Bay, 30 minutes north of Parksville.

Tofino, Ucluelet, and the Pacific Coast

On Vancouver Island’s west coast, the towns of Tofino and Ucluelet feel completely different than Parksville—more secluded, quirkier, yet with top-notch restaurants and striking natural scenery. Take time to explore Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, with its beaches, hiking routes, and oceanside camping spots.

When to go

A short trip from Vancouver or Victoria, Parksville BC is a popular weekend getaway year-round. Both the town and the Parksville campgrounds and RV resorts are busiest during the warm summer months. Campground reservations are required at Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park from late June through early September. Parksville campgrounds are less crowded in spring or fall, with mild if sometimes drizzlier days. Expect rain in winter, but temperatures rarely drop below freezing, so you can hike or explore the beaches all year.

Know before you go

  • From Vancouver, take BC Ferries’ car ferry from Horseshoe Bay (north of Vancouver) to Nanaimo’s Departure Bay. It’s a 35-minute drive north from Nanaimo to Parksville. Reserve a spot on the ferry for your car or RV in summer, or on holidays or weekends year-round. 
  • No vehicle? You don’t need reservations to walk onto the ferry, and you’ll save on your ferry ticket. Regular buses travel between Vancouver and Horseshoe Bay. While bus service between Nanaimo and Parksville is less convenient, you can manage car-free once you reach your Parksville campground.
  • You can find most anything that you’d need for a Parksville camping adventure in stores around town.

Safety at Hipcamp

Inclusion Policy
Inclusion Policy
Inclusion Policy
Hipcamp Hand

Safety partners

Recreate Responsibly

About us

Hipcamp is the most comprehensive resource for beautiful private campsites.

Discover and reserve tent camping, RV parks, cabins, treehouses, and glamping.

Download the Hipcamp App

Hipcamp is created with ❤️ and hope for our future.